Unspoken Affections.

"Echoes of Love: a second chance."

[Chapter 31 Start]

"3, 2, 1, START!"

I pump up the heat by putting everything in my legs. In little to no time, around 15 participants get left behind out of 27. Now only the real challenges are left. I was at the last of everyone but on the other hand, Jun was at the first. Quickly enough, most people's stamina started to run out. I was passing by participants little by little. Now, only Jun, me, and 3 other people were left at the front. I tried my hardest yet couldn't pass any. that's when I heard:

"You can do it!" It was the voice of my club members and Chako. But what was most surprising is that Chako never lets her reputation get a hit. Because everyone will think I'm in favor because of Chako supporting me.

The 3 participants in front of me got surprised as they heard Chako's voice and lost their focus. We had finished one lap out of 3. I got the chance. I tried more and one by one, passed the three in front of me. Now, only Jun was left. I was torn out yet, Jun had no signs of any fatigue. We finished the second lap. Jun was in first and I was in second.

Something happened. Jun started looking at the crowd. He lost his focus. It was the best moment for me. And I delivered. I passed Jun. I was now a breath away from finishing.

"That's not how it happens, my friend. I also have someone whos waiting for me to win and cheering me. Although you may not be able to hear it." Jun said.

"Crap. I lost my focus."

I glanced at the crowd to find Haruno staring intensely at us.

I got out of breath. The finish line was just in front of me.

But...

It didn't go as planned.

Suddenly, Jun appeared out of nowhere. As I was supposed to touch the finish line, Jun scored it ahead of me. He won first place and I got second. I was breathless and couldn't stand anymore. As I fell:

"You did amazing, friend," Jun said as he hold me from falling.

"If you are my friend then stop talking formally to me, You damn monstrous bastard," I said in a friendly tone but also to vent my anger about losing a winning game.

"Are you okay?!" Ayame said while running towards us. Chako and Haruno also reached here.

"Congratulations on your first and second-place wins. Jun-kun will receive 300 points and Iharu will receive 200 points," Chako said. She also congratulated the third-place winner, who surprisingly belonged to the cooking club.

During the weightlifting test, I came in first place and Jun came in second. Currently, we are both tied with 500 points.

In the Jumping test, the points awarded depended only on the distance covered, instead of the usual hierarchy system. Jun easily aced the test. many others tried but failed to get full points. I formed my momentum quickly as I jumped with everything I got. I was... not going to reach the 300 points mark. But, instead of giving up, I punched in the air making my body up parallel to the ground. I reached out as far as I could and my fingers touched the mark. The rule said any boy part that touched the ground first will be counted, so according to the rules, I should receive 300 points. There was quite a debate on it but in the end, I was rewarded with 300 points. Making me and Jun tied again.

It was it for today. Me and Jun tied at 800 points out of 900. While the guy from the cooking club was second with 500 points.

As today's event ended, Chako got busy in her works while AAyame left with her friends. I was left all alone. I saw Jun roaming around with Haruno. I paid it no attention and set out for the hospital to meet Aoi.

"Hey Iharu! Where are you going?" Jun loudly asked. I can't believe he noticed my while I was sneaking away. I gotta step up my sneaking game.

"I'm sorry Jun but i can't do gym today-" As I was about to dodge him, He said, "I'm not talking about gym."

"Haruno, Can you go home alone today? I want to hang out with the new friend i made." He said to Haruno.

"Sure, just make sure to not make Kanamura-san full of you the first day."

"H-" and before i could say anything... she left faster than sonic the day he became a dad.

"Iharu, do you have a girlfriend?" Jun asked my with a serious look on his face.

"Yeah, i do. I was just about to viasist her."

"Really! Can I meet her?"

"Why?"

"It's because I want to know her preferences as a woman. The truth is, I like Haruno. I've liked her from as far as I could remember. But I can't find the courage to confess. So i want to find if i even have any chance."

It is both surprising and unsurprising at the same time. I see.

"Oh! And can you also ask Chako to find out if Haruno has a boyfriend or not? It'd be a great help!"

"No, Chako will probably scold me and tell me to not interfere in others' private life. And also, My girlfriend is in the hospital right now so i can't let you meet her now but after she's discharged, then sure. And don't tell anyone I have a girlfriend."

"I see, I'm sorry if I asked too much."

"It's not like that, but sure I'll help you."

[Chapter 31 End]