Chapter 21 - Six

With a mixture of disappointment and a hint of exasperation, Phin Chester exclaimed, "Again!" as Pentaro struggled to maintain his posture. The entire Team Blue sprinted energetically around the camp, while Phin Chester sat on a chair, sipping his tea.

As they completed their fiftieth lap, exhaustion overcame most of the team. Gasping for air and some even collapsed to the ground. Phin Chester couldn't hide his disappointment and frustration as he declared, "Is this the best you've got, team?" He shook his head, unable to contain his disappointment, but his determination to push them forward remained undiminished.

Pentaro, utterly drained and panting, found himself seated on the ground. "You're quite strong, you know", a captivating female voice echoed before him. As he lifted his weary head, his gaze locked onto a striking vision: a dazzling lady, adorned in a vibrant pink shirt with a distinctive "6" emblazoned boldly on her chest.

Her radiant presence seemed to shimmer with a magnetic allure, and her dulcet voice resonated like a symphony of charm. In that exhilarating moment, Pentaro couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the sheer enchantment of Team Pink's enigmatic member.

Pentaro, gazing at the alluring Six, couldn't help but chuckle as he responded, "I suppose the truly strong don't tire after circling the camp fifty times." Six's smile widened as she acknowledged, "Your performance is truly impressive. You don't seem as exhausted as the others."

Turning to his comrades for reassurance, Pentaro sensed their admiration for his newfound acquaintance. "I'm Eshinodinati," she introduced herself with a graceful handshake. "I'm Pentaro," he replied, stumbling slightly over her name. She reassured him with warmth in her eyes, "No worries, you can just call me Six." With that lovely smile, she made him feel at ease and welcomed in an instant.

She gracefully bent down to retrieve a piece of cloth from her bag, gently wiping away Pentaro's sweat. His heart raced at this intimate gesture, but what truly took his breath away was the tantalizing glimpse of her partially unbuttoned shirt that revealed her exquisite curves.

His desire for her ignited, an irresistible attraction coursing through him. The temptation to reach out was strong, but he managed to restrain himself, captivated by her allure.

When he finally looked up, he locked eyes with her, a shared moment charged with unspoken desires. She noticed his longing gaze, her eyes meeting his before she coyly averted her face, leaving no doubt that she had sensed his passionate admiration.

"Thank you," he murmured, accepting the cloth from her delicate hands and using it to wipe his own face. Her gaze remained fixated on him, radiating a profound affection that was unmistakable. In the depths of her eyes, he could sense the unmistakable presence of love blossoming for him.

"I'm I interrupting something?" came the gentle voice of another woman, standing beside them. Pentaro turned, his eyes widening in surprise as he beheld the remarkable Timha, clutching a container in her hands. "Timha!" he exclaimed, his face lighting up, and he swiftly rose to his feet to approach her.

Timha wore a sly grin as she teased, "I wasn't interrupting your romantic interlude, was I?" Her expression held a hint of playful mischief. Pentaro chuckled, responding with a hint of bashfulness, "No, not really."

"I ventured over to your camp earlier, only to find you weren't there yet, so I decided to track you down here," Timha shared with a warm smile, her eyes reflecting genuine affection.

Pentaro, slightly frustrated by the prolonged training, gestured toward the other groups that had already completed their exercises. "We were supposed to be finished by now, but it seems our instructor has other plans," he explained, his voice tinged with a mixture of patience and anticipation.

Curiosity gleamed in Timha's eyes as she inquired, "And what's the next challenge on your agenda?" Pentaro's response held a touch of passion and care, "We're embarking on a race, circling the entire camp fifty times, we're just taking a short breather before our next round."

Their connection deepened as they shared the details of their day, their bond growing stronger amidst the backdrop of their shared pursuits.

With a warm smile, Timha reached into her container and retrieved a small piece of herb. "You might find this useful. It'll give you that extra bit of persistence," she offered with genuine care and passion. Pentaro's eyes sparkled with gratitude as he accepted the herb. "Thank you so much," he replied, his heart filled with appreciation for Timha's thoughtful gesture.

With an electrifying surge of emotion, Timha drew near and planted a sweet peck on Pentaro's cheek, leaving him utterly stunned by the unexpected gesture. His heart danced with delight, caught in the whirlwind of this unanticipated affection.

As Timha sauntered away, Pentaro couldn't suppress the radiant smile that spread across his face, a testament to the warmth of that kiss.

Amidst his joyful reverie, Six approached, her curiosity sparking a question: "Is that your girlfriend?" Pentaro's eyes sparkled with love and excitement as he responded, "Not yet." The anticipation of a budding romance filled the air with an electrifying sense of possibility and enchantment.

With a thunderous command, Phin Chester's voice boomed, igniting a surge of excitement and determination among Team Blue. They were back in action, ready to conquer the tracks once more.

Pentaro, still beaming from Timha's affectionate peck, turned to Six with an affectionate smile. "I have to go, Six," he said, his heart brimming with emotion. As he walked away, he couldn't resist taking a bite of the herb Timha had gifted him, feeling a surge of newfound energy coursing through his veins.

With renewed vigor and a sense of purpose, he joined his teammates, his stride pulsating with the anticipation of victory as they dashed into action.