The remainder of the events flew by until there were only two events left—well, technically three. The three events were the pole takedown, the relay, and whatever the secret event was supposed to be.
The next event we were supposed to be participating in was the pole takedown. This event functioned a little differently. Instead of representatives from all classes facing off, it would be a one-on-one between classes. Everyone in each class was involved.
Our class was set to go next. And the class we were facing was Yu's. Right now, we were tied in points, so whoever won this game would pull ahead.
There were five minutes until the game started. Our classmates huddled together in their own little groups. Some talked about how nervous they were, some were excited, some didn't care—but none of it actually mattered. Not because their feelings didn't matter, but because planning wouldn't affect the outcome. It was simply "whoever played better wins."
Still, just for the formality of it all, I was currently huddled in a group composed of me, Remi, Luna, and Mei.
"Okay, so what's the plan?" Remi asked.
I sighed. "There is no plan. Just wing it."
Remi's hand shot out, jabbing me hard in the ribs. "Don't say that! If you say it like that, you make it sound like we have no chance of winning!"
Well, realistically, our chances weren't great. Mei was tired, and she was one of our strongest members. Furthermore, we just don't have as much strength compared to them.
Mei placed her hand on her chin, deep in thought. "Hmmm. We won't be able to beat them head-on, but we could at least keep their strongest members occupied."
Remi raised her brow, clearly confused. "What do you mean?"
She turned to Remi. "Well, you and the student council president are childhood friends, right?"
Remi nodded. "Yeah, so what?"
"Then you should be the one to guard him. I don't know much about your relationship, but I assume that if it's you, he'd be less inclined to just tackle past you. You could also stall him."
Remi gave a knowing "Ohhh."
"Yeah, I think that could work. Sora always goes easy on me with these things. If I cry, he'd stop whatever he's doing to help me out!"
I couldn't help but wince.
Weren't you the same one who called me a dirty cheater for making up schemes to beat Yu?
Mei then turned towards Luna and me. Before she could utter the words, I finished them for her. "Yes, yes, I understand. Luna and I will stick to Yu."
I glanced at Luna. She gave me a firm nod.
And with that, only one person was remaining. Just as I was about to ask, Luna did before me. "Okay, Hoshino and I can do that, but what about the soccer club's captain?"
Mei paused for a moment, then took a deep breath. "...I can handle him."
Remi started to ask why, but Luna lightly kicked her on the shin, causing her to bend over in agony.
"Ow! What the hell was that for?!" Remi hissed, rubbing her shin with teary eyes.
With a loud sigh, Luna disappointingly shook her head. "Really? You're telling me—as a girl—you don't feel that... static, in the air? Just let Mei get to it." Luna turned to me, eyes full of expectation. "I'm sure something good is about to happen!"
I could simply remain still, acting like I understood everything that was going on, but in my mind...
Yeah... I have no clue what she's talking about. But if it's Luna, I'll trust her.
Mei let out a small giggle, lightening the mood. "It's okay, it's not a secret anyway."
Mei looked up at all three of us and gave us a slightly awkward smile. "The soccer club's captain, Mikhael... is my ex."
The reaction was immediate.
Remi gasped loudly, covering her mouth.
I was caught off guard and could only let out a low whistle.
Wow. I never saw that coming.
But Luna... simply stood there. Completely unfazed.
Before I could think too much about it, Remi shot up and grabbed Mei by the shoulders, demanding answers. "You… dated Mikhael?! Since when?!"
I didn't think Remi was asking Mei because she secretly had a crush on him or anything. Remi was just incredibly nosy and loved drama.
Even under the onslaught of Remi's assault, Mei remained as composed as ever.
"Uhhh, I think in my second year of middle school? We dated for a year until I broke up with him before our first year started."
That checked out. I had known Mei since elementary school, and we reconnected during high school. During that entire time, I had never heard anything about her having a boyfriend. So middle school made sense.
What was more surprising, however...
"How come you didn't know Remi?" Luna asked, genuinely confused. "All three of us went to the same middle school together. I knew that, so why didn't you?"
Remi lightly punched Luna on the shoulder, returning the favor for the earlier kick. "Luna… I love tea, but I didn't go out of my way to hunt for it as you did."
"Weren't you on the same sports teams as her in middle school?" I pointed out.
Remi froze. "W-well…"
Luna burst out laughing obnoxiously. So much so that it almost made me ashamed to be seen in public with her.
"It's okay to say you're socially oblivious, Remi! I think that's what makes you so cute!"
"Oh, zip it!"
Remi pushed Luna aside and crouched down, hiding her face in her knees.
Mei let out a soft giggle before crouching down next to her and gently patting her on the head. "It's okay, Remi. You don't have to feel bad. We were just messing with you!"
Remi let out a single, pathetic whimper. "I know… but why am I always getting picked up?!"
"Because you're the easiest to bully, duh," I said flatly.
Mei shot me a contemptuous look. "That's mean, Hoshino! Apologize!"
Well, this is a first.
This was the first time I've ever seen Mei raise her voice at someone, but I doubted it was because she was actually mad at me. She seemed like a disappointed Mom who was yelling at her Son for picking on his sister when she was trying to make her feel better.
To be honest, it was kind of funny.
I felt the urge to chuckle, but with Mei looking at me like that, I was forced to hold it in. So I shrugged instead. "Well, it's the truth. Also…" I looked down at Remi. "Stop trying to seek pity from Mei. Luna and I already know you're being overdramatic. You don't really care."
Remi gave one last exaggerated sniffle before turning her head up with a resigned frown. "Sigh... I guess I was found out…"
Remi turned to Mei and gave her a pleased smile. "Thanks for caring for me, though! I really did appreciate it!"
Mei shook her head. "Anytime! You're my friend, after all!"
The two gave each other a quick hug before standing up together.
Perfect timing, too, because the teacher called out to us from across the field. "Class! Make your way to the field! Your match is about to start!"
We all looked at each other and nodded. Then we followed the teacher toward the field.
Two massive poles stood like monoliths at opposite ends of the field. Yu's class was already there, huddled around their side of the field.
As I moved toward the pole, someone suddenly called out from behind me.
"Yo! I didn't think we'd face each other!"
I turned around. Of course, the person who had called out was none other than Yu, who was staring at me with eyes full of excitement.
I met his gaze with a sarcastic, cocky grin. "I guess it's fate. I hope you're ready to lose."
Yu laughed loudly. It was the laugh of someone who had no doubt in his own victory. "Hahaha! Maybe it is! But..." his laugh died down, his eyes narrowing into a sharp, friendly—yet determined—glare. "I won't lose."
"Neither will I."
With the same happy smile—or maybe even happier—he held out his hand. "May the better player win."
I rolled my eyes, as if reluctant, but shook his hand anyway. We gave each other a firm handshake before letting go and returned to our respective classes.
"Ah! Are you ready, Hoshino?" Luna asked as she excitedly jabbed my shoulder, her eyes locked onto the enemy pole.
"Of course I am."
Luna let out a small chuckle. "Again with that overconfidence? I don't know where you get it from."
Before I could say anything, the teacher raised his hand and shot the flare gun.
*BANG*
The moment it went off, everyone rushed forward.
The game had begun.