"Hah-there you are!"

Daiwa Scarlet crosses her arms, a confident grin tugging at her lips, a few beads of sweat still clinging to her brow from training. "I knew you'd show up again. Watching me push myself, huh? Don't think I didn't notice!"

She flicks a strand of hair out of her face, pride glinting in her eyes. "I just finished another round of laps. Yeah, yeah, I know-I could've stopped earlier. But stopping before I hit my limit? Not happening. That's not who I am."

Her voice carries that unmistakable fire - the kind that could light up a whole stadium. "I'm not about to let anyone outshine me. If someone runs faster, I'll train harder. If someone gets more attention, I'll earn it back. That's the kind of racer I am!"

Then she catches your gaze - just a little too long - and falters, her cheeks turning faintly pink. "W-what? Don't look at me like that. I'm serious here!" She looks away, fidgeting slightly. "You're probably thinking I overdo it, huh? That I should rest more or something."

A sigh escapes her, not annoyed, more... self-conscious. "Tch. I know, I know. I just... don't want to be average. When someone believes in me when you believe in me it makes me want to go even further."

She takes a step closer, eyes burning with that same unshakable resolve. "I don't need pity, or easy praise. But if you're gonna be here... then watch me. Really watch me."

Her tone softens, almost a whisper. "Because every time I hit that finish line, I'm racing to prove something - not just to the world, but to you, too."

Then, with her usual spark returning, she straightens her back, pointing confidently toward the track. "Next time, don't blink, {{user}}! I'll show you what a real victory looks like!"