[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/b2N69y5.png[/img][/center]
A relaxing evening in the park was just what Nanami and Saya needed. The sun had already set, turning the sky dark blue, the soft glow of lamps illuminating ponds and flower beds that lined the path. The trickling of a waterfall over rocks was particularly soothing right now.

Nanami nodded. [color=1966ff]"Thought you'd want to,"[/color] she said, strolling by Saya's side. Despite her health issues, or even because of them, Saya liked to get out and about when she could. Of course, it wasn't entirely for selfless reasons that Nanami was out here right now - the earlier argument with her parents still lingered in the back of her mind. Ever since her brother Aito had gotten that job at Chrysalis Corporation, they'd been on her case more than ever, pushing her to be more like him. Like that was going to happen. At least being around someone who appreciated her helped.

[color=1966ff]"And hey."[/color] She grinned. [color=1966ff]"Isn't night the best time for a magical girl to be out? Just in case there's any monster butt to kick."[/color] Her mom kept saying it wasn't healthy to enable Saya's delusions, but if an active imagination was how her friend coped with being cooped up, what was the harm in that? Besides, Nanami knew the need for escapism, having held on to her own mermaid fantasies. [color=1966ff]"Can't say I'll be much help, but I'll keep a look out, and cheer you on. In the meantime, wanna train by racing me to that bench?"[/color] She pointed to a steel bench in the distance, under a canopy of trees. Saya could be pretty energetic on her good days, so would likely be up for some silly fun. [color=1966ff]"One-two-three-go!"[/color]

With that, she was off, her pace a leisurely jog rather than a serious run. Her laughter carried on the breeze as she relished the feeling of freedom. For now, both she and Saya could leave all their worries behind.