One day Fumi asked Futaba, "We're having ekiden at school next month. Could you and Haruka and Chiaki help me win it?"

  Futaba nodded, "Of course! We'll give it our all."

  Chiaki smiled, "I'm excited! I've never participated in an ekiden before."

  Haruka added, "Me neither, but I'm sure we'll do great with Fumi's guidance."

  Fumi beamed, "Thanks, guys! I know we can do this together."

  Fumi said: "I want you all to be transformed into my shoes, running clothes, and water bottle. I will wear you all on the ekiden, we will run as a team!"

  Futaba and Haruka were surprised by Fumi's request, but Chiaki was intrigued. She asked, "Fumi, are you sure about this? It's one thing to ride us like bikes, but transforming into shoes and clothes seems like a whole other level."

  Fumi nodded confidently. "I'm sure. I trust you all, and I believe we can win this together."

  Futaba, Haruka, and Chiaki looked at each other and shared a smile. They were excited to be a part of something new and challenging, and they were ready to do their best to help Fumi succeed.

  Fumi said: "Can we try it at tomorrow's practice?", she noticed also: "It's very important that no one notices anything, otherwise I'll be disqualified."

  The next day, they gathered at the park for practice. Fumi was wearing her plain clothes and sneakers. Chiaki and Haruka stood next to her, holding her hands as they began the transformation process.

  The magic source within Chiaki and Haruka began to glow as they channeled their power into Futaba. Her body began to shimmer and glow, and soon she transformed into sleek, aerodynamic running shoes.

  Chiaki took a deep breath and focused her energy on the transformation. Her hands began to glow with soft pink light, and she closed her eyes in concentration. Slowly, her body began to shrink and reshape itself.

  Her body transformed into polyester fibers, legs shortened into a pair of running shorts, while her torso transformed into a sports bra. The fabric of her shorts was a vibrant shade of blue, with white stripes running down the sides. The sports bra was a matching blue, with a supportive fit that would keep Futaba comfortable during the long race.

  Haruka closed her eyes and focused her energy on the transformation. Her body began to shrink and contort as she transformed into a water bottle. Her arms and legs disappeared, and her torso compressed into a long, slender tube.

  The surface of the bottle was made of translucent plastic, with a light blue cap that screwed on tightly to prevent any leaks. The interior of the bottle was filled with a refreshing liquid, ready to keep Fumi hydrated throughout the race.

  As she completed her transformation, Haruka opened her eyes and looked around. She saw the park through the clear plastic of the bottle and felt a sense of excitement knowing that she would be a vital part of Fumi's team in the upcoming ekiden.

  Fumi said: "Wow, you all look amazing! I can't believe how well this transformation worked. I feel like I'm already winning the race!"

  Futaba smiled and nodded. "I'm glad it worked out. Now let's get some practice in before the big day."

  Fumi put on Chiaki on her body and Futaba on her legs.

  Chiaki said: "It's so unusual to be two things at once - shorts and bra. It's like a new level of multitasking!".

  Futaba chuckled: "Yes. I am too now in two parts - left shoe and right shoe."

  Haruka, in her water bottle form, chimed in, "And I'm the hydration expert! Don't forget to drink plenty of water during the race, Fumi."

  Fumi laughed and placed Haruka into her running belt. "Thanks, Haruka. With you by my side, I won't forget to stay hydrated."

  With that, they began their practice run around the park. Despite the unusual form they were in, they moved smoothly and quickly, working together as a team. They knew that with their combined strength and Fumi's running skills, they had a good chance at winning the ekiden.

  Futaba felt every Fumi's step, absorbing the impact of the ground beneath her. She could feel the rhythm of Fumi's running and adjusted her shape slightly to provide the best possible support and balance.

  Meanwhile, Haruka felt the liquid inside her and the gentle sloshing as Fumi ran. Haruka was amazed by how well she had transformed into a water bottle. She had never felt anything like it before. She could feel the coolness of the water against her inner walls, and the sound of the liquid sloshing around as Fumi ran.

  As Fumi took a drink from her, Haruka felt the water level inside her decrease slightly, and she could feel Fumi's lips against her cap. It was a strange sensation, it was almost like a kiss. Haruka blushed with her cap.

  Fumi noticed the change in Haruka's temperature and chuckled. "Looks like you're enjoying your new form, Haruka."

  Haruka blushed even more and replied, "I never thought being a water bottle would feel this strange and interesting. It's like I have a new purpose."

