Chapter 86
Chapter 86
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 86
Chapter Title: Sports Festival #18
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"What the hell is this, some kind of strength show?"
I tried appealing to the waiting event staff that we couldn't do it, but they just said to give it a shot and they'd switch it if it didn't work.
Grumbling under my breath, I untied the strap binding our ankles.
If it had to be something like this, why not just a three-legged race?
"Hey, no weird implications or anything, just asking... what's your combined weight...?"
"Eek~ How dare you ask a girl's weight so casually, you perv!"
"...Fine, got it."
I'd only asked out of curiosity and ended up getting scolded for it.
While we fiddled with the strap and pondered our options, other teams arrived and started tackling their assorted missions.
Some even headed to the cheering section, like they had to fetch just anyone.
If only we'd drawn something like that... but no, we got stuck with this one.
Well, in the end, I was the one who drew the paper, so I couldn't blame anyone but my own luck.
"So, how should we do this? I'll support your thighs, and you two grab my shoulders. The farther you are from my body, the harder it'll be, so stick as close as possible."
Even for me, lifting both of them just with my arms seemed impossible.
To be precise, I could probably pick them up, but holding it for long? Doubtful.
Sure, I'm sturdy, but I don't hit the gym for strength training.
The best bet was to have them lean into me as much as possible, distributing the weight onto my body to ease the load on my arms.
It'd basically be like piggybacking them both.
"D-don't push yourself too hard. You might hurt your back."
Seong Yurin hesitated awkwardly, looking troubled.
"We'll try it, and if it doesn't work, we bail."
Shifting the weight through my body, it'd be like hoisting a single sack of rice per arm—not too bad.
I figured I had that much strength.
And the finish line wasn't ridiculously far anyway.
"H-hey, no touching butts, okay?"
"I know..."
We were wasting time, risking last place, so I lowered my stance and urged them on.
Hesitantly leaning against me, I hoisted them up and stood.
"Hup."
"Whoa!"
"Eek!"
Hong Yeonseo and Seong Yurin flailed a bit before steadying against each other.
That shifted the center of gravity closer to my body, making it easier on my arms.
"This should be manageable."
Sure, they were heavy, but for the finish line? I could endure it.
-Ooooh.
As I strode forward confidently, cheers erupted from the stands.
Who knew I'd end up like a monkey at the zoo at my age...
My face burned with embarrassment.
"H-heavy? Let's just do a different mission..."
"...Nah. You're light."
They took turns asking if I was okay.
Basic manners and all.
...It might've sounded considerate with one, but carrying two made me look like some stubborn show-off.
Truth be told, the real strain wasn't the weight—it was the embarrassment.
And my mental defenses were flashing red alerts from all the female contact.
Both in gym clothes, pressed right up against me. Dangerous territory.
Pure thoughts... pure thoughts...
Silently marching on, I overtook a four-legged team of five heading for the finish line.
...Why are they four people? Was their mission 'add one more and race'?
Thanks to reaching the mission box first, we bypassed a couple easy-mission teams and crossed first.
Others were dashing around for theirs, while I just needed to carry them in place—faster by default.
"Hoo..."
I didn't show it, but grunting inwardly, I crossed the line and gently set them down.
Hong Yeonseo hopped off and fanned her gym shirt.
"Whew, must be 'cause we were up high... it's hot."
Up high? How high do you think it was?
Hong Yeonseo stepped back, catching her breath.
"You good?"
Seong Yurin, from the other side, started rubbing my arms.
"Yeah. Easier than I thought."
"Impressive... doesn't even look that muscular."
Seong Yurin kneaded curiously.
...It got awkward, so I pulled my arm away.
She finally got it and flushed too.
As we crossed, "1st Place - Class C" flashed huge on the scoreboard.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Whoa."
"Insane."
Admiration rippled around us.
With good reason—the sight before them was jaw-dropping.
"They don't look that light, though..."
"What kinda talk is that? Pervert much?"
"N-no, that's not what I—"
Some kids got chewed out for overanalyzing.
"Jin's seriously strong."
Lee Sea admired purely, like everyone else.
She'd known me forever and sensed I wasn't average, but this was new.
"Tch."
Lee Soyun still sulked inwardly, horns metaphorically up.
Lee Sea patted her cutely.
Lee Soyun hated kid treatment usually, but this felt good—like a kitten purring in its mom's embrace.
Calming the fuming Lee Soyun naturally, Lee Sea stared intently at me flexing triumphantly, eyes gleaming with longing.
Whatever thought brewed in her heart, only she knew.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ I returned to our class spot amid near-hero worship.
A plain three-legged race wouldn't have hyped it, but the spectacle made me famous overnight.
Even high-fived kids I barely talked to.
Anyway, thanks to our—my—performance, Class C proudly took first on day one.
Barring upsets, we'd hold it tomorrow too.
A couple bad finishes wouldn't close the gap.
Everyone knew, so the mood was festive.
First place got school-backed afterparty in class—Dawn High School's sports fest bashes were legendary, even outside.
Clubs supplied feasts galore.
Post-final event, we prepped to head home.
The teacher checked headcounts, confirmed all good, and held brief closing.
"I'm thrilled to be Class C's homeroom teacher~ Great job today, everyone! Rest up at home, and let's crush tomorrow~ Class prez and VP, mind helping teacher quick?"
"See ya tomorrow, teach~"
"Yup."
We waved goodbye to dispersing kids: me, Lee Sea, Lee Soyun, Hong Yeonseo, Seong Yurin.
"Huh? Why'd you three stay? Heading out together?"
"Yeah, dinner plans."
I answered the teacher.
We'd set it at lunch.
Mom pushed hard, and they kinda went along with "uh, sure..." vibes.
"Gotcha. Won't take long, no worries."
Her task was simple: Return the morning icebox to the main building, note shortages for restock tomorrow.
That's why she kept us two.
"Oh. Then, I can—"
"We'll handle it~"
Before I moved, the girls swarmed, two grabbing one box each.
"Rest, Jin. You worked hard earlier."
"I'm fine."
"We're good too."
The four chatted and laughed as they walked off.
Watching warmly, the teacher smiled and approached me.
"Lucky guy, huh, Ijin?"
"Haha..."
I chuckled awkwardly; she continued.
"Jealous~ Teacher here just studied... never got your youthful fun..."
Her fond smile soured into gloomy aura.
Her glossy black hair seemed ash-gray in the vibe.
...B-buck up? You're still young, right?
I cheered silently—couldn't say it aloud.
Current me saying that to an adult? Disaster waiting.
A high schooler calling grown-up "young"? Total mockery.