Re: Precious Friendships (Shizune BE, Sisterhood plot) [Ch44 Updated 5 Feb 2021: Cousin Collaboration?]
Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2021 4:32 am
Chapter 46: Clutch
“Three minutes left!”
While the staff hurry to perform final checks on their equipment, I close my eyes in an attempt to calm myself down.
This is it, the final battle. Shizune is watching. My parents are watching. Lilly is listening through TV. Students of Kasshoku are watching at home. The whole prefecture, no, the whole Japan is waiting for this moment!
Unlike the preliminary round, this time we only have a 40 point lead over the second place. If we cannot score well on the first part, the second part will become dicey.
My heart has been pounding heavily for more than ten minutes. I can only pray that my condition does not trigger during this final.
Let’s distract myself with something else. Think about something other than the JUSC. Anything.
Last Monday, after the principal allowed Shizune’s team back into the election, with the catch being her relegated to the role of vice-president, she and I spent the night together for the first time. We acted as lovers for just one night, pouring out our love towards each other. The next morning was a little awkward though, as right after we woke up, she immediately declared that we’re not lovers any more, and, after allowing me to clean myself up, she booted me out of her apartment, leaving me to go to school myself… except that she texted me right after, asking me to wait for her downstairs.
Luckily I’ve been carrying my medicine with me the whole time. Otherwise I would have skipped that day’s portion.
The same afternoon, Lilly invited me to lunch. When I called her on Monday afternoon after having lunch with Shizune, she just woke up. She indeed overslept, and missed the classes in the morning. During lunch, she told me about the urgent meeting on Sunday with Shizune and everybody. She was thrilled that the Principal accepted her performance, and she planned to invite her parents to the Open Day. I wonder if we should invite Hanako too.
Although the matters regarding the cousins were resolved, I still didn’t have much time to relax, because there were tests on Wednesday and Thursday, in addition to Wednesday’s JUSC drill. The tight schedule means that I had to skip exercises for the whole week.
On Friday, the re-election of the Student Council took place in the plaza. Needless to say, Shizune’s team, or I should say Sakura’s team, received more than enough votes to win the election. They obtained 2679 votes, which is around half of the school’s population. A convincing victory indeed.
“Everybody, get ready!”
I open my eyes, and switch myself into battle mode.
“Five, Four, Three, Two, One, Start!”
The familiar background music plays, and, after the clapping, the moderator welcomes the audience to the show.
“Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the grand final of the Joint University Science Contest! (Claps)”
“After nine preliminary rounds and three semi-final rounds, we have three teams competing for the Champion of this year’s JUSC. Let us introduce the teams!”
“The Red team, Tokyo University, the defending champion! (Claps)”
“The Green team, Midori University from Kanagawa Prefecture! (Claps)”
Tokyo was the champion last year, beating Midori by a mere 20 points. Both colleges are in the final once again.
“The Blue team, Kasshoku University from Chiba Prefecture! (Claps)”
I’m on television for the second time! Let’s dethrone Tokyo University and take the JUSC crown for ourselves!
==== Meanwhile, far away from the studio, in Midori University, Kanagawa ====
“The grand final is about to start! Hurry up!”
“Alright, I’m coming!”
I finish peeling an apple, take a bite of it, and hurry to sit next to my classmate in front of the television.
Normally I would be staying at home on Sunday, but tonight is different. It’s the JUSC grand final! Of course I want to support my schoolmates! Yet I don’t have a ticket, so I can only watch on TV in my classmate’s school dormitory.
“The Red team, Tokyo University, the defending champion! (Claps)”
Our major opponent in the final. Last year we lost by only 20 points. This year we’re leading them by 30 points. I received news that Tokyo’s ace in the team didn’t join this year’s contest because of health reasons. We’re going to take revenge!
“The Green team, Midori University from Kanagawa Prefecture! (Claps)”
“Yeah! Midori! Midori!”
Our teammates! This year we have a strong lineup, with five third-years and one second-year. We’re winning this! Go, Midori!
“The Blue team, Kasshoku University from Chiba Prefecture! (Claps)”
Probably the weakest team in the three, although leading by score…
“Wait!”
I watch the screen in shock as I drop my apple onto the table.
“He’s… he’s…”
“He’s Hisao!!!”
==== Back to Tokyo TV studio ====
“Let us take a look at the paper test scores, which will serve as the starting score of the contest.”
