"Do you two need some time to discuss your order? I'm being generous even though you two could have simply discussed this while the others were doing the exam."

It's true. But, since I already had premature knowledge about this situation, yesterday, I formed a solid plan to win this.

To score a beyond positive score in this exam, I have to highlight everything about the unspoken golden second formula.

Yuka-sensei's generous offer would be extremely acceptable if it wasn't for the fact that it wasn't needed.

"Not to worry, we don't need time to discuss that. Isn't that right, Daniel?"

"Yeah, you're right, Yulia."

From this moment on, my actions will be split into two and not one; unlike normal circumstances.

"I'll explain this once more in case of possible misunderstandings. You have all the freedom in the world to choose your task order and the number of attempts at each exercise within that task. Furthermore, I'll put a timer onto the tasks. For the record, aside from the 5 minutes of planking, which are entirely optional, in case you aren't feeling competent enough to completely fulfill it, the 5-kilometer run is a grand total of 20 minutes maximum. Pretty generous, with all purposes intended."

At first, 5 kilometers will seem like nothing. After all, you will be extremely confident from your initial dash.

You just can't see how something like mere 5 kilometers could possibly drag itself to 20 minutes, especially when it's split onto two people.

However, under no circumstances, outside of having minimal or decent physical exercise experience, should you allow yourself to feel confident enough to think that this is simply easy.

Well, it is to me though.

"The remaining three tasks such as push-ups, sit-ups and squats have a limit of three minutes. It's still a timer of a very high tolerance scale if you ask me. And of course, you'll have to run with a pedometer. You see this?"

Our one and only homeroom teacher pointed at the pedometer watch that was on her right wrist, which was the only object present here to count the grand total of meters you'd overall pursue in the 5-kilometer task.

Though, considering what's about to happen, I dare say it's meaningless and useless. As a matter of fact, the timings won't even be relevant to us at all.

Yuka-sensei has no clue about this though.

"It's just for the sake of keeping a track. You are free to quit at any time if that is your wish. I'll repeat myself; you don't have to force yourself to do this."

While saying those comforting words, she looked at Yulia way more than me, which was fairly understandable. Judging from her serene expression, Yulia didn't allow herself to fall into a mental state where she would see Yuka-sensei's words as sham or mockery, which is perfect.

Yulia doesn't have any necessity to feel that way. My words already took care of it all.

"That's alright! We will win this and go at our own pace, won't we? And besides, it's way more fun when we work things out together. Let's show them what actual teamwork looks like, Daniel!"

I don't think I could ask for better words to be spoken right now. It's also not as if Yulia just read my mind since I have no idea that she would say something that good, but it suffices. No, it goes further than simple sufficing.

Thus, I abandoned my usual monochrome attitude and took a new angle this time.

"Yeah! No other pair will synergize better than us, that's guaranteed! And that's because our unity will bring an end to the rest of them! However, this isn't about shutting others down; we are doing this for ourselves!"

Yulia's eyes are brimming with confidence. Her smile no longer has doubts splashed around it. This time, it feels completely genuine.

Naturally, my sudden eccentric attitude might've caught her by surprise a little bit yet she reacted just fine.

"Myyyy!! You twoooo!! I'm so surprised!! Saga and Shizu did pretty well, but if we are to evaluate attitudes and values, then you might just have it! But, don't let your current attitude backfire, otherwise, you can say goodbye to passing this exam. Especially you, Daniel. You know what happens, don't you?"

"Yes, I comprehend entirely what will happen to me. But as said, we won't lose. Not me, we. Got that?"

It's important that Yuka-sensei doesn't think that this is a solo endeavor. Additionally, Yulia is brimming with even more confidence now.

"With that said, we will start with the 5-kilometer run, please."

The order is, once again, completely irrelevant, but that would show a great deal of carelessness from me, which isn't exactly recommendable in the first place.

"I see. Are you two going to aim for the extra points or not?"

Yulia looked in my direction since I was looking at hers's too. The only beneficial thing about the extra points is in case you fail the tasks.