  Fumi smiled and said, "Well, you certainly have an important purpose for our ekiden race. I need to stay hydrated during the long run, and you'll help keep us fueled and hydrated."

  Meanwhile, Chiaki was enjoying her own unique perspective as the running clothes. She felt the breeze against her polyester fibers, the coolness of the air against her skin-like texture. As Fumi ran, Chiaki's shorts part helped to support and move her legs, feeling the muscles and tendons working in perfect synchronization. And her bra part kept Fumi secured, keeping her chest comfortable and stable during the run.

  As they continued to practice, the trio of friends realized just how well they worked together. Each of their unique transformations had a specific purpose and helped Fumi to run better and more efficiently.

  As they finished their practice, Fumi smiled at her friends. "I think we have a great chance of winning the ekiden with our transformation skills."

  Futaba and Haruka nodded in agreement, feeling proud of their teamwork and abilities. Chiaki added, "And not to mention, we'll be the most fashionable and unique team out there!"

  The group laughed and agreed, feeling excited about the upcoming race. They knew that with their magical transformation skills, they had a great chance of coming out on top.

  At the end of day, they transformed back into human forms, looking forward to the upcoming ekiden race.

  Later they all sat together, sipping on their tea and discussing their strategy for the race.

  The girls all smiled, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation for the race.

  Chiaki said, "I can't believe we're actually doing this. It's going to be so much fun!"

  Haruka added, "And we get to be part of Fumi's victory. That's something special."

  Futaba nodded, "We couldn't have done it without each other. We're a team, and we're going to win this together."

  With that, they finished their tea, bid each other goodnight, and headed home, eager to rest up for the big day.

  Fumi was determined to win the ekiden race, and she was practicing every day. She ran in the morning, at lunchtime, and in the evening, pushing herself harder and harder each time. Each time Futaba, Chiaki, and Haruka were with her, as her shoes, running clothes, and water bottle.

  As the day of the ekiden race approached, Fumi's determination grew even stronger. She knew she had a strong team behind her, and she was determined to win.

  On the day of the competition, Fumi woke up early. After breakfast Futaba, Chiaki, and Haruka transformed into their respective forms, ready to support Fumi on the long and challenging race.

  Fumi put Futaba on her legs and laced her tightly. Then she put on Chiaki, feeling the supportive fit of the sports bra and the flexibility of the shorts. Finally, she filled Haruka with water and placed her in the pocket of her running shorts.

  Futaba can feel Fumi's legs inside her, ready to run with all her might. Fumi wiggled with her toes, sending Futaba a signal that she was ready.

  Chiaki could feel Fumi's heartbeat through her polyester fabric. She felt the anticipation building. She snugged her bra part tightly around Fumi's chest. As for her shorts part, she stretched and flexed, ready to move with Fumi's every stride, keeping her legs supported and comfortable.

  Haruka felt the coolness of the water inside her, knowing that she would be able to provide Fumi with the hydration she needed during the race. She was excited to be a part of the team, even in her small and humble way.

  As Fumi made her way to the starting line, she could feel the nervous energy of the other competitors. But she knew that she had the best team, and that gave her confidence.

  As Fumi approached the starting line, she could see the other teams lined up and ready to go. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves, and looked down at her running gear. She felt a sense of gratitude and pride for her team, who had transformed themselves into her shoes, running clothes, and water bottle.

  She walked up to the starting line and took her place. The other teams were eyeing her, and she could see the looks of confusion and curiosity on their faces. But Fumi kept her focus and her confidence, knowing that her team's transformation was their secret weapon.

  The race officials gave the final instructions, and the tension in the air grew even stronger. Fumi closed her eyes and visualized the race, seeing herself running strong and fast, with the support of her team. She took another deep breath and opened her eyes.

  The race was about to start, and Fumi could feel the excitement building. She glanced down at her running gear, feeling the familiar sensations of Futaba on her feet, and Chiaki and Haruka on her body. She gave a small nod, sending a message of thanks and encouragement to her team.

  The starting gun went off, and Fumi's adrenaline kicked in. She took off at a strong pace, feeling the support and balance provided by Futaba on her feet. Chiaki's running shorts and sports bra kept her comfortable and secure, while Haruka's water bottle was a constant reminder to stay hydrated.

  Fumi could hear the cheers of the crowd as she ran, but her focus remained on the race ahead. She felt her team's support with every step, and she knew that together, they could win this race.

