While Hayato and Tanaka chatted, Uki and Koyuki entered the classroom. Koyuki, teary-eyed from failing two subjects, buried her face in Uki's chest.
"Wuwu, Uki, I have to attend remedial classes."
"There, there. Study hard in your remedial classes, and when you're done, I'll treat you to a strawberry sundae."
Hayato walked over, watching the scene.
"How many subjects did Koyuki fail?"
"Two—English and Math. And… her scores were single digits," Uki replied with a wry smile, gently ruffling the pink-haired girl's hair. Karasuno's teachers didn't announce exact scores—only who did well and who needed remedial classes—so Hayato didn't know the exact numbers.
After comforting Koyuki, Uki turned to congratulate Hayato.
"Hayato, congratulations on getting first place in your grade! That's amazing, especially with club activities on top of your studies."
"Well… this time it's because I focused on the right topics. I'm not that amazing," Hayato said modestly. He knew his strength, and while he was academically capable, luck had also played a part in his first-place ranking.
Curious, he asked Uki about her ranking. She scratched her head awkwardly.
"I only got 52nd…"
"That's still really good! Our school's full of top students, and for a regular class student to make the top 100 is impressive," Hayato encouraged.
While he spoke, Uki teased him.
"While that's true, Hayato, the first-place student showing off to comfort me… it just feels like you're bragging."
"Uh… I didn't mean that—"
"Hehe, I'm just teasing. Don't take it seriously."
Just then, an arrogant voice echoed from the doorway.
"Is Hayato Kuroha in this class?"
Hayato turned to see a petite blonde girl with twin pigtails tied with red ribbons, blue eyes, and porcelain-white skin peeking in. Under her uniform, her long, straight legs were clad in black thigh-high socks, subtly drawing attention. Hayato only glanced once before focusing on her delicate face.
"That's me. May I ask what you need?" he replied politely.
The blonde girl strode forward, hands on her hips, unflinching in his presence.
"My name is Kirizaki Nagi. You won this time, but next time, I won't lose to you."
After her bold declaration, she left, leaving Hayato slightly bewildered. Uki, the school know-it-all, quietly explained.
"That's Kirizaki from Class 2-5. She's usually ranked first, but this time you beat her, so she came in second. Didn't you see her on the rankings?"
Hayato vaguely remembered the name, though he hadn't paid much attention before. Kirizaki, noticing his faint impression, pouted and glared at him stubbornly.
"Anyway… I've been first since my first year. Losing to you this time… I'm not happy! Next time, I'll definitely win!"
Hayato scratched his head, smiling.
"Kirizaki, I just got lucky this time. I didn't mean to compete seriously."
"Lucky? So you're saying you don't take me seriously?" she retorted, cheeks puffed out.
"I didn't mean it like that. Let's have a proper rematch during the final exams," Hayato suggested.
"Hmph, that's better. Excuse me for disturbing you." She tossed her head arrogantly, then politely greeted the other students before leaving.
Hayato rubbed his arm, wincing slightly.
"Huh… those soft pigtails actually hurt when they hit me."
After the drama, his classmates gathered around, buzzing with excitement.
"Amazing, Kuroha! That's Kirizaki! You beat her this time?"
"You didn't check the ranking—Kuroha actually got first!"
"That's incredible, Kuroha-kun!"
Hayato smiled politely, handling the attention gracefully. Once everyone dispersed, he leaned back in his chair with a sigh. Tanaka slid into the seat in front of him, arm resting casually on the chair's back.
"Not bad, Hayato. Another beautiful girl has come knocking," he said with a mischievous wink.
Uki leaned in.
"Kirizaki Nagi—the school's blonde, twin-tailed tsundere genius. She's popular, and now, Hayato, your fame is about to skyrocket!"
Hayato rolled his eyes. He didn't want that kind of attention. Besides, tsundere types weren't in style anymore. He decided he'd let Kirizaki reclaim first place during the final exams, so she wouldn't chase after him.
"I don't need that kind of fame, okay? Also, Tanaka, don't tell Kiyoko-nee. I'll tell her myself after school."
"Relax. But… don't you think Kiyoko-senpai will find out anyway?"
"Yeah… you have a point. I'll go find her myself."
Hayato dashed out of the classroom during the break, quickly locating Kiyoko chatting with a friend. A girl nearby tapped her shoulder.
"Shimizu, your childhood friend is here."
Kiyoko turned to see Hayato waving.
"Why are you here now?"
"I didn't want to come either, but… something happened."
He explained everything, and Kiyoko happily patted his shoulder.
"First in the entire grade! That's amazing, Hayato."
"Um… Kiyoko-nee, that's not the main point."
"Hmm… but this is just about Kirizaki wanting to surpass you academically. No need to report it—she didn't confess or anything."
Hayato realized she was right and spent a few more minutes chatting before leaving when the bell rang.
"Hehe… that idiot," Kiyoko murmured with a smile.
With that little drama over, Karasuno High returned to peace. Time passed quickly, and the day of the match arrived.
"Oh oh oh oh! Sendai City Gymnasium, here we come again!" Shoyo shouted excitedly.
A hand gently rested on his head.
"Don't be so excited, Shoyo," Hayato said calmly. He'd heard about Karasuno's previous loss to Seijoh, but this time, they were ready.
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