Truth to be told, the end result isn't that far from it, but once again, I'll have to demonstrate a deal of care just because it would represent a lack of care otherwise. If I show that, then it's as if we not taking this seriously.

No, it would be implied that we are not taking this seriously. We have to try. By trying, it means that we formed an attempt, but it must be solid and not completely non-sensical to the point where we will be quickly outgrown by the reality of the situation.

The reality of our situation has to be a reality where we can both firmly be on the same level.

"What do you think?"

Yulia asked. Without any further thoughts, I answered back to her.

"I think it's a really good option. Although we are confident in our teamwork, we can't undermine the exam."

Clasping her hands together, she formed an even brighter expression bursting with sudden excitement.

"Then, we should take this option! Not because we aren't confident in our victory, but because it can increase the chances of our end score!"

Her prominent red lips are starting to cause some sort of emotional conflict within me. I realize that I'm not supposed to truly feel attached since this is all an act, but human instincts are highly lethal to me in these types of scenarios.

Every time she smiles it's as if a bomb is dropped from the sky above and I try to run to a safe place as a result. However, there is no safe place on this planet. She's undeniable.

"What are you talking about? We already are going to win this, whether or not our chances are increased. But you are right, it's definitely nice to have it as a backup measure, Yulia! Sensei, we'll take it!"

Happily, Yulia took my confident words for granted and settled with a sweet elastic smile in response. Nonetheless, my words had a secondary meaning to them, which would automatically entice something.

"Alright. Now tell me, I know your first task, but you'll have to tell me the rest, otherwise, it becomes extremely advantageous for you two to perform the other tasks at your own will."

She's right. However, it takes someone skilled enough in the area of physical exercise to know how to abuse the correct order.

I wonder which order Hyunda would have gone with...

"As already mentioned, we will do the 5-kilometer run. After that, we will go with sit-ups followed by push-ups. The sequence of squats will come right as those previous tasks are finished. Ultimately, the grand 5 minutes of planking will be our last task. Yulia, do you agree with this?"

Once again, the order is entirely irrelevant and I did not construct this order according to any specific magnificent reasoning. It's just for the sake of existing for the reasons I've already explained.

Why is it so irrelevant though? That's something that no one except Yulia and I only knew.

"Of course. I did give you my permission, so anything you say, I will do."

Please don't use those words out of context.

"Thanks. Sensei, as you can see, this is it. However, we need to determine our respective quota per task, right?"

Usually, the quota is only relevant when we are aiming towards the extra positive points, but that's not actually the case. It's a facade to believe that we are.

Nevertheless, the number of quotas has never been specified. It's something not even worth thinking since you'd usually only be interested in producing extremely high results and not negative ones.

Therefore, why would you even think of using your quota is a way that is not intended on producing spectacular results?

"If you are aiming for the extra points, then yes, it's obligatory."

Point systems are essentially quite easy to understand. There's almost nothing hard about understanding a point system, which is why they are made in the first place.

And for an event that was hardly prepared for, I would say, using a system that revolves around points, isn't a bad idea.

But no one would simply expect the possible outcome of this. Not even myself, if I look back a few days ago.

"Sensei, by quota, you mean the number of repetitions of the exercise that is addressed to our task?"

Yulia still had some doubts regarding that part so he asked Yuka-sensei about it. Even though I already knew all about it.

It's a good thing though. Because Yulia will be the one who will decide our quota overall.

"Let me demonstrate for you, Yulia, my sweetie. Since you are going to run and you have to do 51% of it in order to grasp a positive result, you just have to do 2,6 kilometers. However, it entirely differs here. You can choose how much you want to run and if you hit your score right, then you'll individually get a positive point. Though, as I've mentioned before, you can only receive one point individually. Therefore, it would be wise to know in which task you'd want to use this chance."

It doesn't matter. The end goal isn't even this stupid system point. I didn't tell Yulia to pretend to care, but right now, that's clearly what I'm doing.

