Page 3 ■ Classmate is a Yamato Nadeshiko Track and Field Girl

“Um, Assistant-sama. How might your mood be today, may I ask?”

Inside the Photography Club room. A long brown table, pipe chairs, and a bookshelf with only a few photography magazines – sparsely furnished. From the front window, a clear view of the sparkling sea.

Towards Yuki, who was sitting on a pipe chair reading a book, Ayato inquired with wringing hands. Several days had passed since he photographed Seika’s breasts. He had been constantly attentive to his junior, who had been in a bad mood for some reason, and Ayato, who was about to cry out, “Please forgive me alreaaady!”, was reaching his limit.

“……”

With utmost humility. Yuki glanced at Ayato, who was addressing her with such a deferential manner, then silently returned her gaze to her book.

“Please, I beg you, grant me forgiveness alreaaady!”

His precious junior who had joined the Photography Club and become his assistant. Moreover, being given such a cold reception by such a cute girl, Ayato’s heart would easily break. Yuki took her eyes off the book and faced Ayato.

“No, I’m sorry. Actually, I wasn’t angry from the beginning.”

“Eh, is that so?!”

Finally, she spoke to him! Ayato felt like he had found salvation.

“I just, simply, didn’t want to see Senior’s face.”

“That is being angry! And it sounds like you hate me!”

Just when he thought that, Ayato, having been plunged into hell, was teary-eyed.

“Please give me just a little more time.”

“Eh, how much longer?”

“……Until Senior graduates from the academy.”

“Isn't that practically a declaration of severance!”

Despairing, Ayato dropped to the floor on both hands and knees, slumping down.

He’d messed up. He didn’t know what he’d done wrong, but he’d definitely messed up.

He just didn’t understand the feelings of high school girls these days… Ayato lamented tearfully.

“……Just kidding, Senior.”

Closing her book, Yuki said that to Ayato while still sitting on the pipe chair.

“Really?!”

“Yes, really.”

“So, you’re not going to quit the Photography Club or anything like that…?”

“I won’t. I’ll properly help with boob photos too.”

“Assistant-sama―――――――――!”

Ayato clasped his hands together, knelt, and offered his thanks. Pathetic as it was, for a male high school student like Ayato, every action of his cute high school girl junior was everything.

Yuki, pivoting on the pipe chair to face Ayato, asked him.

“So, Senior. What are you going to do now?”

He had managed to take the boob photos he had longed for, but what would he do next?

To Yuki’s question, Ayato, having regained his energy, stood up and declared.

“It’s decided! My goal is to take the ultimate boob photo that moves people’s hearts!”

Flames burned in his eyes, and his soul cried out in passionate intensity.

“Next up, I’m going to have the ace of Seifu Academy’s track and field club! Kazami Nanae’s breasts photographed!”

––A tranquil atmosphere filled the air.

There, was the tea room of Seifu Academy's Tea Ceremony Club. Girls dressed in colorful kimonos adorned the tea room like flowers—among them, one girl particularly caught the eye.

Kazami Nanae.

Born as the second daughter of the head family of a tea ceremony school, she had learned etiquette and manners from a young age.

Glossy black hair cascading over her emerald green kimono, coolly beautiful eyes, and a dignified presence. Standing tall and straight at nearly 170 centimeters, making tea in the tranquil tea room, her figure embodied the Japanese spirit of harmony.

The girls waiting for the tea she brewed, in awe of the girl embodying the beauty of a Yamato Nadeshiko herself, were upholding etiquette and hiding their inner excitement, unable to take their eyes off Nanae.

Also, Nanae was a member of the track and field club. She was a super athlete girl who achieved excellent results in the National Sports Festival every year, and the ace that Seifu Academy’s track and field club was proud of.

Many female students admired such a girl, and the girls in this tea room were no exception.

Due to it being a powerhouse in track and field. Also, because dual membership with the Tea Ceremony Club was permitted, Nanae had entered Seifu Academy from high school as a specially admitted student on sports recommendation.

“An excellent brew, indeed.”

The girls who had been served the tea brewed by Nanae bowed their heads in accordance with etiquette and manners.

The Tea Ceremony Club had about twenty members. Since there were multiple tea rooms, they were holding tea parties dispersed among them.

In this tea room were Nanae, a second year, and five first-year girls who sincerely admired her.

The eyes of the girls directed at Nanae were wet with a sparkle of envy and adoration.

While the girls felt unsurpassed happiness, quiet time passed.

“Nanae-senpai. Good work.”

“Yeah, good work.”

Immediately after finishing brewing tea, the junior girls spoke to Nanae.

While looking up at Nanae, who was taller than themselves, their eyes sparkling like stars, the junior girls praised Nanae in unison.

“Nanae-senpai’s tea was so delicious!”

“Your figure when you were brewing it was also wonderful!”

