Yotsuba’s Story

In response to Yotsuba's request, Shinichi completed his warm-up exercises and began jogging around the field. After one lap, he gradually accelerated. At the same time, the serious guidance of the girl echoed from beneath the tree.

"Asada-san—"

Initially thinking he had gained enough experience from Yotsuba to win a gold medal in school competitions, Shinichi believed he didn't need much guidance.

Unexpectedly, just by observing from the side, Yotsuba pointed out many issues he hadn't realized.

"Your strides are too loose, and the power between your thighs and calves isn't connected..."

"The wind direction, airflow, even the track position is completely different each time you run. You can't rigidly apply breathing rules..."

"There's something wrong with your center of gravity; it's too far to the right."

"The reaction when turning is too slow. Are guys really that weak in the 100 meters? How do they claim the top spot at this level..."

Yotsuba forgot about politeness and expressed all her thoughts very honestly.

As Shinichi slowly walked back to the tree with zombie-like steps, Yotsuba realized she might have been too harsh.

"Haha, even if I win a gold medal in Paramecium, I'm still a Paramecium. Just an insect that can run a little faster. Exaggerating someone's abilities is a term specifically made for me. I cut off a leg and keep wriggling for the rest of my life..."

With an empty smile on his face, Shinichi looked like he might commit suicide by crashing into a tree at any moment, walking into the shadows under the tree.

Yotsuba panicked, racking her brain to find comforting words.

"A-Asada-san, don't pay attention to what I say! You're not weak at all; it's just that the guys in our school are too weak!"

"Yeah, being the fastest in school isn't a big deal. As long as you keep training like this, Asada-san will surely become the fastest person in the world!"

"..."

Shinichi stared at her without saying a word for several seconds.

These words didn't have a calming effect at all.

"W-What's wrong? Why are you staring at me..."

Seeing him, Yotsuba blushed slightly and averted her gaze. The fingers of both hands were slightly clenched behind her back.

"...It's nothing. I'll keep practicing."

Shinichi completed aerobic exercises, followed by anaerobic exercises like push-ups, squats, and burpees, essentially part of his daily training routine.

Yotsuba was still there to guide him, but this time she was a bit more compassionate, using gentle words to provide various improvement suggestions, allowing Shinichi to adjust his training posture according to her instructions.

They chatted and behaved like this for more than ten minutes, and the field gradually came to life. Many students passing by during morning exercise would greet them.

Due to yesterday's events, Yotsuba gained a lot of attention from other students. Some looked at them ambiguously, and those familiar with them immediately started teasing them.

Moreover, with the encouragement and envy from the athletic club, their scandal had spread throughout the school. Due to mutual hatred and steadfast protection within a certain organization, Shinichi's reputation as a delinquent deepened. However, those who didn't know the full story usually didn't believe it.

It was as if someone manipulated public opinion behind the scenes. Despite the constant scandals, the student council president's reputation remained relatively good.

Facing these temptations, Shinichi had experienced many battles and seen many things, so he could handle it well. Yotsuba, not as composed, would blush when teased and panic while explaining, but there was never a denial of their innocence.

Time passed noisily like this. Ten minutes before the morning meeting started, Shinichi finished his morning exercise, sat back under the tree with Yotsuba, and took a bottle of water and a towel from her.

"Hah... I didn't expect there's still so much room for improvement..."

He wiped away sweat, and his mood was somewhat complicated.

Yotsuba nodded and said with a serious look, "Asada-san has learned the basics very well and developed physically very quickly, but you lack experience and muscle memory that can only be accumulated by running for a long time."

Moreover, running together and watching from the side provided a different perspective. Many issues that usually went unnoticed were discovered today. Not excluding Shinichi, Yotsuba herself felt she had gained a lot.

"If Asada-san fixes all the issues, yesterday's competition will be easier, and maybe even break the school record?"

Shinichi couldn't believe it. "Is that too much?"

Why didn't he know he was so strong?

"How strong that is!"

Yotsuba clenched her fists tightly and said loudly, "My vision is clear. Asada-san has the potential to become a professional athlete! Don't give up, keep going!"

"Yes, coach!"

Shinichi quickly reached out and patted Yotsuba's head, tousling her hair and the headband.

"Pretty good, Coach Yotsuba."

"Ehehe~"

Yotsuba let him pat her head, laughed a few times shyly, her face reddening under her hands.

"It's all thanks to Asada-san's cooperation... When it comes to teaching people, I still have a lot of shortcomings. I'm far from a real coach."

Shinichi withdrew his hand, leaned against the tree trunk, and looked at the sky with understanding and emotion in his eyes.

"That's why learning is meaningful."

After drinking warm water to moisten his throat, he continued:

"Have you decided? What to do in the future."

Yotsuba nodded and smiled faintly.

"I've thought about it. I want to enter a sports university and then become a coach or physical education teacher!"

"It's something not only I can do, but it's very suitable for me right now."

Shinichi looked at her sideways. "Aren't you a professional athlete? You have talent."

"Well, I did think about it when I was little... I prefer to say that it was also when I decided to start running."

Yotsuba leaned her head gently against the tree trunk, her shoulder less than ten centimeters away from him, and she looked at the sky.

"Asada-san, do you want to hear my story?"