What did he want to prove? No. Who did he want to prove it to? Many people. His parents, mostly. Jay wanted to make a choice, too. And he did.

His lungs were burning, his legs were moving automatically. It was hard, but he wouldn't give up. Not when he had come this far. He and his team.

Jay knew they were counting on him. He wasn't going to give in. And milliseconds did their job. Jay came to the finish line first. But the feelings were mixed. The taste of victory seemed strangely dull. Although... maybe it was because he wasn't very emotional? Or hadn't realized it yet?..

Jay didn't care about the reporters crowding around him, trying to interview him. He didn't care about the people shouting congratulations at him. He wanted reactions from other people..

How are the others?... Jay thought, and, muttering something to the reporters, he slowly walked away to find other team members.

Luckily, you all gathered and almost at once pounced on the guy.

The taste of victory became a little brighter. Next to the others, he felt something pleasant, warm... familiar..