Chapter 88: Like a Soft Palm Shielding You from the Rain

Kanzaki Sou’s voice was neither as deafening as the rousing marches on the broadcast, nor as fervent as the cheers erupting from the crowd.

Yet, it flowed more clearly into Miura Koharu’s ears than any of that noise.

It seeped into her heart, restless from intense movement and swirling emotions.

Miura Koharu lifted her head, gazing blankly at the boy in front of her.

Because he was backlit, his features appeared somewhat blurred in the sunlight, but precisely because of that, the eyes hidden behind his glasses shone even brighter.

There was no trace of regret in the boy’s gaze, nor even a hint of disappointment.

“Today, you were really brave. As your partner, I’m proud of you.”

His words still echoed in her ears, each syllable striking her heart with clarity and force.

Proud? Proud of someone like me…?

Her throat felt clogged, a sourness rushing up to her nose.

Miura Koharu instinctively wanted to lower her head, to hide whatever expression was on her face at that moment.

But Kanzaki Sou’s gaze was like a gentle net, binding her firmly in place.

Lowering her head would only be a temporary escape, but now, she had nowhere to run.

Miura Koharu opened her mouth.

The sound that came out was so hoarse it barely resembled the familiar voice she’d known these past days.

“But…”

The girl gripped the hem of her clothes tightly, taking a deep breath, trying to suppress the emotions surging in her chest.

“But I lost.”

The motive that had driven her to run just moments ago, now transformed into regret and guilt, slipped out unconsciously.

The heavy feelings she’d buried deep in her heart turned into the most honest words at this moment.

“Kanzaki-kun, you said before… since we’re partners, we have a duty to help each other win…”

Miura Koharu bowed her head, her gaze falling on the dust-covered track, but in her mind was the image of Kanzaki Sou speaking to her.

“You trusted me so much, but I… I couldn’t do it.”

“I couldn’t catch up to her.”

“I couldn’t… bring you victory.”

With each word, Miura Koharu’s voice grew softer, until it became almost a barely audible murmur.

She thought she had prepared herself for the possibility of losing, that she wouldn’t feel any real regret if she actually did.

But when faced with Kanzaki Sou’s clear eyes, she realized she wasn’t as composed as she’d imagined.

She was unwilling.

She didn’t want to let Kondo Haruka win so easily, as if she had never even been considered a rival from the start.

That burning desire to win, awakened by Kanzaki Sou’s words, gave Miura Koharu a yearning she never thought she’d have.

It was precisely because of this unexpected shift in emotion that, faced with the reality of defeat, Miura Koharu felt even more uncomfortable.

The air seemed to freeze for a few seconds.

The surrounding noise faded away, and all Miura Koharu could hear was her own ragged breathing.

Then, those gentle words reached her.

“It’s all right, Miura-san.”

Kanzaki Sou’s voice came from above her, even softer than before, carrying a water-like warmth and acceptance.

Miura Koharu stared up in a daze.

Kanzaki Sou bent down slightly, his gaze meeting Miura Koharu’s, the familiar, peaceful smile on his lips.

“Doing your best with all your heart is already enough.”

He spoke softly, his tone filled with the clarity of someone who had seen through the world, yet still retained the sincerity of youth.

“The so-called ‘duty’ isn’t just about the result—it’s about your attitude during the process.”

“I know you didn’t give up at the last moment, because after crossing the finish line, I looked back.”

“You gave it your all to catch up… even I, who was ahead, could feel that spirit.”

Kanzaki Sou smiled, admiration flickering in his eyes.

“For me, seeing my partner fight so hard for our goal is already satisfying enough.”

“Because it tells me we both pushed forward together toward the same goal.”

Miura Koharu stared at him in a daze.

“But… losing is still losing…”

She murmured.

Her thoughts seemed trapped in the logic of victory and defeat.

“Yeah, losing is losing.”

Kanzaki Sou didn’t deny it.

He straightened up, his gaze drifting to the maroon-haired childhood friend chatting excitedly in the distance, his expression calm as a bottomless lake.

“After all, in any competition, there can only be one winner.”

His voice was soft, but it reached Miura Koharu’s ears clearly.

“Kondo-san… she’s really fast. In terms of ability, there are only a few girls in the whole school who could beat her in sports. So her winning is the natural outcome.”

Saying this, Kanzaki Sou looked back at Miura Koharu.

“But, Miura-san.”

He paused, as if to make his point sink in.

“Everyone has many competitions of their own in this world. The Borrowed Item Relay today has ended—but it only means the Borrowed Item Relay today has ended.”

“Each competition has only one winner, but not every competition has the same winner.”

Miura Koharu’s pupils widened.

That line was like a bolt of lightning, piercing the clouds in her heart and leaving her stunned.

Winner.

…Not every competition has the same winner?

Haha.

Seeing her dazed expression, Kanzaki Sou’s serious demeanor suddenly softened.

He couldn’t help but let out a light laugh.

His laughter was clear and bright, carrying a mischievousness unique to boys and instantly dispelling the heavy mood from before.

“What’s wrong? Did I say something confusing?”

He teased.

“What I mean is—”

Kanzaki Sou reached out, pointing at a Schedule Board on the wall, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

“If you really can’t accept it, isn’t there still the class group competition tomorrow?”

“Even though we’re not partners anymore, as opponents, you still have a chance to win, don’t you?”

“…Eh?”

Miura Koharu blinked, finally understanding what he meant.

“I’m joining the Borrowed Item Relay for the class group too, but I won’t go easy on you just because of today.”

Kanzaki Sou pretended to brace himself.

“When the time comes, if you, Miura-san, can represent Class (5) and beat me fair and square on the field—or someone else—”

“Then today’s regret will be completely made up for, won’t it?”

Those gentle words were like warm hands, smoothing out the wrinkles of frustration and grievance in Miura Koharu’s heart.

She looked at the boy before her—someone who, even after losing the match and facing such an awkward moment, could still comfort her so calmly and kindly.

A surge of indescribable emotion rose within her.

–This is Kanzaki Sou.

“Mm…”

She lowered her head, but couldn’t suppress the slight upward curve of her lips—a genuine, heartfelt smile.

“I understand… Thank you, Kanzaki-kun.”

Although she hadn’t signed up for the class group Borrowed Item Relay, nor did she have the ability to beat Kondo Haruka… Kanzaki Sou’s words were like a ray of light, illuminating her once gloomy mood.

–In his eyes, she wasn’t a burden dragging others down, but a true partner.

That alone was enough.