“Red team, 450. Green team, 480. Blue team, 520. (Claps)”
“We now commence the mandatory section. In front of me are ten sets of ten questions inside envelopes numbered one to ten. Each team picks a number, and the team will have to answer each of the ten questions. After I read out the question, the team has ten seconds to answer it. A correct answer yields twenty points, and a wrong answer gets no penalties. A fifty-point bonus will be awarded if all questions are answered correctly.”
I’m sure the other two teams will get at least eight questions right. We need to score very high.
“Now we start with the red team. Please pick a number.”
“Eight.”
The moderator opens the envelope with the number eight on it.
“Okay. Get ready.”
***********************
“Seven”
“Correct.”
“After ten questions, let us look at blue team’s score. (Camera zooms in) 700. (Claps)”
We answered one question incorrectly. Unfortunately, that was also the only wrong answer given in the entire evening so far. This means that we not only lost 20 points, but also failed to get the 50-point bonus, which both of our opponents managed to get. They’re certainly strong today.
==== Midori University ====
“After ten questions, let us look at blue team’s score. (Camera zooms in) 700. (Claps)”
Midori is leading now! Although only by 30 points.
“Hey, did you say he’s your high school friend.”
“Y-yes.”
“They’re trailing us. Well, for a debut finalist, they’ve already done a great job.”
I throw away my eaten apple and clean my hands.
“We’ll see. The scores are still very close.”
==== Tokyo TV studio ====
“Let us take a break, and we will come back with the second part of the contest.”
As the audience claps once again, the moderator signals to us that we can take a bathroom break if needed. Meanwhile, the staff in the studio are re-arranging the assistant’s table for the second part.
“Nakai, it’s alright. We’ll just try our best. No pressure. The pressure’s on their side right now.”
I nod. Yeah, let’s just have fun. Against the defending champion and a last-year finalist, losing is definitely no shame.
Once again I close my eyes to relax just a little bit. After a very hectic fortnight, I feel like I’m already approaching my physical limit. I’ll have to take a long rest after today, no matter what the result is.
Rest. Rest. Just keep resting.
“Everyone ready? Five, four, three, two, one, go!”
It’s time! I open my eyes, and prepare to enter full battle mode.
“(Music and claps) Welcome back to the Joint University Science Contest. We are about to start the second part of the grand final. Before this, let us review the scores of the three teams.”
“Red team, 700. (Claps)”
“Green team, 730. (Claps)”
“Blue team, 700. (Claps)”
“Here are the rules of the second part. I will read out a question. The first team to press the button gets to answer the question. A correct answer gives 30 points, and a wrong answer deducts 20 points. If a wrong answer is given, the first of the other two teams who presses the button can answer the question. A correct answer gives 20 points, and a wrong answer deducts 10 points. Notice that once the button is pressed, I will stop reading the question. You have five seconds to answer the question. The contest time is 10 minutes.”
“Before we start, let us verify each team’s buttons. Red team, please press your buttons one by one. (Ding-dong! Ding-dong! Ding-dong!) Green team… Blue team… Good, the buttons are working.”
“Alright. Let’s start the contest!”
Here we go!
“Which element was discovered along with Polonium in the same year by the same persons?”
“Ding-dong!”
As I hurry to press the button, I hear multiple button spams on my right side. I think everybody was pressing. Who was the fastest?
“Blue team.”
“Radium”
“Dingdong-dingdong!”
“Correct.”
Yes! We’re tied with the Green team!
“Refer to the diagram on the screen… If water is added into the beaker on the left, what will happen to the beaker on the right? A: The liquid will turn green. B: Black substance will appear. C: Bubbles will appear.”
“Ding-dong!”
Another button spam, this time won by the team on my right.
“Green team.”
“C”
“Dingdong-dingdong!”
“Correct.”
Darn! They’re leading us again.
***********************
After an intense, fast-paced battle in which there were only two errors, both committed by the Green team (one of which was immediately picked up by the Red team, and the other, surprisingly enough, was left unanswered), we’ve arrived at the end of the contest. Right now Midori and Tokyo are tied, and we’re trailing by 20 points. We still have a chance! The timer on the screen is now at 00:20. There’s only enough time for one more question. In other words, this is the decider!
“Please refer to the diagram on the screen.”
Wait, I’ve seen a similar diagram before!
“This diagram demonstrates a technique of finding similarities between two genetic chains, and is also used in computer science. What is the name of the technique?”
I press the button immediately.
“Blue team.”
I know the answer! I can win the contest for my school right now!
Throb.
Oh no!
Throb throb.
