You Will Regret This Ichinose! [130]

Despite Uesugi Gen's reluctance, the day had finally arrived.

The sports festival commenced as all students entered the grounds dressed in their sports uniforms.

At the opening ceremony, the speech was once again delivered by the third-year Class A student, Fujimaki-senpai.

Once his speech concluded, each class returned to their designated areas to prepare for the upcoming events.

To prevent potential conflicts, the competing Red and White teams were separated by the track, each with their own designated tents.

"I'll go rest in the infirmary for a bit. Be right back."

Upon spotting the infirmary in the distance, Uesugi’s eyes lit up. He had clearly noticed the air conditioning inside.

Without hesitation, he set off in that direction, planning to ask Hoshinomiya-sensei for a little special treatment.

"Nope, not happening, Gen-kun. Your event is starting soon, so you’d better wait here instead."

As if foreseeing his attempt to slack off, Ichinose Honami grabbed his hand, stopping him in his tracks.

The first event was the 100-meter dash, starting with the first-year boys. Eighty students were divided into ten groups, and Uesugi was in the second group. It wouldn’t take long before it was his turn to run.

"With or without me, the result’s about the same."

Uesugi spread his arms in an exaggerated shrug, embracing his fate.

Given the current situation, Classes B, C, and D were already at a significant disadvantage right from the start. Sakayanagi was absent, Ryūen's leg wasn’t fully healed yet, and Kōenji was… well, Kōenji, a free spirit who did whatever he pleased.

Looking at it this way, only Uesugi’s class had a full roster of participants. They were practically set to reap the rewards effortlessly.

"That won’t do, Gen-kun. You have to take this seriously."

Ichinose’s tone shifted as her large, bright eyes sparkled with expectation.

"And besides… I want to see you compete."

"Ah…"

Uesugi scratched his head, looking troubled.

"Alright then, I guess I’ll run a little."

"Mm-hmm! I’ll be cheering for you!"

Still… I can’t make it too obvious. I need a benchmark.

With that thought, Uesugi turned his gaze toward the track.

A red-haired figure entered his line of sight.

Sudō Ken.

After being put in his place by Uesugi once before, the Class D athlete had mellowed out quite a bit.

Among the students who weren’t secretly holding back, Sudō was undeniably one of the top athletes in their grade.

Alright. You’re the one, Sudō Beast.

Uesugi walked straight up to Sudō Ken and, with a sinister tone, murmured threateningly,

"Oi, Red Hair. Run like your life depends on it. As a proud member of the Red Team, if you don’t take first place, I’ll eat you alive. Got it?"

Sudō Ken shuddered at the sudden intimidation, straightening his back immediately and responding in a loud voice,

"Y-Yes! I-I’ll definitely take first place!"

And the results were exactly as expected.

Fueled by Uesugi’s motivation—or intimidation—Sudō Ken practically blazed across the track, his legs moving so fast they nearly sparked. In the end, he clinched first place in his group with an absolute, undisputed lead.

Seeing this, Uesugi nodded in satisfaction. If I finish about 0.5 seconds behind him, that should do.

The 100-meter dash was a quick event.

Barely any time had passed since Sudō’s run before it was already Uesugi’s turn.

Let’s see…

Scanning his surroundings, he spotted several familiar faces.

Led by Ichinose, his former Class B classmates were cheering loudly in his direction…

The "Accomplice Lady" was waving and smiling from the Red Team’s tent…

Horikita turned her head away, tsundere as ever, when she noticed his gaze…

Sakayanagi, seated in the stands, wore a knowing smirk, while the "Phantom Thief Lady" beside her looked at him with an expression of pure disdain.

Uesugi stretched his limbs.

Alright, I guess I’ll put in a bit of effort this time.

The moment the starting pistol fired, Uesugi moved with precise timing, rising perfectly and surging forward. As he ran, he even hummed an unfamiliar little tune.

The spectators erupted in an uproar, quickly launching into discussions about his unexpected performance.

Ryūen Kakeru clenched his teeth. "Oi, oi, wasn’t that guy supposed to have average physical abilities?"

Kanzaki Ryūji frowned. "So he was holding back all this time. His speed is already on par with Shibata."

Hamaguchi Tetsuya adjusted his glasses. "How the hell does someone who spends all day holed up in his dorm playing video games run this fast?"

Kōenji Rokusuke flicked his golden hair with a flourish. "Hmph~ Looks like I’ll have to put on a splendid performance myself. The Ladies deserve to witness my exquisite form in motion."

…

Unsurprisingly, Uesugi secured first place with absolute ease.

Not that it was anything worth celebrating.

He had revealed a portion of his true ability. Worse yet, he would likely have to run multiple times later.

Well…

He glanced back at his classmates, who were jumping up and down, celebrating with glee.

Guess running a few more times wouldn’t be so bad.

Since the 100-meter event cycled from first-year boys to third-year girls, followed by a break before reversing the order, Uesugi would have plenty of free time for a while.

The girls’ 100-meter dash wouldn’t start for some time, so cheering for Hōnami and the others would have to wait.

Which meant… Time for the air-conditioned infirmary!

Uesugi pointed toward the infirmary while looking at Ichinose. She let out a helpless chuckle before nodding, allowing him to go.

With that, he dashed straight into the infirmary, bursting in and calling out,

"Sensei, I’m suffering from heatstroke! Got any drinks?"

Hoshinomiya Chie, both his homeroom teacher and the school’s nurse, was naturally present inside.

She poured him a glass of water, adding some glucose before handing it over, rolling her eyes playfully.

"No drinks for you. Be good and drink water. Who taught you to drink cold beverages right after running?"

"And besides…"

As she spoke, she pinched his arm. Though her tone remained gentle, Uesugi could feel an eerie chill creeping over him.

"If you had so much stamina, why did you complain about me being heavy back then?"

"…That was so long ago! Why are you still bringing it up?!"

Uesugi’s lips twitched.

"It was the first time in my life someone called me heavy, and that someone was my favorite student. Do you know how long I questioned myself because of that?"

Hoshinomiya's smile remained, but her grip tightened ever so slightly…

In the end, after an exhausting round of smooth-talking, Uesugi finally managed to appease his homeroom teacher.

A few minutes later, he found himself with unexpected company.

Two figures lay on the infirmary chairs, locking eyes.

"Oh~ My beautiful rival, you truly have good taste."

"Hmm~ Likewise. I must admit, in this school, your beauty is second only to mine."

Two Red Team heirs, basking in the cool air of the infirmary, exchanged words of mutual admiration.

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This is a fan translation of 人在实教，一之濑你会后悔的 by 作者：白良. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!