Remarkably, the only interesting thing about this point system is, if you nail your quota correctly, then you gain one positive point. Yuka-sensei said that it could make someone's score positive, but that's still not going to save us.

From everyone's perspective at least. Because, despite potentially using our positive points, which would be two, accumulated from the correct quota, we would just be abolishing a single negative point.

You can't possibly turn that into a positive score if you already have a plethora of negative points accumulated. In other words, Yuka-sensei's explanation was badly explained.

It was far too optimistic, so to say.

"Just one, huh? Mhmm, should we use it just now, Daniel?"

Within every look in my direction, her light blonde hair would totally and sometimes permanently steal my whole vision field due to how luscious it is from my position.

That aside, whether we use it now or later isn't actually irrelevant.

"I don't think we should. I think that we should use the chance when it truly matters."

Although I say this, it won't exactly make that much of a difference. We could use it now, but that would ruin something that I think is not worth throwing out of the window right now.

Which is why...

"Let's save it for last, alright, Yulia?"

"That's fine by me. I'll do anything you say."

I can't tell if she's doing this on purpose anymore. Though, from the corner of her mouth, she's starting to form this almost invisible smirk every time she says that.

"Daniel, Yulia, you'll still need to fulfill the quota though."

I wanted to ask why, because it doesn't make much sense honestly. I understand that you need to know our quotas when something is at stake, but now that it's not, why even bother?

Unless something is actually being tested right now. Yet, I wasn't going to bother. Arguing is not a priority here.

"Yulia, do you want to choose first?"

We actually have already discussed about the answer to this question yesterday back at lunch.

"Mhm! I'll choose first!"

With her confirmation out of the way, the part that Yuka-sensei most likely would not expect from any of us would begin shortly.

It's pure suicide, under normal circumstances.

"I will... run a great deal of 500 meters!"

Hm? I did say that she was allowed to take independent action, but is she confident that she can even do 500 meters?

Oh, she is. Her angry eyes and pouting expression quickly defeated my doubts. I just hope that she actually knows what she is doing.

"Um... sorry? Did I just hear that correctly? Or am I mishearing? Could you repeat what you have just said, Yulia?"

It's natural. After going through a fair share of length just to explain how you could win this exam, as soon as you'd listen to someone say words like those, which contradict any hope to victory at all, you might get a tad bit mad.

Yet Yulia did not change her attitude, as planned and happily spoke her words once again.

"Oh, sure! I will do 500 meters!"

Yuka-sensei looked extremely puzzled to the point of even zooming her own eyes in and out, weirdly.

Who knew that she would have such a weird reaction... But, is it weird, considering the scenario? I don't think so. Most surely not when your student has the happiest innocent smile after saying words of defeat. Yulia's closed eyes express even further happiness.

"Daniel, am I hearing correctly? Yulia said that she will do 500 meters."

"Yeah. I'll do 450 meters though. Since Yulia has a higher priority, she'll be in charge here, not me. Therefore, I'll do a swift 450 meters."

It pains me to say such weak words in response to someone that just wants to confirm the truth. To someone who still refuses to believe in the current scenario.

Noticeably, it's actually irrelevant for us to care about the percentages anymore because it only matters once you go above 50%. However, 500 meters is either the equivalent of 10% or 15%.

I could calculate the percentage, but I'm not bothered to do such. It's so fucking irrelevant. What needs to be portrayed here isn't our negative effort and doomed endeavors.

But our delusional hope and blind teamwork.

"Are you even serious right now?! Didn't you listen to anything I've just said?! Yulia, how come you were so happy and still are, but you are saying words like that! Please change your mind! And you, Daniel! Why are you acting like your situation doesn't matter at all!?"

This is confusing me right now. If Kawahara is right, then why is she making such a drama about this? Is this an act? Is this a way to drive us out of the second formula?

Unfortunately, I can only accept that possibility and ride on it.

"It's fine, sensei! We are confident in our victory, right?"

Smiling with her eyes closed, Yulia passed the verbal baton to me.

