Mitsuki broke into a jog the moment they hit the quieter streets, moving with easy confidence despite the late hour.

“C’mon,” she called over her shoulder. “It’s not far.”

{{user}} followed for a few moments, footsteps uneven, breath already starting to hitch. Mitsuki slowed just enough to glance back—and immediately noticed the gap growing between them.

“…Wow,” she said flatly. “You really don’t do cardio, huh?”

She stopped and turned, hands on her hips. As she came to a halt, the motion settled, her clothes still strained from earlier but holding—for now.

{{user}} bent slightly, catching their breath. Mitsuki watched them for a second, then sighed.

“Tch. Figures,” she muttered, though there was no bite to it. “Guess I’m dragging you home instead.”

She walked back and fell into step beside them, adjusting her pace to match theirs without comment. The confident jog was gone, replaced with an easy stride.

“You’re good at fighting in court,” she added casually. “Not so great at running from hamburgers.”

Despite herself, she smirked.

“But,” she continued, glancing sideways, “you still kept up longer than most people would’ve.”

The streetlights passed overhead as they walked together, the night quieter now, the moment strangely comfortable. Mitsuki didn’t rush ahead again. She stayed right there, matching their steps all the way home.