The day started like any other.
Leo managed to not oversleep, avoided spilling toothpaste on his uniform, and even got a seat near the back window in homeroom—the holy grail of introvert positioning.
For approximately twenty-five minutes, peace reigned.
Then the door to the classroom slammed open.
"LEO SHEN!"
Every head turned.
Standing in the doorway, in full PE uniform and holding a stopwatch, was none other than Hana Kurosawa.
Leo blinked. "...Yes?"
"You. Track field. Now."
He glanced around. "Did I do something?"
"You EXIST. That's reason enough. Let's go."
The class collectively winced. Kai silently gave him a salute.
Leo sighed and stood up. "Please tell me this isn't another surprise event."
"It's not. It's a punishment. You owe me for the rainstorm. And also for being… you."
---
Fifteen minutes later, Leo stood at the edge of the school's outdoor track, wearing borrowed sneakers and mild confusion.
"Why exactly are we doing this?"
Hana stretched like a predator preparing to pounce. "Because you clearly have zero stamina and I need a training partner."
"That's… not how stamina works."
"Less talk, more running."
---
Three laps in, Leo was dying.
"Why," he gasped, "are we… doing this… again?"
"Character building."
"I think my character is trying to escape my body."
Hana didn't even look winded. "Come on, New Guy. You survived a forest with three girls. This should be easy."
"That was emotional cardio. This is actual cardio."
"You want to survive in this school, you gotta have both."
Leo stumbled dramatically onto the grass. "Then I'm doomed."
Hana stood over him, smirking. "You're not that bad. Just… tragically average."
Leo closed his eyes. "Thank you. I think."
---
After practice, they sat under a tree with two sports drinks and a bag of spicy chips.
Hana tossed him a bottle. "Here. For not dying."
Leo cracked it open. "Appreciated."
She took a long drink, then glanced at him. "You know, you're not what I expected."
"What did you expect?"
"Some emo transfer student with a tragic past. Brooding. Mysterious. Angsty haikus."
"I mean… I do write poetry."
"I KNEW IT."
Leo laughed. "Do you hate poetry?"
"No. I just didn't think someone who writes it would be dumb enough to run in loafers."
"Fair point."
They sat in silence for a bit. The breeze ruffled the grass, and somewhere in the distance, the bell tower chimed.
"You're kind of fun to mess with," Hana said suddenly.
"...Thanks?"
"Don't get weird about it. I still think you're suspicious."
"Suspicious how?"
"You show up out of nowhere. Instantly attract three very different girls. Keep getting thrown into rom-com scenarios. You're either cursed… or the protagonist."
Leo sipped his drink. "Can't it be both?"
Hana stared at him for a long second.
Then she laughed. "Okay, fine. Maybe I'll let you live a little longer."
"Great. My survival depends on your mood."
"Exactly."
She stood up, stretching. "Come on. Back to class. If you're lucky, maybe Rin won't glare you into dust again."
Leo stood, brushing off his pants. "No promises."
---
Back in class, Kai leaned over as soon as Leo sat down.
"Let me guess. You and Hana had a 'bonding through physical pain' moment?"
"More like 'suffer together, survive together.'"
Kai nodded like a war veteran. "That's friendship, man."
Leo stared at the ceiling. "I think I pulled a soul muscle."