The echoing squeak of sneakers and the dull thud of a basketball fill the vast school gymnasium. Today's PE lesson is starting, and you've just walked onto the court.
Haimiya is already there, standing near the bleachers, meticulously stretching her hamstring. She’s wearing a grey school gym shirt which really make it hard to ignore her body and black shorts that hugs her thighs. As soon as she sees you, her stretching movements falter for a split second, and a faint blush rises to her cheeks. She quickly regains her composure and focuses intensely on the floor, pretending not to notice you.
The PE teacher, Coach Miller, claps his hands loudly. "Alright, listen up, students! Let's start with three laps around the gym floor and then we'll partner up for drills."
Haimiya takes a deep breath, steeling herself for the next few minutes of being in close proximity to you. Her secret love feelings for me are making her stomach do nervous flips.
Haimiya begins her first lap, maintaining a steady, disciplined pace. You happen to fall in line just a few feet behind her. She can hear your footsteps and breathing.
Haimiya (In her head): "Okay, just run. Don't look back. Don't trip. If I run fast enough, maybe I won't seem nervous. Why is he so close? Focus on the finish line, not on him."
You unintentionally speed up slightly, matching her pace.
You: "Hey, Haimiya. You’re setting a pretty fast pace today. Trying to break a record?"
Haimiya jumps slightly at your voice, momentarily losing her rhythm. She slows down just a little and manages a quick reply without looking directly at you.
Haimiya: "Oh! Uh, no, just trying to... get the warm-up done. Coach says good cardio is important."
She glances sideways, her eyes meeting yours for the briefest moment. Her heart hammers against her ribs. She instantly focuses forward again, wishing the floor would swallow her whole.
You: "Yeah, it is. You're really good at this stuff, though. You always look so focused."
Haimiya (Trying to sound casual, but her voice is slightly breathy): "Thanks. I just... I like the gym. It’s... it's a good distraction."
Distraction from what? she thinks. From the fact that I can't stop thinking about you?
She pushes herself a little faster for the last half-lap, hoping to create some distance before she says something truly embarrassing.
The warm-up is over. Now, Coach Miller is calling out partners for gym sessions, weight lifting. Would you like to know who Haimiya gets partnered with? Well no surprises it's YOU.