Shutter Speed

It's funny how nostalgic this track is so early in the morning. Especially considering I had only come here at this time of the morning only twice before. Truth be told, despite my whole 'New Hisao' motivation, it was rather hard to drag myself out of bed so early.

That is until I looked at the picture that is now taped to my wall on my bed. Kawana was rather happy to print it for me. And despite how crowded the Photography Club was after school, the other members generally left Kawana to her own devices. While it didn't seem like there was any hostility towards Kawana, it certainly seemed like the other members weren't particularly interested in her, and vice-versa.

Still, we had a rather enjoyable conversation. Kawana really gets excited talking about her photography, and generally anything that she finds interesting. It's hard not to be drawn in when her eyes light up, her speech accelerates from the slow, measured pattern into an excited flurry. She also seemed interested when I mentioned how I was restarting my exercise routine.

My train of thought is suddenly derailed when I feel something hit me in the back of the head.

"ASS!"

Standing before me is a familiar short girl in pigtails, wearing her running blades in place of where her lower legs should be. A mixture of concern and anger plastered on her face. Emi Ibarazaki, the fastest little thing on no legs.

"You abandon our morning run, ignore your health and then I have to hear about you having some sort of attack from that stick in the mud! I was so worried!"

She really was worried about me. That is a nice thought. Honestly, I can't blame her for being upset. A pang of guilt hits me as I can't shake the feeling that part of her blames herself. I can only think of two things to say to her.

"And yet here I am. I'm sorry for making you so worried."

Emi sighs, and briefly grumbles to herself before she smiles that familiar, energetic smile.

"And yet here you are. And don't think I'm going to go easy on you."

I anticipated something like this from Emi. I reach down beneath my towel and pull out an envelope. Grinning as I wave it around in front of her.

"I'm sorry little Emi, but I have my own exercises I need to do. I'm not going to let you kill me on the track."

Emi folds her arms, and sighs in concession.

"Well played Hisao Nakai. Maybe next time. Anyway, time for stretches."

The Nurse's regiment was somewhat harder than I expected. Whether it's due to the fact that I'm more out of shape than expected, or The Nurse deciding to make it a little harder as revenge for previously slacking off I'll never know. I do know that he wouldn't set something up that would be dangerous. Being on separate regiments does make me feel a bit better about Emi lapping me for the second time. After all I need to maintain a brisk jog, and I had the feeling she couldn't resist showing off a little.

From the corner of my eye I notice a familiar figure in the bleachers. Even with a camera blocking her face, the familiar dark hair and focused body language give the game away instantly. As I come around the track and past the bleachers I quickly wave. The brief look of disappointment on her face is replaced with a genial smile as she returns the gesture.

As I begin my cool down walk around the track Emi jogs up towards me, slowing down to walk beside me. She looks briefly over the bleachers, following her gaze I notice that Kawana is still sitting there, holding her camera in her lap. Emi, breaks the silence.

"I'm glad you're back. I was actually worried, I missed my running partner."

Still a little out of breath I take a moment to reply.

"Well I am glad to be back. Again, I really am sorry I worried you. Still, this was a little harder than expected. I'm wondering if this is The Nurse's revenge."

Emi laughs and nods.

"Probably. I doubt he would do anything you couldn't handle. It would be bad for his job to have a student have something happen them because of his health plan."

I can't help but laugh as I approach the bleachers and grab my towel, envelope and drink bottle. Quickly opening up the bottle I quickly take a mouthful of water in. It may be somewhat tepid, but right now it is ambrosia in my mouth. I see Misaki awkwardly descending the bleachers. Her distinct gait is hard to miss, due to her Scoliosis. I turn and approach her as she descends the last step. She politely bows her awkward yet graceful bow.

"Good morning, Nakai. Did you have a good workout?"

I reply to her bow with one of my own.

"Good morning, Kawana. I certainly did. I do wonder if the Nurse is trying to have his revenge though. It was harder than I expected."

Her hand covers her mouth as she chuckles.

"Well then you are either lazier than expected. Or a medical professional who has sworn the Hippocratic Oath is out to kill you. I wonder which is more probable?"

I grin and nonchalantly take another swig from my water bottle in an attempt to mask my wounded pride.

"I'm sure you've met The Nurse. Even with your assessment I'm certain the odds are still 50/50."

Kawana nods, conceding my point. Looking to the camera in her hands I give in to curiosity and decide to ask.

"What brings you out to the track at dawn with your camera? I can't imagine there is much worth photographing. Unless you were after a photo of the school track star."

That seemed rather unlikely from what I know of Kawana. The shaking of her head confirms this.

"Actually, Nakai. I was photographing you."

I find myself flustered, and somewhat embarrassed. And I'm fairly certain that I'm wearing my emotions rather plainly on my face.

"Me? I'm fairly certain me dragging my ass around the track would hardly make me look anything resembling photogenic."

"No it doesn't."

Kawana's curt reply cuts deep. But her smile as she looks at me softens the blow.

"However, you were struggling on the track. There is a beauty in the image that it presents. That human struggle we all face in our lives was well embodied in you, as you put it 'dragged your ass around the track'. It actually made for some compelling photos."

I really don't know how to process this information. I find it awkward and embarrassing and yet somewhat flattering. However, Kawana saves the day by pulling the conversation back from the derailment my silence was careening it towards.

"Actually Nakai. I was wondering if you'd like to accompany me to the Photography Club at lunch today? I would like to print these photos and I would not mind seeing your opinion on how they turned out."

I raise a quizzical eyebrow at this proposal.

"Can't you show me them on the screen of the camera? Like during the festival?"

A playful smirk crawls up on Kawana's lips.

"And spoil all the fun? Besides, the dawn light makes me think I should probably digitally correct them a little."

"Okay. Well then I'd love to. I'll see you in class then?"

Kawana bows, and again I automatically return the gesture as she walks in the direction of the dorms. Her distinct gait impossible to miss. I can feel a familiar presence behind me before she speaks.

"Well well.. Me and The Nurse had bet that it would be Hakamichi. But Kawana?"

"Knock it off Emi."