My chest pain!
“Ding, ding…”
At least let me answer it before I collapse!
“…ding, ding…”
I use all of my remaining strength to force out the answer.
“Dynamic pro… gramming.”
Throb throb, throb throb.
So painful! My vision is fading!
I’m going to faint in front of the TV!
No. I have to stay strong. Take deep breaths. It’s all over now, the match is over.
Throb throb, throb throb.
Breathe in, breathe out.
I cannot hear anything else except my heartbeat.
Throb, throb.
Stay calm. I can get through this!
==== Midori University ====
We’re now tied with Tokyo! Only 20 seconds left! My classmate and I are both sitting on the edge of the sofa. She is biting her nails.
“This diagram demonstrates a technique of finding similarities between two genetic chains, and is also used in computer science. What is the name of the technique?”
It’s the last question! Midori, come on! Win this!
“Ding-dong!”
“Blue team.”
My classmate screams when the Blue team gets the right to answer the question.
“Ahhh… Oh no! Don’t be correct! Don’t be correct!”
Hisao’s pressed the button! Does he know the answer?
“Ding, ding…”
Is he… is he clutching his chest?
“…ding, ding…”
He’s definitely clutching his chest!
“Dynamic pro… gramming.”
“Dingdong-dingdong!”
“Correct!”
“OH NO!!!”
The very next moment, several events happen at once: My classmate puts her hands on her head. The Blue team’s fans in the television are cheering. Hisao’s still clutching his chest. I cover my mouth with my hands and gasp.
Oh no! His condition! In the middle of the contest!
“Ding, ding, ding, dingdong.”
“Time is up. Let us take a look at the final scores.”
Is he alright?
“Red team, 900 (Claps). Green team, 900 (Claps). Blue team, 9… What’s going on? What’s wrong? First aid! Quick!”
Hisao’s clutching his chest in pain, and the first aid team arrives in seconds. They’re now blocking the camera, so I cannot see Hisao in front of the TV. It seems like they are not taking any action. Rather, they’re just monitoring.
Hisao, please be alright.
You deserve the victory. Please, be fine, and take the trophy.
“There’s an emergency situation. A Blue team member seems to be feeling unwell. The first aid team is now standing by. From my point of view, he is suffering from chest pain. I hope he is alright. He was probably too nervous in the last question.”
Please, Hisao. Don’t die!
My classmate, who has slumped onto the sofa after realizing we’ve lost, pats me on my shoulder.
“Isn’t that your high school friend? What’s going on?”
I don’t think I should reveal that piece of information to her.
“I hope he’s alright. He’s probably too exhausted.”
The first aid is still doing nothing except blocking my view. This makes me think Hisao’s recovering. If he is fainting, they will certainly call for the stretcher.
No, I don’t want to see you collapse! Please! Hisao, hang in there!
==== Tokyo TV studio ====
Throb. Throb.
My vision slowly recovers, and my heartbeat starts returning to normal. Everybody must be staring at me right now.
Throb. Throb.
My hearing also returns. Thank goodness, I think I’m going to survive this.
Somebody wipes my sweat away with a handkerchief. Another person puts a glass of water onto the table.
After taking a few more deep breaths, everything gradually returns to normal. In front of me is the first aid team.
“Are you feeling better?”
I try to speak, but discover that I don’t have enough strength yet, so I nod.
“Here. Drink some water.”
The staff feeds me the water from the table. After another minute, I feel a little better.
“Yeah, I’m fine now. Sorry.”
Everybody is relieved. Behind the first aid, I can see Shizune and my parents staring at me with concern. I smile at them to ensure them that I’m alright.
“You need rest. We’ll carry you to the waiting room.”
Sure, but something’s more important.
“Please announce the results first. It’s a live broadcast, isn’t it?”
“Are you sure you’ll be fine?”
It’s a live broadcast! Of course I HAVE to be fine!
“Yes. I’m fine now. Please let the moderator announce the result.”
The first aid team and the spectators gradually return to their seats. My worrying teammates, who gave way to the first aid, also return to my side. The moderator takes another look at me, and I nod back. He then signals to the cameramen.
“It looks like the Blue team member has recovered. We apologize for the inconvenience caused. Let us once again take a look at the final scores:”
“Red team, 900 (Claps). Green team, 900 (Claps). Blue team, 910 (Claps).”
“The champion of this year’s JUSC goes to… (camera zooms in) Kasshoku University from Chiba Prefecture!”
