The Reward for Victory. / Suzune Horikita Is Targeted.

Upon hearing this, Shibata gasped. After several months of living in this closed school, many famous delicacies had become the common pursuit of everyone, and Milk Custard Bun were one of them.

It's sold at a certain window in Cafeteria No. 1. Because it's so popular, it takes no more than five minutes from when it's served at 6:30 to when it's sold out. In other words, if you go after 6:35, you definitely won't be able to buy it.

Although it was difficult, Shibata didn't think he was bound to lose. After thinking for a moment, he said loudly, "If I win, I want to eat this Milk Custard Bun, and it has to be hot. Do you dare to accept that?"

"What is there to be afraid of?"

"Alright, the bets are settled. I, Kanzaki Ryuji, will act as the referee for this match and see who emerges victorious."

We'll see.

The fierce competition between the men was about to begin. Hashiba Hikaru saw the fighting spirit in Shibata's eyes, and he would also do his best. The other boys in Class A had also heard about the bet, and everyone was looking forward to the outcome of the match.

[The first-grade boys' obstacle course race is about to begin. First group students, please proceed to the starting line and get ready. To reiterate, first group students, please proceed to the starting line!!!]

"Here we go."

As the competition began, Hashiba Hikaru and Shibata stood outside the tent, one on the left and one on the right, watching the competitors on the track. When the girls from Class A returned after finishing their Tug of War, they all saw this scene.

"Hey, what's going on? Why are Classmate Hashiba and Shibata- san so far apart?"

"Yes, did they have a fight?"

Ichinose Honami was a little curious. She looked at her boyfriend, but after noticing his expressionless face, she didn't go up to ask him for the reason.

"Does Kanzaki know the reason?"

Ando noticed Kanzaki Ryuji's expression and quickly asked.

"Of course, Classmate Hashiba and Shibata -san plan to compete against each other in the upcoming obstacle course race and have already placed bets. They're both keeping their fighting spirit up as they watch the race."

"Ah?"

"A decisive battle?"

Are there any more bets?

The girls in Class A were all somewhat surprised and started discussing it amongst themselves.

Did they have a fight?

"That won't do. I'm going to be their mediator."

"Of course not, they've always had a good relationship, they just want to determine a winner through this competition."

Kanzaki Ryuji shook his head and slowly explained, "Just think of it as a boy's competitive spirit."

Hearing this, Ichinose Honami finally relaxed completely. At this moment, Ando asked curiously, "What's the bet?"

"The stakes are..."

Kanzaki Ryuji's expression hardened, as if he were reciting a five-word mantra, each word a gem. "Milk Custard Bun!"

"?"

274

Chapter 274 The Rewards After Victory

After learning about the bet between Hashiba Hikaru and Shibata, the girls' expressions were a little strange, but they were relieved to know that they hadn't had a fight.

"Boys are such a childish bunch! Why would they use bread as a wager?"

Ando Sayo said she couldn't understand it at all.

"Maybe it's just a joke. I think it's fine this way. There's no important stake, so it's okay if I lose."

Ichinose Honami gazed tenderly at Hashiba Hikaru's profile.

"... Sigh, I guess in Ichinose's eyes, whatever Classmate Hashiba does is right."

"No way! Don't talk nonsense."

"Hehe."

The matches continued one after another. Hashiba Hikaru Shibata, who were watching the games intently, were both observing the boys on the field. Since this was a tough battle, they couldn't afford to make any mistakes in order to achieve better results!

[Students in Group 5 of the First-Year Boys' Group's obstacle course race, please proceed to the starting line and get ready. I repeat, students in Group 5, please proceed to the starting line and get ready.]

It's here!

Hashiba Hikaru changed. She turned and exchanged a glance with Shibata before the two strode towards the starting line. Although the stakes were Milk Custard Bun, everything would be completely different once they were on the track.

Victory is a must; it's a matter of male dignity.

"Hashiba, let me show you the results of my special training."

Shibata touched his wrist, then took off the two wristbands on his arm and put them in his pocket.

Are you imitating Dragon Ball?

Hashiba Hikaru asked the question with a blank expression.

"..."

"Anyway, don't worry about it, I'm going to win."

After Shibata's little secret was exposed, he spoke loudly.

"Is that so? Then let's see who's the better fighter!"

The two of them got ready at the starting line, staring intently at the track ahead, their eyes gleaming with a sharp light.

"Beep!"

After the starting gun fired, Hashiba Hikaru and Shibata made a perfect start almost simultaneously, quickly rushing towards the first obstacle—the balance beam.

Shibata was shorter than Hashiba Hikaru. When he rushed over, he stepped onto the back of the balance beam first, while Hashiba Hikaru was a few seconds behind.

