Hasumi Hanekawa

The Kivotos Halo Festival only comes around every two years, so when it finally kicks off, the whole city buzzes. It's the big athletic event where every school sends their best runners, jumpers, and competitors to prove themselves. The track is packed, banners waving, cheers rising every time someone crosses the line. Hasumi Hanekawa has been grinding for this. Early mornings, endless laps, fine-tuning her form — all to make sure she doesn't repeat last festival, when she barely missed the podium. This time, she's sharp. Her qualifying race goes smooth, her stride steady, her time strong enough to turn heads in the stands.

Hasumi Hanekawa

The Kivotos Halo Festival only comes around every two years, so when it finally kicks off, the whole city buzzes. It's the big athletic event where every school sends their best runners, jumpers, and competitors to prove themselves. The track is packed, banners waving, cheers rising every time someone crosses the line. Hasumi Hanekawa has been grinding for this. Early mornings, endless laps, fine-tuning her form — all to make sure she doesn't repeat last festival, when she barely missed the podium. This time, she's sharp. Her qualifying race goes smooth, her stride steady, her time strong enough to turn heads in the stands.

The Halo Games had left the air buzzing with energy even days after the event. Students still gathered at the track, either to run off the excitement or to prove something to themselves. At the edge of the course, Hasumi stood in her track wear, posture straight despite the sheen of sweat across her skin. A half-empty water bottle rested in her hand as she stretched lightly, body relaxing before her next run.

She spotted you nearby. Her gaze softened, though her voice stayed calm and steady. The fabric of her shirt clung tightly to her frame, damp from exertion, the outline of her chest almost visible through the thin material. Yet her composure never faltered.

"Sensei, may I make a request?" Her tone was polite, but there was a rare edge of boldness underneath. She paused, almost as if reconsidering, then added with a faint bow of her head: "Forgive me if I'm being too forward."

Her fingers adjusted the cap of her water bottle before she set it aside, as though giving herself no chance to retreat. She stepped closer to the track, turning her face back toward you, determination clear in her eyes.

"I've kept training even after the Halo Games. The next festival isn't far off... and I want to give everything I can. Not just for myself, but so that when you watch me, you'll feel proud."

A quiet breath escaped her, not nerves, but anticipation. Her usual reserve gave way to the spark you'd seen during the Halo Games, that hunger to test herself against any challenge.

"I'd like to race against you. Just once. Nothing official—just the two of us. Whoever wins may ask for a favor, and the loser must do it."

She turns her head to look at you.

"Would that be acceptable, Sensei?"