# Chapter 114
Tension was rising for the relay race that was finally being held after the completion of the mixed gender triangular competition. Of course, the tension I was feeling was quite different from what the other students were experiencing.
“Do well.”
“Sure.”
When I casually spoke to Moon Seoheon, who was about to head out to the field, he let out a low laugh. The medicine he took in the club room seemed to be working, as his expression, which had been gloomy until just a moment ago, now looked brighter. Still, he occasionally showed signs that his condition wasn’t entirely good, perhaps due to lingering effects from his stomach pain.
Slightly worried, I carefully observed him as he began stretching, extending his arms fully. I was concerned because Moon Seoheon, who participated in almost every event, hadn’t been able to rest properly. I was growing a bit anxious since he had to participate in what seemed like the most problematic event.
Please, don’t let anything happen.
Whether my prayer was answered or not, his movements were full of energy as he strode down the stairs. It could also be that he was encouraged by the cheers from our classmates as he went out as the second-year representative.
The relay race, which I thought would begin quickly since it was also a running event, started after a little delay.
Although this relay was said to be held as an event, I doubted my eyes at the sight before me. This was because three inflatable bounce obstacle courses had been set up on the field.
“Huh… is it because it’s for entertainment?”
Since it was more of a fun activity compared to other events, it seemed they had put quite a bit of preparation into it.
The spaced-out obstacle courses weren’t very long, but they looked quite challenging. It seemed like even the best runners could lose if they made just a small mistake.
A laugh burst out as I felt a mix of admiration, astonishment, and disbelief. But honestly, it looked entertaining enough to be worth watching, so I decided to clear my mind and enjoy the spectacle.
“Finally, something worth watching.”
Startled by a sudden cold sensation on my face, I turned around. Kwak Junhee, who had approached without me noticing, was holding a fruit drink and meeting my gaze with a gentle smile.
“Here, take this.”
“Ah… thank you.”
After reflexively accepting the drink that was suddenly offered, he immediately sat down next to me. As the student council president, one year below me, confidently took his seat as if it were his rightful place, nearby students began glancing our way. After looking at Kwak Junhee in bewilderment for a moment, I focused my attention forward, now used to his presence.
“Aren’t you busy, senior? I thought you would be participating as the third-year representative in the relay, but you’re not.”
“I put so much effort into preparations that I got tired of participating. And I should give others a chance to earn points.”
“But Byeon Seungha and Maeng Moa are participating over there.”
I spoke in a low voice, looking at the two guys stretching with Moon Seoheon. If he was giving others a chance to earn points, shouldn’t those High Class guys also sit out? It was just a passing thought, but I looked at Kwak Junhee, worried it might have sounded like a complaint, but his expression remained unchanged, still smiling.
“Seungha and Moa are not only athletic but also quite competitive in these things.”
“Ah, I see. I don’t see Jung Hyoin much. I guess he’s not interested in these things?”
At my words, Kwak Junhee gave me a peculiar sideways glance. His smile remained, but strangely, his eyes seemed disappointed.
“Hyoin is probably napping somewhere deserted or doing something else right now. It’s not that he hates sports, but he tends to avoid physical contact with others.”
“Ah, I see.”
Soon, Kwak Junhee composed his gaze and leaned back comfortably, looking out at the field. I too focused on the competition, but suddenly remembering how Moon Seoheon had fallen ill from drinking spoiled water, I debated whether to mention it or not.
Rolling my eyes to look sideways, I saw that Kwak Junhee was filled with anticipation for the upcoming race, so I kept my mouth shut. There was no point in bringing it up now as it wouldn’t solve anything, and there was no need to ruin the mood.
I decided to focus on the competition as I watched the representatives from each grade take their positions in order.
Byeon Seungha, who was running ahead of Moon Seoheon in the lineup, showed exceptional speed as he easily passed through the obstacles. He was leading by nearly half a lap ahead of the first and third-year representatives.
Though he was said to be Moon Seoheon’s rival in previous soccer matches and selection trials, perhaps because they were on the same side this time, the atmosphere when they faced each other to pass the baton was completely different from the sharp tension of before. Since he was said to be competitive, it seemed he was serious about the competition, acting fiercely regardless of who his opponent was.
As I watched Moon Seoheon running quickly after receiving the baton, loud cheers erupted from our class. With the large gap already created and the famously fast Moon Seoheon running the final leg, victory seemed all but guaranteed.
This meant that the second-years would get to enjoy gourmet food during lunch. Although I hadn’t contributed at all, I couldn’t help but feel happy.
As I watched Moon Seoheon crossing the first obstacle course, which was like a round hill, I looked at the first and third-year representatives who hadn’t yet started. Just as I noticed Maeng Moa looking displeased, Yoo Wono, who had been standing quietly, began running with all his might, which was unsettling.
One difference from the animation was that he had been properly selected as a representative, but seeing him suddenly leave his position made me wonder if he was acting on impulse again. But what was strange was that he wasn’t chasing after Moon Seoheon but running in the opposite direction.
Just as the third-year representative who was running behind stopped in surprise, Yoo Wono stole the baton, turned his body, and began running like a madman.
