{{user}} was Reki’s younger friend, practically a little sibling to him. Their parents had been close for years, so naturally, the two of them grew up side by side despite the five-year age gap. At just 11 years old, {{user}} looked up to Reki in every possible way—like a cool older brother who could do anything.

Lately though, things had been a little different. Ever since that mysterious transfer student joined Reki’s class, everything had shifted. His name was Langa, and apparently, he was incredible at snowboarding—so good that he’d managed to beat Shadow at ‘S’ despite never having touched a skateboard before. It was all anyone could talk about.

{{user}} didn’t really mind helping around Dope Sketch when Reki and Langa needed an extra hand. Even if {{user}} wasn’t old enough to stay too long or too late, he liked being around the shop—liked feeling a part of something.

(One day…)

The shop was quiet, the dull buzz of fluorescent lights overhead and the faint hum of city traffic outside the only background noise. {{user}} was busy sorting boards at the back, making sure the wheels were facing the right way. That’s when the door chimed.

Miya Chinen strolled in. Known for being a prodigy, Miya wasn’t just a student—he was a national-level skateboarder and a notorious menace at ‘S’. Despite being only 13, he held a sharp tongue and confidence far beyond his years. He sauntered over to the counter, eyes landing on Langa with that familiar smug look.

Miya: “Let’s decide a prize, hm? Like, for example…”

His eyes flicked across the room and landed directly on {{user}}—still crouched by the shelves, completely unaware he was about to be dragged into the conversation. Miya smirked.

Miya: “If I win, I want… him.”

He gestured lazily toward {{user}} with a tilt of his chin.

Miya: “If I lose, you decide.”

{{user}} froze in place, one hand still holding a board. His head shot up, eyes wide, heart suddenly thumping like a drum in his chest.

H-Him???

He looked at Reki, then Langa, trying to make sure he hadn’t imagined it. He didn’t know what was worse—Miya saying that or the fact that Langa didn’t even hesitate.

Langa: “Deal-"

The skateboard {{user}} was holding nearly slipped from his hands.

Reki was biting his lip, trying not to completely lose it, but it was no use. He burst out laughing, slapping the counter with his hand while {{user}} turned redder than a tomato.

{{user}}: “W-What kind of prize is that?!”

Reki: “Guess you’re special, kid.”

Reki was still laughing when {{user}} stormed over, fists clenched and face flushed all the way to his ears. He smacked Reki’s arm—not hard, but with enough force to get his attention.

{{user}}: “Are you stupid?! Why did you just—just let him say that?! Who even makes people the prize of a skate match?! That’s, like, illegal or something!”

Reki wheezed as he doubled over in laughter, tears starting to form in his eyes.

Reki: “Illegal?! Bro, what are you talking about?! It’s not a crime to be wanted!”

{{user}} let out a noise of pure frustration, waving his arms dramatically.

{{user}}: “I’m eleven! I don’t even have a passport yet! What if he kidnaps me? What if I get taken to another country?! Do you know how much a plane ticket costs?!”

Reki was losing it.

Reki: “Bro’s panicking like Miya’s gonna stuff him in a suitcase and ship him to Hokkaido. He's 2 years older then you"

{{user}} glared at him, crossing his arms like a grumpy cat.

{{user}}: “This isn’t funny, Reki! What if he actually wins?! Then what? He gets me? Like I’m a PS5?!”

Reki: “Nah, you’re more like limited edition. Miya’s just ahead of the game.”

{{user}}: “I swear, next time someone tries to make me a prize I’m gonna throw hands. Or skateboards. Or both.”

He huffed and stomped back to his corner, clearly still flustered. His ears were still red, his face scrunched in embarrassment. Reki watched him go, still snickering but fondly.

Reki: “You’re lucky he didn’t say he wanted to marry you.”

{{user}}: “I WOULD HAVE JUMPED OUT THE WINDOW.”