That Year I Was Eighteen, Standing Like a Minion

"Miyabi, it seems the spotlight has been stolen from you by both your senior and your junior."

Asahina, the childhood friend of Nagumo Miyabi, remarked.

"Don't say unnecessary things!"

In a remote corner where no one paid any attention, Nagumo Miyabi stood silently, like a lonely soul forgotten by the world. His figure appeared somewhat desolate and solitary, forming a sharp contrast with the lively and boisterous scene surrounding him.

The cheers and applause from the arena rose and fell, but these sounds seemed unable to penetrate the invisible barrier to reach Nagumo Miyabi's ears.

Even the announcer merely called out in a flat, unremarkable tone during the race: "Third place, Class A of the second year, Nagumo Miyabi."

At this moment, his gaze involuntarily drifted toward Chang Shui Jing, who was shining brightly under the spotlight.

Chang Shui Jing was basking in the surging tide of applause and praise from the entire audience, his face beaming with a confident and radiant smile, much like a dazzling star.

Nagumo Miyabi stared quietly at Chang Shui Jing, a complex emotion welling up in his heart.

Having always been the center of attention, he found himself overshadowed by others today. A phrase couldn't help but surface in his mind: "That year I was eighteen, I stood like a mere extra..."

"All events have concluded. Let us look at the big screen."

The final group scores were: Red Team 9851 points, White Team 9533 points.

[Red Team Victory]

Next, the scores for each class across the grade began to scroll, representing the sum of individual competitions and team battles.

There were twelve classes in total across the grade; Class D was not concerned with the overall ranking, but primarily worried about whether they would finish at the bottom of the first year.

This was because the bottom-ranked class would have an additional 100 class points deducted.

First place: Class D of the first year +50

Second place: Class B of the first year +0

Third place: Class C of the first year -50

Fourth place: Class A of the first year -100

The failure to pass the relay race qualifiers resulted in Class C's third-place finish, and the triple-point penalty widened the gap between the four classes that had been neck-and-neck.

[Final Results]

Class A: 890, Red Team

Class B: 825, White Team

Class C: 440, White Team

Class D: 257, Red Team

"Tch, the school is really stingy this Sports Festival. The individual points awarded aren't even enough to cover the cost of a substitute, and even with Class D taking first, the score is still so pathetic."

"Sigh, what a lousy school administration! We worked so hard for this Sports Festival."

"Kagami, did you hear my cheering? I... I shouted with all my might, you know?"

Ike felt a jolt in his heart; his goddess Kushida was using such an intimate nickname for Chang Shui, causing his internal defenses to collapse completely.

"Wuu wuu wuu~"

The broadcast announced, "The most outstanding student of the first year for this Sports Festival is..."

"Chang Shui Jing of Class D, first year."

"As expected of Chang Shui, known as the Bloodthirsty Tiger!"

"Chang Shui is invincible now!"

"With Chang Shui, we'll be able to promote to Class A in no time."

"The most outstanding student of the entire grade for this Sports Festival is..."

"Horikita Manabu of Class A, third year."

"Truly worthy of the Student Council President."

"Long live the President!"

"Long live our senior!"

"Nii-san..."

Horikita Suzune watched her brother from afar, longing to step forward and offer her congratulations, but her heart was too timid to approach.

"A brother-complex, huh..."

Ayanokoji muttered to himself.

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"Ayanokoji, you weren't bad yourself. I didn't expect you to be able to run that fast."

Sudo wrapped his arm around Ayanokoji's neck, and The Three Idiots also crowded around to join in the commotion.

"Ayanokoji, you're seriously amazing! Can you teach me how to run that fast?"

Ike said with stars in his eyes, full of admiration.

"It was probably just a sudden burst of adrenaline."

"Don't be so modest. I'm going to count on you as a key asset for the next Sports Festival."

After Hirata finished speaking, the entire field was filled with a cheerful atmosphere.

"A Class D like this might actually be able to fulfill my wish."

Chabashira Sae was once a member of Class D at this school, but due to her own personal reasons, the class failed to promote to Class A, leaving a permanent regret in her heart.

"Little Sae, you're really lucky. But I know that Honami and Kagami have always had a good relationship. If Kagami ends up liking Class B more, that wouldn't be your fault, would it?"

"There's no need for such superfluous words. I'm going to prepare for the cleanup."

Chabashira did not bicker with Hoshinomiya, choosing instead to head to the side for some peace and quiet.

"Class D looks just like it did back then, yet it was destroyed by my own hands. It's truly frustrating. I hope this generation can achieve their goal; it would be a way to make up for my past mistakes."

Chabashira Sae walked to a corner, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She thought to herself, taking a deep breath to calm her mood.

Hoshinomiya watched Chabashira's retreating figure, her heart full of resentment. As a student from the same year, she knew full well the regret that had haunted Chabashira for years.

Hoshinomiya sighed softly and turned to walk toward the group of cheering students.

In the crowd, she seemed to see her own young, spirited, and ambitious self. The corners of her mouth lifted involuntarily, and she decided to immerse herself in the joyful atmosphere, temporarily forgetting those complex emotional entanglements.

"Everyone in Class B, how should I reward you all this time?"

"Hoshinomiya-sensei, are we going to karaoke again?"

"I think a barbecue would be nice."

"Objection, I think a movie would be more worth it."

The students' opinions came one after another.

At the rest area, going from heaven to hell, Ryuen was in a foul mood. As a loser, he could only silently retreat from the front lines and return to the classroom to cool off.

"Tch, I was careless."

"Just wait, Class D. Next time, I will definitely crush you completely."

Far away in Building 1, a white-haired little girl sipped coffee while elegantly watching the screen.

Looking at the results of the live broadcast, she couldn't help but sigh.

"Although the group won, looking at the performance, Class A was a total failure this time."

The school seemed to have chosen students for Class A with only average athletic abilities, putting them at a significant disadvantage during outdoor special exams. She had to admit that they were a complete drag during this Sports Festival.

"Mashima, another cup of coffee."

"Understood, Milady."

Kamuro Mashima had now been completely tamed into Sakayanagi's servant, her movements in serving becoming increasingly proficient.

"I have an appointment to meet someone next. Help me over to Building 3."

"Understood, Milady."

"I really can't seem to get used to instant coffee."

"Mashima, why don't you go to the Shopping Street and get a part-time job at a coffee shop to learn the craft?"

"Eh! Spare me, Milady."

Kamuro Mashima lowered her head powerlessly, losing all her strength and spirit.

"Just kidding, just kidding!"

Sakayanagi teased Mashima from time to time; it was part of her mischievous nature.

"Class D is getting more and more interesting. First Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, then Chang Shui Jing. Don't let me lose interest."

"I will bury you all, one by one."

Sakayanagi Maki issued her declaration of war!