“……Ahaha, thank you.”

To Nanae, who thanked them with a slightly embarrassed look, the junior girls became even more boisterous. Junior girls who were watching their interactions from a little distance also whispered to each other.

“Her family is the head family of tea ceremony,”

“She’s the ace that Seifu Academy’s track and field club is proud of,”

“On top of that, she’s kind, cool… and beautiful.”

“““Haaa, Kazami-senpai.”””

They rested their hands on their cheeks and wore dazed expressions. The reason why the situation was only Nanae and first-year girls was also because there were many first-year members who admired Nanae.

Nanae was basically dedicated to the track and field club, so if they were blessed with an opportunity like this where Nanae brewed tea at the Tea Ceremony Club, a qualification scramble among the first-years to participate in the tea party would immediately take place under the surface.

Nanae, unaware that such things were happening, was being kind to the junior girls again today.

“Um, Nanae-senpai.”

Just then. Quietly opening the sliding door of the tea room, a female club member called out to Nanae.

“Kanzaki-senpai has arrived.”

“Eh, Ayato?!”

Ayato and Nanae had been acquaintances since middle school. They were in the same class now too, and were close enough to talk together during breaks. However, Nanae, who hadn't heard anything about this, was slightly surprised at his sudden visit.

Urged by the Tea Ceremony Club member, Ayato entered the tea room.

“Nanae.”

“Yo, Aya…to?”

Nanae greeted him cheerfully as usual, but stopped mid-sentence, looking at Ayato’s eyes, which were more intense than usual. Beside Ayato, Yuki was present.

“Nanae, I have a favor to ask.”

His voice was filled with strength. Involuntarily, her body stiffened. Nanae, not knowing why he was giving her such a passionate gaze, nervously grasped the sleeve of her kimono as if being chased.

Sensing the atmosphere, the first-year members of the Tea Ceremony Club could only hold their breath and watch the situation unfold.

Ayato stared straight at Nanae, extended his hand towards Nanae, and shouted.

“Please, let me photograph your breasts!”

––. The moment she was told that, Nanae gasped.

More than the content of his words, her heart was directly struck by the passion Ayato had thrown at her head-on.

She felt a sensation like being struck by lightning, and for some reason, her body temperature slightly rose and her body stiffened.

Nanae, bewildered by her own changes while not understanding what was happening––instead of her, the first-year members of the Tea Ceremony Club, who had been frozen until then, let out shouts!

“……B-Boooooobs?!”

“Did you hit your head on a corner of tofu, Kanzaki-senpai?!”

“Unforgivable! The water’s still hot in the brazier, right?! Pour it on this pervert!”

“Roger!”

As expected, the first-year Tea Ceremony Club members became agitated and began to move to subdue Ayato.

They were acquainted with Ayato through Nanae, but if a scoundrel who said such idiotic things as wanting to photograph their adored senpai's breasts appeared, they couldn't remain silent!

“Please run, Nanae-senpai! I will definitely protect Nanae-senpai! In return for that, please go on a date with me next Sunday!”

“To think Kanzaki-senpai was aiming for Nanae-senpai’s nudes! What are you saying, taking advantage of the confusion! By the way, Nanae-senpai, I’m free next Sunday too!”

“––! Wait a minute! What I want to photograph isn’t nudes! It’s boob photos!”

Crap. He hadn’t expected it to become this noisy! Moreover, Ayato frantically tried to explain (?), to the Tea Ceremony Club girls who were making ridiculous misunderstandings (?).

“Isn’t it the same thing?!”

“Taking off Nanae-senpai’s kimono against her will, and even snapping photos of her sacred skin…”

“Perverrrrrrt!”

“Who would do such a thing! Please listen to me!”

“Don’t lie!”

“Are you saying you have absolutely no desire to photograph Nanae-senpai’s nudes?!”

“Of course, I certainly, Nanae’s nudes are…”

For a moment, Nanae’s artistic nudes were born in his imagination, and—

“……I totally want to photograph them!”

His true feelings unintentionally leaked out.

“Kya――――!”

“See, you still have the intention of nudes of Nanae-senpai as your goal!”

“I absolutely won’t forgive such an envi… uhh, such a nuisance, everrrrr!”

“Quick! Call Kitahara-sensei from student guidance!”

“! N-No, please, just spare me that gorilla, pleaaaaaase!”

The Tea Ceremony Club girls were unanimously and vehemently attacking Ayato, who had unintentionally let his honest feelings slip out.

He just wanted them to spare him that gorilla teacher! He was scarier than the police!

“Senior, why don’t you ever learn…”

Even Yuki, for all her stoicism, couldn’t help but be exasperated at Ayato’s utter imprudence.

“Assistant! At this rate, it’s bad! Help me!”

“Well… sorry, it’s impossible.”

“Try a little harder?!”