"Of course! That's why, sensei, accept our quotas, please!"

To further portray my seriousness, I bowed down.

Yuka-sensei can't be allowed to think that this isn't even remotely serious. This must be serious. This has to be serious.

I can imagine Yuka-sensei's confused face right now, but that's irrelevant. I just want this to be over with.

"...Don't tell me I didn't warn you. We already wasted too much time. Yulia, get ready."

"Aye!"

Without further ado, she handed the pedometer watch to Yulia, who went to the middle of the starting line. The starting line would stay outside of the current field yet still inside the running platform. Our zone, which Yuka-sensei and I stand in, is a partial area in comparison to the oval running platform.

Yulia attempted to form a running stance, but it was so bad that I just wanted to laugh it off. Her knees are positioned so wrongly. In the first place, a decent running stance would imply you to bend over, but she's not even doing that.

She's just pressing her legs backward. Though, that's kinda cute, to be this clumsy unknowingly.

"And... begin!!"

After whistling and giving Yulia the permission to start, Yulia ran with all of her might.

It was unspoken that even if this was a grand total of 500 meters, she was still struggling overall. Although I'm far away, I can see her heavy breathing throughout the gust of white shroud she forms every time she takes a plethora of heavy breaths.

8 minutes. Maybe that's not bad for someone who hasn't done physical exercise in all of her life, but that's really bad overall.

Ultimately, I went to meet her at the starting line, although, Yulia was still catching a lot of air while putting her two clasped hands onto her shirt while also additionally supporting her chest with them.

"You didn't have to do 500 meters, you know? Just a simple 100 or so would do. Are you hurt, though?"

"Ahhh...... Ahhh....! Th-Thank you for asking! I am...! Ahhh...! Fine....! Ahhh....!"

No, you're not. You look like you're on the brink of collapsing. Hot mess expresso.

"I'll take my sweet time. Rest while I do my stuff, Yulia."

"Ahhh... Okay! Good luck!!"

Slowly drifting away from the starting line, Yulia left the pedometer with me and those words of luck as well.

Before I reached here, at this exact location, I had already told Yuka-sensei my quota.

Sincerely, my quota was already decided the moment Yulia had decided on her quota.

That's right! How simple, right?!

And just like that, after 8 minutes of receiving multiple loud laughs from the audience known as my whole class and pretending to be incredibly slow, I had ended my run of 450 meters.

For the record, you have to be incredibly skilled to do this for 8 minutes exactly while not pausing constantly. Because, otherwise, you can just tell the current timer just by looking at the pedometer.

"They are going too far..... How do they not realize that this isn't your true extend... Bunch of ignorant jerks."

Greeting me at the starting line, Yulia spoke out those spiteful words. Though, I was just going to speak the truth here.

"It doesn't matter what they say. Don't pay attention to them, alright?"

"But..."

Well, more importantly, Yuka-sensei was about to meet us, since she came to us instead of us coming to her.

Carrying her notebook and a pen on her right hand, she noted down our results, that I could not see.

"Daniel, the pedometer, if you may."

"Yes."

As soon as I had done 450 meters, I stopped the timer and the meter counter, so I had no longer any utility for it at all. Therefore, I handed it over to Yuka-sensei who demanded it in a polite yet rigid way.

"You two are horrible. Either way, sit-ups next, right? What will your quotas be?"

So cold suddenly. What, did you think your illogical exam could be taken in a positive light when there are people that just lack the physiques, to begin with?

Or just another act of hers?

"Yulia, you go first, please."

"Why, thank you very much. Sensei, I'll be doing 5 sit-ups!"

You'd want to laugh but then you are reminded that fat people can barely do a single sit-up since their whole gigantic obtuse weight will just drag them down in one go.

"I can't believe what I'm hearing. However, it is what it is."

Thus, we followed Yuka-sensei to the inner of the field. It really didn't where we did it, but doing it on the concrete is always uncomfortable.

Nonetheless, the field was just a little bit less hard yet still concrete.

"Daniel, support her."

