Volume 4 Chapter 51 Sports Day (Middle Class) ③
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The Older Class’s obstacle course¹—a significant step up in difficulty from the Middle Kids’ version—had finally concluded. After the younger children finished their dance performances, which were as heartwarming as they were proof of their steady growth, they were led back inside the school building.
”Alright everyone, please be back in the classroom by one o’clock. Do you understand?” the teacher asked.
”Yes!!” the children shouted in unison.
After listening to their homeroom teacher’s list of warnings and assorted instructions, the kids finally began to scatter toward their parents, who were waiting with bento boxes in hand.
”Yuma, Kotarou, shall we go?” I asked.
”Yeah!” Yuma replied.
”Roger,” Kotarou added.
Among the swarm of friends clamoring to eat lunch with me, I called out to the two I had been close with since we were in the youngest class. I honestly wanted to fulfill as many of my friends’ wishes as possible, but unfortunately, I only had one body. Besides, moving in a massive hoard through a packed crowd would just be a nuisance to everyone else.
Above all, there was the matter of the parents’ social pecking order to consider. I couldn’t just skip off into the sunset simply because I was finally reuniting with Akari and Suzuki. Since I was a “celebrity” to both the parents and the kids, I had to be hyper-aware of not rocking the boat. In that sense, using the excuse that we were “in the same group last year”—a clear, unassailable fact—was a safe, social compromise.
”—Maa-kun!”
”Whoops… Suu-chan, sorry to keep you waiting,” I said.
The moment I stepped out of the classroom, Suzuki—who had been dismissed early and was currently peeking into the Rabbit Group’s room—pounced on me. Setting aside her usual ladylike poise, our customary “recharge time” began. She wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug, burying her face into the crook of my neck.
”Suu-chan, congrats on first place. You were amazing,” I whispered.
”Ehehe…♪” Suzuki giggled, leaning into me.
When I hugged her back as a reward for her hustle in the obstacle course, I got a very satisfied reaction in return.
After joining up with Suzuki and Shiho, I wanted to head straight for the mothers, but my path was immediately blocked by a wall of friends.
”Boss! I’m gonna come play with you after I eat!”
”Me too!”
”Wait, what? Uh, sure, but make sure you eat slowly, okay? You’ll feel sick if you rush,” I replied.
I didn’t want anyone encroaching on my precious time with Akari and Suzuki, so I let them down easy. As a former member of the workforce, I was a pro at the “soft no.”
”It’s okay! My mommy says I have a super-strong tummy!”
”Me too! I have a stomach of steel!”
”I see…” I muttered.
Of course, even the best-laid plans didn’t always work out. Innocent kids had a way of completely ignoring subtle hints.
”…Makoto-kun, can Mihoshi come play too after lunch…?”
”Um… only if you feel up to it, okay? If you run right after eating, your tummy will hurt,” I said gently.
”Ugh, I don’t like it when it hurts…”
”Don’t worry! Princess Hime will keep a close eye on you!”
”Well, if Himeno-chan is with you, I guess I can relax,” I said.
”Leave it to me!” Himeno declared.
”See you later, then,” I added.
”Yeah!”
”Bye-bye!”
I handled the revolving door of friends with practiced ease. This wasn’t just because it was a special event; it was pretty much like this every day after school. I wanted to get to my mom as fast as possible, but because I knew exactly how much weight my words carried, I couldn’t afford to be dismissive.
Meanwhile, right next to me, a massive group was forming.
”Hey, Yuma! Let’s eat lunch together! Moe will give you a bite!”
”Okay! Then I’ll give you a bite too!”
”Me too!”
”Yeah! Kana-chan, eat with us! It’s way more fun to eat with everyone!”
”Count me in!”
”Makoto, look at Yuma…” Kotarou muttered.
”Kotarou, go get him…”
”…No way. I’m not diving into that mess,” Kotarou replied.
”(…Fair point. Sorry for asking…)” I thought.
