＜On the Way to School＞

"Good morning, Kasugai-senpai!"

A cheerful voice called out from behind me as I was walking to school. I turned around and saw Otowa.

"Good morning. You're full of energy today."

"Energy is my forte!"

Otowa said with a wide smile, moving her whole body dramatically. She really is energetic.

"But Senpai, you have to hear this! Club activities are getting super tough lately, it's crazy!"

Otowa started complaining right away after we met.

"Well, I've heard that the Kendo club has tough practices every day."

"Of course, they're tough every day, but it's especially tough right now!"

She leaned closer to me. I didn't want to get involved in her drama, so I decided to just listen.

"We're about to have our final competition as third-years, so practice is intense from the start, even the seniors are going all out."

"I see."

Ah, so their final competition for third-year is coming up. The university entrance exams are also around this time of year.

"But Mahima-senpai is the craziest of them all!"

"C, crazy?"

"She's like a demon, you know? She practices more than double of everyone else!"

"Double the amount of practice than when I saw last time?"

"Yeah, exactly. It's crazy. I feel like I'm gonna throw up just watching her."

The practice I saw before was already intense. I can't even imagine doubling that.

"Mahima-senpai has a chance to win three years in a row, which is a school first. The teachers, the club members, everyone at the school is expecting a lot from her."

"That's a lot of pressure... But is she really okay practicing that much? I hope she doesn't get injured."

She hurt her wrist before. I hope it doesn't get worse...

"Ordinary people wouldn't be able to handle it. But Mahima-senpai is fine. She's perfect, after all."

Otowa answered with confidence. Perfect...?

"This is also Mahima-senpai's last competition, but it's my first competition, so I'm really nervous."

"That's right. You're nervous too, Otowa."

"Of course! You think I'm some kind of idiot, Kasugai-senpai?!"

Otowa puffed out her cheeks and stared at me intently. Looks like I've upset her.

"I'm sorry. But just make sure you don't push yourself too hard before the competition."

"You're able to give a quick apology like that. You're such a capable guy, Kasugai-senpai!"

"...Stop teasing me."

"Hehehe, sorry. But thank you! I'll do my best in the competition!"