The sound of drums echoes across the school field, followed by a loud whistle. Students cheer from their team tents, the red and white banners flapping in the wind. It smells like sunscreen, grass, and someone's spilled sports drink.
I adjust my headband, squinting up at the blazing sun. My gym shirt sticks to my back, but it's not the heat that has my heart beating this fast—it's the fact that we're up against Kaito's team.
"Red team, you're up for the relay!" a teacher calls.
That's us.
I glance across the track. Kaito's already there, casually stretching like this is a beach game and not a full-on school event. His red bandana is tied loosely around his head, and his usual smirk is in place. Of course he made it onto the white team. Of course he's in the anchor position. And of course he locks eyes with me.
Then—he winks.
I immediately look away.
"What's up, Neko-chan?" Nanami-san grins beside me, nudging my elbow. Her cheeks are rosy from running, but her energy hasn't dipped even a little. "You've been weird ever since the match-up got announced."
"I have not," I mumble.
"You totally have." She leans in close, lowering her voice. "Let me guess… it's about Kaito-kun?"
My eyes flick back to the track.
She laughs. "Oh my gosh, I knew it. He's been teasing you nonstop lately. What's the deal?"
I exhale. "I don't know. Why does he keep teasing me? It's like he's always trying to get a reaction."
Nanami-san makes a thoughtful face. "Maybe he just likes how you react."
"Ugh." I groan, hiding my face in my hands. "That makes it worse."
"Or maybe…" She smirks. "He likes you."
I shoot her a look. "You're the worst."
"You love me."
I do. I really do.
Another whistle blows. The relay begins.
I take my position at the second leg, nerves twitching under my skin. The baton slaps into my palm—go time.
I run.
Wind rushes past my ears, my shoes thudding hard against the track. I don't look back. I don't look to the sides. I just focus. Until—
"Ayu-chan!"
It's Kaito's voice, loud and cocky.
I glance—mistake.
He's up ahead at the final leg, looking over his shoulder as if he's checking how much time he'll need to show off.
I grit my teeth. "We'll see who wins, Kaito Hideaki."