"Sorry to keep you waiting!" Hajime ran up to his classmate before resting his hands on his knees to catch his breath, "I was being held up by Ms. Yukizome and Mr. Sakakura. I had to-"
"Hajime, just keep your head up. You're not taking in as much oxygen in that position," the Ultimate Team Manager informed him.
"Alright," Hajime was able to steady his breathing after a minute, "I think I was able to catch my breath a lot faster this time."
Nekomaru beamed at the brunet, "They don't call me the Ultimate Team Manager for nothing!"
He continued, "Anyways, I had to drop off the chocolates my mom sent at my desk. That's why it took a while to get here."
"Running is fine, but you should be pacing yourself," Nekomaru looked at him with concerned eyes, "Did you run into trouble with that security guard again?"
"Ah, not really," Hajime scratched his head, "He apologized the other day and I think he might be sorry."
His classmate paused, "If you believe so, but I would tread carefully if I were you. He is the Ultimate Boxer after all."
"You don't have to tell me twice. Though, I think I'm a bit afraid of him still," Hajime let out a nervous laugh.
Nekomaru nodded, "It's natural for someone to avoid direct contact with an opposing team's player who's stronger than them. I may be a sports manager, but I can teach you the basic forms of self-defense."
"I don't think I'll be needing lessons any time soon, but thanks for the offer," Hajime glanced at Nekomaru's arms, "So, what's behind your back?"
"I really can't get anything past you!" Nekomaru gave a boisterous laugh before presenting Hajime with a rose bouquet, "Even though I've been a manager for so long, I couldn't give my own team one of these. When you're tired from a game, you tend not to want to hold anything that isn't a trophy or a medal."
He pointed a thumb at himself, "Whether it's as your classmate or your friend, I'll always be there to support you!"
Hajime smiled brightly, "These are awesome, Nekomaru! I've never gotten flowers as a gift before."
Nekomaru threw his head back and laughed, "It's almost as if it was meant to be!"
