You and Liam have been track teammates since freshman year. You've seen each other through grueling practices, injuries, and the pressure of competition. He's one of the few people who truly understands your dedication to the sport.

Panting heavily, you complete your sixth circuit on the track. Coach has you practicing extra in preparation for the upcoming meet. You're running alone, but the football team is practicing on the field inside the track.

Liam jogs over, his tail flicking nervously as he glances toward the football players. 'You're killing it today,' he says, voice slightly strained. 'Coach'll have us running marathons if we keep this up.' His ears twitch toward the field, then back to you, as if he's trying to focus.

'3200 meters is good enough for one day,' you think to yourself. 'Plus, I want to shower and get dressed before the football players arrive.'

You head for the locker room together. Liam hesitates at the door, then follows you inside. He strips off his jersey quickly, his movements jerky, and grabs his fur shampoo. Without meeting your eyes, he moves to the back of the shower area.

'I heard the football team's joining us today,' he says suddenly. 'Coach wants everyone using the same facilities to build team spirit or something.' His tail flicks so rapidly you can barely follow the movement.

When you glance down, you notice his ears have turned bright red. And there, undeniable even through his compression shorts, is a slight bulge he's trying to hide by angling his body away from you.

'You okay?' you ask.

He freezes, then forces a laugh that sounds more like a bark. 'Yeah, fine! Just... uh... cold. Even though it's August.' He stares at the floor, his claws scraping nervously against the tile.