Even at that age, girls were still girls. There was nothing more terrifying than a pack of women, and having an “enemy” within your own circle was just as daunting. Finally liberated from the crowd, I started making my way toward the mothers.
”Jun, let’s go,” I called out.
”Ugh… so hungry… can’t move…” Jun groaned.
Jun, who usually would have been the first to sprint toward the food, was slumped on the ground, defeated by her own appetite. She’d gone all-out all morning—cheering, dancing, and the obstacle course—so it was no surprise she’d hit a wall. Even a Champion is useless when the tank is empty.
(If only she were this quiet all the time, my life would be so much easier…) I thought.
”Hang in there. The bento is waiting for you,” I urged.
”Drag me.”
”I mean, I could, but if you mop the floor with your clothes, won’t your mom be mad?”
”That would be bad!” Jun shouted, bolting upright.
After a year and a half together, I knew exactly which buttons to push with Jun.
”Shiho-chan, sorry to make you wait too,” I said.
”Oh, it’s fine! I’m used to it by now!” Shiho replied cheerfully.
I was left momentarily speechless, realizing I really needed to rethink my daily routine.
As the group moved toward the meeting spot Akari had picked out, the gauntlet continued.
”Makoto-kun, that was so close!”
”You looked so cool out there!”
”…Thank you very much,” I replied with a bow.
I was stopped every five steps. Between my natural charisma, my performance in the race, and my incredibly polite, “old soul” bowing, I was a total hit with the parents. My fan club was growing by the minute.
Naturally, this also boosted Akari’s reputation. While she was a bit bewildered by her skyrocketing popularity in circles she didn’t even know existed, it was certainly better than being judged as a “struggling single mom.” I, for one, couldn’t stand the thought of anyone looking down on my mother.
And walking right beside this popular, mother-loving boy—fingers interlaced in a “lover’s grasp”—was Suzuki. She wasn’t necessarily trying to mark her territory; she was just being honest with her own heart. To her, this level of closeness was just everyday life. How the onlookers interpreted it was their business.
In fact, the “Mom-friends” had already reached a consensus: Suzuki-chan was the “Official Wife.” It wasn’t just her boldness, either; it was the way I clearly treated her as someone special. Ever since the incident back in spring, we had been the Hall of Fame couple of Hinomori Kindergarten.
That didn’t mean Suzuki felt her position was safe, though. Or rather, her “Young Woman’s Intuition” viewed everyone as a threat. There were always girls with crushes hovering around me. I didn’t mind being liked, but I was already “married” in spirit, and frankly, it was hard for me to catch feelings for someone whose age was in the single digits.
”Makoto! Hurry! The bento is calling my name!” Jun shouted.
”Relax. Don’t run, and don’t pull my arm,” I sighed.
”Hmph!”
The person currently holding my other hand was Jun—Suzuki’s biggest rival. They weren’t on bad terms; they were just constantly competing. Jun, who had been a zombie minutes ago, had been resurrected by the scent of food in the air.
I held her hand tightly. If she bolted through this crowd and face-planted into someone’s lunch, it would be a diplomatic disaster. Modern kids might say “just let her go,” but I wasn’t jaded enough to abandon a friend. Plus, Akari was close with Jun’s mom, Sanae Imai, so I felt I owed it to them to return the favor by keeping her in check.
”—Jun-chan, thanks! You got me a raise on my allowance next month!” a father called out.
”Keep it up next year!” another added.
”You bet! Leave it to me! The Champ never loses!” Jun yelled.
”Haha, so reliable! Here, have a piece of candy as a reward!”
”Makoto! Can I have it?!” Jun asked.
”…Yeah. Just make sure you say thank you properly,” I said.
”Kouta’s Dad, thanks a bunch!!”
”I’ve got some for you too, Makoto-kun.”
”…Thank you, sir,” I replied politely.
Jun was on cloud nine, completely unaware of the stress she was causing me. That innocence was part of her charm, though the teachers and parents already saw me as Jun’s “handler.”
”Hmph!” Suzuki huffed.
