It was now gym class, which would be spent preparing for sports day from today onwards. The class was divided into groups based on who was participating in each event.
Because Mei was participating in every event, however, scheduling was a nightmare. In the end, it was decided that she would start with the relay for the time being.
Remi, Luna, Mei, and I all huddled together on the field as we discussed what positions each of us was going to take.
We were all in our gym uniforms, but under the blazing heat of the sun, all of us wore simple white t-shirts. Except for Mei, that is, who was wearing a thin long-sleeved sweater.
I never really understood the purpose of these strategy meetings since it's literally just 'whoever's faster wins,' but I guess it was to build team spirit.
"I'll be the starter," Remi announced. It was the most assertive I've seen her—well, ever.
Mei gave her a firm, supportive nod. "Okay, then I'll be the anchor."
Now this was unsurprising. It is the cliché that whoever was the fastest ran last—even though it didn't matter.
In any other scenario, I'd let her do it without caring, except there was a slight problem.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" I asked. "Usually, the relay is one of the last events to happen. Are you even going to be able to run? Much less anchor?"
Mei gave me that same cherry smile. "I appreciate your concern, but I think I'll be fine. It's not a big deal."
"I'm just gonna keep it a buck, I think you're worrying too much," Remi interrupted, her eyes flashing with concern.
We all turned to her, and she immediately flinched, her confidence wavering under our collective gaze. "I—uh—stop looking at me like that!"
She cleared her throat, trying to regain her dignity. "Anyway, as I was saying, I think Mei will be fine. Back in middle school, she was in all the sports clubs. She'd go to three practices back-to-back, ace her exams, and win the tournaments. We should put a little trust in her."
That was nothing but a fantasy.
That was the only way to describe it. It's not like I didn't agree with Remi. I know how amazing Mei is. She's one of the few people that I actually respect. But putting everyone's hopes on one person and acting like everything would go fine was nothing but selfish.
There's no way Mei doesn't have limits. Sure, maybe it's easy to forget that with the way she was. But she's only human. No matter how effortless she makes everything look.
"Sorry, I get what you're trying to say, but I still don't think she should anchor," I said flatly.
Remi scoffed. "I didn't take you as the type to care this much. But I guess you have a heart, too."
I thought that was pretty obvious. I'm only a human, too.
"Anyway," she said, moving on. "If she won't do it, who will?"
"I can do it."
Luna's cheerful voice cut through the tension. She was wearing a smile awfully relaxed for someone who had just volunteered for the highest-pressure role.
As our stares landed on her, a single bead of sweat rolled down her temple.
"Ahahaha…" she chuckled, anxiously scratching her head. "I mean… if you're all okay with it-"
"What?!?!?!" Remi screamed, cutting her off. "Luna—no offence—but can you even run that long? Or fast?"
It was a valid question, but hearing her doubt Luna kind of felt... wrong.
"You'd actually be surprised," I defended for her. "She can even beat Yu, depending on the day—and reward."
Mei tilted her head, curious. "Reward? What do you mean?"
"Well, Luna doesn't run to win; she runs to spite us," I explained. "As in, if we make a bet or put something on the line, that's the only time she'll try. She has a high chance to win, too."
Remi's lips curved upward in a wide, excited grin. "Yeah! That's a spectacular idea! Except…" The smile vanished from her face instantly as she glared at me, genuinely baffled. "It's a sports festival. What reward is there? Glory? Luna doesn't care about that."
"That's simple," I said with a shrug.
I then extended a hand in Luna's direction. She glanced between my hand and me questioningly, unsure what to do. But she would know in two seconds.
"If you win, I'll pay for your next nail session."
"I'm in," Luna said instantly, taking my hand with a firm shake.
I turned back to Remi with a smug, arrogant grin. "Anddddd there we have it."
Remi's eyebrow twitched, clearly indicating her displeasure that she had been bested by me. "You… can't be serious."
"We are," Luna and I replied in perfect, terrifying unison.
Before Remi could say anything else, Mei stopped her. "I don't have any problems with it. I'm grateful for your help, Luna."
"Eh, it's no biggie," Luna said with a casual wave. "I just help my girls out, you know?"
Mei giggled. "I appreciate it. Now then, I guess I'll go second?"
I nodded. "I guess I'm third."
"Perfect!" Remi exclaimed with a sharp clap. "So we have our positions down!"
"Which means all we need to do now is practice," Mei said.
Mei, Remi, and Luna all proceeded to get into their positions on the field. I, meanwhile, was tasked to get the baton.
Once I did, I passed it on to Remi, got into position, and the practice began.