"Yes, that was my intention all along."

After Yulia had lied down on the floor, I kneeled down in front of her and took a soft hold of her own two shoes.

"Yulia, it's alright if you can't do a single one."

Though my words will be interpreted as rude, I did display a light smirk on my face while looking down on her from my position.

Thankfully, she realized my joke but still opted to reply in a manner that she found appropriate.

"I've been practicing in secret! I think I can do 5... That's why... believe in me."

It's draining my inner energy just looking at her. Not because she's annoying, not because she's inconsistent nor because she's anything of that sort. Her natural appeal is far too high for my count.

"I already do. You don't have to make requests that I already am doing, you know?"

But our conversation was cut short by the upcoming imperial words.

"Begin!!"

Every time she would slowly rise up, with a great deal of effort and difficulty, our faces would almost collide and our breaths were transiently connected to one another.

By the time the first time happened, Yulia's movements would become faster and faster, which made me think that she was going to go above 5 sit-ups.

"Hey, don't overdo it! You'll burn yourself out."

"E-Ehh...? A-Ahh... R-Right..!"

Shockingly enough, she might've actually pulled more, but I don't really know why that's the case. Her physique's really bad. Not in shape, since her body shape is fantastic and all-natural, but in terms of strength and reflexes, it's pretty questionable.

Therefore, how was she suddenly able to pull out such fast movements? I don't get it.

Her face is red, but it's probably due to the physical exercise that she's not used to doing.

"Daniel, your quota?"

"I'll do 4 sit-ups."

Roughly after noting down what I just said, Yuka-sensei was ready to whistle yet again.

All I had to do was to switch positions with Yulia, which happened just about right after.

4 sit-ups, by the way.

Clock that.

"Begin."

What was that? Why was my 'Begin.' suddenly so hollow and effortless?! What is this?

Of course, that aside, the only noticeable thing was that Yulia's face would get redder every time I rose my torso back up since our faces were quite close to connecting.

That's not all though, our lips were essentially not too far from each other every time my body would rise back up slowly.

Slowly because there is supposed to be a similarity in our pattern.

After that, we followed the sequence of push-ups.

Yulia, being an absolute beginner realized that push-ups were totally out of her league and thus went with a very reasonable number of push-ups.

"I'll be doing two push-ups!"

"You two don't really want to pass, do you now?"

That's non-sense coming from her. Why would we not want to pass the exam?

I can't let Yuka-sensei think like that even for a second.

"We want and will pass. Just watch us."

My words are so contradictory that it's hard not to crack a smile. Yulia's showing a faint smirk too.

"Alright, whatever kid. Begin!"

Again with the random coldness. Nonetheless, Yulia performed very difficult two push-ups.

It took around 10 or so seconds, which is a damn lot, but her arms simply gave up on her.

Subsequently, I took her place and slowly, but seriously, very slowly, I pulled out one push-up with the greatest of all ease.

I think my back trapezium fully contracted itself so much that I managed to feel the muscles. What a creep sensation.

And now... The reason why I'm not succumbing to massive depression. The exercise that I've waited all day long.

The moment of true glory, where men feel alive and rats rejoice.

Everybody wake up. It's that time.

"I'll do 20 seconds of planking."

"Wait, Yulia, are you sure?!"

Unexpectedly, I expressed immediate concern. In my mind, only twenty seconds was downright unacceptable.

Yulia looked confused and worried, but that's partially because that's basically the amount of time she can actually plank for.

"Don't worry... I can at least do this much!"

Ah, she failed to see my point. But, it works. Because this could be interpreted as an act of caring. I alternatively expressed my concern about Yulia doing 20 seconds of planking.

In other words, I just said that it might be too much for her, yet she's holding on strong.

I guess I'll have to feast my eyes on her for 20 seconds only. Such is life.

"Begin........"

She lost all hope. What is that bored expression!? If you don't want to do this, then don't, damn it!!

Well, Yuka-sensei aside, I decided to increase my focus on Yulia for probably another 500% or so and started to contemplate her divine parts.

