Mukuchi na Omoi wa Koi to Naru

During middle school, Yuki—a socially anxious student who had always relied on his speed—experienced the sting of defeat for the first time when he lost a running competition. Hoping to leave that memory behind, he enters high school determined to keep to himself. However, his plans are derailed when he unexpectedly crosses paths with the very rival who bested him. Before Yuki can retreat into his comfort zone, this energetic competitor sweeps him up and pulls him into joining the high school’s track club. The rival in question is Kawai, whose bright and bubbly personality stands in stark contrast to Yuki’s reserved nature. As they spend more time together, Kawai’s infectious optimism begins to slowly but surely change Yuki, chipping away at the walls he has built around himself. Unsettled by these unfamiliar emotions and the vulnerability they bring, Yuki attempts to push Kawai away, desperate to regain his sense of control. Yet Kawai refuses to accept this distance, standing firm in his determination to remain by Yuki’s side no matter how hard he tries to pull away.