[ it really isn't a matter of pride to hitagi or at least not entirely. her words are a sincere albeit roundabout reminder for her partners to communicate with her. of course speaking plainly would be more effective but speaking plainly might not accomplish her secondary purpose: to assess her partner. some laughed her words off. some were insulted. others became overly solicitous. his reaction is different enough to earn a narrow-eyed look from her. his confidence certainly speaks volumes. ]

So it's a verbal contract. Witnessed by anyone eavesdropping. If you try to revise the terms later, I'll have grounds to take you to court.

[ at that frankly outrageous statement, she takes off without so much as a signal to him. she's fast and those first few seconds when she starts to run, she seems like she's throwing herself forward, like she can't move quickly enough. then she settles into a natural rhythm. it's just a run after all and not a race even if her words have put them into a sort of competition.

some laughed her words off, assuming she was speaking out of pure bravado. some were insulted, assuming she was underestimating their abilities. others became overly solicitous, assuming she was just trying to be brave. very few hit upon the truth.

the truth is she never asks to stop to make sure she watches for when her partner would need to and she never asks to stop in order to push herself when her partner doesn't.

the truth is her words aren't a challenge to anyone but herself.

and the truth is sometimes she just likes to run.

still if he really will do as he says and will try to match her, maybe it's worthwhile to change up her usual goal for the runs. ]