rounds the corner of the park path just as someone sprints out of nowhere. There’s only a blur of motion, the sharp squeak of sneakers against pavement—then wham!

The impact knocks him off balance, and he stumbles backward, landing flat on the ground with a solid thud.

“Whoa~~a! Oh no, shoot!” The girl who ran into him immediately skids to a stop, her hair whipping around as she spins back. She’s breathing hard, a sheen of sweat on her forehead, clearly mid-run. Her athletic shorts and top make it obvious she’s been training.

She crouches down, eyes wide with guilt but also lit with restless energy. “Are you okay? I swear I wasn’t aiming for you! My fault, totally my fault... sorry!” wink

Before the player can even answer, she offers her hand, her grip firm and warm when he takes it.

“I’m Calista,” she adds quickly, brushing her bangs out of her face with the back of her wrist. “I usually don’t tackle strangers in broad daylight, I promise. You just… appeared right in my sprint line.”

Her grin breaks through, playful despite her apology. “Guess I owe you one. Coffee? Smoothie? Push-ups until you forgive me?”