"Amamiya-kun, do you have anything to say about winning first place today?"
"My opponent was strong, but our karate club is stronger."
"Such a confident response. How about your thoughts on your club not taking first place in the team event?"
"Our karate club is very strong."
"Uh...?"
"Miss Reporter, do you have more questions?"
"I, uh…"
"You seem like you've got a lot to say. No need to rush—how about giving me the mic, and I'll interview you instead?"
"I… what?"
The post-match interview played across the big screen for the entire stadium to see.
The stunned look on the reporter's face and Haru's calm expression made for a comically perfect contrast.
Especially when Haru actually took the mic and began interviewing the reporter instead, leaving her blushing and awkward—the scene became even more hilarious.
Many in the audience thought, This guy really knows how to make a scene. Some even wondered if this was a pre-planned skit between the two.
"Hahaha, I knew he wouldn't just give a normal interview. Poor reporter," Haruno giggled from the stands.
Yukino gave the pale-faced reporter a sympathetic glance. "She must be new. Otherwise, her handling wouldn't be this clumsy."
Utaha and Megumi were both quietly snickering.
Meanwhile, Haru's mom proudly clapped while tugging at her husband's arm. "Isn't our son amazing?"
"Yes, yes. He's great," her husband replied with a resigned smile.
The Yukinoshita couple exchanged a helpless look and shook their heads, amused.
"Amamiya, did you go easy on him or what? You totally held back today—you didn't finish it in one move. You used three!"
Surrounded by his teammates celebrating the victory, someone finally asked what everyone was wondering.
All eyes turned to Haru, full of curiosity.
Although the match had been short, they'd seen clearly—this time, he used three moves.
Two kicks and one hand strike—a karate chop.
"What are you talking about?" Haru said seriously. "I always give it my all. I never hold back."
No one looked convinced. "You saying that is like claiming your cat can do backflips. It makes zero sense."
"Funny you say that—my orange jelly actually can do backflips."
"Oi, no one asked about your cat! Anyway, that chop you used was pretty cool. Super fast. Your opponent couldn't even react. What was that move called?"
"That one? I call it the Ultra Hand Chop. Cool, right?"
"…You mother—"
After finally escaping the crowd of excited classmates, Haru was quickly intercepted by Shizuka, who approached with a wide grin. "Congratulations!" she said cheerfully.
"I should be congratulating you too, sensei. As a totally not-important team advisor, this must count as a shining achievement in your career history, right?" Haru teased.
Shizuka rolled her eyes. "Watch that attitude. 'Not-important'? I've been keeping a special eye on you this whole time, you know."
"True. Thanks for everything, Hiratsuka-sensei."
"No need to thank me… Ultraman."
"…???"
Shizuka burst into laughter. "Haha! I heard everything you said to your classmates earlier. What, surprised that your teacher watches tokusatsu shows too?"
"Not surprised—just little funny."
"Well then, think of it as a 'try-not-to-laugh challenge.' The cameras are still filming us, you know."
Wow, Haru thought. She even knows what that is?
Holding back a laugh, Haru kept a straight face for the group photo before heading off to meet his waiting parents and friends.
The cameras continued following him as he walked. For the event organizers, Haru's sharp, clean fighting style—and his very marketable looks—were a gold mine.
Since the youth category didn't draw much attention or big sponsors, and the event paled in scale compared to the Youth Asia Tournament, having a breakout star like Haru was a rare stroke of luck.
What they didn't expect was the public's reaction when the camera panned to the audience.
"Those two girls are gorgeous! I want all their info in three minutes!" shouted one excited onlooker, referring to Yukino and Utaha.
"Wait, isn't that tall girl the lead from that short film "Birthday Present" that aired recently?"
"Oh yeah! And didn't Amamiya appear in that film too? My sister went on about how handsome he was, even though he was only in it for, like, ten minutes."
As the audience buzzed, the media finally realized the goldmine they were sitting on. Reporters—regardless of whether they'd seen the film—swarmed in.
Microphones, recorders, and cameras were suddenly everywhere. Even Yukino, usually so composed, looked a little tense. Utaha, trying to stay poised, struck a formal pose.
Fortunately, Mrs. Yukinoshita, ever the pro, smoothly took over the conversation, fielding the questions with ease. She even tossed a quick glance toward Haru and the others, signaling, Leave this to me.
After the award ceremony, Haru quietly slipped out through the back door.
"That was intense! I've never been surrounded by that many reporters before," said one of the karate club members, still buzzing with excitement.
