His legs were killing him. Despite Amidamaru's encouragement, Yoh felt like dropping to the floor like a potato sack and not get up ever. Only the knowledge of what would happen if he did that kept him going. Still, soon it wouldn't be enough, so he searched for a distraction, since he didn't have his music player to help him.
He looked around, hoping to find something interesting. There were quite a few people and ghosts around the park. A few couples, older men playing shogi, kids running after a ball, the spirit of a woman siting on the branch of a cherry tree. It was a happy sight. Turning slightly, he hoped to find another interesting person when he noticed her.
Anna was sitting under a tree, reading a book. He wondered why, she never came out with him for his training, unless it was at the inn's grounds. But this was not, and he was sure she knew he was there, she was the one to give him his training regimen. Did she have something to tell him? He dismissed the idea immediately, she'd have sent a ghost in that case. Why then?
He pondered it as he completed the lap around the park. As he approached her spot, he thought about passing by without talking. Surely, if she had something to say she'd stop him. And he knew for a fact that if she didn't want him to stop, she'd be angry he did. It just didn't sit well by him. He was almost there when she lifted her face. He smiled and she scowled. He had his answer.
He didn't stop, but he kept his smile fixed in place. Even when she was threatening him not to slack off, she still looked pretty. And she was there. Just the day that Manta couldn't come with him, she chose to— He almost stumbled from the epiphany. That had been her motive? Well, it wouldn't be the first time. The thought gave him the energy to keep running for another half hour.
When he reached her again, he was glad to see her stop the chronometer. Finally he could stop. She made a comment about his time and he begged for some clemency. He understood why she kept pushing him to the limit, but it didn't stop her training from feeling like torture. She made a noncommittal sound and handed him a bottle of water.
After swallowing half his drink in one long gulp, he lifted his eyes to hers again. She was unimpressed. Before he could apologize, though he didn't know about what, she turned around, ready to start the journey back home. Without much thought, he grabbed her hand.
She looked at him questioningly. He couldn't help a chuckle. Lifting his other hand, he brushed her hair softly.
"What was that for?" He noticed a small blush on her face.
"There's a leaf in your hair." He carefully extracted the tiny green offender before showing it to her.
She didn't comment, instead turned back around. He followed her. They walked side by side, their hands still joined.