My schoolmates are cheering. My teammates are exhilarated. Shizune and my family, while still obviously concerned, show us a dazzling face while clapping.
I’ve won! I did it for the university!
“Now we will hand over the trophy to our winning team, Kasshoku University.”
We leave our seats and come up to the front, my captain acting as my crutch. My other three teammates join us here. The director of the Education Bureau arrives at the scene, grabs the medals and the trophy from the staff, and approaches us.
“Well done. Congratulations!”
“Thank you.”
Each of us is awarded a gold medal for our accomplishment. After that, our captain takes the trophy from the director, and lifts it up.
“Yeah!!!”
What a glorious moment! I’ll never forget about today, for the rest of my life.
The press comes over to us. She whispers to me.
“Can we have a short interview? Just one minute.”
We’re live on TV. If we don’t do the interview now, the program will end, and an interview offline won’t be as effective. I’m tired, but I think I can handle this.
“Okay, if I’m allowed to sit down.”
My captain brings a chair for me to sit down on.
“Let us hear from the Blue team. First of all, how are you feeling right now? What exactly happened?”
I cannot afford to reveal my disability, so I have to come up with something.
“I’m fine. I apologize for the accident. I was so nervous on the last question that I could hardly breathe. I also didn’t eat enough for lunch today because I was making final preparations for the contest, so I almost fainted.”
“Understandable. I promise you, you can have dinner right after the interview. You guys have to treat him, don’t you?”
My captain gently hugs me on my shoulder.
“Of course! He won the match for us!”
“Hahaha… Treat him big tonight. Don’t make him hungry again.”
“Sure, sure. I’m sorry Nakai, the training must have been really tough for you.”
“What were you thinking during the last question, before you almost collapsed?”
“I saw the clock was on 20 seconds, and we were trailing by 20 points, so I thought, we can actually win this if we can take the last one. Then the screen appeared, and I immediately recognized the diagram because I saw it in one of the books I’ve read. I pressed the button, and luckily I was faster than my opponents so I got to answer it. Then I became so nervous that my body started to collapse, but I managed to answer it before the timer expired. I was so happy I made it in time.”
“Wow. That was really close! Congratulations! Captain, this is the first time your team entered the grand final, and you beat the two last year’s finalists, including the defending champion. How do you feel right now?”
“Obviously I’m very happy. Last year we were eliminated in the semis, but this time we’re able to make it into the finals. We have a strong team overall. Nakai was clutch for us; he contributed very consistently in the paper test, and of course he won the match for us tonight. Tanaka was also brilliant; he scored the question that gave us the lead in the semi-final and eventually won the match for us. Everybody did well. I’m so proud of this team. We were the underdogs entering the final, but I always believe that my team’s strength is on par with the other two teams. We’re so happy that our full potential is displayed tonight. We’re definitely coming back to defend our crown next year.”
“Thank you very much. I’m going to let them have dinner as soon as possible, so I’ll hand the time back to the moderator.”
“Thank you, Miss Watanabe. This is the conclusion of the Joint University Science Contest. Thank you for watching, and let us congratulate our winner once again, Kasshoku University!”
The background music plays, and when the cameras are switched off, my schoolmates all come over to congratulate us. Shizune and my parents are the first to approach me.
“Hicchan, I was so worried about you!”
Mom! I hate being called by that nickname, especially in the public!
“Sorry, mom. At least it’s over now.”
“You need to take a break from school tomorrow, and have your health checked.”
“Yes mom, I’ll arrange things tomorrow.”
Dad pats me on my shoulder.
“You did it. I’m so proud of you.”
Shizune gives me a gentle hug, and, after releasing, makes a sad face.
[You lied to the interviewer, didn’t you?]
Of course. She knows.
[Yeah. How can I speak the truth?]
She gives out a deep, silent sigh.
[Take a rest. We’ll figure things out later.]
[Yeah. These few weeks were hectic. I must rest. You too.]
She nods, but before she can sign anything else, my captain interrupts.
“Nakai, we’d like to celebrate for the win, but you’ve got to rest tonight. We’ll treat you on Wednesday, okay?”
“Sure. I should fully recover by that day. I do need a couple of days’ rest.”
“Alright then. Again, thank you so much for your contribution.”
The evening ends after everybody eventually leaves the studio, and, after confirming to the first aid team that I don’t need further medical assistance, my parents pick me up, have dinner with me, and drive me back home.
For tonight’s win, we also obtained a sizeable amount of cash prize, which, when equally divided, is worth more than my monthly income.