At this rate, it was the gorilla teacher’s torture course.

Ayato retorted at Yuki, who gave up so readily, but it was completely his own fault. There was nothing he could do anymore.

––At that moment, Nanae’s voice resonated through the tea room, which had become a crucible of uproar.

“Ayato, why do you want to photograph my breasts?”

Nanae’s one sentence had enough power to quell the commotion in the tea room. Her cheeks faintly flushed, Nanae was looking straight at Ayato, putting strength into her eyes, which she wanted to avert.

“……It’s decided. Because Nanae, and Nanae’s breasts, are beautiful!”

Nanae’s eyes widened. Then, the memories of that day were awakened.

“You said you had a photo you wanted to take in middle school, could it be, is this it?”

“Yeah, that’s right!”

“That is… something Ayato wants to do with all your might?”

“Yeah! To take the ultimate boob photo! That’s my dream!”

“……I see.”

Nanae lowered her face. The Tea Ceremony Club girls were holding their breath and watching how things would play out.

“Ayato. In that case, there’s just one condition.”

Eventually, Nanae, raising her face… shouted.

“If you want to photograph my breasts, show me your full power!”

On Nanae’s face, was a refreshing smile. The tea room was enveloped in even more surprise at those words and expression, but only Ayato squarely accepted Nanae’s feelings.

“––Ah, I understand. I’ll show you my full power!”

And so, following Seika, Ayato ended up competing with Nanae for breasts.

“No, that’s strange, isn’t it?!”

“Kazami-senpai! Please wake up–!”

However, the first-years who adored Nanae were not about to agree.

It took quite a while to appease them.

“Senior.”

“Yeah, Assistant. Watch me, my full power!”

The location changed, to the academy’s athletic field.

Having explained the situation to the track and field club, Ayato was going to compete with Nanae. In addition to the Tea Ceremony Club members who had rushed over in their kimonos, female track and field club members had also gathered as spectators.

The content of the contest was a full-power dash on the schoolyard.

No goal. A simple contest of the two running around the ground continuously.

And, the criterion for victory or defeat was "Ayato's full power."

There was no way Ayato, a culture club member, could win against Nanae, who trained in the track and field club every day. So, the rule was that victory or defeat would be decided by how much full power Ayato showed, and whether Nanae acknowledged it.

Due to the simple content, it was a contest where Ayato’s guts would decisively matter.

Naturally, a run where he conserved strength wouldn't gain Nanae’s agreement. A full-power dash from the start, disregarding stamina calculation. Nanae was hoping to see him continue to run with guts even after exceeding his limits.

In other words, Nanae was saying this:

"Show me your full power, exceeding your limits."

If he were to give up after one or two laps, it wouldn't even be a conversation.

Because he had taken photos in various environments, Ayato’s athletic ability wasn’t too bad.

However, anyone would quickly get out of breath and reach their limit if they dashed at full power, ignoring pace management.

––When he surpassed that limit, Ayato would be able to photograph Nanae’s breasts.

“Nanae-senpai, good luck!”

“Please definitely don’t lose!”

“We’re cheering for you!”

Nanae, having changed from her tea ceremony kimono into her track and field club uniform, manifested a different kind of beauty from when she was in the tea room.

Her hair, which was loose when she was brewing tea, was tied up in a ponytail, and she unabashedly displayed her body that had been trained in track and field.

Her chest, which had been constrained by her kimono, was liberated, and her breasts, boasting a G cup, pushed up the chest of her uniform as if to say “look at me!”, showing a healthy presence.

The ace that Seifu Academy’s track and field club was proud of—a figure showing off that dignity was there.

“Nanae-senpaaaai!”

“We love youuuu!”

The Tea Ceremony Club and Track and Field Club female members were in a huge uproar at that dignified figure.

Incidentally, the spectators were almost all women, and naturally, everyone was on Nanae’s side.

“Kanzaki-senpai, you’ve fallen in our estimation from the bottom of our hearts!”

“Or rather, please fall flat on your face!”

“Kanzaki-senpaaai, please drink the tea I brewed next time~♪”

“That’s definitely poisoned, isn't it!”

And then, a barrage of complaints from the Tea Ceremony Club and Track and Field Club female members, who had been quite friendly with him until now.

Even so, they were somewhat close through Nanae, so Ayato tried asking them, just in case.

“Is there anyone here who’s cheering for me~?”

Silence. No one. He shouldn’t have asked. For Ayato, it was completely hostile territory.

He hadn't expected the total cold-shoulder from the girls to hit his heart this hard…

Incidentally, the reason Nanae was running together with him was due to her chivalry, “If Ayato is going to challenge me with all his power, I too will show my full power.”

“Um, Senior. Are you really going to do this contest?”

Yuki, in her uniform, asked Ayato with worry.

“Yeah, of course.”