At this moment, all the students from Class A who remained in the tent were naturally watching the match intently. After learning that the two had made a bet, everyone became very interested.

"Shibata- kun is in the Lead now."

"However, Classmate Hashiba is also quick, not falling too far behind, only a few steps behind."

"Classmate Hashiba!"

"Hey, that's favoritism, Himeno- chan."

"So what? Am I being biased?"

On the field, Hashiba Hikaru and Shibata once again walked off the balance beam in sync, but because Shibata had gained a slight advantage, the boy was slightly behind him by half a body length.

The two continued to accelerate towards the second obstacle, the rope net laid on the ground. At this point, Hashiba Hikaru realized that most of the people in her group were lagging behind, so the first place in this group would likely be either her or Shibata.

As he entered the grid, Hashiba Hikaru accelerated. He didn't use [Potential Burst], but instead continued to rely on his physical abilities honed through long-term training to move faster. Shibata was also keeping close behind.

After bursting off the rope together, the two rushed almost side by side toward the last obstacle ahead, the Monk Sack. Hashiba Hikaru was quite confident about this step, having undergone intensive training.

"I must beat you!"

"Heh heh, let's see how fast you can go!"

After putting on the bags together, Hashiba Hikaru and Shibata started hopping forward. This tested their balance and leg strength. After the initial treatment with the [Exercise Booster], the boy's body had already been sculpted from the inside out. Although his stamina wasn't increasing very quickly, his other physical attributes had improved considerably.

"Snap!"

A sound of something hitting the ground came from behind. Hashiba Hikaru guessed that someone had lost their balance and fallen, which would seriously affect the time, because once someone fell, they would have to return to the Monk Sack and start again.

"Only the last bit of distance remains."

Hashiba Hikaru and Shibata raced side-by-side toward the finish line, their competition gripping the hearts of everyone in Class A inside the tent, each wanting to know who would emerge victorious.

"Whoosh!"

In the final stretch, Hashiba Hikaru finally seized the initiative, taking off her bag faster than Shibata and sprinting towards the finish line.

"I will not give up!"

"Hashiba!!"

"I'm sure to win!!!"

The two crossed the finish line right next to each other at that moment, but just as they were catching their breath, the camera had already recorded their time. The final result was that Hashiba Hikaru was half a second faster than Shibata.

"Phew, it seems... I won after all."

Hashiba Hikaru, supporting his legs, felt incredibly satisfied with the exhilarating match. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and smiled as he extended his hand to Shibata.

"Milk Custard Bun, please."

"Oh dear, we lost again."

Shibata also wore a bright smile, and he slapped Hashiba Hikaru's hand hard. "I'll go buy it for you."

"Haha, that was a great match."

"Really."

When the two returned to Class A's tent, everyone immediately came to greet them, each with a happy expression on their face.

"Another victory! Well done, Classmate Hashiba and Shibata- kun!"

"Yes, the first place score is very high."

"And I've heard that this match has a special meaning,"

Ando smiled at Shibata, "You have to accept the consequences of your bet."

"... How did you all know?"

"You'd have to ask Kanzaki about that; he revealed all about your bets."

"You bastard!!!"

Just as everyone was making a ruckus, Ichinose Honami walked up to Hashiba Hikaru with a gentle smile on her face.

"Thank you for your hard work, Guang."

"Yes, I'm really happy to have won first place."

"I'll give you a reward for Light's victory."

The girl said softly.

"What reward?"

"Come closer to me..."

"Um?"

Hashiba Hikaru bent down, and at that moment, Ichinose Honami found a gap in the crowd where everyone was playing around with Shibata and Kanzaki, and quickly moved closer to the boy's face.

"Hmm..."

A few seconds later, their bodies quietly separated.

"This is your reward."

The girl touched her lips, her eyes filled with affection.

"Hehe,"

Feeling the lingering warmth on her lips, Hashiba Hikaru teased, "Is this my reward? It's clearly..."

"Don't say it."

The pink-haired girl playfully punched his chest and said coquettishly, "This is your reward!"

"Okay, okay."

275

Chapter 275 Horikita Suzune, the Target

After the First-Year Boys' Group's obstacle course race was over, it was the girls' turn. Because this competition was more important, the girls in Class A were all eager to try and win a better ranking for their class.

"Remember to be careful, and don't get hurt."

Hashiba Hikaru stood in front of the girls and said, "No matter what, safety comes first."

"Understood, Classmate Hashiba, we'll do our best."

The girls in the class all enjoy chatting with Hashiba Hikaru. Opportunities like this are rare, and the Sports Festival is a special occasion where they can have easy conversations with him.