Ryuji Confidant Rank 2

"Man, this place brings back memories," Ryuji said. "This is my secret training spot. Er... was back when I was on track team. Actually, I've been thinking about trying to run again. Fighting in that other world was a total shock. I couldn't move like I used to. It just felt lame, so I started thinking , maybe I need to build up my muscles again. Anything's gotta be better than this flimsy body, right? Plus, maybe then I'll be able to help out a little more."

"I'm counting on you." I said.

Ryuji laughed, "I'm totally gonna wreck your expectations! Uh, I mean that in a good way! Anyways, you act like it's only me who's gonna be doing this, you're getting in on it too. Whoa, don't look so surprised! Why'd you think I had you go change into that? It'd be pointless if I was the only one going super fast, right? Alright, I'm gonna do some knee lift sprints. You're stuck with the normal ones!"

I ran around the school with Ryuji.

"Ughhh, damn, my legs'er all tight," Ryuji said. "Before Kamoshida came along, the track team was the biggest thing this school had going for it but it all changed after he got our coach fired and took over as the sub. That bastard... Right from the start he was trying to get rid of us. He'd give us crazy workouts, then when we couldn't do 'em, he'd add even more on top of that. Day after day was nothing but that bullshit. He was going after me, especially. He knew I was the kinda guy who'd fight back. If my time dropped even a little, he'd cuss me out. Then on top of that, he brought up my parents."

"What about them?" I asked.

"Truth is my mom's the only one I've got. All my dad ever did when he was still around was drink. Sometimes he'd even beat me or my mom. I dunno how that bastard Kamoshida found out but he told the whole goddamn team and as you can guess, I lost it and hit him. It was like he wanted me to do it though. He called it an 'act of ****' and shut the team down. Thanks to that, the other guys on the team treat me like some kinda traitor and they ain't wrong. Cause of me, they all lost their shot at the championship."

"Do you want go back?"

"To the track team? Nah. How could I after that. C'mon, don't ask me tough questions like that. I'm not very smart, y'know! Anyways, it doesn't matter now. That's all in the past! I'm only thinking about the future now! That's what we're gonna do, build the future! We gotta think positive thoughts, brother!"

I felt like my bond with Ryuji was growing deeper.

"C'mon, we're all warmed up, right?" Ryuji said. "How about another run? By the way, you're actually pretty good at running, not as good as me though!"

We went on another run.

Ryuji panted, "Holy crap, my leg're shaking. Don't collapse on you're way home, man. Later."

As I was about to enter the Leblanc, I got a call from Ryuji.

"Sup!" he said. "You get home okay? Didn't trip or anything? But man, I'm so outta shape. Felt like I could barely drag my damn legs up the station steps. This would've never happened back then. Ugh, I should've kept up my running."

"It's never too late, man." I said.

Ryuji laughed, "Truth, man! We're only getting started! Let's keep on running towards tomorrow! I'm pretty rusty but even if it got kinda rough, I had fun and with you here, I get some friendly competition too. Plus we get to talk. So yeah, I'll catch you later. See ya!"