Ayato had changed into gym clothes, and was enthusiastically doing warm-up exercises.

“Isn’t it reckless? Nanae-senpai is at the national level, you know?”

“No, we’re not competing on time. What Nanae is seeking is my full power. In that case, all I have to do is show her that.”

Yuki thought that even if it was a photo contest, it would be one thing, but in a sports contest against a national-level athlete, there was no chance of winning.

Besides, if they made such a big deal about a boob contest, it was clear that rumors would spread throughout the academy.

Including the Tea Ceremony Club members and Track and Field Club members, there were many spectators here. Already, the gazes of the female students who had recognized Ayato as a pervert were cold. Yuki was very concerned about that.

“Besides, Assistant. Nanae responded to my unreasonable request with all her power. So, no matter the result, I have to respond with all my power too. That’s also courtesy towards Nanae.”

“……Senior. You seem to be saying something sensible, but since the goal is boobs, it doesn’t sound cool at all.”

“You’re absolutely right!”

With Yuki’s retort, Ayato reaffirmed what he was about to do now.

“Also, Assistant. Sorry to trouble you, but please hold onto this camera.”

“Ah, yes. I don’t mind, but.”

Ayato took off the camera that he had been wearing around his neck, and handed it to Yuki as if giving her a treasure.

The reason was shown before Yuki, who had been wondering if he should have just left the camera behind when he changed into gym clothes?

“……Guh.”

“Senior?”

The moment he handed the camera to Yuki, Ayato dropped to one knee on the ground, as if he had lost strength.

“Are you alright?”

When Yuki asked him worriedly, Ayato answered with difficulty.

“I said it with Seika too… but, I weaken when I let go of my camera.”

“Do we really need that setting?”

“Don’t call it a setting!”

“Wasn’t it a joke?”

“I’m serious!”

His camera had already become a part of Ayato’s body, and if he let go of it, he really did weaken both mentally and physically. Ayato desperately pleaded the truth of that fact, which was hard to get people to believe.

“Eii.”

“Guoh.”

When Yuki poked Ayato lightly, he easily fell to the ground.

“Eii, eii, eii.”

“Uoh, guha, kahh.”

Ayato writhed in agony each time she poked him. Yuki was starting to find it kind of fun.

“What’s that?”

“Some kind of pervert play in public?”

“……Creepy.”

The surrounding students were drawing back.

“Are you going to compete in that state?”

“Y-Yeah. I will definitely, photograph Nanae’s breasts!”

With that kind of preparation, the time for the contest finally arrived.

Ayato and Nanae stood side by side on the athletic field, waiting for the starting moment.

“Ayato. If you want to photograph my breasts, don’t give up easily, okay?”

“Of course.”

“On your marks,”

A track and field club member holding a starting pistol, prompted them to get ready.

In response, Ayato and Nanae took a crouching start posture. Nanae’s figure, taking this posture every day, looked very professional, but Ayato looked somewhat awkward.

“Get set…,”

Bang! The pistol sounded, and the contest began.

At that moment, Nanae made a brilliant starting dash, leaping into the lead.

And, with sure footwork, she firmly stepped on the ground, rapidly increasing her speed.

“Whoaaa!”

Ayato, as promised with Nanae, started running at full power from the beginning, ignoring pace management.

But, even so, he was quickly left behind by Nanae.

“Nanae-senpaaaai!”

“Do your best–!”

“Nanae-senpai, you’re fast!”

“You’re so cool!”

A barrage of high-pitched cheers were directed towards Nanae running. Responding to them, Nanae powerfully increased her speed.

“……Senior.”

However, Ayato’s figure running ahead, which Yuki was watching, made her feel uneasy. Against a national-level athlete, the difference was obvious. Ayato’s figure, running with an obviously amateur style, was very unreliable.

“Guh.”

Ayato, running at full power like water gushing out of a fully opened faucet, quickly felt the muscles all over his body creak and scream.

He had no idea that running at full power could be this painful!

If he could, he’d collapse right here and now!

But what Nanae wanted to see was his true power! Then he would exert every last drop of strength!

With that resolve, he continued to kick off the earth, but Nanae, who had already completed one lap of the track, overtook Ayato and accelerated further.

Ayato had fallen a lap behind. He was already out of breath, and his speed began to drop.

“Haa… haaah!”

As expected, he couldn't compete with an athlete who spent every day sweating in club activities.

But, what Nanae wanted to see was beyond when his stamina ran out. The key was how much full-power guts he could show, beyond the feeling of not wanting to run anymore. That’s why, Ayato ran.

“……Ayato.”

Nanae, who was also continuing to run at full power, traced the figure of Ayato running with her eyes, and muttered.

Actually, there was one more thing—Nanae wanted to know.

That was, whether Ayato really wanted to photograph breasts or not. She wanted to know just how much passion he put into boob photos. Normally, she wouldn’t let anyone photograph her breasts. That’s why Nanae wanted to confirm Ayato’s feelings towards breasts through this contest.

