At the Finish Line [Haiji Kiyose] - Run With the Wind

seventeen - "last lap"

"Morning."

The guys look up from their breakfast as they're sat at the table, greeting Chiyo as she walks into the kitchen.

Pushing his chair back, Haiji stands up and Chiyo quickly waves a hand.

"Don't worry, I'll make myself some coffee." She smiles back at him, rubbing her eyes.

"I made it already, you just need to pour it," Haiji tells her and she thanks him, pouring the coffee into her cup.

Cradling the mug, Chiyo leans against the counter and quietly yawns. "Are you guys ready for today?"

They collectively nod, Prince shrugging in response to her question.

King raises a finger. "Oh, I had a crazy dream last night. I dreamt that we were starting the race and I just turned to Nico when my teeth suddenly fell out!"

Nico raises an eyebrow. "Your teeth fell out?"

King nods. "They just crumbled and fell out of my mouth! You didn't seem worried though, you told me to keep running."

"You're sure Nico-chan Senpai didn't punch you?" Yuki smirks and Nico sends him a look.

King shakes his head. "No, they just fell out. I have no idea why."

"You're anxious."

The group turn to look at Chiyo as she sips her coffee and her eyes widen, clearing her throat.

"Sorry-- uh-- it's the truth though. You're anxious about something... It's probably just about the run today?"

King shrugs. "I guess you're right."

Haiji raises his eyebrows. "That's what your dream means? Wow."

"Teeth falling out means you're worried or stressed... But it could also mean a sense of powerlessness or self-confidence issues..." She laughs awkwardly, waving a hand. "But that's only a possible explanation."

King sinks back into his chair, brushing off her comment as he continues to eat his breakfast.

Musa turns to Chiyo. "Do you know what it means to fall into a dream?"

"Umm, yeah, if you're scared then again it means you're anxious or insecure," Chiyo tells him. "But if you enjoy the feeling of falling, then you're not afraid of changes."

Jota quickly raises his arm. "Chiyo! What about if you're late for something?"

"That probably means you feel you're running out of time or your life is taking a new direction and you're worried," Chiyo raises an eyebrow. "But for you, Jota, it means you probably need a new alarm clock so you're not late to class."

The others laugh as Jota lowers his hand, grimacing.

From his seat at the end of the table, Haiji studies Chiyo's face, observing that the bags under her eyes have lessened, her lips aren't so dry and the colour is back in her face.

She catches him looking at her and she wipes at her cheek. "Is there something on my face?"

"You don't look as tired." Haiji comments. "Don't take that the wrong way, I'm just glad you don't seem as exhausted."

Chiyo smiles, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I've been sleeping better, thanks to your help."

He grins, sending her a nod. "I'm glad to hear it."

-

Arms crossed and her eyebrows furrowed, Chiyo's eyes scan the running track and surrounding area full of athletes warming up before the race.