  Futaba was thrilled to be a part of Fumi's legs, feeling every step and every stride. As soon as the starting whistle blew, Fumi took off, pushing herself to the front of the pack. Futaba could feel the excitement building within her, as Fumi picked up speed and started passing other runners.

  As they ran, Futaba adjusted her shape slightly to provide the best support and balance for Fumi. She could feel the muscles in Fumi's legs working hard, and she knew that she was helping to keep them in the right position and prevent any potential injury. She slightly springs with her form, helping Fumi to move her legs.

  Meanwhile, Chiaki was doing her part as Fumi's running clothes. She helped to support Fumi's chest and kept her shorts in place as they moved through the crowd of runners. As they approached a steep hill, Chiaki adjusted her shape to provide extra support to Fumi's legs and hips, helping her to power up the incline with ease. Chiaki kept Fumi's breasts secure with her polyester fibers.

  Haruka was also doing her part, sloshing gently in Fumi's pocket as they ran. As Fumi took a sip of water from her, Haruka provided a cool and refreshing burst of hydration. She could feel Fumi's lips on her cap as she drank. She felt it as Fumi's kiss, which made Haruka blush with her cap, filling her with a strong sense of love and affection for Fumi. Haruka waited every time being pulled out from the pocket to provide Fumi with the water she needed to stay hydrated and energized. The sense of Fumi's lips on her cap made her lightheaded every time.

  As Fumi and her team made their way through the racecourse, they came to a busy street crossing. Fumi slowed down slightly, waiting for the traffic light to turn green.

  As they waited, Futaba could feel the anticipation building within her. She knew that once the light turned green, they would need to move quickly to catch up with the other runners.

  Finally, the light turned green, and Fumi took off across the street. Futaba adjusted her shape to provide the best support and balance as they navigated the busy intersection. She could feel the impact of the pavement beneath her, and she adjusted her shape to provide extra cushioning to Fumi's feet.

  Chiaki did her part as well, helping to keep Fumi's shorts in place as they ran. She could feel the wind rushing past her polyester fibers as they crossed the street, and she adjusted her shape to provide extra support to Fumi's hips and legs.

  As they made it across the street, Haruka sloshed gently in Fumi's pocket, providing a cool burst of hydration to keep her energized. She could feel the excitement building within her as they moved closer to the finish line.

  Overall, Fumi and her team worked together seamlessly, each doing their part to help her achieve her goal of winning the ekiden race.

  As soon as Fumi pulled Haruka out, she was already all eager, ready to provide Fumi with the water she needed. Fumi took a quick sip and then stuffed Haruka back into her pocket. Haruka was enthralled by Fumi's kiss on her cap, and she eagerly awaited the next opportunity to be kissed by Fumi.

  The race went smoothly as they left the busy streets and entered the suburban area. Fumi was still feeling strong, and her team was doing an excellent job of supporting her. Futaba was providing the perfect amount of support to Fumi's legs, and Chiaki's fit was keeping everything in place. Haruka was always ready to provide Fumi with hydration whenever she needed it.

  As they ran, Fumi noticed the change in scenery and remarked, "It's nice to get out of the city for a bit. The fresh air is so invigorating."

  Chiaki replied, "Yes, and the lack of traffic and noise is a relief too. It's much easier to focus on running without all the distractions."

  Futaba added, "And the scenery is beautiful. Look at those trees and the greenery around us. It's so calming."

  Fumi nodded in agreement, taking in the surroundings as they ran. She felt grateful to have such a supportive team with her, and the change of scenery was a nice bonus.

  As they continued running, Fumi noticed that they were coming up on a group of runners from another team. She picked up her pace, determined to pass them. Futaba responded to Fumi's increased pace by providing more support to her legs, and Chiaki's fit kept everything in place as they maneuvered around the other runners.

  As they pulled ahead of the other team, Fumi let out a small cheer of excitement. "Yes! We did it!"

  Futaba replied, "That was amazing, Fumi! We're unstoppable!"

  Haruka added, "And don't forget about me! I'm always here to keep you hydrated!"

  Fumi laughed, feeling energized by her team's enthusiasm. "You're right, Haruka. I couldn't do this without you all. Let's keep pushing forward!"

  And with that, they continued on their journey, running strong and determined towards the finish line.

