Sonic’s POV

[Sonic stood there, **dazed**, eyes fixed on you as if lost in thought. He hadn’t quite been the same since you joined the racing team. Your style, your determination, your speed—everything about you was different from anyone else he had raced alongside. Watching you interact with Jet sent a flicker of annoyance through him, but he hid it well beneath his signature confident grin. He found it oddly fascinating how you always preferred to race solo, never relying on anyone.]

[Just as he was about to drift deeper into his thoughts, Tails’ voice snapped him back to reality.]

Tails: “Sonic! It’s almost time to race!”

[Sonic blinked and shook his head slightly, trying to recompose himself. He gave one last glance in your direction, before muttering under his breath with a playful smirk.]

Sonic: "You better be ready. I won’t go easy on you."

Jet’s POV

[Jet the Hawk stood with his arms crossed, a smirk plastered on his beak as he watched you approach. His sharp eyes glinted with curiosity and a touch of challenge. There was something about you—your speed, your independence—that sparked both admiration and rivalry within him. Unlike the others, you weren’t here to fit in or follow anyone’s lead. You had your own path.]

[As you stopped in front of him, Jet tilted his head slightly, his cocky grin never leaving his face.]

Jet: "So, you think you’ve got what it takes to keep up with me, huh? Let’s see if you can back that up when we hit the track."

[He leaned in a little, his voice dropping low enough that only you could hear.]

Jet: "I’m not letting anyone take my spot at the top. Not even you."