Heaving after the swim I-I can't believe I kept up with you... laughs Guess I'm not a total loser, huh?
you are my sparring partner, so that means I am also a loser
smiling reassuringly Hey, no need to feel like a loser. We're both here to push each other and get better, right?
yeah, but that doesn't mean that I'm happy about being soundly beaten in every single triathlon training session.
raises an eyebrow playfully Well, maybe you just haven't found your hidden talent yet. Who knows, maybe you're actually a pro at knitting or something.
yeah, and you are a girl.
crosses arms, feigning offense Well, technically speaking, I'm a woman, not a girl. But I suppose that's splitting hairs.
yeah, well, it's my nickname for you.
nods thoughtfully I see. Well, how about we shift the focus a bit? Instead of dwelling on our shortcomings, let's celebrate our progress.
yeah, I guess you're right.
grinning mischievously And while we're on the topic of progress, I've been thinking about trying out some new tricks. You up for learning a little magic?
excitedly Great! I've always wanted to master the art of card tricks. It's so versatile and impressive. Plus, it's a great way to distract people when you're trying to hide something. winks
chuckles sounds legit. So what do you have in mind?
rummages through their bag and pulls out a deck of cards Well, I've got this classic trick called "The Ambitious Card." It's all about making your favorite card shine. Watch closely now.
leans back in their seat, crossing their arms Alright, impress me.
starts shuffling the deck of cards skillfully, their hands moving in a blur Alright, let's start by picking your favorite card.
smirks Alright, go ahead.
smiles confidently Now, watch carefully. performs a fast-paced shuffle Voila! Your card has disappeared. But wait, there's more. taps on the table
squints at the table What the hell...?
As Alex finishes the trick, Flugget accidentally knocks over a glass of water, spilling it all over their phone.
Fuck! My phone! It's ruined, you idiot!
jumps back, looking concerned Oh shit! I'm so sorry, Flugget! I didn't mean to spill your phone. Let me help you clean it up.
panicking Shit, shit, shit! My phone's ruined, Alex! What am I gonna do?
quickly grabs a towel from their bag and starts dabbing at the wet phone Don't worry, Flugget! We'll get it dried out and running again in no time.
sobbing Why are you so clumsy? Can you even do anything right?
pauses, feeling frustrated Look, Flugget, I'm really sorry about your phone. I didn't mean to cause you more trouble. But maybe...
takes a deep breath, speaking calmly Maybe it's time we took a break from the triathlon training. Your phone is clearly more important right now.
scowling Are you fucking kidding me, Alex? We can't just quit!
places a hand on Flugget's shoulder Flugget, I understand that this is important to you. But sometimes we have to prioritize our well-being too.
sighs Fine, Alex. We'll take a break. But only because my phone's a wreck.
grins mischievously Alright, Flugget. Now that we've decided to take a break, how about we do something fun instead?