For someone like Yukinoshita practically the social poison of the class gym class was always a bit of a nightmare.
Japanese P.E. classes were the worst. Seriously. They always involved some kind of partner work volleyball drills, warm-up stretches, all kinds of activities that required two or more people working together.
Unfortunately for Yukinoshita, over half the girls in class genuinely disliked her, eager to see her humiliated. The other half, those who didn't have a personal grudge, still avoided her like the plague. No one wanted rumors going around that they actually liked Yukinoshita.
Ever since yesterday's little "cheating scandal," Miura couldn't help sneaking glances in her direction.
At that moment, Yukinoshita had her long hair tied up in a ponytail, wearing the school's standard P.E. uniform: a loose white T-shirt and knee-length gym shorts. Her white indoor shoes peeked out beneath socks that reached just below the knee.
Her pale legs, where the socks pressed lightly into her skin, created a gentle curve that was strangely alluring.
It was such an ordinary outfit, but on her, it somehow looked crisp, sharp striking.
She stood off to the side, completely alone, a stark contrast to Miura, who was surrounded by her usual crowd of friends.
Even in such an awkward situation one that made Miura feel embarrassed just watching Yukinoshita remained calm, her hands clasped behind her back, head slightly bowed.
What could she be thinking about right now?
Miura was about to take a step toward her when someone called out, "Yumiko!"
That always-cheerful, warm voice it was Hayama Hayato.
Miura turned around with a smile. "Hayama-kun? What's up?"
Hayama had blonde hair and the kind of sunshine-boy good looks that turned heads. Even after getting completely played just a few months ago, he hadn't lost his usual charm. Never once had anyone seen him look down or defeated.
He scratched his head awkwardly. "Do you already have a partner for gym?"
Miura tilted her head. "Zeka, Junko, Yui… we're all kind of mixing it up today."
Hayama looked even more uncomfortable. "Well… would you mind..."
He finally blurted it out: "Could I ask you to partner with Yukinoshita?"
Miura blinked. "Ah..."
Hayama looked flustered. "Don't feel like you have to! That was rude of me you can forget I said anything."
Miura gave a small smile. "If someone else pairs up with her, they'll be the center of a brand-new round of rumors by tomorrow."
She waved a hand and walked over. "I'm probably the only one who can do it, right? That's what you were thinking too, wasn't it?"
It made sense. Everyone knew she and Yukinoshita used to be at each other's throats. If they partnered up, no one would read into it.
Still, after everything Hayama had gone through… he was still worrying about Yukinoshita?
Hayama-kun, you really are something else.
Yukinoshita stood silently at the edge of the gym, zoning out as she waited for the teacher's instructions.
Gym class was annoying, sure but just annoying. Nothing more.
After all, Yukinoshita had dealt with ostracization since grade school. She had experience.
She just needed to tell the teacher she'd do the exercises solo. That would be enough.
As long as she didn't feel awkward, then the awkwardness fell on everyone else.
She was Yukinoshita. She'd been through worse. Much worse.
Just as that thought crossed her mind, a pair of white indoor shoes stepped up beside her. She looked up to see Miura Yumiko the reigning queen of the class clique standing there with a conflicted expression on her face.
Yukinoshita narrowed her eyes slightly. Wasn't this one of her old "victims"? What now, an argument? A fight?
Miura stood with her arms folded, posture naturally imposing. She was tall to begin with, and when she tilted her chin and gave someone that sideways glance, she radiated a certain smug confidence.
"I heard you don't have a partner."
Was she here to mock her?
Miura sniffed. "You looked kind of pathetic, so I guess I'll be your partner."
Yukinoshita could tell Miura was trying to look all high-and-mighty, like she was doing someone a favor. But her voice wobbled a little, and her face was a bit stiff, with the faintest blush coloring her cheek.
She looked more like someone worried about being turned down.
[System: Optimal Response to Improve Reputation "Miura-san, I didn't know you could be this kind."]
Ugh. What kind of sappy script was that? Yukinoshita could practically feel her teeth ache.
She wanted to say something snarky but Miura was a walking point machine. Too valuable.
"Miura-san," she said instead, "you're kinder than I expected."
Her voice was soft, almost like a cool breeze. Compared to her usual razor-edged tone, it actually sounded… gentle.
Miura blushed furiously. Yup, Yukinoshita definitely had a crush on her. Otherwise, back in the day, this would've started a full-blown argument.
What now, though? Yukinoshita liked her? But she didn't swing that way!
Still… it was the first time she found out a girl liked her. And it was this girl gorgeous, proud, striking.
Rejecting her outright seemed harsh. And besides, the more important thing now was steering Yukinoshita back toward the "right" path. She'd be doing her a favor, honestly.
Miura was still tangled up in her thoughts when the warm-up exercises began.
In Japanese high schools, warm-ups usually involved pairing off with someone of the same gender doing things like piggyback stretches or hamstring pulls. All very… close-contact stuff.
"Miura-san?" Yukinoshita tilted her head.
Snapped back to reality, Miura saw the gym teacher looking at them. "Miura, Yukinoshita, what are you waiting for? Get started!"
"Yes, sir!"
Yukinoshita held out her hand.
Miura hesitated, ears going red, then took it. The moment their fingers touched, a strange flutter shot through her chest.
Miura Yumiko had been a natural-born extrovert since forever wherever she went, she had friends. She'd held plenty of other girls' hands before.
But this felt completely different.
Because this was the hand of a girl who might like her.
Yukinoshita looked cold and aloof, but her hand was soft, warm.
That warmth seeped into Miura's palm, then spread through her entire body, making her a little dizzy.
She didn't even notice that the funk she'd been in since Hayama spoke to her had totally disappeared. Right now, she wasn't thinking about Hayama at all.
"Careful, Miura-san!"
Her foot twisted. Pain shot through her ankle, and her balance gave out. She stumbled and was caught in someone's arms.
"You okay, Miura-san?"
A soft, sweet-smelling body wrapped around her.
Yukinoshita's face was right there unreal in its beauty, framed by the scent of shampoo and something uniquely her.
Miura's brain short-circuited for a second. Then she jumped back like she'd been shocked.
No no no no no no no no! This is too much!
Tomorrow, she was definitely going to tell Yukinoshita to stop having a crush on her!