I Confessed to the Three Beautiful Sisters at School and Got Rejected, but After I Became their Stepsister, They Started Doting On Me (GL) - Chapter 35

The Sports Festival.

Just hearing those words makes me uneasy.

I’ve never liked physical education to begin with—so the idea of turning it into a festival? That’s just madness.

Imagine your least favorite subject. Now picture it being celebrated as a school-wide event.

There’s no way I’d ever want to participate in something like that.

Who even approved this nonsense?

“—And with that said, I’d like to start assigning groups for the sports festival, which will be held next month.”

Unmoved by my silent protests, Chiya-san, standing at the front of the class by the blackboard, begins writing down the events and the number of participants required for each.

Chiya-san isn’t just our student council president—she also doubles as our class representative.

She’s way too competent. I can’t even begin to compete.

Please forgive me for ever wanting to complain about the sports festival.

“We don’t have enough time to decide everything today, so I’ll leave the final selections for tomorrow. Talk it over with your friends and think about which events you’d like to enter.”

She gives us the information in advance, allowing us time to think things over and ensuring a smooth process the next day.

Efficient doesn’t even begin to describe it.

“…Sigh.”

Despite all that, I can’t help but let out a heavy sigh.

This gloomy feeling just won’t go away.

And it all stems from one particular event.

Three-Legged Race (Everyone must participate)

Yes. That one.

Why, when every other event has limited participants, does this one require full participation?

I’d go so far as to say this is the main reason for my misery.

Pairs of two.

Do you understand just how cruel that is for someone like me?

For reference, the girls in our class generally fall into five groups:

1. 1. The intelligent and cool group—Chiya-san’s circle

1. 1. The gentle and laid-back group—Hiyori-san’s circle

1. 1. The athletic and energetic group—Karin-san’s circle

1. 1. The cheerful, extroverted “it” crowd—Satsuki-san’s circle

1. 1. Me

…Yes.

Exactly.

Number five isn’t really a group, is it?

Because it’s just me. Alone. A group of one.

And now I’m supposed to pair up for a three-legged race?

What do you think is going to happen?

…

A disaster. That’s all I can foresee—an absolute disaster.

Why would you do something so cruel…!?

“At the sports festival, individual talent tends to get highlighted, so the teachers wanted to prioritize events where the whole class could work together,”

Chiya-san offered this flawlessly logical answer during dinner, after I couldn’t help but grumble about the situation.

Right… This clearly wasn’t designed to bully anyone.

“…Yeah. That makes sense.”

With that realization, all I could do was nod quietly.

In that case, my only option is to pair up with someone else who didn’t manage to find a partner.

And then—

“Ugh, I got stuck with the worst pick…”

That’s what they’ll probably think.

Heh… I wonder if I can handle that kind of atmosphere.

“Hey, Akari, want to pair up with me?”

“Ehhhhhh!?”

“Why are you so shocked about pairing with me…?”

Karin-san suddenly made that offer out of nowhere!

“I thought someone as competitive as you would definitely want to pair with another athlete…”

“Ah… well, yeah, that’s usually true, but this time it’s kinda different…”

I’m not sure what exactly is different, but this is a godsend!

Now’s my chance to just accept and—

“Karin, that’s not happening.”

—And there it goes.

Chiya-san herself shot it down!

“W-Why not!? It’s not like there are rules about who we can partner with!”

“While it’s generally up to each person, the sports festival is still a competitive event. Pairing students with a significant difference in ability doesn’t usually yield good results, and it could make the less athletic partner feel inferior. That’s why I don’t recommend it.”

…Another direct hit from Chiya-san’s perfectly logical argument.

T-True. If someone were to pair up with me, it’d probably be hard for us to beat the other classes.

And for someone athletic like Karin-san to have to match my pace—it might not just be frustrating physically but emotionally draining too.

“Th-Then… what about Akari!? She said she doesn’t have anyone to pair with. That’s kind of sad, isn’t it?”

Karin-san’s words of concern pierce right through me.

“I’ll pair with her.”

“EHHHHHHHHHHHH!?”

“That reaction makes it sound like you don’t want to, which is rather unpleasant.”

N-No! That’s not it at all!

I’m just shocked—who wouldn’t be? Having Chiya-san herself offer to partner with me is unbelievably kind.

“But Chiya-neesan, you’re good at sports too! Isn’t that kind of contradicting what you just told me?”

Karin-san, however, wasn’t so ready to accept it.

And I sort of get where she’s coming from.

“I’m an exception.”

“Why!?”

“As class representative, I have a duty to maintain harmony in the classroom. If I can prevent any conflict or awkwardness in advance, it’s only right for me to take that role.”

“Guh… Th-That actually sounds kind of reasonable…!”

By reframing the issue as a matter of duty, not ability, Chiya-san essentially silences any protest.

Karin-san, seemingly out of arguments, falls quiet—until…

“Well, in that case, why don’t I partner with Akari-chan instead?”

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeh!?”

“My, your reactions are so entertaining!”

E-Everyone’s being way too nice…

Like angels, truly—reaching out to this poor, messy little lamb with kindness.

“Did you hear that, Hiyori? I was supposed to be the one to fill that role…”

“Yes, I heard you just fine. But I’m not particularly athletic either, so I doubt Akari-chan would feel any pressure being with me. I believe that resolves the matter without conflict, no?”

“…No, I’ll do it.”

“Besides, you are good at sports, Chiya-chan. Wouldn’t it make more sense for you to partner with someone equally skilled? You’re the type of class rep who cares about results, aren’t you? That would be the logical choice.”

“……”

W-Whoa…

Hiyori-san just turned Chiya-san’s own logic back on her!

And yet… why does it feel like none of them are truly satisfied with this outcome?

“I mean, come on! It’s a school event—we’re supposed to have fun! That’s why I think it makes the most sense for me to partner with her!”

Karin-san now goes full-force with an emotional appeal.

“Well, I suppose that’s a valid perspective too.”

And Chiya-san, ever adaptable, does a complete 180. That flexibility is impressive.

“In that case, wouldn’t it be more fun to pair with someone at a similar level? That way there’s less pressure and more freedom.”

Hiyori-san subtly pushes back while still keeping her stance.

“No, I’m the one best suited to show Akari how fun physical activity can be!”

“Conveying enjoyment requires expression, communication, and emotional intelligence—traits I happen to excel in. By that standard, I’m the most suitable.”

“Ufufu… But don’t you realize how one-sided that sounds, coming from someone who’s athletic to begin with?”

…The atmosphere is crackling.

W-Wait a minute.

All I’ve ever wanted was for everyone to get along…

I don’t want to see them fighting like this!

“Everyone, please! Don’t argue like this! You have to get along with each other!”

Suddenly, all three of them turn to me, their sharp gazes locked in perfect sync.

“Akari. Akari-chan. You—this is all your fault, isn’t it!?”

“…Yes.”

Yeah… I figured as much.

Tohoho… What am I supposed to do now?