A Normal High School Life (CotE Fanfic)

Arc 3: Epilogue

8.3km (5.15mi) into the race...

Matsushita's POV

It had been almost an hour since the race had begun. Due to Kiyotaka's training, I was able to hold my own and run at a comfortable pace. If Kiyotaka hadn't trained me on how to do it properly, I doubt I would be able to endure the entire thing.

During the first few minutes of the race, I was able to have a little chat with Ichinose and Amakura. Contrary to popular belief, chatting with others during a marathon actually has benefits, it keeps your mind preoccupied with something so that your body won't feel as tired as if you do nothing. It also could relax your body so that your muscles won't tense up.

"Yo."

As my mind was still preoccupied, I felt something hit my back, then a split second later, I could see the silhouette of Kiyotaka dashing through the entire track. Earlier, he had said that he wanted to "Take it easy" and relax during the race so I don't understand why would he run at that ridiculous pace. Could it be that pace is something he considered relaxing? Seriously, it's already been a few months since we started dating and I couldn't still get what was on his mind.

42.1km (26.15mi) into the race...

After what felt like forever, I could finally see the finish line, I could also see a few people sitting in the background that looked like someone important, like some high-ranking politician or a conglomerate who had influence over the nation's economy. To be honest, I couldn't care less about those people, they are just living in a whole different world than us.

I hate to admit it but a few boys had managed to run past me over the course of the marathon. Even though we girls started half an hour earlier than the boys, some of them managed to finish faster than me.

Anyways, I was greeted by a familiar face as soon as I finish the race.

"4 hours and 25 minutes, that's not bad Chiaki... you're almost as fast as the average boys." Said a brown-haired boy with his distinct monotonous tone.

"I don't know if you are complimenting or insulting me," I said as I wiped my face with a towel.

"You did good, here's some water."

"So, how did you do in th-?" 

I took a look at the male leaderboard and saw that Kiyotaka had placed 2nd, just behind Horikita-senpai.

"Actually, nevermind"

"Ah, I had been waiting here for a couple of hours."

"So you were trying to relax during the race but you took 2nd place?"

"Actually, there's something I need to tell you"

He then grabbed my arm

"Wait, I just finished the race!" I shouted to his face.

A few people noticed and started to look in our direction.

"Just come with me." He said as he tighten his grip.

Stupid Kiyotaka.

***

We managed to find a bench in one of the school's courtyards. There was an unusual lack of people in the courtyard since all of the students were still clustered near the finishing line talking amongst themselves.

"So, what is it?" I said with a hint of frustration.

"I need 1 million points."

"What for?"

"I can't tell you."

What the hell is wrong with this guy?

"Look... I know that you are trying to do something shady and probably wouldn't want a single soul to know and I don't mind sparing a few points for you, but I'm your girlfriend, you idiot!"

"Sorry, I still can't tell you why."

"Then go look somewhere else to get your points, I'm not taking part in your crap!"

I turned away and tried to leave

"I'm being blackmailed." He said with a slightly louder voice than usual.

Surprised, I stopped and turned back around to him.

"Huh?"

"They are saying that they are going to do things to you if I don't do what they said."

He then showed me some messages that he had received from an anonymous sender.

"So that's why you needed the 1 million points? To protect me?"

"Exactly."

So Kiyotaka was trying to protect me... Now I felt bad for lashing at him a moment earlier

"Can I ask you what are you going to do with that many points?"

"Sorry, it's confidential"

"I guess so."

"Fine, I can spare a few points, but even if we combine our total points, we would still need a few hundred thousand more."

"Looking at the schedules, I feel like there is going to be another special exam soon, we will use that as a way to collect the remaining that we need."