Today has to be one of the best days ever in my life.
Chapter 47: A Friendly Reunion
“Three minutes left!”
While the staff hurry to perform final checks on their equipment, I close my eyes in an attempt to calm myself down.
This is it, the final battle. Shizune is watching. My parents are watching. Lilly is listening through TV. Students of Kasshoku are watching at home. The whole prefecture, no, the whole Japan is waiting for this moment!
Unlike the preliminary round, this time we only have a 40 point lead over the second place. If we cannot score well on the first part, the second part will become dicey.
My heart has been pounding heavily for more than ten minutes. I can only pray that my condition does not trigger during this final.
Let’s distract myself with something else. Think about something other than the JUSC. Anything.
Last Monday, after the principal allowed Shizune’s team back into the election, with the catch being her relegated to the role of vice-president, she and I spent the night together for the first time. We acted as lovers for just one night, pouring out our love towards each other. The next morning was a little awkward though, as right after we woke up, she immediately declared that we’re not lovers any more, and, after allowing me to clean myself up, she booted me out of her apartment, leaving me to go to school myself… except that she texted me right after, asking me to wait for her downstairs.
Luckily I’ve been carrying my medicine with me the whole time. Otherwise I would have skipped that day’s portion.
The same afternoon, Lilly invited me to lunch. When I called her on Monday afternoon after having lunch with Shizune, she just woke up. She indeed overslept, and missed the classes in the morning. During lunch, she told me about the urgent meeting on Sunday with Shizune and everybody. She was thrilled that the Principal accepted her performance, and she planned to invite her parents to the Open Day. I wonder if we should invite Hanako too.
Although the matters regarding the cousins were resolved, I still didn’t have much time to relax, because there were tests on Wednesday and Thursday, in addition to Wednesday’s JUSC drill. The tight schedule means that I had to skip exercises for the whole week.
On Friday, the re-election of the Student Council took place in the plaza. Needless to say, Shizune’s team, or I should say Sakura’s team, received more than enough votes to win the election. They obtained 2679 votes, which is around half of the school’s population. A convincing victory indeed.
“Everybody, get ready!”
I open my eyes, and switch myself into battle mode.
“Five, Four, Three, Two, One, Start!”
The familiar background music plays, and, after the clapping, the moderator welcomes the audience to the show.
“Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the grand final of the Joint University Science Contest! (Claps)”
“After nine preliminary rounds and three semi-final rounds, we have three teams competing for the Champion of this year’s JUSC. Let us introduce the teams!”
“The Red team, Tokyo University, the defending champion! (Claps)”
“The Green team, Midori University from Kanagawa Prefecture! (Claps)”
Tokyo was the champion last year, beating Midori by a mere 20 points. Both colleges are in the final once again.
“The Blue team, Kasshoku University from Chiba Prefecture! (Claps)”
I’m on television for the second time! Let’s dethrone Tokyo University and take the JUSC crown for ourselves!
==== Meanwhile, far away from the studio, in Midori University, Kanagawa ====
“The grand final is about to start! Hurry up!”
“Alright, I’m coming!”
I finish peeling an apple, take a bite of it, and hurry to sit next to my classmate in front of the television.
Normally I would be staying at home on Sunday, but tonight is different. It’s the JUSC grand final! Of course I want to support my schoolmates! Yet I don’t have a ticket, so I can only watch on TV in my classmate’s school dormitory.
“The Red team, Tokyo University, the defending champion! (Claps)”
Our major opponent in the final. Last year we lost by only 20 points. This year we’re leading them by 30 points. I received news that Tokyo’s ace in the team didn’t join this year’s contest because of health reasons. We’re going to take revenge!
“The Green team, Midori University from Kanagawa Prefecture! (Claps)”
“Yeah! Midori! Midori!”
Our teammates! This year we have a strong lineup, with five third-years and one second-year. We’re winning this! Go, Midori!
“The Blue team, Kasshoku University from Chiba Prefecture! (Claps)”
Probably the weakest team in the three, although leading by score…
“Wait!”
I watch the screen in shock as I drop my apple onto the table.
“He’s… he’s…”
“He’s Hisao!!!”
==== Back to Tokyo TV studio ====
“Let us take a look at the paper test scores, which will serve as the starting score of the contest.”
