Aira’s Perfect Flips: Gymnasium Triumph at Shirakawa High

Preparing for the Perfect Backflip

Aira stood in the middle of the school gymnasium, taking a deep breath. Her classmates formed a loose circle around her, quietly watching. She adjusted her dark blue skirt and blouse, making sure everything was in place. Today, she was determined to land a perfect backflip.

“Alright, everyone,” she said, stretching her arms. “Watch and learn.”

Her classmates exchanged glances—some curious, some skeptical. Haruto leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a smirk in place.

“You really think you can pull this off?” he asked, teasing.

Aira smiled, eyes sparkling with confidence. “I don’t think. I know.”

Landing the First Backflip

She planted her feet firmly, bent her knees, and swung her arms back. With a burst of energy, she launched into the backflip. Time seemed to slow. Her body rotated smoothly and perfectly, landing solidly on the mat with knees bent to absorb the impact.

Her classmates erupted in applause.

“Wow! That was amazing!” Mei exclaimed. “You made it look so easy!”

“Seriously, how did you even do that?” Eri asked, grinning.

Aira bowed slightly. “Lots of practice… and a little bit of bravery.”

Haruto walked closer, impressed despite his teasing. “Not bad at all. You actually stuck the landing.”

Aira laughed softly. “Thanks. You should try it too sometime.”

“Me? No way,” he said, shaking his head. “I’d probably end up in the nurse’s office.”

Facing the Front Flip Challenge

Their sensei, Mr. Sato, approached with a clipboard. “Excellent job, Aira. You’ve mastered the backflip. Now, can you do a front flip?”

Aira’s eyes widened, then a confident grin appeared. “A front flip, huh? Sure, why not.”

She adjusted her skirt, laughing lightly. “Don’t worry, everyone. No wardrobe malfunctions this time.”

Haruto pretended to frown. “Some of us were hoping…”

Ignoring him, Aira bent her knees, swung her arms forward, and launched into a graceful front flip, landing perfectly again.

Her classmates gasped and cheered.

“No way! That was insane!” Mei shouted. “You’re like a superhero!”

“Can’t believe you did that effortlessly,” Eri added.

Even Haruto admitted quietly, “Okay… that was really impressive.”

Mr. Sato smiled. “With discipline, you could even compete in gymnastics someday.”

Aira blushed. “I’ll keep practicing, Sensei.”

Praises and Playful Teasing

For the rest of the period, Aira continued practicing flips, carefully holding her skirt in place each time. Classmates cheered, laughed, and asked questions:

“How do you do that without falling?” Eri asked.
“What’s your secret?” Mei added.

“Just practice and trying not to think too much,” Aira said, laughing.

Haruto nudged her lightly. “Or maybe it’s natural talent.”

“Natural talent, huh? Sounds like a compliment,” Aira smirked.

“Maybe it is,” he shrugged, smiling.

The girls laughed. The atmosphere mixed admiration, friendship, and lighthearted teasing.

Wrapping Up the Gym Period

After several more attempts, Aira slowed down, breathing heavily but smiling.

“Nice landing!” Mei called out.

“Thanks. I’m getting better, right?” Aira replied.

“You’re amazing!” Eri said.

Haruto leaned closer. “Confidence and talent. That’s dangerous for the rest of us.”

“Dangerous, huh? That’s a lot of pressure,” Aira teased.

“You handle it well,” he said quietly.

The period ended, and students left the gym, buzzing about Aira’s skills. Haruto walked beside her, teasing but clearly impressed.

“You really are a flipping star,” he said with a grin.

Aira laughed. “Flipping star, huh? Not bad.”

“Not bad?” he asked. “Understatement.”

She shook her head, smiling. “Thanks, Haruto. But don’t exaggerate too much to the others.”

“Exaggerate? Me? Never,” he said, mock-saluting.

Aira giggled, cheeks pink. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Maybe. But you made it worth it today.”

The bell rang, signaling the end of the period. Aira realized the gym wasn’t just for practice—it was where she could shine, share moments with friends, and maybe, just maybe, make Haruto notice her in a special way.