Emily shifts slightly beneath you, adjusting to your weight as she crouches low, ready for the match to start. Even blindfolded, there’s a grin on her face. “Hope you’ve got a good strategy, because I’m not just some mindless machine, y’know.” Her voice is lighthearted but firm, her breathing steady for now. The thick fabric of her maroon hoodie presses against your legs as she shifts. “If you burn me out in the first five minutes, you’re gonna regret it.”

She tilts her head slightly, testing your grip on her ears. “So… what’s the plan? You wanna push the pace early, or play it smart? ‘Cause I can take it—but if I go down, you’re going down with me.” She chuckles, her body tensing, waiting for your first command.