"Ah? Wouldn't that be problematic if others see us?" Satoru replied, his brow furrowing in concern.
"Given our significant difference in status, people might exploit this situation and it could affect your reputation."
Yuki's expression remained composed as she responded, "Don't worry about that. I'm more concerned about your progress than what others might say. Besides, we're just going for a jog, nothing scandalous."
She looked at him reassuringly, her eyes reflecting her determination to help.
"Well... you're really dependable," Satoru said, a hint of admiration in his voice. "I'm glad I was able to speak my mind that day. I guess that's what made you remember me, right?"
Yuki nodded slightly, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes, you could say that."
"Alright, let's continue this conversation at the park," Yuki said, standing up and gesturing towards the door. "We should get going."
"Okay, lead the way," Satoru replied, following her out of the room.
As they exited the room, the members of the kendo club glanced at them and began to whisper among themselves.
Satoru noticed this and felt an increasing sense of guilt towards Yuki.
He knew that their association would inevitably become a topic of public discussion, potentially leading to rumors and gossip that could impact Yuki's reputation and standing.
Despite this, she seemed completely unfazed, prioritizing their friendship over any possible fallout.
They soon arrived at a park.
"This will do," Yuki said, her voice steady and authoritative. "Today's training is to run 30 laps. You can't go home until you finish. I'll be here to accompany and supervise you."
Satoru glanced around, taking in the surroundings. The park was breathtakingly beautiful, a true testament to the elegance and grandeur of Astralsya.
Well-maintained paths wound through the landscape, lined with lush, vibrant trees and a riot of colorful flowers.
Elegant fountains shot arcs of crystal-clear water into the air, their soft splashes adding a soothing backdrop to the environment.
Marble statues, expertly crafted, stood in dignified poses among the greenery, each one a work of art that seemed to tell its own story.
The air was filled with the tranquil sounds of nature—the chirping of birds, the gentle rustling of leaves as a soft breeze passed through, and the distant murmur of flowing water.
The path around the park was long, stretching at least a kilometer per lap by Satoru's estimation.
It was a daunting distance, especially considering he had to run it 30 times.
Despite the challenge ahead, he felt a surge of determination. This beautiful setting, with its peaceful ambiance and stunning sights, would be the backdrop for his first real test of endurance.
Yuki jogged alongside Satoru, taking the lead with effortless grace.
For her, running seemed as natural as breathing, a stark contrast to Satoru's struggle.
On the first lap, Satoru found the pace manageable. It was a slow jog, and his energy levels were still high.
By the third lap, he began to feel the strain.
His breathing grew heavier, but he glanced at Yuki, who maintained her steady pace without any sign of fatigue. Determined not to give up, he pushed himself harder.
By the fifth lap, Satoru was at his limit.
His vision started to blur, and a dark circles closed in around his sight, threatening to consume his consciousness.
His steps faltered, and his pace slowed to a crawl.
Eventually, he stopped entirely, his legs unable to carry him any further.
Sensing his distress, Yuki turned swiftly and caught Satoru just as he was about to collapse.
With surprising ease, she scooped him up in a princess carry and gently laid him on a nearby bench.
A slight yet wry smile played on her lips as she looked down at him.
"Stubborn, aren't you?" Yuki said, her tone both amused and chiding.
"You nearly collapsed by the fourth lap, yet you kept pushing yourself. I never said you had to run all 30 laps in one go. Consider this a lesson in understanding and accepting your limits."
Yuki didn't wait to see if her words had registered with the unconscious Satoru. Instead, she sat beside him, watching over him in silence.
After about thirty minutes, a gentle breeze rustled through the park, lifting Satoru's bangs and stirring his consciousness.
He slowly opened his bleary eyes, the world coming back into focus.
The first thing he saw was Yuki, her hair softly moving with the breeze, her hand delicately tucking a stray lock behind her ear.
"You're awake," Yuki said softly, her eyes meeting his.
"I just... passed out, didn't I?" Satoru asked, his voice weak.
