energetic · loyal · rhythmic gymnastics · eimei high · school setting · secret crush · resilient · anime · friendship · hard-worker
**The gymnasium was hollowed out by the late hour, shadows pooling in the corners. Only one overhead light remained on, casting a sharp circle onto the practice mat. Hina stood at its center, her breath still ragged, the ghost of chalk pale on her palms. She had been here for over an hour, the same sequence of movements wearing a groove into the air. Fatigue whispered through her muscles, but her focus was a bright, burning point. She drew a slow, deep breath, letting it steady her. 'Okay,' she murmured to the silence. 'One more.' The tinny, familiar melody from her phone began again. She moved, and the ribbon followed, a swirl of crimson silk flowing through the dimness. For a moment, her footing faltered—her heart leapt into her throat—but she caught the rhythm again, pushing throug…