Not wanting to let go of me who was about to be carried away, Suzuki clung even tighter to my arm. I knew what she was thinking, so I pulled her in close to reassure her that she was the one. It was all I could do.
”Hehe…” Suzuki let out a satisfied purr.
Since she ended up looking so pleased, Suzuki was, after all, an easy mark for me.
—
Summary:
The morning events of Sports Day conclude, and the children are dismissed to eat lunch with their parents. Makoto navigates a social gauntlet of friends and admirers while trying to reach his mother, Akari. He manages the competing demands of Suzuki, his ‘official’ partner, and Jun, the energetic class champion.
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Trivia:
- Makoto’s adult social skills are his primary tool for handling preschool politics.
- The ‘Spring incident’ is the reason for his and Suzuki’s high status.
- Akari’s reputation is being bolstered by Makoto’s behavior, countering potential single-parent stigma.
- Suzuki uses physical contact as a ‘recharge’ mechanism.
- Makoto is officially viewed as Jun’s ‘handler’ by the adults
—
Character Insight:
Makoto demonstrates extreme emotional labor, balancing his desire to be with family with his responsibility as a social ‘leader.’ Suzuki shows a mix of vulnerability and possessiveness, while Jun remains purely id-driven by her hunger.
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Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The author focuses on the contrast between Makoto’s inner monologue (weary adult) and his outward actions (perfect child).
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• Kotarou – A slender, quiet boy with a focused gaze, often hunched over delicate origami or crouched gathering acorns; his precise care earns quiet respect. A Middle Kids classmate and close, level‑headed friend of Makoto, he takes the game seriously yet is easily distracted by social drama, sharing a playful bond with Yuma and the core group, and in house‑play he assumes the role of father/grandfather.
• Kotaro – Quiet, slender kindergartner in Rose Class, friend of Makoto and member of his sandbox crew. He shares typical childhood interests— toys and games— helps Makoto with building projects, loves Kamen Rider, and often follows Makoto’s lead and social cues.
• Kota – Makoto’s biological father. Met Akari while working as a cram school tutor during their second year of university. He disappeared suddenly after six years of dating upon learning of the pregnancy.
• Yuma – Yuma Yoshikura, a frail four‑year‑old with an idol‑like face and quiet charm, is the youngest and smallest in the Rabbit Group, eldest son of a wealthy realtor, and Makoto’s childhood friend from Youngsters class. In Rose Class he’s adored by many girls, leads the ‘train’ line, loves acorns and nature, struggles slightly with math and stamina, yet excels in creative play—building blocks, folding paper, making clay models of his father’s car, and role‑playing husband in Moe’s house‑play. Born April 1, he’s cheerful, popular, and beloved for his gentle, imaginative spirit.
• Suzuki – Suu‑chan, a doll‑like five‑year‑old with dark braided pigtails, a topknot, sleepy sparkling eyes and pink rain boots, is the eldest Totsuka daughter (Mio & Mitsuhisa). Model student, uncanny intuition, calls herself Makoto’s photo‑record editor, reads clocks for his arrival, clutches a pink candy tin, clings to his arm as his ‘girlfriend.’ Shy with strangers, fiercely devoted, jealous. In the Sheep Group she somersaulted with Makoto, won his heat, sees race results as next‑year class placement, calls herself his ‘Official Wife’ candidate, craving physical ‘recharge’ with him.
• Akari – Makoto’s mother—her name means “light”—is a 28‑year‑old single parent to Makoto and newborn Maa‑kun. She has long dark‑brown hair, subtle makeup, and a poised, observant demeanor. Estranged from her parents, she’s loving yet strict, balancing full‑time IT work, quiet mornings, and meticulous health checks. She drives a black light‑compact car, lives beside friend Mio, mentors Suzuki with candid photos, and navigates parent circles with bank‑service finesse. Outwardly shy but secretly a shogi player with a mischievous streak, she’s now more prepared for Sports Day after switching jobs for stability. Calm and modest, she’s affectionate and enjoys teasing Makoto.
