The Fun Run
The Kiramman estate was serene that Sunday morning, sunlight filtering through the wide windows of the dining room. The clinking of silverware and the soft hum of polite conversation filled the space as Caitlyn joined her parents for brunch. Her mother, dressed impeccably as always, sipped her tea and turned her attention to Caitlyn.
“Have you thought more about it, Caitlyn?” her mother asked, placing her cup down gently. “The business won’t wait forever, you know. It’s your legacy.”
Caitlyn set down her fork, carefully choosing her words. “I know, Mother. I just need more time. There’s still so much I want to do before taking that on.”
Her father raised an eyebrow but said nothing, his attention briefly flicking to his newspaper. Her mother, however, let out a small sigh. “Caitlyn, you’ve been back for weeks now. We gave you time to settle, but eventually, you’ll need to focus on your responsibilities.”
Caitlyn kept her tone even. “I understand. Just a little more time, please.”
Her mother pursed her lips but didn’t press further, and brunch continued in relative peace. Afterward, Caitlyn excused herself, grabbing her coat and leaving the estate to meet Mel.
The coffee shop Caitlyn met Mel at was cozy, filled with weekend energy. The smell of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sound of quiet chatter and the occasional clink of cups. Mel waved at Caitlyn from a corner table, a wide grin spreading across her face.
“You’re late,” Mel teased as Caitlyn slid into the seat across from her.
“Blame my mother,” Caitlyn said with a faint smile. “She’s convinced I’m supposed to save the family business any day now.”
Mel chuckled, stirring her coffee. “Ah, the burden of being a Kiramman. At least you get free brunch out of it.”
They spent the next hour chatting about everything and nothing, the conversation light and easy. Mel eventually brought up her plans for the following weekend.
“There’s a fundraising fun run next Saturday,” Mel said, her eyes sparkling. “Thought of you immediately. Didn’t you do track in senior year?”
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow but smiled. “I did. You just want me there so you have someone to beat.”
“Please,” Mel shot back with mock indignation. “I’d never.
Well… maybe.”
Laughing, Caitlyn nodded. “Alright, I’m in. Could be fun.”
They finished their drinks and prepared to leave, weaving their way through the shop’s patrons toward the door. As Caitlyn stepped outside, she bumped into someone, the impact startling her.
“Sorry—” Caitlyn began, but her words faltered as a hand steadied her by the waist.
She looked up and met Vi’s gaze. Vi’s pink hair was slightly messy, her loose shirt rolled at the sleeves. Her eyes locked onto Caitlyn’s for a moment that stretched longer than it should have. Caitlyn’s breath caught in her throat as Vi quickly withdrew her hand as though it had burned her.
“Wow,” came Jinx’s unmistakable voice from nearby. She was holding an ice cream cone, grinning mischievously. “This feels like it’s straight out of one of those romcoms. Should I cue the dramatic music?”
Caitlyn blinked, snapping out of it. “I—I’m sorry,” she said, taking a small step back.
Vi shrugged, her expression unreadable. “No harm done, Cupcake.”
The name hit Caitlyn like a jolt, a rush of memories threatening to flood her mind. She forced herself to focus.
“Vi,” Mel interrupted, stepping in with her signature warmth. “What a coincidence. You should come to the fun run next weekend. It’ll be a good time.”
Vi made a face. “Not really my thing.”
Jinx, however, lit up. “Oh, come on! We should totally do it. Think about it: you running, me laughing at you. It’s the dream.”
Vi shot her a side glance, clearly unimpressed. “You’re not selling it.”
“Fine,” Jinx said, rolling her eyes. “Do it because it’s for charity or whatever. Or because you secretly love running. Your call.”
Vi sighed dramatically but nodded. “Alright, fine. We’ll go.”
Mel clapped her hands together. “Perfect. See you both there.”
As Vi and Jinx turned to leave, Caitlyn found herself lingering for a moment, watching Vi’s retreating figure before Mel nudged her.
