Midday Jog [Open]

Despite the trees along the trail, Emiko could feel the sun tanning her skin as it shone through patches of vegetation. The dust and gravel crunched underfoot as she jogged down the mountain trail, focusing on pushing herself a little more, going a little farther than she might have before. Just because she wasn't part of the school's athletics club, didn't mean she couldn't do what she enjoyed outside of school. She didn't need a team to run. It was a lovely day for jogging in any case. A slight breeze cooled her and caused the leaves to sway. She could hear birds and the chattering of smaller animals layering on top of the cadence of her feet. What she wouldn't give to be able to do this more often.

After passing her third, maybe fourth, mile marker, the young jogger slowed to a stop. She wasn't quite sure how far she had run. Wasn't really paying attention. Emiko went to the side off the trail so as not to be in another's way and opened up her water bottle, downing the water in big slow gulps. Her limbs were tired, sore even, and they burned with the strain of her work out. The pain reminded her that she was getting stronger, and that was a satisfying feeling. As was the feeling of the breeze cooling her skin; the sweat trickling down her face helped to cool her. She wiped off the sweat and began fanning herself with her tank top. Maybe she could rest for a little, then go a bit farther before turning around and heading back home.

The sound of footsteps quickly approaching on the trail caused Emiko to look up. She expected the fellow jogger heading up the path, but she didn't expect him to stop for her. Realizing he was talking to her, Emiko swiftly closed her open mouth, gaping to welcome more oxygen into her system, though she continued to fan herself with her tank top. she tried to brandish her usual polite smile, but it only made it half way across her face, ending in a sort of half-hearted grin. "I'm...fine..." Her sentence was broken up by deep breaths, though the way she stared at him went uninterrupted. The thought was kind, but it was a shame he broke his stride to help her when she didn't need it. A bit more water and a little rest was all she needed before continuing on. Maybe she could go another mile or so before heading back down the trail. With this thought in her mind, she lifted her water bottle to her mouth and tilted it back, back, back...nothing. Not even a drip. She must have drunk more than she realized. Without water it was probably best for her to turn back now if she didn't want to get dehydrated.

Rather than dwell on her lack of hydration, she looked up at the boy, her expression unaffected, her half-smile still hanging on her face. Not much older than herself, his tan gave away how much time he spent outside. This was probably the fourth mile marker up, and yet, he didn't seem phased. Had he taken a break before this, or ran all the way through? No hard breathing or anything... The muscles in his legs were well defined and he looked fit enough. He probably could have made it up here without stopping. The thought sparked something in her. An innate sort of competitiveness along with a little curiosity. He didn't seem very affected by the run up here, and after a bit more rest, she could probably go a round. It had been so long since she'd raced anyone other than her sisters, and winning against the two little ones brought her no great pleasure, nor was it a challenge. Her pitiful half-smile seemed to finally stretch across her face. "You... make it all the way up here without stopping?" Emiko put a hand on her hip and shifted her weight onto one foot, eyeing him with a bit of amusement.