  Chiaki's polyester fibers were all stretched and soaked with sweat, tightly wrapped around Fumi's chest and hips. She was still providing Fumi with the support she needed. As they left the busy streets behind and entered the quiet suburban area, Chiaki breathed a small sigh of relief.

  "Phew, that was intense," she said. "But we made it through. How are you feeling, Fumi?"

  Fumi grinned. "I feel great! I think we're really in the zone now."

  Futaba chimed in, "I can feel it too. We're running really smoothly together."

  Fumi took another sip of water and said, "Thanks, Haruka. You're doing a great job too, keeping me hydrated."

  Haruka was lightheaded and overflowed with feelings after Fumi's kiss on her cap. She moaned:

  "Thank you, Fumi! Your kiss on my cap is the sweetest thing I've ever experienced. I'm glad I can be here for you and help you stay hydrated. Just let me know when you need another sip of water."

  Fumi chuckled. "I'll be sure to give you another kiss when I need it. But let's focus on the race for now."

  As they continued to run, they passed by houses and parks, with occasional cheers from bystanders. Futaba could feel the excitement building within her, as they got closer and closer to the end of their leg.

  "This is so exhilarating!" she said. "I can't wait to see what the next leg brings."

  Chiaki nodded in agreement. "It's amazing how running can make you feel so alive. I'm glad we can all experience this together."

  Fumi looked at her team and felt a surge of gratitude. "I couldn't have asked for a better team. Thanks for being here with me, guys. Let's keep pushing forward and do our best!"

  And with that, they continued to run, united in their goal to win the ekiden race.

  When Fumi took another sip of water, Haruka was stunned, and in a burst of emotion splashed some of the water onto Fumi's face, unable to contain her overwhelming feelings.

  Fumi was surprised but laughed it off. "Haruka, you silly bottle, we need that water for me to drink!"

  Haruka blushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, Fumi. I just couldn't help it. Your kiss on my cap made me lightheaded and overwhelmed with emotions."

  Fumi smiled. "I'm glad to hear that, Haruka. But let's focus on the race for now, okay? We need to keep pushing ourselves."

  Futaba, sensing the shift in mood, spoke up. "Fumi, I think there's a hill coming up. Do you want me to adjust my shape to help you power up it?"

  Fumi nodded. "Thanks, Futaba. That would be great. Let's do this!"

  As they approached the hill, Futaba adjusted her shape, providing Fumi with the extra support she needed to power up the incline. Chiaki also tightened her grip, making sure Fumi's shorts and sports bra stayed in place.

  Fumi could feel the effort required to climb the hill, but with the help of her team, she powered through it. As they reached the top, Fumi let out a whoop of joy.

  "We did it, team! That was tough, but we made it!"

  The others cheered, feeling proud of their contribution to Fumi's success. They knew there was still a long way to go in the race, but they were confident in their abilities to support Fumi every step of the way.

  Chiaki was tightly wrapped around Fumi's hips and breasts, absorbing every drop of sweat and supporting her with every stride. As they continued running through the suburban area, Chiaki spoke up again.

  "I'm so proud of you, Fumi," she said. "You've been training so hard for this race, and you're doing amazing."

  Fumi smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude for her supportive team. "I couldn't have done it without all of you," she said. "You guys are the best running gear I've ever had."

  Futaba wiggled with delight, feeling the warm praise from Fumi. "We're happy to be a part of your success, Fumi," she said. "We'll keep you going until the finish line."

  As they approached a bend in the road, Fumi could see a small hill up ahead. She knew it would be a challenge, but with her team behind her, she was ready to tackle it head-on.

  "Okay, team," she said. "Let's power up this hill together."

  With a burst of energy, Fumi took off up the hill, with Futaba, Chiaki, and Haruka all working together to support her. She felt her muscles burning, but she refused to slow down.

  "Come on, Fumi!" Futaba shouted. "You can do it!"

  With the encouragement of her team ringing in her ears, Fumi pushed harder, her legs moving faster and faster until she finally reached the top of the hill.

  "Great job, Fumi!" Chiaki exclaimed. "That was a tough one, but we did it together."

  Fumi grinned, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over her. She knew that the finish line was within reach, and with her team by her side, she was confident that she could make it there.

  Finally, the finish line of their leg showed up ahead. Fumi could see it and felt a surge of excitement. "We're almost there, team!" she called out, feeling the energy of her companions pulsing through her.

  Futaba flexed her form, preparing to give Fumi a final push. "Let's finish strong!" she exclaimed.