“Let’s go, track star,” Mel said, smirking. Caitlyn shook her head, pushing the encounter from her mind. At least, she tried to.
As Caitlyn and Mel stepped out of the coffee shop, Vi leaned back against the counter, her hands stuffed into her pockets. Jinx, still licking her ice cream cone, tilted her head and stared at her sister.
“You guys are so weird,” Jinx said bluntly, her voice cutting through the ambient chatter of the shop.
Vi raised an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Jinx gestured dramatically with her free hand. “You and Piltover’s golden girl, all that staring and awkward tension. It’s like watching a slow-burn romance in real life, except nobody’s doing anything about it.”
Vi scoffed, leaning her elbows on the counter. “You’ve been reading too many trashy novels.”
“Yeah, and your life is starting to look like one,” Jinx quipped, grinning around her cone.
Vi shook her head, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. “Shut up, Jinx.”
The banter settled into a brief silence before Jinx’s expression shifted, her grin fading slightly. She studied Vi with an intensity that caught her off guard.
“Hey,” Jinx said, her tone quieter now. “You okay?”
Vi frowned, straightening up. “Why the hell wouldn’t I be?”
Jinx shrugged, but there was a knowing edge to her voice. “I don’t know. Maybe because you’ve been home for days now. No late-night disappearing acts, no bringing random girls back to the apartment, no mysterious ‘work meetings.’” She mimed air quotes with a sly grin. “It’s weird, Vi. You’re weird.”
Vi rolled her eyes, grabbing the coffee cup that the barista had just placed on the counter. “What’s weird is you keeping tabs on me. You need a hobby.”
As she lifted the cup, she and Jinx both noticed the writing scrawled along the side. Below the usual order details was a phone number, written in neat, bold digits.
Jinx’s eyes widened in mock surprise, and she let out a low whistle. “Well, well, looks like you’ve still got it.”
Vi blinked at the number, then let out a short laugh. “Yeah, ‘cause nothing says romance like writing your digits on someone’s coffee.”
Jinx smirked, leaning closer. “You gonna call her? Or are we adding this to your growing collection of missed opportunities?”
Vi snorted, taking a sip of the coffee. “Please, like I need your advice on this.”
Jinx grinned. “Hey, I’m just saying, it’d be nice to see you get out of the house. You’re starting to cramp my style.”
Vi shot her a look. “Oh, yeah? And what’s your style, exactly? Explosions and candy?”
Jinx laughed, tossing the empty cone wrapper into a nearby trash bin. “Better than broody coffee drinker.”
Vi chuckled, shaking her head as she turned toward the door. “C’mon, let’s get out of here before you start getting too sentimental on me.”
Jinx followed, her grin as wide as ever, but her eyes lingered on her sister for a moment longer, a flicker of concern beneath the usual mischief.
The crisp morning air carried the hum of excitement as runners gathered for the fun run, stretching and chatting as the starting line came into view. It was the next Saturday, and Mel stood off to the side with Jayce, Viktor, Ekko, and Caitlyn, her arms crossed as she observed the mix of early birds and reluctant participants.
Jayce was already warming up, performing exaggerated stretches that made Ekko roll his eyes. “Do you have to look like you’re preparing for the Olympics?” Ekko grumbled, rubbing his temples. “It’s way too early for this.”
Jayce grinned, throwing an arm over Ekko’s shoulder. “You’ve gotta warm up, man. It’s the key to not pulling something.”
Ekko groaned, brushing him off. “The key to not pulling something is staying in bed, which is where I should be right now.”
Caitlyn laughed softly, her voice light. “You’ve been complaining since we got here, Ekko. At this point, I think you’re expending more energy whining than you would running.”
Mel smiled at the exchange, her attention briefly shifting to Viktor, who stood nearby holding a collection of water bottles. “How’re you holding up, Viktor?”
