Yuri and Kiyoshi sit on the benches at the edge of the field, watching as the other students run laps and go through their exercises.
"You really went out of your way just to talk to me," Yuri says, tilting her head slightly, amusement lacing her tone.
"I didn't do it for you," Kiyoshi replies, leaning back.
"Yeah, yeah, no need to act all tough. But if you think about it, it's kinda romantic, isn't it?" Yuri teases, flashing a playful smirk.
Kiyoshi raises an eyebrow. "If you want me to be your Prince Charming, all you had to do was ask."
Yuri bursts into laughter—so unrestrained that for a moment, she loses the polished, charming persona she usually wears. As her laughter fades, she exhales, her expression shifting to something more neutral. "You haven't changed a bit, Kiyoshi. Now, tell me—how's she doing?" Her voice turns flat, almost bored.
Kiyoshi stiffens slightly. "Who?" he asks, even though he already knows the answer.
"Come on, don't play dumb. After all, you are—"
"Drop it," Kiyoshi cuts in, his tone sharp. "I don't want to talk about it."
Yuri studies him for a moment before shrugging. "Still a sore spot, huh?"
Kiyoshi exhales, steering the conversation away. "Let's just get to the point. Why are you here, Yuri?"
Yuri smirks. "That's my line. What's an orphan like you doing in a place like this?"
Kiyoshi doesn't respond, and Yuri takes that as her cue to continue. "Well, you know me—always looking for power, control. And where else would be better than here?"
Before Kiyoshi can say anything, a voice calls out from the field.
"Hey, Yuri!"
One of the girls running past waves at her. Yuri gives a graceful wave in return.
"Come on, we're leaving now!" the girl shouts.
Yuri rises from the bench, throwing Kiyoshi one last charming smile. "After you."
Kiyoshi watches her, expression unreadable. "Are you really serious about this?"
Yuri blinks, momentarily caught off guard. Then, her smirk returns. "Of course I am."
Kiyoshi stands, meeting her gaze. He extends his hand, the gesture more of a challenge than a greeting. "It won't be easy for you. Not as long as I'm here."
Yuri takes his hand, shaking it with the same bored expression. "Let's see how far you've come, then."
---
On the Way Back
"Kiyoshi, man… how do you even know her?" one of Kiyoshi's friends asks as they walk back to the hostel. "She's crazy cool. And beautiful."
"Now it makes sense why Kiyoshi actually showed up today," another friend jokes, prompting laughter from the group.
Kiyoshi smirks. "Yeah, yeah. Next time, I'll bring popcorn so you guys can enjoy the show properly."
---
Room 511
Inside his dorm room, Kiyoshi buttons up his school uniform. The clock reads 7:15 AM—breakfast time.
His mind drifts back to his conversation with Yuri.
"Let's see how far you've come."
The words echo in his head, lingering like a challenge.
And then, almost unconsciously, he smiles—just a little.
---