  As they approached the finish line, Fumi picked up her pace, feeling her muscles burning with exertion. She could hear the cheers of the crowd as they closed in on the end of their leg.

  Chiaki tightened her grip on Fumi, ensuring she stayed in the optimal position for her final sprint. "You've got this, Fumi," she said. "Keep pushing!"

  Haruka sloshed excitedly in Fumi's pocket, ready to celebrate their successful leg. She could feel Fumi's hand reaching into her pocket, ready to take a final sip of water before passing the sash to the next runner.

  As they crossed the finish line, Fumi let out a triumphant cry, feeling the exhilaration of their victory. She quickly passed the sash to the next runner and turned to her companions, beaming with pride.

  "We did it! We made it through our leg!" she exclaimed, giving each of them a grateful pat. "I couldn't have done it without all of you."

  Fumi picked up Haruka and drank all of her water. Haruka was almost knocked out with feelings. As Fumi drank all of her water, Haruka felt her insides churn with emotion. She had never felt so fulfilled and appreciated in her life. Fumi's lips on her cap had made her feel so alive and loved, and now that she was empty.

  As Fumi finished her leg of the race, Chiaki and Futaba felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. Chiaki was glad that she could support Fumi throughout the run, while Futaba was happy to have been a part of Fumi's powerful strides.

  "I can't believe we did it," Chiaki said, her polyester fibers still damp with sweat. "Fumi really pushed herself, and we were there every step of the way."

  Futaba nodded in agreement. "It was amazing to be a part of it. Fumi was so focused and determined, and we helped her to achieve her goal."

  As they watched Fumi hand off the sash to the next runner, Chiaki and Futaba shared a moment of quiet reflection.

  "You know," Chiaki said, "I think being a part of Fumi's clothes is really special. We get to support her in a way that no one else can."

  Futaba smiled. "Yeah, it's a unique experience. And I'm grateful for it."

  As the next runner took off, Chiaki and Futaba settled into Fumi's bag, ready to rest and recharge.

  Fumi kissed Haruka on her cap and put her also in her bag, together with Chiaki and Futaba. Haruka was overwhelmed with emotions as she was nestled in the bag with her friends. Chiaki and Futaba could sense that Haruka was in a daze, and they were concerned.

  "Haruka, are you okay?" asked Chiaki.

  Futaba added, "Yeah, you seem a little out of it."

  Haruka blushed and said, "I'm fine. I just can't believe how amazing Fumi is. She's such an incredible runner, and I feel so lucky to be able to help her."

  Chiaki and Futaba smiled, understanding how Haruka felt. They both felt a sense of pride and fulfillment in their roles as Fumi's support team. It was an incredible feeling to know that they were helping Fumi achieve her goals and reach her full potential as a runner.

  As they walked towards the rest area, Chiaki said, "Even though we won't be running the next legs, I'm excited to see Fumi and the rest of our team continue to do their best. We'll be cheering them on from the sidelines!"

  Futaba nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we'll be supporting them in our own way, even if we're not physically running with them."

  Haruka smiled, feeling grateful for her amazing friends and the opportunity to be a part of such a great team.

  At home, Fumi carefully washed Haruka, gently rubbing her cap with soap and water to remove any dirt and sweat. Haruka felt grateful for Fumi's care and attention to detail. As she was being washed, Haruka couldn't help but think about the race and the amazing experience she had been a part of.

  Meanwhile, Chiaki and Futaba were resting on the nearby bed, still feeling the rush of excitement from the race. Chiaki was reflecting on the race and how important it was to support Fumi as best as she could.

  "I think we did a great job out there," she said to Futaba. "We were able to provide Fumi with the support she needed, and I think we helped her to run her best race."

  Futaba nodded in agreement. "Definitely. It was an amazing experience, and I'm so glad that we were able to be a part of it."

  As Fumi finished washing Haruka, she carefully dried her and placed her in a special spot on her dresser. "You did a great job today, Haruka," she said with a smile. "I'm so grateful to have you on my team."

  Haruka blushed, feeling a sense of pride and fulfillment from Fumi's words. She was excited to be a part of Fumi's next race and to provide her with the hydration and support she needed to run her best.

  Fumi looked at Chiaki and Futaba. She smiled and took them to the bathroom. She said: "You are both completely drenched with sweat and dirt."

  Chiaki and Futaba nodded in agreement. "Yes, we are," said Futaba.