He gave her a small, calm smile. “Quite well, actually. My role as water bearer seems significantly less grueling than what you’re all about to endure.”
“Lucky you,” Ekko muttered, dragging his feet as the group moved closer to the starting line.
Mel’s gaze wandered across the sea of runners, pausing when she spotted two familiar figures on the other side. Jinx was gesturing wildly as she spoke to Vi, who stood with her hands on her hips, looking as if she were debating why she had agreed to come. Vi wore a loose tank top over a sports bra and running shorts, her toned arms and pink hair making her easy to spot.
Mel was about to call out to them when the announcer’s voice boomed, signaling the start of the run. The crowd surged forward, and Mel lost sight of the sisters in the wave of participants.
The finish line came into view sooner than expected, at least for Jayce and Caitlyn, who crossed it first among their group. Jayce raised his arms triumphantly, drenched in sweat but grinning ear to ear. “First place in our group!” he declared, ignoring that there were many others who had finished before him.
Caitlyn laughed, catching her breath as she slowed to a stop. “You’re acting like you just won a medal.”
“Hey, let me have my moment,” Jayce shot back, grabbing a water bottle from Viktor, who had stationed himself near the finish line with Ekko.
Ekko stumbled across the line moments later, panting dramatically. “I made it,” he gasped, leaning heavily on Viktor’s shoulder. “Tell my story.”
Viktor raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “You ran less than a kilometer then walked all the way through. You’ll survive.”
As the group gathered near the finish area, Mel scanned the crowd, searching for Vi. It wasn’t until the runners had dispersed that she spotted her again, sitting on the sidewalk with her back to a lamppost. Jinx was nearby, chatting animatedly with Ekko and teasing him about his exaggerated exhaustion.
Vi, on the other hand, looked like she’d put in more effort than she wanted to admit. She was catching her breath, her shoulders rising and falling steadily. Mel’s eyes followed Vi’s gaze and saw her staring at Caitlyn, who was standing a few feet away, wiping the sweat from her neck and stomach with a small towel.
Caitlyn was wearing a simple white sports bra paired with short running shorts and fitted cycling tights—highlighted her slender frame. Vi’s eyes traced the curve of Caitlyn’s legs before flicking upward again, lingering on her toned arms as Cait reached back to readjust her hair tie into a loose ponytail.
Mel tilted her head slightly, studying the way Vi’s attention was drawn to Caitlyn, almost as if she couldn’t help herself. The usual confidence in Vi’s posture was replaced by something subtler—an unguarded moment that was rare for her.
Vi’s shoulders tensed slightly, her gaze flickering over Caitlyn’s face before darting away, as if she realized she’d been looking too long. Her fingers fumbled with her shoelaces in a clumsy attempt to seem preoccupied, though her ears were faintly pink at the tips.
Mel’s lips curved into a knowing grin, but she said nothing, letting the moment pass. Her gaze shifted to Caitlyn, who was blissfully unaware of the attention, her focus entirely on cooling down.
Just as Mel turned her eyes back to Vi, their gazes locked for a split second. Vi’s expression was a mix of deflection and subtle challenge, as though daring Mel to say something. Mel raised an eyebrow but didn’t speak, her grin widening just enough to make Vi glance away again, her mask of indifference slipping for a heartbeat.
Satisfied, Mel chuckled under her breath and rejoined the group.
Jayce broke the moment, calling out to the group. “Hey! Dinner tonight, all of us. Let’s celebrate surviving this run!”
Jinx raised her hand eagerly. “I’m in!”
Ekko groaned, still draped over Viktor’s shoulder. “As long as I don’t have to move too far, I’m in too.”
Vi stood up, brushing off her hands as she joined the group. “Fine, but you’re paying, Pretty Boy.”
Jayce rolled his eyes. “Why am I always the one paying?”
“Because you’ve got the biggest wallet,” Vi shot back, smirking.