“Kanzaki-senpai, apologize to Nanae-senpai!”

“Pervert–!”

Instead of cheers, harsh jeers were hurled at Ayato.

Those were scraping away at Ayato’s heart, also affecting his running performance.

“––!”

And then, he was easily overtaken by Nanae again, falling further laps behind.

His body was already at its limit. His mental state was receiving damage one after another, and helped by the feeling that he had already exerted his full power and wanted to collapse right now, his body also began to lose strength.

“––! Guah––kh.”

At that moment, his tangled feet left the ground, and Ayato’s body floated into the air. Without an instant’s gap, Ayato, who had fallen to the ground, was attacked by the impact, also adding the speed he had been running at. It was a spectacular fall, Ayato plunged face-first into the ground, and rolled around, raising dust.

“––! Senior!”

Yuki, who had been watching that, involuntarily widened her eyes, and her body froze.

“……”

Nanae also noticed it and grimaced, but shook her head to recompose herself, and continued to run. With a fall of that level, it wouldn’t be that serious of an injury. If it was a boy, he could easily stand up.

Besides, this was a contest of full power. So no matter how worried she was, Nanae had to continue running. …Even if her heart ached.

“……Guh.”

Crap. Painful. …Did I fall, me? The ground was visible in front of him. His cheek stung as if it had been scraped, and pain began to arise from various parts of his body.

“––Ze, hah, ha, hah.”

As if remembering now, he felt breathlessness. Mixed with the pain in his body, the suffering increased further. His lungs desperately sought oxygen, violently moving Ayato’s body lying prostrate on the ground up and down.

––Huh? Ayato finally realized that a fatigue greater than he had been consciously aware of had arisen. That damage was eroding even his spirit like an avalanche.

––Me, why am I doing this again? Why, am I even going through such painful things…?

“……Hey, hey, shouldn’t we take him to the nurse’s office?”

“Y-Yeah, maybe so.”

Seeing Ayato’s figure crouching on the ground, unmoving, worry appeared on the Tea Ceremony Club members’ faces.

“Senior!”

Amidst that, Yuki, finally freed from the fear of the curse, ran out.

“Senior, are you alright?!”

“……Assistant?”

Having quickly reached Ayato, Yuki confirmed Ayato's safety. When Ayato, unable to move his body due to the pain, only raised his face, there was Yuki, looking like she was about to cry.

“…O-Oh. I’m fine, really.”

Fatigue from running at full power and injuries from falling… it was painful, but it wasn’t that serious of an injury, so Ayato was more taken aback by Yuki’s desperate demeanor.

“Haha, I really fell hard, didn’t I.”

Ayato laughed self-deprecatingly, but his body remained prostrate on the ground. He didn't want to show his pathetic figure to his junior, but right now, he didn't want to move.

He had scrapes all over, and blood was coming out, and his muscles were screaming because he had kept running recklessly. His breathing was still uneven, and he was still breathless.

Honestly, he wanted to rest just like this. That's how battered and bruised he was.

He was pathetic even to himself, and a laugh escaped his lips.

“……Um, Senior. Isn’t it, alright now?”

“Assistant?”

Seeing Ayato's miserable figure, Yuki’s chest tightened.

“There’s no point in pushing yourself this far, you know. …For just breasts, isn’t it fine to not push yourself this hard?”

Feeling sorry for Ayato, Yuki had said such words.

In fact, it was just as Yuki said.

He had challenged her to a contest to photograph breasts, he had been called a pervert, and at this rate, rumors would spread throughout the academy in no time. And he had accepted a reckless contest, and ended up this battered and bruised.

It was Ayato's own fault, but Yuki couldn't bear to see Ayato getting hurt.

“…Thanks, Assistant.”

He didn’t know how many times it was now, but Nanae passed by Ayato and Yuki. Even while Ayato was lying pathetically fallen, Nanae had continued to run. With all her might. Exceeding her own limits.

“I’m glad you’re worried about me.”

“…Senior.”

Before Yuki, who was worried about him, Ayato began to staggeringly stand up with his aching body.

“Even so, let me just say one thing.”

And he took a stance, putting strength in his legs.

“––Before ‘breasts,’ the word ‘just’ should never, ever be used!”

“Eh?”

Yuki was dumbfounded at the unexpected words. Ayato kicked off the earth and began to run at full power again!

……Why, was he pushing himself so hard, even suffering like this?

It was decided! I—was running at full power, to photograph breasts!

“Uoooooooooooooooooooooooh!”

Because he had fallen and collapsed, his stamina had recovered just a little.

His whole body ached, but he didn’t care about that.

He would respond to Nanae with all his power! And, photograph Nanae’s breasts!

“Oooooooooooooooooooh!”