“…That senior surprises me every time with his unexpected behavior.”
I agreed with Kwak Junhee’s low murmur. I let out a dry laugh at Yoo Wono’s peculiar actions. But I was secretly relieved because he wasn’t breaking any rules or interfering with others. I had been constantly worried that he might cause trouble, but he seemed to be behaving relatively normally, perhaps excited about properly facing off against Moon Seoheon.
“…Was he always that fast?”
My relief was short-lived as the gap between the two, which I had thought was too wide to close, was narrowing. Of course, being on the track team, Yoo Wono would naturally be fast, but fast enough to easily catch up to Moon Seoheon?
From Yoo Wono’s perspective, it was just a one-sided chase, but as I watched breathlessly, I noticed Moon Seoheon staggering as he entered the second obstacle course.
I stood up in surprise as Moon Seoheon soon fell to his knees. Yoo Wono, who had caught up quickly, slowed down, walked over, and crouched in front of Moon Seoheon. His hand, grabbing and shaking Moon Seoheon, looked quite rough.
Then, Maeng Moa, who had followed behind, stepped between the two with a shocked expression. I couldn’t hear exactly what they were saying, but their voices were growing louder. Though no punches were thrown, they were clearly arguing, and nearby teachers ran over to separate them, at which point I saw Moon Seoheon’s body go limp.
* * *
The relay race between the first, second, and third years ended inconclusively, and lunchtime approached.
The infirmary, which had been bustling in the morning, was now empty except for one person occupying a bed in the corner.
“A detailed diagnosis should be made at the hospital, but since the abdominal pain has subsided, it would be good to rest for a while.”
“Should we consider it a simple stomachache?”
“For now, I’m treating it as an upset stomach, but it would be better to get a thorough examination at the hospital.”
I nodded with a low sigh at the health teacher’s words. When the teacher said they were going to get lunch, I bowed slightly, and they advised the rest of us standing around Moon Seoheon to go eat as well.
“Phew, it’s fortunate that it’s not serious.”
After the health teacher left, Kwak Junhee, who had been staring at the closed door for a moment, turned his gaze to Moon Seoheon and spoke as if exhaling a sigh.
“What the hell was that spoiled water.”
At Byeon Seungha’s irritated, curse-filled words, I couldn’t hide my frustration and furrowed my brows.
“So, you still don’t know who did it?”
“…I have a suspicion.”
“Who is it?”
Instead of scrunching his face in anger, Byeon Seungha took a deep breath as if to suppress the tumultuous energy and muttered softly. The homeroom teacher, who had come together after hearing the news, cleared his throat, aware of the chilled atmosphere.
“Since Seoheon is asleep now, why don’t we talk outside? You all need to eat too.”
At the homeroom teacher’s words, Byeon Seungha raised his eyebrows and, unable to argue with the valid point, bowed his head and went outside. Following Kwak Junhee and Maeng Moa out, I also took one last look at Moon Seoheon, who was sleeping with a peaceful face, before closing the door.
“As you’ve heard, shall we eat first? Since the competition didn’t properly take place, it’s been decided that the catering service will be provided to all students.”
“…You go ahead and eat first. I’ll come later.”
“Hmm? You’re not coming right away?”
Despite it being a time I had been looking forward to, strangely, my appetite had completely disappeared. But if I said I didn’t want to go, Kwak Junhee and the others would likely drag me along forcefully.
“I’ll go to the bathroom first and then come.”
After my hesitant answer, the three looked at me for a moment and then nodded in understanding. Watching the three of them leave first, I thought about getting some fresh air to calm my troubled mind.
Since going to the back mountain might lead to encountering others, I headed to a place with a good view of the scene. It was the location of the skyway bridge I used to cross to get to the library before.
Normally, this place would be crowded at this time, but most of the students were out on the field, so it was completely empty.
Standing in the middle of the skyway bridge, I looked at the gardens located behind the buildings. They said they had organized the parking lot at the back mountain for the treasure hunt, and I could see several cars parked. In the distance, some students could be seen holding lots of food, apparently about to find a spot and start eating properly.
I leaned my arms on the railing and stared blankly at the passing clouds, trying to quell my rising anger. A deep sigh escaped me as I felt guilty about Moon Seoheon’s collapse.
My mood sank at the realization that the sports day, which I had hoped would pass without incident, had turned into a mess. At the same time, I needed to confront either Jo Youngmin or Hong Hachan to find out what had happened.
First, I should stop by the club room to get the water bottle, then go and speak to the homeroom teacher. With Teacher Jaewon there too, getting help would be easy.
As I organized my thoughts and took in the open scenery, something suddenly flew right in front of my eyes, grazing my hair fluttering in the wind. Whatever it was, it immediately dropped straight down.
I turned my shoulders stiffly, having nearly been hit in the head and potentially injured.
“Aw, too bad I missed.”
My brows furrowed at the playful tone. Son Gyucheon, approaching leisurely with a swaggering gait, was grinning with his gums showing. In contrast to his cheerful smile, his sharp eyes were full of anticipation.
