After leaving Yui's house, Hachiman and Miura walked side by side down the road, their paths conveniently aligned.
The boy and girl remained silent, creating an awkward atmosphere.
Finally, as they neared the point where they would part ways, Miura couldn't help but speak up:
"Are you going running at the park again tonight?"
"Eh?"
Hachiman stopped in his tracks, hesitated for a few seconds, then nodded.
"Yeah, to keep in shape."
"When did you become so diligent?" Miura frowned, looking at Hachiman as if he were some rare species.
"I remember you used to be so lazy, always slumped over your desk."
"Oh? So you've been watching me?"
"Hah?"
Miura's expression shifted awkwardly as she immediately retorted,
"Hmph! You're the only one in class who acts so slothful. Of course, I noticed you!"
"Sigh."
Hachiman sighed.
"So, yeah, my second-year self was pretty terrible. I don't want to stay like that in my third year, so I'm trying to turn things around by exercising."
"In that case, let's run together," Miura suggested.
"Run... together?" Hachiman was taken aback.
"Yeah, let's run together!" Miura looked at him seriously.
"Running may seem simple, but there are a lot of details to pay attention to—like warming up beforehand, pacing yourself during the run, and properly relaxing afterward."
She added, "If I guide you, you won't waste your effort or make unnecessary mistakes."
"..."
Hachiman fell silent for a few seconds before saying,
"You're surprisingly kind, Miura."
"Huh?"
Miura's face turned bright red in an instant, nearly losing her composure.
"Who's being kind to you? Don't flatter yourself!!"
"Then why bother helping me?"
"Because... because..."
"It's not about Yui, is it?"
"...?"
Miura's lips twitched as she said,
"What does this have to do with Yui? Sure, I'd love for you two to end up together, but this time it's because... I want to thank you for earlier—for saving me."
Her head lowered, hiding her expression.
"It was nothing," Hachiman replied dismissively.
"Nothing?"
Miura scoffed, lifting her head to meet his gaze with a stern look.
"I'm someone who keeps her grudges and gratitude clear. A favor is a favor, and a wrong is a wrong! You've helped me more than once now—this time, it's my turn to repay you."
Hachiman chuckled awkwardly. "Can I refuse?"
"Hmph!"
Miura narrowed her eyes, her tone brooking no argument.
"You dare reject me when I've lowered my pride to thank you?"
"Cough, fine, fine."
Okay, okay, I was wrong, Your Majesty.
Hachiman could only agree for the time being.
---
That Evening
"Going for another walk, big brother?"
"Yep."
Hachiman casually brushed off his adorable little sister's question and left the house.
A few minutes later, he arrived at the park.
Standing at the entrance was Miura.
With her high ponytail, sporty outfit, and shorts, she looked full of energy and completely radiant.
When she noticed Hachiman, she walked over.
"You're here."
"Yeah."
Hachiman nodded, avoiding looking directly at her.
He had to admit—Miura Yumiko, also known as the Queen of Fire, could easily be called the Queen of Beauty.
Her figure, aura, and face were all top-notch, earning her the title of a bona fide school beauty.
"Before running, we'll warm up. Follow me."
"Alright."
Hachiman followed Miura to a quiet spot.
She carefully guided him through each warm-up exercise, demonstrating with precision and even helping adjust his posture to ensure he got it right—a level of care that could only be described as babysitter-like.
"Once we're done warming up, follow my pace while running. Pay attention to your breathing and rhythm, okay?"
"Got it."
With that, the two began jogging, Hachiman following closely behind Miura.
Keeping her pace made running significantly smoother for him.
However...
The faint scent of Miura's fragrance drifting back to him, combined with the sway of her figure, was proving almost fatal to Hachiman's focus.
Calm down, calm down!
Just imagine that Miura is Yukinoshita. Yes, the one running in front of me is Yukinoshita... Yukinoshita...
With this mental image, Hachiman finally managed to stabilize his thoughts.
---
After the Run
Miura wiped the sweat from her brow and turned to Hachiman.
"So, how do you feel today?"
"Thanks to you, I lasted much longer than usual. I used to only manage half an hour, but now I can go a full hour."
With Miura's guidance, Hachiman felt like he'd made great progress.
"Huh?" Miura froze, her face tinged with a blush. "What kind of nonsense are you spouting?"
"Uh... I meant running! Running, of course!"
Hachiman hurriedly clarified, awkwardly moving to sit on a nearby bench.
"Wait!!"
Miura grabbed his arm to stop him.
"Who said you could sit down?"
"Uh... I'm tired from the run, so I just thought..."
"Hmph! When running with me, you don't sit unless I say so!"
Miura sternly scolded him.
"After a long run, the worst thing you can do is sit down right away. Follow me and do some stretches to relax your body; otherwise, you'll be sore tomorrow."
"Sigh, I'm already... out of energy."
Hachiman instinctively tried to slack off.
In response, Miura leaned in and firmly grabbed his arm.
"You're doing it. Even if I have to force you!"
"Uh...?"
"Stop 'uh-ing' and lift your leg!"
Thus began a round of strict post-run stretches under Miura's close supervision.
The two were in close proximity, and Hachiman could distinctly catch Miura's scent—a mix of her natural fragrance and the light tang of sweat, which was oddly intoxicating.
Similarly, Miura noticed his scent.
Their faces subtly reddened, but neither said a word.
---
On their way home, the two walked side by side in the quiet night.
To break the silence, Hachiman exhaled deeply and said,
"Thanks for tonight, Miura."
"No need to thank me," she replied coolly.
"We'll continue tomorrow night. Your stamina is so bad; you need serious training!"
"Uh... tomorrow again?"
"Any problems?"
"Well... maybe you should focus on preparing for the National High School Track and Field Competition. I'll be fine running alone for now."
"...How do you know about that?!"
Miura's eyes widened in shock.
She'd only registered for the competition two days ago. How on earth did Hachiman find out?
Even Yui didn't know yet!
Her heart skipped a beat.
Was Hachiman paying attention to me...?
---
Meanwhile, hidden behind a utility pole, a figure couldn't contain their emotions as they watched the two interact.
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