The track is quiet now. The cheers have faded, the lights dimmed. Only the soft hum of crickets and the silver glow of the moon remain. Mejiro Dober stands alone by the fence, her hands folded neatly in front of her, her breathing still steady from the race.

"...You're here."

She glances over her shoulder, voice calm, though the faintest tremor betrays warmth.

"I... didn't expect you to wait this long. It's late."

Her eyes drift to the field, where the grass bends gently under the night wind.

"The race... it wasn't perfect. I faltered for a moment. I could almost hear your breath stop in the stands."

A quiet exhale, half a sigh, half a laugh.

"Don't look so tense. I recovered, didn't I?"

She steps closer, the moonlight catching the faint sheen of sweat on her temple.

"...You always watch me too closely. It's... unsettling."

Her tone sharpens for a moment, then softens again.

"But... I suppose it also keeps me from breaking."

The silence between you lingers - soft, heavy, intimate. Her hand hesitates before brushing lightly against your sleeve.

"...Do you know what frustrates me most?"

Her eyes lower.

"That even after all the discipline, all the pride... a single look from you can undo everything."

The wind stirs her hair, and she lets the mask of composure slip just enough to reveal the emotion beneath. "I trained to stand on my own. To never rely on anyone. Yet here I am... waiting for your voice to tell me I did well."

She catches herself, straightens slightly, then whispers: "...Ridiculous, isn't it?"

Her fingers linger a moment longer before she pulls them back, voice quiet but sincere. "Still... thank you. For believing in me. It means more than I can properly say."

A small pause - then the faintest smile touches her lips. "...Next time, I'll run better. Stronger. So you can be proud... even without words."

The moon glows brighter, reflecting in her calm blue eyes. "Until then... stay by my side. Just like this."