A Bet with Horikita

"There are 17 boys and 10 girls participating in the competition. Since there are fewer girls, we'll start with them."

The PE teacher glanced at the number of participants and made his decision.

In the first girls' group, Hachiman only knew Horikita.

Horikita's impression in class was that of an especially aloof honor student, but she seemed quite skilled at swimming as well, easily taking first place.

As she emerged from the water, her swimsuit clung tightly to her skin, making one's blood boil.

"I didn't expect the two of you to have such solid-looking muscles."

Horikita slowly walked over to Hachiman and Ayanokoji. Looking over their physiques, she unexpectedly offered them a compliment.

Ayanokoji gave the same old response, refusing to reveal his true abilities no matter what.

"Thanks for the compliment. Your figure is pretty nice too."

"Could you please stop saying such strange things?"

Horikita was as blunt as ever, completely unconcerned with other people's feelings.

"I was only telling the truth."

Hachiman remained unfazed as he answered calmly.

The second girls' group finished while the three were talking, and Onodera, who had joined the swimming club, took first place among the girls.

"What a shame."

"There's nothing to regret. I never intended to take first place anyway."

Horikita said proudly.

The boys' division was about to begin, and the first group included Sudo and Ayanokoji.

Upon hearing his name, Ayanokoji greeted them before heading toward the starting point.

"Good luck, Ayanokoji."

As Ayanokoji started walking, Hachiman cheered him on. Ayanokoji turned to look at him and noticed Hachiman's raised fist.

Thump, thump. My heart's beating so fast. Is this the legendary feeling of falling in love?

Ayanokoji thought wildly to himself. Then, somewhat hesitantly, he raised his right hand and lightly bumped Hachiman's fist, experiencing the thing called friendship that he had longed for.

Horikita took in their interaction and sarcastically remarked, "I never thought you'd say something like that."

"It's nothing special. I was just cheering him on. I was quietly cheering for you too when you competed, Horikita."

"Please, spare me." Horikita rubbed her forehead helplessly before continuing. "Now that I think about it, you really are like that guy. You both look completely unmotivated.

And that guy has always wanted a friend. Why don't you two just stick together?"

There was a trace of teasing in Horikita's tone.

Watching the competition in the pool, Hachiman replied, "No, I'm clearly very motivated."

"It doesn't look that way at all."

"It's because nothing interesting is happening. If you made a bet with me, Horikita, maybe I'd get motivated enough to take first place in the boys' division."

Horikita raised an eyebrow, looking interested.

"Sure. What do you want to bet on?"

She was genuinely curious how this guy, who was only somewhat good-looking, planned to take first place.

"Hmm... if I win, Horikita, go on a date with me."

After thinking it over, Hachiman stated his condition.

"Can you pick something else?" Horikita answered without hesitation.

Hachiman shook his head. "No. That's the only condition that can interest me.

Or is it that you don't have confidence you can win, Horikita?"

That slight provocation, as expected, stirred Horikita's competitive spirit.

"Since you put it that way, I'll accept." Horikita said calmly, "I haven't decided what I'll make you do yet. If you lose, you can wait until I decide before carrying out the punishment for the bet."

"That's completely unfair."

A punishment with no stated terms meant that if Hachiman lost, he would have to carry out whatever punishment Horikita proposed later. Otherwise, he would earn the reputation of someone who went back on his word.

"Are you afraid of losing to me?"

Horikita fired back.

"It doesn't matter. Since you said that, I guess I have no choice but to fight with everything I've got for first place."

The second group was about to begin, and Hachiman was among its members.

"Hirata! Hirata!"

"Hachiman! Hachiman!"

By the poolside, the girls shouted with all their might, cheering for the two most hotly debated handsome guys in class.

"I couldn't tell you were so popular."

Horikita stared blankly at the frenzied girls, unable to understand what there was to like about this guy.

"Well, I am pretty handsome."

Hachiman smiled faintly, waved, and walked to the edge of the pool to prepare for the race.

Before the start, Hirata smiled and greeted Hachiman.

"Hachiman, please go easy on me."

The class's ever-reliable nice guy made it difficult for anyone to dislike him, no matter what. He was the kind of person both boys and girls liked.

Breaking from his usual manner, Hachiman said, "Sorry, I made a bet with someone. The condition is too tempting for me to refuse, so I won't be holding back."

Most people would probably have gotten angry upon hearing that.

But Hirata showed no displeasure at all. Instead, his smile became even brighter.

"All right, then let's give it everything we've got and have a great race!"

That was exactly why people envied someone like you!

Handsome and kind too—Hachiman knew his personality was nowhere near Hirata's.

The race began quickly. With his exceptional physical talent, Hachiman took first place in his group without any suspense.

The cheers of the girls rooting for Hirata abruptly stopped, and they lowered their heads unwillingly. Meanwhile, the girls supporting Hachiman looked as if bubbles were about to float from their eyes.

"What an excellent race!"

Hirata, who had taken second place, held out his hand and pulled Hachiman up to the poolside.

"Yeah, you swam well too."

"I really didn't expect it. You actually managed to take first place."

Horikita glanced at Hachiman in surprise, while he merely smiled calmly.

"But it's not over yet. Our bet was for first place in the boys' division."

Hachiman did not argue. His gaze settled on the eye-catching man by the poolside.

Koenji Rokusuke, a man who radiated danger from every inch of his body.

The finalist list came out quickly. Koenji qualified in first place, while Hachiman was second.

"It looks like it'll be hard for you to win." Though Horikita disliked Koenji, she felt unexpectedly relieved at this moment.

Hachiman said calmly, "It's fine. I'll win."

The final was about to begin. The strongest five boys started their final contest.

Hachiman brought out his full strength and narrowly defeated Koenji, successfully claiming first place in the boys' swimming competition.

"Damn it!!"

Sudo slapped the water with both hands in frustration, sending up a spray.

"Oh my, I lost by accident. You really are an interesting man, Hachiman."

Koenji unexpectedly became interested in Hachiman.