The others nodded in agreement. Many of them had helped during the filming of the short movie and had become close friends with Haru.
Joking around with them for a bit, Haru then turned to Yukino and the others."Director Yukino, may I ask for your thoughts on today's unexpected press conference?"
Yukino shot him a glare. "I don't accept interviews from idiots."
Undeterred, Haru turned to Utaha. She smiled sweetly. "Well, if the director won't speak, neither will I."
He then looked to Megumi. She responded calmly, "Since you were the only male lead with significant screen time, shouldn't you be the one giving a statement?"
Everyone turned to Haru in amusement.
Yukino gave Megumi a surprised glance. Wow. So she can go toe-to-toe with him too?
Either way, the karate club had walked away from the tournament with more than just medals—they'd made a name for themselves.
_ _ _ _
Time passed, and by mid-November, Haru had gotten into the habit of inviting Yukino and the others to join him for regular workouts.
Since he had that mysterious "buff" ability, he naturally wanted those close to him to benefit too.
He even made a few trips home to get his parents in on it.
Thanks to the continued training, Yukino and the girls began to notice clear improvements in their physical abilities.
One afternoon, in the clubroom after school, Utaha pulled Yukino aside. "I can definitely feel myself getting stronger."
Then she quickly added, "Not just physically. My body's improving in a lot of ways."
She said it with genuine joy in her voice.
A healthier body meant she was one step closer to meeting the expectations of the person she cared about most.
Yukino, who had once struggled with the same concern, nodded quietly. "I've noticed it too."
She closed her notebook, which clearly recorded her running times—each session longer and easier than the last.
Once mocked by Haru as a "physical wimp," Yukino had now far surpassed the average girl in fitness.
"Megumi's probably noticed it too," Utaha mused. "She just hasn't brought it up."
Yukino glanced toward the dojo. Haru was there now—ever since the tournament, he'd been crowned the karate club's unofficial "Best Coach."
"You don't seem too happy," Utaha noted. "Aren't you pleased with your progress?"
"Of course I'm happy," Yukino replied. "But don't you think we're improving a little… too fast?"
Utaha nodded. "You're not wrong. But he's been personally guiding us every time. And each session, he's more detailed and precise. Given how athletic he is, it's not surprising our progress is this obvious."
She straightened her posture slightly—subconsciously recalling that night.
That night when she, fueled by jealousy, had snuck into the living room to surprise Haru. It hadn't gone quite as she'd imagined—it ended with her begging for mercy.
She remembered: Haru had gone into Yukino's room first, and only then had she ambushed him.
So technically… does that mean Yukino and I… double-teamed him?
Sisterly alliance?
No, we're not sisters.
Let's call it… a friendly co-op.
Even now, thinking about it made her blush.
Yukino, naturally, was not thinking about such things. Resting her chin in one hand, she muttered,"Your theory makes sense, but it still feels a bit… off."
Utaha smiled playfully. "What, are you going to interrogate him about it?"
Yukino stared blankly. "Senpai, have you noticed your thought process is getting more and more like his?"
"…Are you saying I'm getting dumber?"
"No. I'm clearly saying you are dumb."
Once again, the two beautiful girls parted ways in mild disagreement.
But deep down, Yukino was satisfied.
Her stamina had improved, and next time—even if Haru completely exhausted her—at least she'd recover quickly enough for a rematch...
That day, Haru didn't go home with Yukino.
He and Furukawa had plans to hit up a game store.
There were four of them in total—Furukawa had even made some new friends recently.
"Did you guys get Winter Rhapsody while it's on sale?"
"Please, I played that ages ago. Who needs a sale?"
"That's so you, Amamiya—always ahead of the curve."
"Summer Rhapsody is on sale too. Surprised none of you mentioned it."
"Old news, man. We all played that already. But yeah, that big sister character? Totally top-tier."
The four of them chatted passionately about their favorite adult games.
They were enthusiastic—and experts. After all, "Bro No. 2 never lies." If he said a game was "emotionally enlightening," you could bet it was.
Their conversation shifted from games to tokusatsu shows as naturally as boys do.
At a busy intersection, a sleek black luxury car suddenly pulled over, catching their attention.
The door opened—and out stepped Haruno, radiant and elegant with perfectly styled makeup.
The moment Haru's three friends laid eyes on her, they were stunned.
Haruno gave the boys a quick once-over before flashing a dazzling smile at Haru. "Hey, little Haru~ I've got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?"
Haru twitched. That smile? Trouble was definitely brewing.