A running style with even more spirit than just now. With a bestial intensity, Ayato cut through the wind.

“……”

Ayato’s back, having started running again, grew further and further away. That figure running in tatters was still painful to watch. Yuki, who had almost stretched out her hand, closed her eyes, then clenched her fist and brought it to her chest. And then she opened her eyes, firmly fixing her gaze on Ayato, who continued to run.

……For some reason, emotions other than just worry were born in her heart, and a smile appeared.

“……Senior, you’re such an idiot.”

The words she muttered faintly, of course, didn't reach Ayato.

“Uooooooooooooooooooh!”

The contest continued. Blowing away the pain running through his body, the screams his muscles were making, with spirit, he kicked off the earth. Nanae drew alongside Ayato, who was showing a more powerful run than before.

“Ayato. Surely, that’s not all your power is, is it?”

“Yeah, of course not! My full power, is still far beyond thisss!”

“Haha, bring it on! Don’t you dare give up at this level!”

Urging on his aching body and his spirit that was about to weaken, Ayato further increased his speed.

A run that obviously exceeded his limits. He would definitely have muscle pain tomorrow morning.

“H-Hey, hey. Isn’t Kanzaki-senpai, kinda amazing?”

“Y-Yeah. He’s kinda cool, maybe.”

Seeing Ayato’s struggling figure, changes also came to the hearts of the female spectators.

His running was amateurish, but still, he never gave up, and continued to challenge, standing up even after falling.

The girls’ favorability towards Ayato began to rise.

“No, no, everyone, remember! Kanzaki-senpai is pushing himself that hard, to photograph Nanae-senpai’s breasts, you know!”

“––! That’s right!”

“He’s still a pervert—!”

However, recalling the facts, Ayato’s favorability plummeted in one go. It sank deeper than the Mariana Trench.

“––L-Look!”

Before the spectators' eyes, Ayato’s body floated into the air again.

“––!”

No matter how hard he tried, he was still just an amateur in track and field, after all.

His body, having exceeded its limits, had been screaming all along, and naturally, the end came.

“––Damn it.”

For Ayato, the scenery before his eyes looked like it was in slow motion.

His right leg got tangled due to fatigue, and his body was being sucked into the earth.

––He was going to fall again. A sense of fear was born, predicting the floating sensation attacking him and the ground approaching, and the future pain.

He was truly at his limit. If he fell like this, he probably wouldn’t be able to stand up again. He knew that, so he wanted to brace himself, but he couldn't. Even if his spirit wasn’t broken, his body wouldn’t move anymore.

“……––!”

Nanae’s breasts were beautiful. Truly, art. He had wanted to capture that art with his own hands.

But, —he couldn't reach it.

The ground drew closer. Tears welled up in Ayato's eyes in frustration, realizing the time of ending had come.

Poyon♡ (Sound effect of something soft and bouncy)

“––––Eh?”

Instead of the impact he had braced for, he was enveloped by something very soft and warm for some reason. Ayato, unable to move even a finger while repeatedly breathing raggedly, didn't understand what had happened.

“Ayato, I saw it.”

Just above. At the voice resounding from above his head, Ayato finally understood what state he was in.

“Your full power.”

“––––––!”

When he somehow raised his face, there was Nanae’s refreshing smile.

Her face, as clear and lovely as the sun and the summer blue sky, was right in front of him.

Yes. Nanae, seeing Ayato about to fall, had kicked off the earth with all her might, circled in front of Ayato, and then caught him with her breasts.

“Na, Nanae?”

Her full breasts, boasting a G cup, became a gentle cushion, and Ayato was completely unharmed.

Nanae had saved Ayato in a form that was almost like embracing him. Naturally, Ayato’s face flushed bright red. Even if he tried to pull away, his body, having exceeded its limits, wouldn’t move.

“Nooooo!”

“The pervert and Nanae-senpai are becoming oneeee—!”

“What are you doing, Kanzaki-senpai! Please get away from Nanae-senpai alreaaady!”

However, the female students who adored Nanae wouldn't allow that.

Unable to bear the sight before their eyes, they immediately set about tearing Ayato and Nanae apart.

“Guah!”

Ayato was unceremoniously thrown onto the athletic field. Pain attacked his body. It hurt like hell.

“Are you alright, Nanae-senpai!”

“Please take a shower immediately!”

“No, no, that’s not necessary.”

Nanae was slightly taken aback by the junior girls’ extraordinary state.

“Senior, good work.”

“O-Oh. Assistant, is that you.”

Yuki, crouching down, called out to Ayato, who was lying prostrate on the ground.

“Senior, you’re really such an idiot.”

“Guu, it soaks into my exhausted heart and body.”

“……But,”

Yuki smiled.

“You were cool, Senior.”

