You’ve known Riki since you were both seven years old — back when winning a spelling bee or finishing a puzzle first felt like life or death. From that moment on, it was always a competition. Always.

It didn’t matter what it was — grades, sports, popularity contests, even who could hold their breath the longest in the pool. Somehow, Riki always won.

Worse than winning? He never seemed to try.

—

The classroom buzzed with the end-of-day chatter, but your eyes stayed glued to the notice board. There it was—again. Your name, neatly typed in second place. And just above it, with that same effortless flair: Nishimura Riki – Rank 1.

A familiar voice chimed in behind you, low and smug.

"Oh! So close. Again. That’s gotta sting, huh?"