“Red team, 450. Green team, 480. Blue team, 520. (Claps)”
“We now commence the mandatory section. In front of me are ten sets of ten questions inside envelopes numbered one to ten. Each team picks a number, and the team will have to answer each of the ten questions. After I read out the question, the team has ten seconds to answer it. A correct answer yields twenty points, and a wrong answer gets no penalties. A fifty-point bonus will be awarded if all questions are answered correctly.”
I’m sure the other two teams will get at least eight questions right. We need to score very high.
“Now we start with the red team. Please pick a number.”
“Eight.”
The moderator opens the envelope with the number eight on it.
“Okay. Get ready.”
***********************
“Seven”
“Correct.”
“After ten questions, let us look at blue team’s score. (Camera zooms in) 700. (Claps)”
We answered one question incorrectly. Unfortunately, that was also the only wrong answer given in the entire evening so far. This means that we not only lost 20 points, but also failed to get the 50-point bonus, which both of our opponents managed to get. They’re certainly strong today.
==== Midori University ====
“After ten questions, let us look at blue team’s score. (Camera zooms in) 700. (Claps)”
Midori is leading now! Although only by 30 points.
“Hey, did you say he’s your high school friend.”
“Y-yes.”
“They’re trailing us. Well, for a debut finalist, they’ve already done a great job.”
I throw away my eaten apple and clean my hands.
“We’ll see. The scores are still very close.”
==== Tokyo TV studio ====
“Let us take a break, and we will come back with the second part of the contest.”
As the audience claps once again, the moderator signals to us that we can take a bathroom break if needed. Meanwhile, the staff in the studio are re-arranging the assistant’s table for the second part.
“Nakai, it’s alright. We’ll just try our best. No pressure. The pressure’s on their side right now.”
I nod. Yeah, let’s just have fun. Against the defending champion and a last-year finalist, losing is definitely no shame.
Once again I close my eyes to relax just a little bit. After a very hectic fortnight, I feel like I’m already approaching my physical limit. I’ll have to take a long rest after today, no matter what the result is.
Rest. Rest. Just keep resting.
“Everyone ready? Five, four, three, two, one, go!”
It’s time! I open my eyes, and prepare to enter full battle mode.
“(Music and claps) Welcome back to the Joint University Science Contest. We are about to start the second part of the grand final. Before this, let us review the scores of the three teams.”
“Red team, 700. (Claps)”
“Green team, 730. (Claps)”
“Blue team, 700. (Claps)”
“Here are the rules of the second part. I will read out a question. The first team to press the button gets to answer the question. A correct answer gives 30 points, and a wrong answer deducts 20 points. If a wrong answer is given, the first of the other two teams who presses the button can answer the question. A correct answer gives 20 points, and a wrong answer deducts 10 points. Notice that once the button is pressed, I will stop reading the question. You have five seconds to answer the question. The contest time is 10 minutes.”
“Before we start, let us verify each team’s buttons. Red team, please press your buttons one by one. (Ding-dong! Ding-dong! Ding-dong!) Green team… Blue team… Good, the buttons are working.”
“Alright. Let’s start the contest!”
Here we go!
“Which element was discovered along with Polonium in the same year by the same persons?”
“Ding-dong!”
As I hurry to press the button, I hear multiple button spams on my right side. I think everybody was pressing. Who was the fastest?
“Blue team.”
“Radium”
“Dingdong-dingdong!”
“Correct.”
Yes! We’re tied with the Green team!
“Refer to the diagram on the screen… If water is added into the beaker on the left, what will happen to the beaker on the right? A: The liquid will turn green. B: Black substance will appear. C: Bubbles will appear.”
“Ding-dong!”
Another button spam, this time won by the team on my right.
“Green team.”
“C”
“Dingdong-dingdong!”
“Correct.”
Darn! They’re leading us again.
***********************
After an intense, fast-paced battle in which there were only two errors, both committed by the Green team (one of which was immediately picked up by the Red team, and the other, surprisingly enough, was left unanswered), we’ve arrived at the end of the contest. Right now Midori and Tokyo are tied, and we’re trailing by 20 points. We still have a chance! The timer on the screen is now at 00:20. There’s only enough time for one more question. In other words, this is the decider!
“Please refer to the diagram on the screen.”
Wait, I’ve seen a similar diagram before!
“This diagram demonstrates a technique of finding similarities between two genetic chains, and is also used in computer science. What is the name of the technique?”
I press the button immediately.
“Blue team.”
I know the answer! I can win the contest for my school right now!
Throb.
Oh no!
Throb throb.
My chest pain!
“Ding, ding…”
At least let me answer it before I collapse!
