On a Saturday in mid-June, the rainy season finally stopped here for a day.
To stay fit, Uesugi Sakura would always drag Hanamaru Hanabi out for a morning jog, running two laps around the alleyways surrounded by single-family homes, which marked the completion of their primary daily task.
"Ha~ Ha~ Sakura... Sakura-kun..."
Uesugi Sakura, who was ahead, turned around to look at Hanamaru Hanabi, who was bent over with her hands on her knees under the shade of the trees, and walked over to ask with concern, "Can't run anymore?"
Hanamaru Hanabi, short of breath, felt the ground in her vision swaying, but when she heard his voice, she still responded with a feeble tone:
"Yes..."
Soon after her reply, a hand came to support her shoulder.
Uesugi Sakura saw her eyes slightly unfocused, panting heavily, and sweating on her forehead, realizing she was truly exhausted.