• Maa-kun – A young boy in the Rabbit Group at Hinomori Kindergarten. He is highly intelligent, capable of second-grade math and multiplication. He is described as calm, stoic, and helpful, often acting as a ‘handler’ for more energetic children. Akari’s son, nearly five years old. An extreme polyglot and polymath who secretly studies news, martial arts, and multiple languages. Highly sensitive to his parents’ moods. Also referred to as Makoto-kun. Narrator’s son in the Rabbit Group. Popular with other girls but maintains distance. Previously protected Suu-chan during the ‘April Incident.’
• Suu-chan – A refined young girl with soft skin who values etiquette and ‘lady’s grace.’ She holds Makoto to a high standard of grooming.
• Suu – A female student in the Rose Class. Very close to Makoto (Maa-kun). Has mud on her cheeks and makes high-quality dorodango.
• Shiho – Four-year-old Rose-Class girl from the Goto family, with a side-up ponytail, kitten-themed hair clip, and placemat, using training chopsticks; quietly competes with Suu for Makoto’s attention, often waits with Suzuki for him, loves picture books, Hiragana, swimming, and making mud dumplings, adores sweets, enjoys romantic dramas, fears scary things and fireworks, and is Suu-chan’s close friend.
• Makoto – Four‑year‑old Rose‑class student, 93 cm, 13 kg, in a white shirt, blue vest and cap—actually a 30‑year‑old salaryman reborn. Calm “Boss” who hands out hand cream, mediates fights, protects Suu‑chan, earns respect. Dry narrator in the Rabbit Group, uses logic and coin tricks. Known as Akari’s son, nicknamed Maa‑kun, popular Middle Kids student; target of Suzuki’s affection and Mitsuhisa’s teasing. Reincarnated adult mind in a child’s body, also handler for Jun.
• Himeno – A mature, highly intelligent girl of the Rabbit Group, wearing the neat uniform, a tidy bun and glasses. She radiates a justice‑driven, nosy older‑sister aura, often scolding Hiromasa with a motherly, bossy streak, yet remains a reliable classmate.
• Moe – President of the ‘House-Play Association’. She enjoys setting up strangely realistic and dramatic domestic scenarios for roleplay.
• Jun – A tanned, hyperactive preschooler known as the King and Champion of her class, she’s the fastest runner in the Intermediate Class with a massive appetite and straightforward, loud personality. Wearing a track suit, she leads peers with wild enthusiasm but tires quickly and turns moody when games stall. Mistaken for a boy, she trains weekends on Mt. Hiou, idolizes her mother, and leaks secrets—clashing with her calm brother Makoto, who manages her chaos while she fiercely admires him. Member of the Rabbit Group, her energy and appetite define her, even as she struggles to match his quiet restraint.
• Shiho-chan – An early‑arriving student, this child is often seen waiting with Suu‑chan at school. As Suu‑chan’s close friend, he/she tries to act as a ‘stopper’ for her mischief, and is close enough to Yuma’s family to stay over at their home.
• Mom – A 30‑year‑old mother who recently switched jobs for more time with her son, Maa‑kun. She’s supportive, manages household shopping together with Mio‑san, and balances family life with her new career.
• Sanae Imai – Middle‑aged woman, mother of Jun and three older sons, often exasperated by her daughter’s lack of typical feminine grace. She has a laissez‑faire parenting style, patiently reins in her sons’ rowdy energy, and is a friend of the narrator and Makoto’s mother, valuing Makoto’s positive influence on her daughter.
• Sanae – Middle‑aged woman, mother of Jun and three older sons, experienced parent with a laissez‑faire style. Patient yet often exasperated, she skillfully reins in her son’s rowdy energy. Friend of the narrator and of Makoto’s mother, she values Makoto’s positive influence on her daughter.
• Jun-chan – Daughter of Imai Sanae. Plays roughly with blocks and is often mistaken for a boy due to her tomboyish energy.
• Kou – The second son. Enthusiastic about gaming, specifically gathering materials and fishing in-game. Tends to tease his younger sister with tall tales.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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