“…ding, ding…”
I use all of my remaining strength to force out the answer.
“Dynamic pro… gramming.”
Throb throb, throb throb.
So painful! My vision is fading!
I’m going to faint in front of the TV!
No. I have to stay strong. Take deep breaths. It’s all over now, the match is over.
Throb throb, throb throb.
Breathe in, breathe out.
I cannot hear anything else except my heartbeat.
Throb, throb.
Stay calm. I can get through this!
==== Midori University ====
We’re now tied with Tokyo! Only 20 seconds left! My classmate and I are both sitting on the edge of the sofa. She is biting her nails.
“This diagram demonstrates a technique of finding similarities between two genetic chains, and is also used in computer science. What is the name of the technique?”
It’s the last question! Midori, come on! Win this!
“Ding-dong!”
“Blue team.”
My classmate screams when the Blue team gets the right to answer the question.
“Ahhh… Oh no! Don’t be correct! Don’t be correct!”
Hisao’s pressed the button! Does he know the answer?
“Ding, ding…”
Is he… is he clutching his chest?
“…ding, ding…”
He’s definitely clutching his chest!
“Dynamic pro… gramming.”
“Dingdong-dingdong!”
“Correct!”
“OH NO!!!”
The very next moment, several events happen at once: My classmate puts her hands on her head. The Blue team’s fans in the television are cheering. Hisao’s still clutching his chest. I cover my mouth with my hands and gasp.
Oh no! His condition! In the middle of the contest!
“Ding, ding, ding, dingdong.”
“Time is up. Let us take a look at the final scores.”
Is he alright?
“Red team, 900 (Claps). Green team, 900 (Claps). Blue team, 9… What’s going on? What’s wrong? First aid! Quick!”
Hisao’s clutching his chest in pain, and the first aid team arrives in seconds. They’re now blocking the camera, so I cannot see Hisao in front of the TV. It seems like they are not taking any action. Rather, they’re just monitoring.
Hisao, please be alright.
You deserve the victory. Please, be fine, and take the trophy.
“There’s an emergency situation. A Blue team member seems to be feeling unwell. The first aid team is now standing by. From my point of view, he is suffering from chest pain. I hope he is alright. He was probably too nervous in the last question.”
Please, Hisao. Don’t die!
My classmate, who has slumped onto the sofa after realizing we’ve lost, pats me on my shoulder.
“Isn’t that your high school friend? What’s going on?”
I don’t think I should reveal that piece of information to her.
“I hope he’s alright. He’s probably too exhausted.”
The first aid is still doing nothing except blocking my view. This makes me think Hisao’s recovering. If he is fainting, they will certainly call for the stretcher.
No, I don’t want to see you collapse! Please! Hisao, hang in there!
==== Tokyo TV studio ====
Throb. Throb.
My vision slowly recovers, and my heartbeat starts returning to normal. Everybody must be staring at me right now.
Throb. Throb.
My hearing also returns. Thank goodness, I think I’m going to survive this.
Somebody wipes my sweat away with a handkerchief. Another person puts a glass of water onto the table.
After taking a few more deep breaths, everything gradually returns to normal. In front of me is the first aid team.
“Are you feeling better?”
I try to speak, but discover that I don’t have enough strength yet, so I nod.
“Here. Drink some water.”
The staff feeds me the water from the table. After another minute, I feel a little better.
“Yeah, I’m fine now. Sorry.”
Everybody is relieved. Behind the first aid, I can see Shizune and my parents staring at me with concern. I smile at them to ensure them that I’m alright.
“You need rest. We’ll carry you to the waiting room.”
Sure, but something’s more important.
“Please announce the results first. It’s a live broadcast, isn’t it?”
“Are you sure you’ll be fine?”
It’s a live broadcast! Of course I HAVE to be fine!
“Yes. I’m fine now. Please let the moderator announce the result.”
The first aid team and the spectators gradually return to their seats. My worrying teammates, who gave way to the first aid, also return to my side. The moderator takes another look at me, and I nod back. He then signals to the cameramen.
“It looks like the Blue team member has recovered. We apologize for the inconvenience caused. Let us once again take a look at the final scores:”
“Red team, 900 (Claps). Green team, 900 (Claps). Blue team, 910 (Claps).”
“The champion of this year’s JUSC goes to… (camera zooms in) Kasshoku University from Chiba Prefecture!”
My schoolmates are cheering. My teammates are exhilarated. Shizune and my family, while still obviously concerned, show us a dazzling face while clapping.