“Cait has,” Jayce laughing. “but alright, it’s settled. Dinner tonight. No backing out.”
The group murmured their agreements, with Mel throwing Vi another amused glance as they headed toward the parking area. The fun run might have been over, but the night was just beginning.
Caitlyn arrived at the restaurant earlier than the agreed time, stepping inside and immediately noting the lively energy of the space. The scent of grilled food and the hum of conversations filled the air, making her feel slightly restless. The tables were packed, and waiters moved swiftly between the guests, balancing trays and taking orders. It was busy enough to make her wish for a quieter spot.
She pulled out her phone, reading a message from Jayce.
Jayce: Running a little late. Picking up Ekko and Jinx. Viktor hasn’t replied yet.
Caitlyn sighed, slipping the phone back into her pocket. She glanced around, scanning for an empty corner, but the restaurant felt stifling. Spotting the balcony doors, she decided to step outside for some air.
The cool evening breeze greeted her as she leaned forward on the balcony railing, gazing at the city lights below. The street was alive but not overwhelming—a comforting mix of quiet and movement. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself breathe.
A faint rumble caught her attention. She opened her eyes to see Vi’s familiar truck pulling into a parking space below. Caitlyn watched as Vi hopped out, her signature loose tank and jeans giving her that relaxed, effortless look. Vi looked up at the balcony, spotting Caitlyn immediately. With a wave, she crossed the street and made her way up.
Vi stepped out onto the balcony, hands in her pockets, her expression casual. “Hey, Cupcake. Where’s the rest of the gang?”
Caitlyn turned her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Running late. Something about rescuing Ekko from his post-run exhaustion.”
Vi leaned her back against the railing, her smirk forming. “Figures. Jayce probably needed a forklift to drag him into the car.”
Caitlyn chuckled softly, her gaze returning to the streets below. “And Viktor? No word from him.”
Vi shrugged. “He probably decided he’s done enough ‘supporting’ for the day.”
They both laughed lightly, the kind of laugh that came easier when they weren’t in a room full of expectations. For a moment, they stood in comfortable silence, the city sounds filling the gaps.
“So,” Vi started, her tone light, “what’s with you and always showing up early? Do you set your clock ahead just to mess with people?”
Caitlyn tilted her head, raising an eyebrow at her. “Says the person who didn’t even bother to text,” she shot back smiling. “Mel told me Jayce couldn’t contact you earlier to ask if you were still coming for dinner.”
Vi grinned. “Touché. But hey, if I texted every time I showed up somewhere, it’d ruin my whole mysterious vibe.”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes but smiled, turning back toward the view. “Mysterious, sure. Or just unpredictable.”
Vi chuckled. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Their banter faded, leaving an easy quiet between them. Caitlyn traced the edge of the railing with her fingers, her expression softening. Vi’s gaze shifted to her, observing her for a moment.
“I missed this,” Caitlyn said softly, her eyes still on the skyline. “You know, being able to just… be. Piltover’s always been fast, loud, demanding. Studying abroad gave me time to figure things out, but…” She paused, searching for the right words. “Coming back, I feel like I’ve been gone longer than just years. Like it’s a whole other life.”
“You were gone a long time,” Vi said, her voice quieter now, less playful.
Caitlyn stilled, her fingers pausing mid-trace. She didn’t turn to look at Vi, her eyes focused on the glowing city below. “Yeah,” she said simply.
Vi tilted her head, studying her. “Why’d you stay out there for so long?”
Caitlyn’s grip on the railing tightened slightly. She didn’t answer immediately, the weight of the question pressing against her chest. Her lips parted as if to speak, but no words came out. The air between them grew heavier, charged with unspoken thoughts.
Vi pushed off the railing, standing upright and waiting patiently, her expression unreadable but steady. Caitlyn glanced at her briefly, her throat tightening as she tried to find something to say. But nothing felt right, and the silence stretched.