Told that, Ayato made a “Eh, really?” expression, and raised his face. There, was a gentle smile from his junior girl. Slightly embarrassed, Ayato muttered faintly.

“……Thanks, Assistant.”

And then, the promised boob photos.

Ayato, having rested and recovered his stamina, held up his camera.

Kneeling on one knee on the athletic field, fixing his stance by tightening his elbows to his sides to prevent camera shake. Beyond the athletic field spreading out in his viewfinder, was Nanae in her track and field club uniform.

“Here I go, Ayato–!”

“Yeah! Ready anytime!”

What Ayato wanted from Nanae was, “Nanae’s breasts while she’s running with all her might.”

To photograph Nanae and her breasts, shining in her beloved track and field, was Ayato’s dream.

Nanae kicked off the earth, and started running.

Nanae rapidly approached from far ahead, and the distance closed.

Tayun, poyon, tayun! (Sound effects of breasts bouncing)

Her breasts, making powerful movements due to the impact of running.

While their position and shape changed one after another, Ayato searched for the best shutter chance. And then—

—Click.

Just before Nanae drew near and passed by him like a gust of wind, Ayato pressed the shutter.

“……Got it.”

Feeling a sure sense of accomplishment, Ayato naturally shed tears.

Boob photos he had always wanted to take.

At having been able to take his second boob photo, waves of emotion surged into Ayato’s heart.

“Ayato. —Show me.”

Catching her breath, Nanae asked him to show her the photo.

Ayato showed her the photo he had just taken, on his smartphone connected to the camera.

“––”

“……Amazing.”

“Nanae-senpai, you’re so cool.”

“Beau–tiful……”

Voices of admiration also leaked out from the female club members who were peering into the photo together.

Nanae, cutting through the wind, her hair fluttering in the breeze as she ran. The slight shyness visible in her serious expression, the power brought about by her running figure, and then, her bouncing breasts—those elements overlapped, creating a wonderful harmony and giving rise to emotion.

“Ayato.”

When called, he turned his face, and there was Nanae’s smile.

“Thank you. For photographing me like this.”

“……Likewise.”

Ayato also smiled, joyful at having been able to take the ultimate boob photo. And joyful that he had been able to take boob photos that Nanae seemed happy with.

“Thank you for letting me take the ultimate photo. Nanae.”

“You’re welcome.”

And then Ayato grasped the hand Nanae extended, and the two shook hands.

“Come again!”

“––! ……Yeah!”

And thus, Ayato had managed to take his second boob photo.

“……Uuugh~.”

“Certainly, Kanzaki-senpai’s photo is amazing, but… still!”

While being impressed by Ayato, who had taken a wonderful boob photo and was on good terms with Nanae, the first-year Tea Ceremony Club members' hearts were not at peace. And above all, Nanae’s smile.

Nanae-senpai, why are you smiling so happily?!

“––As expected, no good!”

“We can’t acknowledge this!”

“Whoa, dangerousss!”

The first-year Tea Ceremony Club members had thrown something. Ayato, sensing a ominous air, barely dodged it with his animal instincts. When he looked at what had come flying and bounced off the ground, it was a soccer ball.

“Kanzaki-senpai, enemy of womennnn!”

“Don’t ever approach Nanae-senpai again!”

“W-Wait! Seriously dangerous! Even tennis balls?!”

Unbelievably, the first-year Tea Ceremony Club members had borrowed balls from the Girls' Soccer Club and Girls' Tennis Club, and began to hurl them at Ayato. They were completely serious.

“The ace of the Softball Club has come to cheer us on!”

“Yay! Please throw it at that pervert with all your might!”

“Run, Assistant!”

They were even calling for reinforcements. This was no good. The eyes of the first-year Tea Ceremony Club members were completely resolved.

Ayato, sensing danger with his animal instincts, decided to flee with all his power, taking Yuki with him. But, ah, no good. His body was still creaking and groaning! He wasn’t really in a state to runnnn!

While fleeing together, Yuki said to Ayato next to her.

“Senior. What do you think would happen if I kicked Senior’s legs out from under you and made you fall here?”

“I’d die!”

And so, in exchange for a very great price, Ayato photographed Nanae’s breasts, and fled from the athletic field while crying and aching all over.

“……Um, Nanae-senpai.”

“Hmm? What’s wrong?”

After Ayato and Yuki had fled from the athletic field. The first-year Tea Ceremony Club members, who had regained their composure thanks to Nanae, were asking Nanae something.

“Why, did you let Kanzaki-senpai… um, you know, photograph your, uh, breasts?”

The reason why Nanae had let Ayato photograph her breasts—the ones who wanted to know that weren’t just the girl who had asked with a bright red face. It was the feeling of all the girls present there.

“……Well. I just, wanted to see Ayato’s full power.”

Nanae answered with a slightly embarrassed look. Her juniors, not understanding what she meant, naturally showed bewildered reactions. Nanae, wanting them to think even a little better of Ayato, began to talk about their middle school days.

