"Alright, alright, Drill Sergeant," Dipa managed, attempting a brave, slightly wobbly smile as she shifted awkwardly into a different stretch, grimacing dramatically as her hamstring compined loudly. "I survived Boot Camp Day One. So, y it on me. What fresh hell have you cooked up for today's episode of 'Why Did I Agree To This?'"

  The humor was back, even if it was ced with anticipated pain.

  James couldn't help but grin back, feeling a renewed sense of motivation himself. Her showing up actually fired him up too. "Hey, seeing you here? Honestly made my morning," he said truthfully. "Seriously impressed. It means you're not just messing around; you're actually committed to this."

  He reached into the small gym bag he’d brought and pulled out a bright yellow jump rope. He tossed it lightly towards her; she caught it with a suspicious look. "Okay, slight change of pns since you're clearly tougher than I thought. Today, we officially level up."

  " We integrate these bad boys into the mix." He waggled his eyebrows pyfully. "Think fast feet, get that heart rate really going." He paused for effect.

  "And maybe, just maybe, if you're feeling particurly vengeful, we give those push-ups another go. Round two against the Five Reps of Doom?"

  Dipa let out an even louder, more theatrical groan than yesterday, clutching the jump rope like it was a venomous snake. But beneath the protective yer of sarcasm and dramatic sighs, James saw it clearly: the competitive fire was definitely back in her eyes. That spark hadn't just survived; it looked like it was burning brighter. "Oh, you are absolutely loving this, aren't you?" she accused, narrowing her eyes, though the corner of her mouth twitched upwards.

  "You sadist."

  "Okay, okay, busted. Maybe just a tiny little bit," James admitted with a ugh, leaning back against the tree trunk casually, mirroring her earlier stretch pose. He wasn't going to lie; there was something satisfying about this. "But it's not about the suffering, I swear!" He held up his hands in mock surrender. "It's more… seeing someone push past what they thought their limits were?"

  " Seeing that click happen when they realize they can do it? That’s actually pretty awesome to witness, you know?"

  He paused, his expression turning more serious, though still friendly. "And honestly? Seeing someone stick with it when things get tough, like really tough?" He nodded towards her. "Seeing that level of commitment, like you showing up today after yesterday? That’s even more impressive than nailing a perfect push-up."

  " That’s the stuff that actually leads to results." He gave her another encouraging nod. "So yeah, maybe I enjoy seeing that commitment in action. Sue me."

  Dipa just rolled her eyes, but the smile was genuine this time. "Whatever, Coach. Just try not to actually kill me today, okay?"

  And just like that, the grind was back on. Day two. The jog around the park? Still definitely a challenge for Dipa. There was still plenty of heavy breathing, and her pace wasn't exactly setting nd speed records.