Part-1 Ch-02 Ep-02

First event of the afternoon.

“Hurry, hurry!” I tugged Maki along and secured a spot right at the very front of the crowd.

“What is with you? Were you really that interested in the cheer squad?” grumbled the girl I had dragged here, but in my mind I answered, This is for your own good.

“This year’s cheer squad leader is apparently a first-year just like us.”

When I explained that, Maki’s eyes went wide. “Whoa, seriously? You can become cheer squad leader right after enrolling?”

“Basically it’s voluntary candidacy. But a first-year running for leader is a first in the school’s history, apparently.”

“That guy must be super motivated.”

Even Maki could not hide her surprise.

But really, it is far too early to be surprised.

Because that leader is “him.”

After waiting for a short while, a group wearing long-tailed school uniforms with white headbands and gloves lined up on the sports field with crisp, precise movements.

Just that sight alone made the atmosphere taut with tension; my heart began pounding with anticipation.

Since Maki and I were in the very front row, it felt as if we could even hear the squad members breathing.

Among them, the especially large-framed “him” took his stance at the center of the formation.

Then, with a motion so forceful it seemed you could hear him drawing breath, he thrust out his chest and shouted in a deep, resonant voice.

“Sakura-ga-oka Academyーーーーー! In celebration of the New Student Welcome Sports Festivalーーーー!”

As if trailing behind his voice, Japanese drums and trumpets from the rear added their powerful momentum.

The cheer battle demonstration began.

The sheer intensity of it made my chest pound with excitement.

When I glanced at Maki, she too seemed completely absorbed by the cheer squad.

Right now, leading at the very front, the short black-haired, solidly built handsome guy—this is none other than the second capture target, Todoroki Go.

Tōtōriki Gō is the sports-club type character you first meet at the sports festival, and from there his intimacy rises through athletic events.

His route is essentially a trial of physical strength, so raising muscle and mental stats is absolutely essential. The date spots once you get close are things like batting centers, bowling, cycling, or jogging, so if you are not physically fit, it is tough.

In that regard, Maki has raised pretty much all her stats evenly, so there is no problem.

There was a period when only her muscle and mental stats were rising and she almost turned into a musclehead, though.

She also likes the outdoors, so date events with Tōtōriki-kun should be promising. They should be promising, but knowing her, she will probably say something like “I won’t go unless Mari comes too.”

Looking ahead to summer vacation as well, I might need to plan some group outings.

For now, the New Student Welcome Sports Festival is the first contact point with Todoroki Go.