The air between them felt heavier than the cool evening breeze should allow. Vi’s gaze at Caitlyn, her usual confidence absent. When she finally spoke, her voice was low, almost hesitant, tinged with a sadness Caitlyn wasn’t used to hearing.
“When you left eight years ago,” Vi began quietly, her eyes fixed on the balcony floor for a moment before meeting Caitlyn’s gaze, “I didn’t even know you were going. I heard it from Jayce.”
“They said you told them you’d be gone for a month or two. I… I waited for you, Cait. At first, I kept telling myself, ‘It’s just two months.’ But two months turned into six. Then a year. One year became three. Three became five.” Vi exhaled sharply, running a hand through her short hair. “Before I knew it, it was eight damn years. And not once—” Her voice cracked slightly before she regained composure. “Not once did you reach out. No calls, no messages. Nothing.”
Vi’s words hung in the air, raw and unfiltered. Caitlyn turned to face her fully, the pain in Vi’s voice cutting deeper than Caitlyn anticipated. But before Cait could reply, Vi’s gaze bore into her, as if trying to find answers Caitlyn didn’t know how to give.
Unable to hold Vi’s stare any longer, Caitlyn dropped her gaze to the city lights below, her fingers gripping the edge of the balcony railing. “I didn’t think it would matter to you when I left to be honest so I didn't call,” she said softly, her voice almost a whisper. “Before I left, I already felt like… you were gone.”
Vi blinked, stunned by Caitlyn’s words. Caitlyn continued, her tone quiet, as if unearthing thoughts she’d buried for years. “After my seventeenth birthday, you barely came around anymore, always need to leave early, always have something to go to. And when I tried to look for you, you were always somewhere else. There were months when I waited, hoping you’d just show up. But you didn’t.”
Her voice wavered slightly as she went on, but she pressed through. “The night I went to your apartment… I told you how I felt.” Caitlyn paused, the weight of unspoken words filling the silence. “You made it clear where we stood. I understood more than you think I did, Vi. I accepted it. I told myself it was okay. That we could still be friends. But even after that, you didn’t come to see me, I came back to look for you but you were not always there. So I waited for you. You said you’d see me next time, but next time never came.”
Vi flinched at the reminder, guilt flickering across her face. Caitlyn’s voice softened, but her words still carried a quiet ache. “Two months passed, and I realized things between us had changed. So when my mom offered me the chance to study abroad for the summer, I took it.”
Caitlyn hesitated, then continued, her tone firmer now, as if trying to convince herself as much as Vi. “While I was away, I figured out what I wanted for myself. I didn’t want to just be the ‘golden girl’ you guys always thought I was. I worked hard for that scholarship in veterinary medicine, and I got it.”
Vi’s eyes searched Caitlyn’s face, her expression unreadable, but there was a hint of guilt in the way her shoulders tensed. Caitlyn reached out, her hand resting lightly on Vi’s arm. The touch was brief but gentle, a gesture of understanding.
“It’s okay, Vi,” Caitlyn said quietly, offering a small, sad smile. “Maybe everything happened the way it was supposed to. Maybe it’s for the best.”
Vi stayed silent, her lips pressing into a thin line as if she wanted to say something, anything, to refute Caitlyn’s words. But nothing came.
The stillness between them was broken by the sound of Jayce’s voice calling from outside the restaurant. “Hey! There you two are!”
Mel’s voice followed, playful and teasing. “Are we interrupting something?”
Jinx’s laugh was unmistakable as she added, “Straight out of a romcom, I swear!”
Ekko appeared in the doorway, grinning. “Dinner’s waiting, lovebirds!”
Caitlyn pulled her hand away from Vi’s arm, stepping back as if the interruption had brought her back to reality. “We should go,” she said softly, avoiding Vi’s gaze.
Vi nodded, her expression guarded once more. Together, they turned and headed back inside, the weight of their conversation lingering in the space they left behind.