Whoever came up with this exercise is a godsent, no doubt.

Yulia can't look in my direction due to her vision being focused on the ground below and not from where I stand, which makes this all secure.

Nevertheless, 20 seconds are 20 seconds. They are short as hell.

As soon as those 20 seconds were over, Yulia fell on the ground for a bit but then got up immediately. I attempted to drag her up, but she did that herself just fine.

I see. So even in moments of weakness, she doesn't like to totally be clingy.

"I'll do 10 seconds, sensei."

"Sure, don't care. Go on."

I can't take this bitch anymore.

Well, it's official. Apparently five minutes of planking equal 30 seconds. Oh, is that why she's mad? Because we are both ruining her idea that she had in mind?

Was she that happy that Sagasuga and Shizuku showed such synergy because they both match each other physically!? Well, fuck! Maybe do an exam that doesn't revolve around your opposite and I'll show you something!

"I must congratulate you both. Thus far, your quotas have been impeccable. I can't say the same about your points. If we sum both individually then Daniel, you have -16 points and Yulia, you have the same. However, since the points function not on individuals but on the pair, you two have -16 points. You two do realize you are screwed, right?"

"Not to worry! We will pass the exam! The only reasons why our quotas were right and still will be is that we understand each other and have an undeniable synergy! Our teamwork cannot be defeated!"

Yulia quickly countered Yuka-sensei's words with the blindest optimistic argument ever.

"With that said, sensei, we will be aiming for the positive points now, both."

Our simultaneous act would all come down to this act that would stupidly show how convinced we are that our teamwork, despite being ACTUALLY quite good, would not amount to anything at all.

"It's far too late. I thought you two had something to back those words up but it's purely a bluff, huh? I'll still permit it since I did say it. Now, the quotas, please."

Squats are up next, but it's meaningless. I've said this countless times already. The end result will always be the same. Yet, why do these points suddenly matter?

"Yulia, wanna do the honor?"

"My pleasure. I will do 4 squats! What about you, Daniel?!"

She asked with a burst of exhalation. Swiftly, I replied:

"I'll do 2 squats."

"Ahh, aren't you sure you want to do 1?"

"Hey, Yulia, I was thinking of doing 3! But wouldn't that be, like, too obvious?! Hahaha!"

"Hahaha! You are so right! It would be obvious, hahaha!"

While we were just being sarcastic to one another, Yuka-sensei was fuming so hard that clouds of steam started to form above her head, in my imagination.

If she's really pissed off, then I'm starting to lose hope here. Because why would she be mad if we are completely nailing the second formula?

Okay, I'm just repeating questions at this point, aren't I? It can't be helped though. I overthink sometimes.

"On with it. Do your last pathetic attempt at this exam that you two have deliberately tainted!"

Salvaging her harsh words onto us, Yulia began to squat and after she was done, so did I.

It was done. This was it.

Either this works or it doesn't.

However, there was still the final step.

"Yulia. Daniel. Since you two have completely answered the quotas correctly, you both gain an individual positive point. How will you use them though? Will you use increase the overall score of your performance by taking off two negative points OR will each of you, individually, use your individual positive point on each other?"

The answer was already obvious. Both Yulia and I smirked with supreme confidence while simultaneously answering Yuka-sensei at the same time.

"We will use the point on each other, of course!"

In other words, our individual positive point would be used on our partner. Mine on Yulia and Yulia on me. Simple.

"I don't get your excitement. It won't change a thing, but fine. Dismissed."

With a smile, we left the scene as Yuka-sensei called out the next pair.

I let out a small laugh when we passed through the pair.

Yes, I realize that technically, we lost just now. However, the morons that just passed think they can actually win.

Especially a pink-haired bitch who thinks too highly of herself.

"Kinda too late to ask, but is this really going to work...?"

I could just tell Yulia that it might not, but why do that? I rather stimulate her mentality instead.

"If it doesn't work, then it works, for you, right?"

"Right!"

She's not going to bother to deny it.