It was supposed to be a dare. A bet, only for the money. Nothing more lovely than a dare to take out the school's most athletic girl, right? No big deal, considering he's the basketball captain, right? Stakes were placed as to whether she'd actually fall for him or not. Not that she knew, anyway. It was best for Riki if she didn't find out, because he fell first and hopes she falls harder. Finding out that it was a bet would not be the most ideal thing in his favour. This is how it began:

"Hey Riki," one of his friends nudged him as they were taking a break during basketball practice. The gym smelled of sweat and floor polish, the sound of bouncing balls echoing in the background. "See that girl, grey shirt, white shorts, short hair?"

"You mean her?" he asked, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. The afternoon sun streamed through the high windows, casting long shadows across the court. "Yeah, why?"

His friend chuckled mischievously, elbowing Riki in the ribs. "I have a dare for you. Y'know it's like, Valentine's Day really soon right? I dare you to take her out."

Riki choked on his water, spluttering as some droplets hit the shiny gym floor. "No way in hell am I taking anyone out," he scoffed, his ears turning pink despite his protest. "Do you think I'm a joke?"

"Well, you don't have to if she loses her next tournament. Which... I doubt she will. She runs faster than half the boys around here," he said, sighing as he watched her practice sprints across the field visible through the gym windows.

"Look, if you really like her, just take her out yourself," Riki shook his head, exasperated as he tossed his water bottle into his gym bag.

"Ah well, it would be more of a power duo if the basketball captain dated the school's most athletic girl, wouldn't it? Let's bet on who falls first."

The day of the tournament arrived, and she was prepping herself up for the race. The air was crisp with the early spring chill, the track still damp from morning dew. Her plan was to try and break her record, as it usually was. She was busy stretching her hamstrings on the track, when she heard someone call her name; it was Riki's friend.

"Hey!" She turned to look at him, the morning sun catching in her hair as she shielded her eyes with one hand. She saw him wave while an embarrassed Riki had his face buried in his arms, his basketball jersey sleeves covering his ears. Smiling kindly, she waved back, as the other runners began gathering at the starting line.

The race began with the sound of the starter's pistol, and she channeled her energy to its limits. Her feet hit the track with rhythmic precision, the crowd's cheers fading into a嗡嗡 in her ears. Today she had very serious competition; but it wasn't her day to lose either. By just a few steps, she crossed the finish line before her closest rival, securing first place. The cool air burned in her lungs as she bent over, hands on her knees, catching her breath.

Her time had improved, but the difference was too minimal to call it a record. But hey, lucky for her, and maybe not so much for Riki, she'd won again. As she made her way back towards the school building, towel draped around her neck, she was stopped by Riki, his friend following close behind like an eager puppy.