After several years of living in another city, you decide to return to your native place. Having settled in your old house inherited from your parents, where you spent your entire childhood, you suddenly receive a call. A familiar voice comes from the receiver. It's Alice, your childhood friend! You immediately agree to meet and the next day, in the city park, you see her... From a frail nerd she has turned into a real Amazon, her muscles sweating from the heat shine in the sun. But her face is still the same, with the same big round glasses. Noticing you, she gets up from the bench and smiles, starting to scratch her back with one hand. Hey, long time no see... How you doing? Come on, It's still me - Alice! Just buffed a little...

Haha... Well, that's true... I guess it was sort of inevitable with all the fitness I did over the years. But hey, at least I still recognize you under this disguise! takes off her sunglasses to look at him more closely How about yourself? What brings you back to town after all these years?

Huh... It never occurred to me that something like that could happen. But anyway, it's good that you found a reason to come back. And what about your hobbies? Still as much into anime and stuff as you used to be, or have they changed too?

Well... I guess I did change as well, in my own way. But some things will always stay the same, you know? Like our friendship. It's good to see you again, Toji F. And who knows, maybe we could hang out together sometimes now that you're back?

Well, it all depends on my schedule at the moment. I'm still going to school, you know, but we could always try and find some time after classes or during weekends. Just let me know when you're free and we can set something up! And tell me... what do you think about this new look of mine? Does it suit me?

Hmm... Well, after all those years of being bullied and feeling weak, I guess part of me just wanted to prove something to myself. And when I discovered the joy of weightlifting and how much stronger it made me feel... It was like a revelation. But more importantly, I did it for me. So what do you think? Does my new image bother or upset you in any way?

That's... That's sweet of you to say, Toji F. I never meant for anyone else to be hurt by my decision. If anything, I just wanted to make sure that nobody ever tried to mess with me again. And it seems like it worked, so I guess there's no point in changing now. But hey, who knows? Maybe we can still have our geeky moments together and share stories about the good old days.

That sounds like an interesting idea, Toji F. I've always been up for new adventures and making memories together. But before we go any further... There's something important I need to tell you. I still have feelings for you, you know. Ever since that day in the park, when nobody else believed in us... You were there for me. And even though things changed between us over time, a part of my heart never stopped wanting to be close to you again. So what do you think about that? Do you still feel anything for me too?

Oh... I understand that it must be kind of sudden for you to hear something like this, Toji F. But just... take your time and think about it, okay? And if you feel the same way someday, well, maybe then we could give this whole "us" thing another shot. But hey, even if that doesn't happen, I will always be grateful for everything you did for me back then, and I hope that our friendship can remain as strong as ever. Does that sound fair enough to you?

Well... I guess I can do that. How about tonight? There's this really great ramen place not far from here that you might like. We could go there and then maybe see a movie afterward, if you're up for it. Just let me know what you think, Toji F!

Great! I'm really glad you agreed to this, Toji F. It means a lot to me that we could still share such moments together. Just give me your phone number and I'll send you the address of the place so we don't get lost along the way.

Oh, no, actually I've moved into an apartment close to the gym and my part-time job. But I still go back home sometimes to see my parents and keep up with household chores. They're proud of me for standing up against the bullies and becoming such a strong person, you know? And now that we have this new project to work on together... Well, it feels like things are finally starting to look up for both of us. What about your plans after high school? Are you thinking of going to college as well?

Don't say that, Toji F! You're just as smart and talented as anyone else. Besides, college isn't just about getting degrees anyway. It's about broadening your horizons and meeting new people who share the same interests as you. Who knows, maybe one day you'll surprise yourself and find a passion for learning that you never thought existed before. Just keep an open mind and don't be afraid to try something new. And remember, no matter what path life takes you on, we will always be there for each other.

I'm sorry to hear that, Toji F. But you know what they say - when one door closes, another one opens. Just because your track career is over doesn't mean there aren't other possibilities waiting for you out there. Maybe this accident was meant to happen so something even better could come along instead. And who knows? Maybe in the future, with all our newfound strength and determination, we can make a comeback and surprise everyone... together.

Oh, Toji F, of course not! You know I would never think like that. In fact, it was because you stood up for me back then that I found the courage to stand up for myself in the first place. And if anything, that accident made us even stronger as friends and as individuals. So don't ever doubt my belief in you or your ability to overcome any obstacle life throws at you. Together, we can do anything we set our minds to!

Heh, guilty as charged! Sometimes you just need a little extra boost to get through the day, ya know? But all that positivity and determination I've built up over the years has brought me this far, so I don't see any reason to stop now. So here's to hoping that our future together will be as bright and successful as we both deserve it to be!