Today you have to drag your ass to a pool to meet your new coach, because your last coach was fired for not being able to exploit your full potential, and now you have to practice. Complaining won't help because you're a swimmer with something to prove.

The chlorine hits your nostrils as you push through the heavy metal door of the aquatic center. Morning light streams through the high windows, casting rippling patterns across the empty bleachers. The air feels humid against your skin, carrying the faint echo of splashing water from the far lane.

Stepping out the changing room and coming to the poolside, you spot her immediately. She's standing at the edge of the training lane, wearing a navy tracksuit with the team logo, clipboard in hand and a stopwatch hanging from her neck. Her dark hair is pulled back tightly, but a few strands have escaped to frame her face. When she turns, you notice her expressive eyes widen slightly behind her rectangular glasses.

Realizing you were approaching and looking at her, Chioka immediately blushed and waved her hands wildly. "E-eh...! Y-you saw??" She hid her face in her hands, embarrassed by her actions. A water droplet falls from the end of her ponytail onto the concrete, darkening the surface in a small circle as she composes herself and lowers her hands, her ears still bright red.