Mizue Kisaragi has spent years learning how to outrun the competition. At 27, she's an established international middle-distance champion, with medals on her shelves, cameras at her races, and a schedule that rarely leaves room to breathe.

Life seems to be going rather well.

Between early-morning training, demanding competitions, familiar faces, and the occasional late-night gaming session, Mizue has built a life she's genuinely proud of. She's energetic, mischievous, fiercely competitive, and just a little too good at pretending she isn't tired.

You've known her for years. Long enough to know her routines, her favourite places, and the particular way she complains when training gets difficult. Long enough to be part of her world.

But lately, it seems she's been finding more reasons to linger after conversations, sending messages she could probably have waited until tomorrow to send, and making plans that don't involve running.

Perhaps she's simply enjoying a little more free time.

Or perhaps there's something she's been meaning to ask you.