T/N: Thanks Thiranoyama and Tango 2102 for the coffee! Kept forgetting to do this because we havent been releasing chaps for the series lately, sorry abt that.

Chapter 232 First Step

After spending our one-hour lunch break leisurely, we went to our respective positions for the afternoon practice.

Nozomu, the only one in the red team among the five of us, was forced to join the cheering squad for practice because of his stamina. Meanwhile, the rest of us would go to practice for our respective events.

Alright, Maki and I will go this way. See you later Yuu, Nina.

Mm! Okay, Ill be running as hard as I can since its been a while! Ninacchi, youre practicing for the centipede race, right? Be careful not to hurt yourself!

Roger~ Dont worry about me though, Ive never fallen in a centipede race before. You should worry about Rep instead~

Cant refute that Ill do my best

As Nitta-san pointed out, I wasnt very athletic compared to the girls in our group. Not to mention Amami-san, even Umi and Nitta-san were way more athletic than me. If I were to race against them, I would definitely lose.

I had discussed with Umi in advance about what event we should participate in and decided on the three-legged race. Id probably end up holding Umi back so I should do my best in practice.

By the way, to compare both of our specs:

> 50m sprint time: Umi > me

> Height: Umi >= me

> Leg length: Umi >> me

> Cooperativeness: Umi >> me

It was a little depressing to think about. Since we were going to compete together, I shouldnt show her my pathetic side. I didnt want to embarrass Umi.

Maki, make sure to follow me closely, okay?

Okay.

Just like how she treated Amami-san before an exam, Umi was a devilish instructor when it came to something like this. She wouldnt show any leniency toward me no matter what happened.

However, if I followed her coaching, Id definitely improve, so I did my best to meet her expectations.

The three-legged race was a relay event. The participants were divided into male pairs, female pairs and male-female pairs and each of them were divided into three-legged races with two person groups and four-legged races with three person groups.

It was inevitable that there would be differences in physique for the male-female pairs. Therefore, cooperation was important.

Anyway, they didnt stop couples from participating in the three-legged race, they encouraged it. In fact, the moment we applied, they immediately approved it without much noise. Apparently, an incident occurred during the last sports festival which was why they did this.

I wont ask what it was, though.

Alright, lets try running now. Well start slowly, okay? Follow the rhythm and go around in a circle.

Okay. Uh, where should I put my arm? Your shoulder? Or your waist?

Shoulder for the real thing, but for now, the waist will do.

Alright, excuse me then.

I placed my hand on Umis waist, then pulled her closer to me.

I felt the softness of her body pressing against mine. I was used to this sensation because we did this all the time at home, but it still felt embarrassing doing this in front of others.

Jeez, youre too fidgety, Maki. This is just practice, so relax, okay?

M-Mm

I should focus on Umi for the time being.

Dont look at your feet too much. Look straight ahead and keep up with the rhythm.

Got it.

I shouldnt think much about matching Umis pace, I just tried my best to follow the rhythm. One, two, one two Alright.

Ah, this probably isnt the best time to say this, but

Hm? What is it? More advice?

No. Its something to motivate you

Umi whispered to my ear,

If you practice hard, Ill give you a reward~

Her whisper made me feel tingly.

Whats the reward?

Hm~ Who knows~

Now that was mean. Well, it wasnt like I could help it.

Thanks to that, my attention was completely focused on Umi.

I dont really need a reward, Ill still do my best either way, but if you say so

Look forward to it then~ Okay, lets take our first step together~

Sure, but do we really need to exaggerate it like this?

Yes. Cmon, lets do it~ Ready, set~

Go~

We looked at each other before turning our gazes ahead at the same time. Then we took our first step.

One, two, one, two

Louder, Maki! With me, cmon!

One, two, one, two.

In the noisy field, I focused my all on Umis lead and continued to bring my voice out so that Umi could hear it.