After a considerable stretch of time, the sports festival had finally made its return. From the early hours, I reserved a spot, ensuring a rather favorable location.
In this spot, capturing great photos would likely prove to be effortless. All of the girls were sixth graders, so this might be the last time. Will they become junior high school students next year… I wonder if junior high schools even have sports festivals?
While it feels a bit disappointing, if I consider that they’re growing up, maybe it’s not so bad. After a while, Chiharu and the others came out in their gym clothes.
I heard from them that they were all on the Red Team, so I hoped they’ll do their best and get along well. Surprisingly, even Chika-chan belonged to the Red Team. This may probably be just my imagination, but as someone who has knowledge of the game, this almost seems like an invincible formation.
Chiaki was waving at me energetically, and I waved back at her. Her cute smile was as lovely as always. Other parents beside me were also showing incredible enthusiasm.
Once the opening ceremony-like part concluded… the relay race began. It seems like Chifuyu, Chinatsu, and Chiharu will be the first ones to run.
“Kaito-san, if Chifuyu comes in first place… I want a reward…”
That’s what Chifuyu said. However, even if she didn’t come in first place, I knew Chifuyu was a hard worker, so I thought it would be perfectly fine to give her a reward.
For Chifuyu herself, it seemed crucial to secure the top spot in order to receive the reward. As the sun was up in the sky, Chinatsu seemed to be lacking a bit of energy. Meanwhile, Chiharu had insisted that an older sister who loses to her younger siblings can’t maintain her dignity, so she was determined to win no matter what.
“Ready, set, go!”
With the bang of the starter pistol, the three of them took off running. Chinatsu was clearly lagging behind, but Chiharu and Chifuyu were neck and neck. Other students were also running, but these two were significantly ahead. Chifuyu… when did her legs become so fast?!
Chiharu was also fast, but Chifuyu’s progress was catching up to her. Unusually, Chiharu had her eyes wide open in surprise. Chifuyu pulled ahead and crossed the finish line in first place.
Breathing through her shoulders, Chifuyu had a pleased smile on her face. She even made a peace sign at me while smiling, prompting me to unconsciously take a photo. My daughter was adorable.
Now, moving on, Chiaki was up to run. And alongside her was Chika. In the game, the protagonist’s athleticism was said to be exceptional, but…
“I shall claim the first place. It’s my destiny,” Chiaki declared.
“I won’t lose either,” Chika said.
The two of them started running. Wow, they’re fast. The audience seemed to echo my thoughts: “Aren’t those two really fast?”. Chika-chan was that quick, huh… Should I say that it’s good that Chiaki has found a good rival?
The two of them were neck and neck… and the winner was Chika. Unexpectedly, Chiaki took second place. She looked incredibly frustrated.
As time went on with me capturing various events on camera, it eventually became lunchtime. Chiaki and the girls came over to where I was, with Chika-chan in tow.
“Kaito, Chika told me her parents aren’t here because of work. Can she join us for lunch?” Chaiki asked.
“Of course.”
“Sorry for disturbing you, Kaito-san.”
Truly, she was my lovely daughter. Chiaki was such a kind-hearted child. I spread out their lunch boxes, and I offered some to Chika-chan as well. It seemed she had brought her own lunch, but she happily accepted and started eating some fried fish after offering her gratitude.
“It’s delicious,” Chika said
“Well, I’m glad.”
“Naturally, Kaito’s cooking has my own approval after all!” Chiaki said.
“Why does Aki look so proud, though?” Chinatsu added.
It’s good that she seemed satisfied. If she had said it was bad, I would have lost all confidence.
“I could eat this dish… every day,” Chika said.
“Oh, uh, yeah. Is it really that tasty? As the one who made it, I’m genuinely happy.”
I wonder if she understands the meaning behind her words and is using them intentionally…? It’s hard to read her expression. It’s not very dynamic, to say the least… Honestly, I don’t know much about Chika-chan. Even in the game, there wasn’t much description about her.
The focus was more on providing information about the characters you could romance, and the protagonist merely offered responses devoid of substantial reaction. Well, I know this isn’t a game world, but it’s just that there’s so much about this girl that I don’t understand.
“Fufufu, I’m living by eating this every day,” Chiaki said.
“I see… So, eventually, will I be eating this every day with Chiaki-san and the others?”
“Hmm? Is that so? Is it really? I don’t know… What do you think, Kaito?” Chiaki asked.
“Well, I wonder. You’re welcome to visit our house at any time to hang out. You’re the girls’ friend, after all.”
“Yes, I’ll come crawling over anytime. So, what does Chifuyu-san think of me?”
“Huh? Why the sudden question…? I think of you as one of those fast runners, I guess…?” Chifuyu said.
“I think of you as a cute girl, like a daughter,” Chika said.
Chinatsu blinked her eyes rapidly, seemingly pondering how to switch her words.
“Chika, you’re truly mysterious. I can’t figure out what you’re thinking.” Chinatsu said.
“…Chinatsu, you’re quite mysterious too. I mistook you for an angel!” Chiharu added.
“Haru, you don’t need to compete weirdly over that; you know.”
“I apologize. It’s not that I’m intentionally trying to be mysterious… It’s just that I’ve lived following a set path, so I’m not good at truly connecting with people.” Chika said.
…Somehow, I felt that this child was feeling uneasy now. It might be that she wasn’t very comfortable with social interactions.
“We all feel that way, including me, but Chiharu and the others aren’t bothered by it. Even if it’s a weakness, it’s a unique trait, so there’s no need to feel anxious.” I said.
“I agree! I even have Chifuyu do some of my studying!” Chiaki said.
“Chifuyu has her insecurities too… But I don’t really mind,” Chifuyu added.
“Me too…. I don’t mind either, but if I had to point something out, it’s just that we might have some overlapping traits.” Chiharu chimed in.
“I don’t really care either way. I think you should do what you like.” Chinatsu added.
Chika-chan’s lips relaxed ever so slightly.
“Yes. Thank you, everyone… It really is nice here, after all.”
For now, I was relieved that she seemed to enjoy her lunch.
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