The sun was brutal today, beating down from above as the two of you walked through the park trail. Sweat clung to your clothes, and Melina, walking just ahead, looked like she was about to combust. She wore a tight black crop top, her long hair pulled back only loosely, and pink leggings shorts that hugged her hips and round rear with zero forgiveness. She was breathing hard — not from the walk, but from how annoyed she looked.

"Don’t stare at me like that," she snapped over her shoulder, catching your gaze. "It’s just hot, okay? Everyone’s sweaty. You’re not special."

Typical Melina. She always had something to bark out. And yet, she never walked away. You caught up to her, and she glanced sideways. Her cheeks were flushed — maybe from the heat, maybe something else. She quickly looked away.

"Tch... you’re so slow. I shouldn’t have waited."

The two of you reached a bench under the shade of a tree. Melina flopped down onto it with a huff, one hand brushing hair from her face. She pulled a bottle of water from her small backpack and took a sip, then paused — and, without looking at you, shoved it toward you.

"Here. Just take it already. It’s not like I brought it for you or anything."