The first to start running was Eiji.
It all began when they were in the middle of their usual banter, each insisting that they could run faster than the other.
“I’ll show you how fast this ex-track and field ace can run!” Eiji declared. “From library here, to that spot by the lake in the park, okay? Last one there is loser!” He burst into a sprint without warning.
Ash took off after him in a fluster.
The two of them dashed through the city at full speed, past rows and rows of newly-budding trees. While turning a corner along the way, Eiji nearly crashed into someone and that was when Ash took the chance to zip past him.
After the brief setback, Eiji caught up to Ash who stood waiting at the traffic lights. He gave Ash the side-eye, darting ahead of him as soon as the lights turned green at the crossing that curved sharply to the left.
Ash, however, took the lead as they made it past the entrance to the park. The usual spot by the lake came into view. Not too far off from their goal, Ash raised his voice through his ragged breathing.
“Track... and field… ace… my ass!”
Feathers thoroughly ruffled, Eiji mustered up every last bit of strength he had left and hit the gas, face growing red with exertion.
He soon came shoulder-to-shoulder with Ash. The finish line was right before them now. Watching as Eiji slowly started inching ahead of him, Ash flung out his arm in a panic. His right hand caught onto Eiji’s left shoulder, throwing him off balance.
Ash extended his other arm in an attempt to catch him mid-fall, but they both ended up tumbling to the ground in a tangled heap.
There they lay, sprawled out and panting heavily on the fresh green grass by the lake.
“Hey…” Eiji wheezed, rolling over to face the sky. ”That’s... cheating…”
“Who cares… as long as... I win...” Ash replied just as breathlessly. “No making... excuses now…” He was lying on his back as well, an arm slung over his eyes to keep the sunlight out.
“You cheated, but you still couldn’t beat me…”
“‘Course I did, silly... See for yourself.”
Eiji sat up on his elbows and glanced over. Between the two of them, Ash was the one lying closer to the lake.
“I’m closer, so I win,” Ash said smugly, folding his arms behind his head.
Eiji let out a defeated sigh. He folded his arms in a similar fashion and flopped back onto the ground with a thud. “...Ugh. Whatever.”
Ash’s lips quirked up on one side in a cheeky smirk, the way it always did.
Above, the clear blue sky stretched out endlessly before them. The still slightly chilly air of spring breezed over them as they watched the lake on the other side of their feet sparkle brilliantly in the sunlight.
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@pekorosu translated my japanese short story into English!!
ヾ(*≧∀≦)ﾉﾞ 嬉ｽｨ～★♪本当にありがとうございます！
いつも遊んでくれてありがとう～～ ヽ(*´∀｀*)ﾉ.+ﾟ