“A newspaper club interview, with me?”

In the midst of the students’ clamor after homeroom ended, Nanae, who was about to head to club activities, was asked a favor by Ayato.

“Yeah. …Will you cooperate?”

Middle school Ayato belonged to the newspaper club, and took photos to be掲載 (published/printed) in the school newspaper.

For the current newspaper club’s special feature article, Nanae, a promising newcomer to the track and field club who had also decided to participate in the nationals, had been chosen, and Ayato was asking for an interview for that purpose.

“Is that so. Yeah, sure.”

Actually, she was a little embarrassed. But, she knew Ayato was serious, and that this school’s newspaper club was properly active, so Nanae readily agreed.

“Thanks. Then, would it be alright if I asked for the interview during lunch break tomorrow?”

“Yeah, got it.”

The two made that promise, and parted in the classroom.

“––Ah.”

In the track and field club’s changing room. Nanae, opening her locker to change, noticed a book inside.

“I forgot.”

It was a book whose loan period was up to today.

Since there was still time, Nanae hurried towards the library.

“Huh?”

And then, after returning the book, when she casually looked around the library, she found Ayato’s figure there.

Ayato had stacked up several books, and was intently absorbed in reading something.

“Ayato, what are you doing?”

“Ah, Nanae.”

What Ayato was reading so intently were books related to track and field.

Books on track and field history, training, novels, and so on.

“Gathering material for the newspaper?”

To Nanae, who asked casually, Ayato answered.

“That too, but… I thought, if I’m going to take photos of track and field, I should properly know about track and field.”

“Eh, are you going that far?”

Nanae was a little surprised. She thought that if he was just taking photos of someone running in track and field, he didn’t really need to study.

“I think, whether you know about the subject of photography or know nothing about it, there’s a difference in the photos you can take, you know.”

“……”

“In this case, I want to take photos that convey ‘track and field’ and ‘the figure and feelings of a track and field athlete running,’ to the people who see them. So, I figured I need to know a lot of things.”

“Heeh.”

Nanae was a little impressed that he would go this far for the sake of taking photos.

……For some reason, she was captivated by Ayato, who was seriously directing his eyes at the book.

“Nanae.”

“––! W-What?”

Suddenly called by her name, Nanae was flustered.

Feeling her heart disturbed by emotions she had never felt before, Nanae replied.

“If you don’t mind, during tomorrow’s interview, could you tell me various things you feel through track and field? If you do, I think I’ll be able to photograph Nanae running even better.”

His eyes were straight, and intense. And, they were sparkling.

They were the eyes of a person who was absorbed in the thing they loved most.

“……Yeah, sure.”

“Thanks.”

“Yeah.”

Ayato returned his eyes to the book again. The conversation was over, but Nanae somehow couldn't move from there. ……Naturally, she found herself asking.

“Ayato, you’re giving your all to cameras, aren’t you.”

“––Yeah, it’s my everything.”

A reply as clear as the blue sky, without any hesitation. Nanae felt refreshed, and a smile involuntarily appeared on her face. And so, the school newspaper focusing on Nanae was completed.

Nanae’s figure running with all her might—looking at that photo that Ayato had taken, published in the school newspaper, Nanae’s heart became hot again.

––He photographs me, like this.

Ayato himself had apologized, “As expected, I’m bad at portrait photography. Sorry,” but for Nanae, that photo was something very joyful.

After that, Nanae started to pay more attention to Ayato than before. Seeing Ayato’s figure, always giving his all to cameras… Nanae thought.

Giving your all to something, is cool. I want to be like that too—she thought.

“––Well, that’s why. Ayato isn’t a bad guy, and he’s a guy who can give his all to what he loves.”

Hoping for Ayato’s reputation to recover, Nanae finished talking about their middle school days.

It couldn't be helped if it was misunderstood as just wanting to photograph breasts… but, Ayato was actually proper and kind boy. Nanae wanted them to understand that even just a little.

“……Nanae-senpai, you’re too kind!”

“Eh?”

Nanae was startled at the Tea Ceremony Club juniors, who for some reason had tears welling up in their eyes.

They were expressing their anger with all their might.

“Kanzaki-senpai, unforgivable!”

“To sweet-talk pure Nanae-senpai and photograph her breasts!”

“We have to protect Nanae-senpai!”

“Let’s all do our best!”

“““““Ooooooh!”””””

And then, they pledged to each other, raising their fists to the heavens. That resolve, was truly hellfire.

“……Um. …Sorry, Ayato.”

Nanae, unable to restore Ayato’s reputation, muttered apologetically.

And then, in later days.

The fact that “Kanzaki Ayato is a boob photographer” spread throughout the academy.

The information source was, of course, the first-year Tea Ceremony Club members.