The rhythmic thud of sneakers against the track echoed in the crisp morning air. Akari Tanaka's ponytail swayed with each stride as she pushed herself forward, the cool breeze brushing against her flushed cheeks. The track and field club's morning practice was in full swing, and Akari was determined to make her mark.
"You're improving, Tanaka!" Coach Saito called out, stopwatch in hand.
Akari offered a brief nod, too focused to respond verbally. Her legs burned, but she relished the sensation—it meant she was pushing her limits.
After completing her laps, she slowed to a jog, eventually coming to a stop near the bleachers where her water bottle awaited. She took a long sip, the cold water refreshing her parched throat.
"Impressive as always," a familiar voice remarked.
Akari turned to see Kaito Minami approaching, his usual warm smile in place.
"Kaito," she greeted, slightly surprised. "What brings you here so early?"
He shrugged, adjusting the strap of his bag. "Thought I'd get some morning study in before classes. Saw you running and thought I'd say hi."
Akari smiled, appreciating the gesture. "Thanks. It's nice to have some support."
As they chatted, Ren Fujiwara approached, his expression unreadable.
"Morning," he said, glancing between the two.
"Morning, Ren," Akari replied, noting the slight tension in his posture.
Kaito nodded in greeting. "Hey, Fujiwara."
Ren's gaze lingered on Akari. "Didn't expect to see you here so early."
She chuckled. "Track practice waits for no one."
The trio stood in a momentary silence, the ambient sounds of the school grounds filling the void.
"Well," Kaito began, breaking the silence, "I should head to the library. See you both later."
As he departed, Ren turned to Akari. "You and Kaito seem close."
Akari raised an eyebrow. "We're friends. Why?"
He hesitated, then shook his head. "No reason."
She studied him for a moment, then smiled. "Jealousy doesn't suit you, Ren."
He scoffed, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "I'm not jealous."
"Sure," she teased, grabbing her bag. "Come on, let's head to class."
---
Later that day, during lunch, Akari sat with Rio Hayashi and Nagi Sakamoto in the courtyard. The sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
"So," Rio began, taking a bite of her sandwich, "how's track practice treating you?"
Akari sighed, stretching her legs. "It's intense, but I love it."
Nagi smirked. "You're the only person I know who enjoys voluntary torture."
She laughed. "It's not torture. It's discipline."
Rio leaned forward, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Speaking of discipline, any developments with a certain someone?"
Akari blinked. "Who?"
"Ren, of course," Rio said, grinning.([ATLAS TRANSLATES][1])
Akari rolled her eyes. "We're just friends."
Nagi raised an eyebrow. "Sure doesn't look that way from where I'm sitting."
She sighed, exasperated. "You two are impossible."
Rio laughed, nudging her playfully. "We're just looking out for you."
Akari shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks, I think."
---
As the school day ended, Akari returned to the track for afternoon practice. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the field.
She lined up at the starting blocks, focusing on her breathing. With a burst of energy, she sprinted forward, her feet pounding against the track.
After several laps, she collapsed onto the grass, panting heavily.
"You okay?" a voice asked.
She looked up to see Ren standing over her, offering a bottle of water.
"Thanks," she said, taking it gratefully.
He sat beside her, watching the sky. "You really push yourself."
She nodded. "I want to be the best."
He glanced at her. "You already are."
She met his gaze, surprised. "Thanks, Ren."
They sat in comfortable silence, the sounds of the school fading into the background.
In that moment, Akari realized that amidst the chaos of high school life, she had found something—or someone—worth holding onto.