Rainy Day Gymnastics: Aira and Friends Take on the Horizontal Bar

The Rain Begins

The rain started light at first, tiny pin dots tapping on the school grounds like someone typing on a keyboard. By the time the last bell rang, the sky had cracked open into a heavy curtain of falling water. Most students rushed toward the covered walkways, talking loudly about puddles, damp socks, and weekend plans.

But two girls didn’t run. Instead, they looked up at the sky, eyes bright, hearts loud with determination.

Mia Hoshino zipped her black raincoat tight and pulled the hood high over her head. Beneath it, her school uniform was protected for now.

Standing beside her was Aira Kobayashi, without any rain protection. No coat, no umbrella, just soaked courage and messy hair dripping with ambition. Her uniform clung lightly to the rain’s story, heavy, damp, but she still glowed with unstoppable gymnastic energy.

Mia shook her head. “You’re already halfway to becoming a rain sponge. Are you really sure about this?”

Aira grinned. “Danger should have a face, and if it did, it would look exactly like horizontal bars on rainy days. So yes, I’m sure. Actually, I’m 101% sure.”

The Challenge Appears

Reina Takahashi stepped out from the covered hallway pillars, hair tied neatly with a ribbon. Behind her were her loyal squad: Lina, Mika, and Sayaka.

“Oh? A handstand trio yesterday and a backflip duo today. You girls are determined to produce your own chaos series, aren’t you?” Reina said with mock disappointment.

Mia stepped forward. “We’re not starring in chaos, Reina. This is training. We’re just practicing. We’re not scared of a rain challenge.”

Reina raised a brow. “A rain challenge? The sky is literally staging revenge against your whole little stunt existence.”

Aira stretched her wrists. “Then do it. Impress us.”

Aira Takes the Bar

Aira ran toward the bar, not fast, but precise. She planted three calculated steps, kicked off the ground, jumped upward, grabbed the bar, and launched her flip. Rain mist trailed off her sleeves and shoes as her skirt swayed in motion, not for exposure, but for dramatic aesthetic commitment.

She landed cleanly, boots sliding forward as water coated the ground. She braced instantly, palm hitting the ground, knees bending sharply, core tightened, slide cancelled before it finished its arc. She rose slowly, soaked through, but victorious.

“STUCK IT, SORTA!” Mia yelled triumphantly.

“Sorta still counts, thank you very much,” Aira replied.

Reina scoffed but watched closely.

The Rival Attempts

Then it was Mika’s turn. She grabbed the bar, swung up aggressively, tucked unevenly, launched too high, rotated sideways, then failed the landing and splashed into a puddle. Students cheered, laughter ripping through rainfall like confetti chaos.

“Next time it rains, indoor training only. But flipping adventures are officially tradition,” Mika said, standing slowly, soaked through but grinning.

Haruto Arrives

Rapid footsteps approached. Haruto Sakamaki sprinted toward the arena with his umbrella.

He stopped beside Aira. “Flips and rain? Bold. But seriously, you’re soaked. Take this.”

He held the umbrella over her head. Aira froze slightly, suddenly self-aware in a harmless way.

“Cold heroine energy is admirable. Pneumonia energy is not,” he said with a small smile.

The Fun Aftermath

Mia laughed. “Umbrella prince arrives to save water goblin, Chapter 1.”

Aira shivered slightly, cheeks warming from the embarrassment of being soaked but choosing to stand beside him.

“Respect could also come with a towel offering,” she muttered.

“You’re right,” he nodded. “I missed that equipment item. I’ll bring it next sequel opportunity.”

Mia chimed in: “Umbrella is phase 1. Towel is phase 2.”

“No hot chocolate phase, Mia,” Aira snapped, cheeks pink from cold rain and humorous embarrassment.

Lessons Learned

Rainy days were dangerous for stunts, but perfect for stories worth retelling, flipping, and surviving together.