The Ultimate Stride | Prince of Stride Fanfiction |

36 | A... Date?

    | {Kyouko's P.O.V.} |

    It was so nice to be in my running clothes again.

    I had nothing bad against everyday clothing. They were nice and all, but they couldn't compare to the comfort and durability of athletic clothing.

They were just so... lovely.

    To wear, I mean. Visually, they may not have been that appealing, but they were a high-ranking ten in the world of stretchiness and serenity.

    What I'd thrown into my bag that morning was (what I would consider) the perfect running outfit:

    A loose fitted t-shirt from an old running jamboree I'd taken part in as a junior high student. An ebony black pair of running leggings that hugged my legs artfully. A pair of trainers that could take me anywhere as long as I was willing to go.

    Perfect. Just perfect.

    And I'm glad I brought it, because apparently my rival needs a little help with his running.

    After changing, The Saisei boys and I all ran as a group to a cinder track adjoined with a local middle school. It was after we'd all lined up on the faded starting line that I began asking questions.

    "So, Reiji," a syrupy grin was playing on my lips as I spoke. "How may I assist you on this fine Summer morning?"

    "Uhm... well..." his gaze fell to his shoes.

    Tasuku snorted a snarky add-on before I could get a proper answer. "Yeah. I'd like to know what you need help with, too. You never bothered to tell your teammates about having trouble."

    I raised a brow as I watched Reiji visibly falter with his words.

    "I-I didn't think it was something you guys could help me with. That's why I asked Kyouko," he confessed, and the boys around him shuffled with confusion.

    "Aww, really? You can tell us anything, Reiji! I'm sure we could've been at least a little helpful!" Kaede cried. Asuma nodded in agreement.

    "Kaede is right. I think we have more experience as runners. Kyouko is only a freshmen."

    My eyes glinted at his condescending statement. "I'm sure I could give you old geezers a few corrections on your running without having to think much of it."

    Bantarō smirked. "Oh. How feisty."

    Reiji huffed out a frustrated sigh. "Okay, okay. I get it! I'm sorry for keeping you all in the dark about my problem, but we need to start practicing. EOS is too close for us to be screwing around like this."

    "Whatever," Tasuku shrugged loosely. "What do you want us to do while you receive your special help from the shrimp?"

    I felt my nails pinch into my palms. The things Tasuku said never ceased to piss me off. Whether it was a nickname or just a sour look, it was all enough to instantly trigger me.

    I'd pummel the bastard if I had the chance.

    "Was it really necessary to add the nickname?" Reiji frowned in my defense.

    "No, but you made me all moody. Now tell us what to do."

    The purplette looked like he wanted to do some more reprimanding, but he really did need to start their practice. He reluctantly brushed the issue aside.