After fully enjoying playing in the water with Chiaki, I regained my energy and began running around the island at an even faster pace than before.

Since I had already secured enough points, my next role was to interfere with the third-years.

Nagumo has monopolized all but one slot in the task participation limits, planning to secure points by taking that last slot himself.

However, if I appear at the task location, they can’t keep that final slot open.

It’s the same as with the 100-meter dash task.

Koenji and Kiryūin are acting independently, but by showing up at task locations in the same way, they force the third-years to respond.

With the numerical advantage of an entire class, the main second-year group continues to accumulate points.

At J6, next to today’s second designated area J5, a beach flags task is being held.

First place earns 6 points, but there’s also an additional selectable reward, and all participants receive 500ml of water.

J6 is also a designated area for another table, so many students have gathered.

Fortunately, participation slots are still open, and even better, Nagumo’s group—the target of my interference—is participating.

Additionally, Chiaki and the others, whose designated area is J6, are also entering the beach flags.

Naturally, they’re aiming for victory, but even just participating earns water.

As for me, I’m aiming for first place too.

Partly to interfere with Nagumo, but also to show her something impressive.

“Second-year Class A, Ayanokōji Kiyotaka, participating.”

“Same, second-year Class A, Matsushita Chiaki, participating.”

Since only one person per group can enter this task, Chiaki will represent us.

Our participation is accepted, and a mixed group of students from all years joins the task.

I see Nagumo raise a hand and approach me.

“Entering with your girlfriend? You’ve got confidence, Ayanokōji.”

“You’re here with Asahina-senpai and the others too, aren’t you?”

“Huh? Did I introduce myself?”

“Nagumo-senpai is a senior worth respecting. I’ve memorized the faces of students likely to group with you through OAA.”

In truth, I’ve memorized every student’s OAA, but I give a plausible lie.

Asahina-senpai takes it at face value with a surprised “Ohh.”

She’s surprisingly straightforward for someone in Nagumo’s group.

“Asahina is an important classmate, not my girlfriend.”

“I see, my mistake. You’re participating too, Nagumo-senpai?”

“Yeah. I failed to monopolize this exam, but I happened to pass by.”

He doesn’t even try to hide it.

Well, we and the first-years are doing the same thing.

“You’re entering to stop me from scoring, right? Entertain me.”

“I don’t know if I can entertain you, but the additional reward is interesting. There’s snacks, preserved food, even meat.”

“Hah, you think you’ll take first? You say amusing things with that blank face.”

Nagumo glares sharply.

Apparently, he took that as provocation.

As I watch him head into the tent to change, Kiriyama, who is also participating, speaks to me.

“You’re joining beach flags too? This’ll be tough.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t hold back in front of my girlfriend.”

“Still cocky… but fine. Thanks to you, Kiryūin got motivated. And Nagumo has openings now.”

“Openings?”

“Yeah. He’s being pressured by you second-years. Since he’s focusing on that, his attention on us third-year Class B is weaker. Though… it’s strange he still looks relaxed despite that.”

After hearing that, I enter the tent with Kiriyama and change into swimwear.

Simple half-pants type swimwear is being rented.

At that moment, my mind reaches a logical conclusion.

If there are swimsuits for boys, there must be swimsuits for girls.

I change instantly and rush out, searching for Chiaki.

But she hasn’t come out yet.

Damn. I knew girls take longer to change. A mistake…

I wait under a parasol.

Kei and Mori are there, so I join them.

“Long time no see, Kei, Mori.”

“Hey, Ayanokōji-kun. Your abs are insane…”

I feel a dangerous gaze from Mori.

“You’re super athletic, huh? Though honestly, aren’t the guys staring more than the girls?”

Indeed, I can hear admiration from male students.

If this is their reaction to me, Koenji would cause chaos.

We cool off with the still-chilled water when—

“Are you already drinking the water?”

Chiaki stands there in a cute bikini.

A black frilled type—unexpected, but it suits her well.

“Cute, Chiaki. It suits you very well. It’s a shame it’s just a rental.”

“Ahaha, I’m happy you complimented me right away.”

“It’s important.”

No camera… another regret.

After this exam, maybe I should ask Sakura about cameras.

“Stop, it’s embarrassing. Let’s go do the task.”

“After that, want to play a bit? We’re at the beach after all.”

“Hey! We’re in the middle of an exam! Save that for after. And include me, Nene, Maya and Yosuke too, okay?”

Kei cuts in.

She’s right.

“Got it. Let’s aim for first.”

“Alright, we’re winning this!”

The beach flags begin.

Eight participants per gender, one-on-one tournament.

First opponent: Shiratori, a first-year from Class D with high academic ability.

But his physical ability is average.

Easy win.

The third-years Nagumo and Kiriyama also win their matches.

Reaction speed and getting up quickly are key.

Next opponent: Kiriyama.

All his OAA stats are B+ or higher.

No room for carelessness.

Bang

The starter pistol fires.

I push up instantly, turn, and run.

Despite the sand, I win easily.

“As expected, the leg strength that beat Horikita-senpai is still there.”

“You were impressive too.”

“If you’re going to flatter me, do it better.”

Flick

He flicks my forehead.

It hurts.

“You beat me, so it’s your job to stop Nagumo.”

“Of course.”

Kiriyama leaves.

Now, Nagumo.

His OAA is all A or higher.

More dangerous than Kiriyama.

Unlike Kiriyama, he’ll use dirty tricks.

So I must watch for collisions or sand attacks.

“Do your best, Kiyotaka-kun!”

Chiaki cheers.

The match begins.

My body reacts instantly.

I twist away from Nagumo to avoid sand.

Sand hits the back of my head—just as expected.

I reach the flag first.

Then spin and move forward.

Nagumo dives behind me and misses.

“…Nice guts, Nagumo-senpai.”

“…You’re good. I slipped at the end.”

He refuses to admit it.

Covered in sand, he stands up.

Now, I watch Chiaki.

She easily wins the second round.

“Chiaki, do your best.”

My voice gets drowned out, but she looks over and waves.

The start signal.

She reacts perfectly and wins.

“Nice job, Chiaki.”

“Thanks!”

A bright smile.

“First place as a couple… that’s kinda nice.”

Kei and Mori celebrate too.

Chiaki approaches after washing off sand.

“Well done.”

“Thanks!”

The girls high-five.

“Three of you, take my additional reward too. Let’s go with snacks.”

“Eh!? No, that’s too much!”

“Yeah, we can’t!”

“Don’t worry. I can always get more. You’ll lose stamina faster than me.”

They hesitate, but I force it on them.

“Thank you!”

“You’re too overprotective.”

“Think of it as easing my worries.”

“…Then we’ll repay you somehow.”

“Just help me if I come to you when I’m tired.”

“Of course. But honestly, you seem fine.”

Kei and Mori nod.

…No trust.

Or maybe too much trust.