"Yes, you did," Yuki replied with a gentle smile, her tone as calm as ever.
"That's what happens when you overexert yourself."
"That's embarrassing," Satoru muttered, more to himself than to Yuki. He looked away, feeling a flush of shame creeping up his cheeks.
"Well, everyone has moments of overconfidence. Don't let it get you down," Yuki said, her voice both encouraging and firm.
"I understand. I won't make the same mistake again," Satoru replied, his determination evident.
"Good. That's what I like to hear. Today's training is over; you need time to recover," Yuki said, a note of finality in her voice.
"No, please, Yuki, just run with me a bit more," Satoru insisted. "I don't want to stop now."
Yuki sighed, recognizing the unyielding resolve in his eyes. "You're so stubborn," she said, shaking her head. "But I suppose that's what makes you unique."
"Alright, get up," she continued, offering him a hand. "I'll run with you, but only for ten more laps. After that, you must rest. I don't want to lose a rare friend to exhaustion."
The two of them began to jog side by side, their pace steady and synchronized.
The golden light of the setting sun bathed the park in a warm, orange glow, casting long shadows on the path ahead.
The leaves rustled gently in the evening breeze, creating a serene symphony that accompanied their rhythmic footsteps.
As they ran, Satoru could feel the fatigue in his muscles, but the presence of Yuki beside him, her grace and determination, spurred him on.
Her movements were fluid and effortless, a testament to her strength and training, while Satoru pushed himself to keep up, each step a testament to his resolve.
The park around them was tranquil, the once bustling pathways now quieting down as the day drew to a close.
The vibrant hues of the flowers seemed to soften in the dimming light, and the distant chatter of people slowly faded, leaving only the sound of their breaths and the rhythmic thud of their feet against the ground.
Time seemed to slow as they ran, the moments stretching out into an endless, comforting loop.
The sky overhead shifted from a brilliant blue to a deep, dusky purple, with streaks of pink and gold painting the horizon.
The entire scene was wrapped in a soft, orange filter, the world around them seeming almost surreal in its beauty.
Satoru glanced at Yuki, her expression calm and focused, a slight smile playing on her lips as she ran.
Despite the challenges of the day, there was a sense of peace between them, a shared understanding forged through their mutual effort and determination.
As they continued their laps, the park's lampposts began to flicker on, their gentle light adding a new layer of warmth to the evening.
The world felt right in those moments, the simple act of running together becoming a silent promise of friendship and support.
Finally, as they completed their last lap, Satoru felt a profound sense of accomplishment and gratitude.
The journey had been challenging, but running beside Yuki had made it worthwhile.
They slowed to a walk, the cool evening air soothing their heated skin, and together, they made their way back, the twilight enveloping them in its tranquil embrace.
"How was it? Satisfied?" Yuki asked, her voice steady despite the run.
"Yes, today was good enough," Satoru replied, panting heavily. "Thank you so much for today, Yuki."
He glanced at Yuki, noting how she still seemed unfazed after all the running. It made him acutely aware of how much natural talent could create a vast difference in ability.
"Alright then, see you later, Satoru," Yuki said, a small smile on her lips.
"Yeah, see you, Yuki," Satoru responded, still catching his breath.
They parted ways at the park's entrance, walking in opposite directions towards their respective homes.
As Satoru walked, he couldn't help but quicken his pace at the thought of soon being able to taste Janne's cooking once more.
The anticipation of a warm meal made his steps lighter and faster, driving him forward through the dimming evening light.
Soon, Satoru descended from Astralsya, pausing on the mountainside to gaze down at the valley below, searching for the comforting sight of the wooden cottage.
As he absorbed the day's lessons and the results of his training, a sense of calm washed over him.
He sat on the edge of a cliff, taking in the breathtaking scenery, and letting the evening breeze cool his skin.
The physical toll of the day's exertions was evident in the sharp ache of his leg muscles, yet he could also feel a noticeable improvement in his stamina.
Despite the pain, there was a sense of satisfaction and progress that filled him with a quiet determination.