Cote: Elite in Action

Start of the Sports Festival

Finally, the sports festival had arrived. I was watching the large space where the competition would take place. It was quite a big place, filled with students walking back and forth, preparing for the start, which would be soon.

My class was in one of the tents assigned to each group to keep things organized. Although it wasn't forbidden to visit other tents, I had no plans to do so.

As for the preparations, I hadn't done anything special this time. I focused solely on physical training, so all my class and I had to do was perform our best.

"Are you excited, Kayden?" I heard Honami ask to my right.

"Yes, actually, I am," I replied.

"I'm excited too, though maybe a little nervous," she admitted.

"I don't see a reason to be nervous. We trained really hard over the last month to ensure a good performance today, so relax and make sure you give it your all."

"You're right. And having you with us is quite reassuring. But, will you be okay?" she asked.

"Okay about what?" I asked, slightly confused.

"About participating in all the recommended events."

"Oh! About that, there's no problem. I trust in my physical abilities."

"I don't think there's anything to worry about, Honami-chan," Mako, who was behind me, interrupted. "After all, we're talking about Kayden. Look at this body!" she said, while touching my abdomen and lifting my shirt slightly.

"Look at those abs! Do you think anyone can beat something like that? And not to mention those pecs..." Mako commented while touching my abdomen and lifting my shirt slightly.

"Mako," I interrupted her with a gentle tap on the head, "That hurts, Kayden," she complained, holding her head.

"You deserved it. How can you touch me like that in public? Look at how others are staring at us!" I said, pointing to the students who were watching us, surprised by Mako's actions.

"Wow, I didn't realize!" she said, feigning innocence.

"What am I going to do with you?" I sighed.

"I don't know, kiss me!" she said playfully, blowing me a kiss.

"Mako-chan! Control your jokes!" Honami exclaimed, blushing.

"Okay, okay, I'm just joking," Mako said with a mischievous smile, then looked at me, "Or maybe not~."

Nothing can be done with this girl...

"Attention, the 100-meter dash is about to start. Participants, please head to the track," the professor announced over the loudspeakers.

"Looks like it's my turn," I said, looking at the track.

"Good luck, Kayden," Honami said with a supportive smile.

"Leave everyone eating dust, Kayden!" Mako added, cheering me on.

I smiled at them and, with determination, headed towards the track.

...

Once on the track, I was stretching when I sensed a nearby presence. I looked up and saw Hirata approaching.

"Seriously? What bad luck I have," he complained, shaking his head.

"Bad luck?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Having to compete against you. There's no way I can win," he said, with a crooked smile that mixed resignation and humor.

"Haha, well, you're partly right. But don't get discouraged; you can still fight for second or third place," I replied, giving him a wink of complicity.