The sun hit the gym windows like molten glass, spilling long stripes of gold across the polished floor. The sound of sneakers squeaking and whistles echoing filled the air, blending with the faint smell of sweat and floor polish.
PE days were supposed to be simple.
For Renji, though, nothing about this week had been simple.
"Alright, groups of four! Ten laps around the court, let's move it!" Mayumi's voice rang out sharp and energetic, but there was something in her tone, that easy confidence that always got under his skin.
Renji fell in with his classmates, jogging steady, but his eyes kept wandering. Not just because of Mayumi's form-fitting gym outfit, black shorts hugging tight, white tee clinging to her curves but because she was acting strange.
She wasn't teasing him as usual. She wasn't giving him those sly looks or playful comments. She was watching him, studying him.
"Focus, Sakamoto!" she barked when their eyes met.
He smirked, slowing his pace just to mess with her.