I’ve won! I did it for the university!
“Now we will hand over the trophy to our winning team, Kasshoku University.”
We leave our seats and come up to the front, my captain acting as my crutch. My other three teammates join us here. The director of the Education Bureau arrives at the scene, grabs the medals and the trophy from the staff, and approaches us.
“Well done. Congratulations!”
“Thank you.”
Each of us is awarded a gold medal for our accomplishment. After that, our captain takes the trophy from the director, and lifts it up.
“Yeah!!!”
What a glorious moment! I’ll never forget about today, for the rest of my life.
The press comes over to us. She whispers to me.
“Can we have a short interview? Just one minute.”
We’re live on TV. If we don’t do the interview now, the program will end, and an interview offline won’t be as effective. I’m tired, but I think I can handle this.
“Okay, if I’m allowed to sit down.”
My captain brings a chair for me to sit down on.
“Let us hear from the Blue team. First of all, how are you feeling right now? What exactly happened?”
I cannot afford to reveal my disability, so I have to come up with something.
“I’m fine. I apologize for the accident. I was so nervous on the last question that I could hardly breathe. I also didn’t eat enough for lunch today because I was making final preparations for the contest, so I almost fainted.”
“Understandable. I promise you, you can have dinner right after the interview. You guys have to treat him, don’t you?”
My captain gently hugs me on my shoulder.
“Of course! He won the match for us!”
“Hahaha… Treat him big tonight. Don’t make him hungry again.”
“Sure, sure. I’m sorry Nakai, the training must have been really tough for you.”
“What were you thinking during the last question, before you almost collapsed?”
“I saw the clock was on 20 seconds, and we were trailing by 20 points, so I thought, we can actually win this if we can take the last one. Then the screen appeared, and I immediately recognized the diagram because I saw it in one of the books I’ve read. I pressed the button, and luckily I was faster than my opponents so I got to answer it. Then I became so nervous that my body started to collapse, but I managed to answer it before the timer expired. I was so happy I made it in time.”
“Wow. That was really close! Congratulations! Captain, this is the first time your team entered the grand final, and you beat the two last year’s finalists, including the defending champion. How do you feel right now?”
“Obviously I’m very happy. Last year we were eliminated in the semis, but this time we’re able to make it into the finals. We have a strong team overall. Nakai was clutch for us; he contributed very consistently in the paper test, and of course he won the match for us tonight. Tanaka was also brilliant; he scored the question that gave us the lead in the semi-final and eventually won the match for us. Everybody did well. I’m so proud of this team. We were the underdogs entering the final, but I always believe that my team’s strength is on par with the other two teams. We’re so happy that our full potential is displayed tonight. We’re definitely coming back to defend our crown next year.”
“Thank you very much. I’m going to let them have dinner as soon as possible, so I’ll hand the time back to the moderator.”
“Thank you, Miss Watanabe. This is the conclusion of the Joint University Science Contest. Thank you for watching, and let us congratulate our winner once again, Kasshoku University!”
The background music plays, and when the cameras are switched off, my schoolmates all come over to congratulate us. Shizune and my parents are the first to approach me.
“Hicchan, I was so worried about you!”
Mom! I hate being called by that nickname, especially in the public!
“Sorry, mom. At least it’s over now.”
“You need to take a break from school tomorrow, and have your health checked.”
“Yes mom, I’ll arrange things tomorrow.”
Dad pats me on my shoulder.
“You did it. I’m so proud of you.”
Shizune gives me a gentle hug, and, after releasing, makes a sad face.
[You lied to the interviewer, didn’t you?]
Of course. She knows.
[Yeah. How can I speak the truth?]
She gives out a deep, silent sigh.
[Take a rest. We’ll figure things out later.]
[Yeah. These few weeks were hectic. I must rest. You too.]
She nods, but before she can sign anything else, my captain interrupts.
“Nakai, we’d like to celebrate for the win, but you’ve got to rest tonight. We’ll treat you on Wednesday, okay?”
“Sure. I should fully recover by that day. I do need a couple of days’ rest.”
“Alright then. Again, thank you so much for your contribution.”
The evening ends after everybody eventually leaves the studio, and, after confirming to the first aid team that I don’t need further medical assistance, my parents pick me up, have dinner with me, and drive me back home.
For tonight’s win, we also obtained a sizeable amount of cash prize, which, when equally divided, is worth more than my monthly income.
Today has to be one of the best days ever in my life.
Chapter 47: A Friendly Reunion