The Inter-House Sports Tournament

The weekend arrived, bringing a well-deserved break from the intensity of the House Selection process. With no immediate academic or competitive obligations, Kazuki and his friends decided to unwind with a mix of activities—starting with a trip to the pool and then transitioning into a heated basketball game.

Pool

The school's expansive pool area was lively, with students from various Houses enjoying the rare downtime. Kazuki, Daiki, Reo, Naoto, Kyouya, and Miyuki were among the crowd, having agreed to relax for a bit before the inevitable competition kicked in.

Daiki stretched, smirking. "Man, I needed this. All that running in the athletic tests nearly killed me."

"You mean the part where you tripped over your own feet?" Reo teased, dodging a playful splash from Daiki.

Meanwhile, Kazuki found himself sneaking occasional glances at Miyuki. She wasn't the type to seek attention, yet somehow, she always stood out. Her calm, composed demeanor contrasted the energetic chaos around them. At one point, she caught him looking and tilted her head slightly. "Something wrong?"

Kazuki quickly looked away. "No, just… watching everyone make fools of themselves."

Miyuki gave a small, amused smile and returned to adjusting her towel. The moment was brief, but Kazuki couldn't help but feel his heart race just a little.

The Basketball Game

After some time at the pool, the group moved to the basketball court. It was an unspoken rule that any free time meant a game, and naturally, they fell into their usual teams.

Kazuki, Daiki, and Kyouya versus Reo, Naoto, and a student who happened to be passing by and got roped into their match.

"Best of three," Kazuki called, spinning the ball on his finger. "Let's make it a good one."

The game kicked off with fast-paced action. Kazuki and Kyouya worked in perfect sync, cutting through Reo and Naoto's defense with precise passes. Daiki, despite his occasional clumsiness, was a beast in rebounds.

"Damn, you guys really don't let up," Reo groaned as Kazuki sank a smooth three-pointer.

Miyuki and a few other students watched from the sidelines, occasionally making comments or chuckling at the group's antics. Kazuki, caught up in the game, barely registered the way his eyes instinctively searched for her after each shot—subconsciously wanting her to see his best moments.

The game ended with Kazuki's team emerging victorious, Daiki throwing his arms up in celebration. "Finally, we shut them down!"

Reo collapsed onto the ground. "You guys are freaks."

As the sun began to set, the group decided to wind down, some heading back to their dorms while others lingered a bit longer. Kazuki, feeling the rush of the game still in his veins, glanced toward Miyuki once more. Another small moment, another fleeting exchange of glances—yet, for him, it meant everything.

Tomorrow, life at Reikou Academy would continue as usual. But today, they simply lived in the moment, enjoying the bonds they had formed.

The Next Day

The usual morning buzz of Reikou Academy was heightened by an air of anticipation. Students filled the assembly hall, whispering amongst themselves as they waited for the announcement. The House Selection Event had barely concluded, and now a new challenge awaited them.

Kazuki sat with Daiki, Reo, Naoto, and Kyouya, their tables clustered together in the packed hall. Across the room, students of Seiryu, Suzaku, Raijin, and Yami no Kiba mingled, some already discussing what was about to come. The tension and excitement were palpable.

The stage lights flickered on, and Mei-sensei stepped forward, her composed smile as confident as ever. She scanned the hall before speaking.

"As you all know, the House Selection Event is only the beginning of your journey here at Reikou Academy. With your Houses now decided, it's time to put that decision to the test." She paused, letting the murmurs settle before continuing. "Today, I am pleased to announce the start of the Inter-House Sports Tournament."

A ripple of excitement coursed through the hall. Kazuki exchanged glances with his friends—this was what they had been waiting for.

"This tournament is a test of both individual skill and teamwork. Each House will field teams in a variety of sports, competing for glory and, of course, House Prestige Points." Mei's sharp gaze traveled across the students. "The first two events will be Basketball and Football. Additional sports will be announced in the coming days."

Kazuki felt his adrenaline spike at the mention of basketball. It had always been one of his strong suits, and he was eager to test his skills against other talented players in the school.

Mei-sensei continued, "Each House will hold its own selection trials to form the best possible teams. If you wish to represent your House, make sure you participate. The trials will be held over the next few days. That is all—good luck."

With that, she stepped away, and the room erupted into conversation.

The cafeteria was unusually lively during lunch. Students from all four Houses discussed strategies, potential teammates, and, of course, rivalries. Kazuki and his friends had secured their usual table, trays filled with food as they dove into the topic at hand.

"So, who's trying out for what?" Daiki asked, taking a massive bite of his sandwich.

Kazuki leaned back in his chair. "Basketball for sure."

"Same," Kyouya added, nodding. "I'll probably do football too."

"I'll be focusing on football," Reo declared. "No way I'm missing that."

Naoto adjusted his glasses. "I'll pass on basketball, but football could be interesting."

"What about you, Kazuki?" Daiki asked, nudging him. "Are you gonna carry Yami no Kiba's basketball team?"

Kazuki smirked. "If I make it through the selection trials first."

Reo grinned. "With your skills? Please, you'll walk in and dominate."

Kazuki chuckled but didn't reply. He was confident in his abilities, but he knew better than to underestimate the competition.

Daiki leaned forward with a mischievous grin. "And what about Miyuki?"

Kazuki nearly choked on his drink. "What about her?"

"She's in Seiryu. Think she'll be playing?"

Kazuki hesitated. Miyuki wasn't the type to boast about her skills, but she had a graceful presence that made him wonder how she'd perform in a sport like basketball.

"Guess we'll find out," he said, keeping his tone neutral.

The conversation soon shifted to potential opponents and past experiences, filling the cafeteria with laughter and anticipation. The selections were coming up, and soon, the real competition would begin.

Kazuki clenched his fists slightly. This was his chance to prove himself—not just to his House, but to Miyuki as well.