  Fumi turned on the water and carefully washed them, making sure to remove all the dirt and sweat from their fibers. She knew how important it was to take care of them, especially after a tough race like the one they had just completed.

  As she cleaned them, Fumi thought about the race and how much she appreciated the support of her team. "You guys did an amazing job out there," she said. "I couldn't have done it without you."

  Chiaki and Futaba smiled, happy to have been a part of the race. "We're glad we could help," said Chiaki.

  Futaba added, "It was an incredible experience. Being a part of your legs and feeling you run was exhilarating."

  Fumi finished cleaning them and carefully set them on a towel to dry. "Rest up, you guys," she said.

  In the evening she put her water bottle, running shoes, and shorts with bra on the desk. She looked at them, smiled mischievously, and said: "Do you know what you have to do now?"

  Futaba, Haruka, and Chiaki looked at each other, feeling overwhelmed by their roles as Fumi's sportswear during the race. They had never experienced anything like it before, and it had left them feeling emotionally drained.

  Futaba spoke up first, "Fumi, I don't know if we can go back to being human just yet. It's all still so overwhelming, feeling every movement and sensation of your body. It's like nothing we've ever experienced before."

  Haruka nodded in agreement, "I feel the same way. When you kissed my cap during the race, I felt like I was flying. I don't think I can go back to being just a regular water bottle."

  Chiaki added, "And I don't want to leave you, Fumi. I feel like we're a team now, and I want to keep supporting you however I can."

  Fumi listened to their words, understanding their feelings. "I know it's a lot to take in, but you have to remember that you're not just sportswear. You're Futaba, Haruka, and Chiaki. My older sister and friends. And I want you to be yourselves again, not just objects."

  Fumi continued, "I want you to go back to your human forms. I miss having conversations with you and seeing your faces."

  Futaba, Haruka, and Chiaki looked at each other and nodded. "Okay, Fumi. We trust you," Futaba said.

  Fumi smiled, "Don't worry, I'll help you." She picked up Haruka and Chiaki, holding them close. "Close your eyes and focus on your human forms. Imagine yourselves as you were before."

  Fumi put Futaba on Chiaki and touched her with her hand. After a few moments, Fumi felt a change in her hand. She opened her eyes to see Futaba, fully transformed back into her older sister form.

  Haruka and Chiaki followed suit, transforming back into their human forms. They all smiled at each other, feeling relieved and happy to be back to their normal selves.

  Fumi hugged them all, "I'm so glad you're back."

  Futaba chuckled, "I never thought I'd miss being human so much."

  Haruka added, "But being your water bottle was an incredible experience."

  Chiaki nodded, "It was a unique perspective on running."

  Fumi smiled, "I'm glad you all enjoyed it, but now let's go celebrate with some ice cream!"

  Alice prepared tea and cookies for all. As they sipped their tea and nibbled on cookies, Fumi said, "I know it's been a lot to take in, but I want you all to know that I'm grateful for everything you've done for me today. Running that race would have been much harder without your support."

  Futaba smiled, "Of course, Fumi. That's what sisters are for."

  Haruka nodded, "And friends too."

  Chiaki added, "And we're happy to be able to help you, Fumi."

  Fumi smiled back at them, feeling grateful to have such supportive people in her life. "I'm glad to have you all as my sister and friends. And I want you to know that I'll always be here to support you too."

  Futaba, Haruka, and Chiaki all nodded in agreement, feeling comforted by Fumi's words.

  Fumi looked at Haruka with a little flirtatious look, licked her lips, and said: "You know Haruka, that water inside you was too sweet."

  Haruka blushed at Fumi's words, feeling a flutter in her chest. "T-thank you, Fumi. I'm glad I could provide you with the hydration you needed during the race."

  Fumi grinned mischievously, "Maybe I should start carrying you around everywhere as my personal water bottle."

  Haruka laughed, "I don't think my body could handle being squeezed like that all the time."

  Futaba chuckled, "And I don't think Alice would be too happy about you using Haruka as a water bottle all the time."

  Chiaki added, "Plus, it wouldn't be fair to the rest of us. We all want to be there to support you too, Fumi."

  Fumi smiled at her friends, feeling grateful for their lightheartedness and humor. "You're right, Chiaki. I'm lucky to have all of you as my support team."

  As they finished their tea and cookies, Fumi realized that even though their roles may have been switched for a little while, their bond as friends and family remained as strong as ever.