The afternoon physical education class was held jointly for Class A and Class B.
The field was bustling with noise, students from both classes mingling together and chattering away.
Teacher Ibuki stood at the front, holding the Roll Call Book.
"Run five laps to warm up first."
A chorus of groans rose from below.
"Ah, running again."
"Five laps is so many!"
"Teacher, can't we do one less lap?"
Teacher Ibuki kept a stern face, unmoved.
"Enough nonsense. Line up."
The lines slowly formed.
Shin-chan stood quietly in the middle of the line.
Up ahead, among Class B's line, stood a familiar figure.
Light brown hair was tied into a high ponytail, and he wore a light pink tracksuit as he spoke with a student beside him, head lowered.
Yūnagi Asagi.
Shin-chan's gaze merely passed over him.
He said nothing.
He did nothing.
Behind him, Uchiha Toru's eyes widened slightly.
"Start running!"
At Teacher Ibuki's command, the lines began moving forward.
After taking only a couple of steps, Uchiha Toru glanced at him.
"Shin-chan."
"Yeah?"
"Are you... really okay today?"
"I'm fine."
Uchiha Toru fell silent for two seconds.
"Then why are you..."
He did not finish, but the meaning was obvious.
Shin-chan did not answer and kept running forward.
As they ran, Asagi-sensei ran past them from the side, leading Class B's line.
He nodded to Teacher Ibuki, then smiled at the students.
A small commotion broke out in Class A's line.
"Asagi-sensei smiled!"
"So pretty!"
"Look, look!"
Several boys excitedly whispered among themselves.
Shin-chan did not look up. He maintained his pace, eyes forward, his steps steady.
Uchiha Toru saw it all clearly. His mouth opened, then closed again. Then he silently sped up and ran to the front.
He needed some peace and quiet.
After the five