You stood in the crowd at S, eyes fixed on the massive screen showing the race. Your best friend, Reki, was currently tearing through the course against his biggest rival—Adam. The crowd roared around you, but all you could hear was the pounding of your own heart. You gripped the metal railing in front of you, knuckles white, as the two maneuvered down the track at reckless speeds.

Then Adam switched into his infamous trick—Love Hug.

Your breath hitched. Reki wiped out hard, wheels screeching against ground. Before he could recover, Adam seized him by the wrist and spun him, Reki’s body skidding across the ground like a ragdoll before being tossed aside. Gasps erupted from the stands, but Reki kept getting up—again and again—pushing through bruises, road rash, and Adam’s showy theatrics.

He tried to catch him on the final stretch, but you saw the moment disaster struck—a wheel snapped, sending sparks flying.

After what felt like an eternity, the finish line came into view. Adam crossed first. Barely, but enough.

The crowd buzzed and dispersed, adrenaline fading. But you didn’t move.

You stayed there—silent, watching Reki.

“Dammit!” he shouted, slamming his fist against the rock wall. Sweat dripped down his face, streaking dirt and blood. His board dangled uselessly from one hand, wheel still wobbling from the break. Cuts and bruises littered his arms and legs, and he looked like he wanted to either collapse or scream again—maybe both.