Night deepened.
Keita Imaizumi ended his daily routine call with Anna Yanami. The girl's voice on the phone still carried a hint of pre-sleep laziness and clinginess, repeatedly telling him not to be unfaithful.
Keita Imaizumi didn't feel annoyed by this behavior, which was essentially checking up on him.
On the contrary, after their relationship broke through the final barrier, Anna Yanami's possessive, behave in a spoiled manner-like behavior actually made him feel a sense of satisfaction and security.
Men like seeing girls being possessive of them...
Otherwise, yanderes with knives wouldn't be so popular...
Leaning against the headboard, he picked up his phone to browse some news, when a notification suddenly popped up from Lemon Shio.
"Keita, want to go for a morning run together tomorrow? [Full of energy.jpg]"
The message was followed by a Shiba Inu emoji running forward energetically, full of Lemon Shio's signature style.
Looking at this message, Keita Imaizumi couldn't help but recall the scene of running with her on the school track last time.
The sight of the girl sweating on the track was indeed captivating.
Since their relationship had progressed further, Anna Yanami had always had some complaints about his interactions with Lemon Shio, her words often tinged with a sour note.
However, after a few "profound discussions" with Keita Imaizumi, she had reluctantly acquiesced to them maintaining a normal "friendship."
After all, Lemon Shio had joined the Literature Club based on the application form she handed over, so she was also her friend.
Moreover, initially, Anna Yanami had even actively stated she didn't mind Keita Imaizumi getting closer to Lemon Shio...
Thinking of this, Keita Imaizumi's fingers tapped on the screen.
"Sure."
The message was sent, and the reply came almost instantly.
"Great! Then it's settled! Tomorrow morning at 7:30, meet at the school track! Don't be late! [Fist pump.jpg]"
Looking at the energetic promise on the screen, Keita Imaizumi smiled wryly and put his phone aside.
Looks like I have to get up early tomorrow.
...
Early morning the next day, just as the sky was brightening.
When Keita Imaizumi arrived at the school track at the agreed time, Lemon Shio's figure was already on the running track.
She had changed into professional track and field attire. The fitted sports top and shorts perfectly outlined her healthy, energetic physique.
The morning breeze blew, making the entire track seem quiet and spacious.
Lemon Shio seemed immersed in her own rhythm and didn't notice his arrival immediately.
Her eyes slightly narrowed, her breathing steady and deep, each step light, brisk, and rhythmic.
Keita Imaizumi didn't make a sound to disturb her, just stood quietly by the track watching.
He found that when she shed her usual boisterous exterior, Lemon Shio, focused on something she loved, radiated a different kind of light.
It wasn't until she finished a full lap that Lemon Shio slowed down and noticed Keita Imaizumi standing by the track.
"Hey, Keita!"
A smile bloomed on her face as she jogged over, waving vigorously at him, "You're pretty punctual!"
"Good morning, Shio." Keita Imaizumi nodded. "You were running so focused, I didn't want to disturb you."
"Hehe, I really don't pay much attention to my surroundings when I run."
Lemon Shio scratched her head sheepishly. "Come on, let me warm up with you first."
Just like last time, Lemon Shio very naturally assumed the role of "coach," meticulously correcting Keita Imaizumi's movements.
"Keita, you need to warm up your wrists and ankles properly, otherwise you might get injured."
"Yes, keep your back straight, don't slump."
There was inevitably some physical contact between them, but because it was normal instruction, there was nothing ambiguous about it.
Perhaps because his relationship with Yanami was now established, and his mindset had become more at ease, Keita Imaizumi appeared more composed this time than last.
He no longer had the intention to deliberately guide Lemon Shio like before, but was purely enjoying this relaxed interaction.
After warming up, the two stood side by side on the starting line and began their morning run.
With last time's experience, Keita Imaizumi quickly matched Lemon Shio's pace.
Neither spoke, just ran forward silently, step by step.
Only the rhythmic sound of their footsteps and breathing echoed on the rubber track, filling both of them with a sense of relaxation.
The sun climbed higher in the sky, causing the shadows of the two people on the track to slowly lengthen.
Sweat trickled down their cheeks, and while their bodies grew weary, their spirits gradually began to relax.
After running for an unknown amount of time, Shioyaki Lemon was the first to slow down and come to a stop.
"Whew... ha... let's call it a day."
She rested her hands on her knees, gasping for air, her chest heaving violently.
Imaizumi Keita stopped as well; his breathing was also somewhat hurried, but his condition was clearly much better than Shioyaki Lemon's.
The two walked over to the steps by the Sports Field and sat down side by side, taking out water from their sports bags.
"Here."
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