" Race to the crossing. "
Riko barely heard Daichi before he sprinting ahead like a bullet train .
" Oh , you're so on . " She yelled.
They dashed past the local stores and row of vending machine . Daichi hopped at the end of the finish line . And he wins .
" Ha , still faster than you, bro . "
Riko breathing hardly , her hands on knees .
" You cheated ! You started without telling me ."
" Excuses. Excuses . Loser buys juice ."
Daichi held out a hand .
" You wish " she napped slapping his hand .
Then , Daichi grab her in sudden headlock .
" Say it , I am the fastest . "
" Never "
Daichi ruffling her hair . She throwing an elbow at his ribs . He stumbled back .
" Ow ... Okay Okay you win . "
" That's what you get for understimating me ."
" Gezz , violent .... That's too much ? "
" I call it , self defense. "
They both started to laugh .
Yet at his smiled , Riko felt something twist in her chest weirdly . Her heart keeping thumping crazily.
Loud enough ,that Daichi could hear .
She avoiding his face and said ,
" Why does he have to smile like that ? "
....
They both reached their stop at vending machines . Daichi put the coin and two cans clattered out - one for each .
" Oi , what did I say about wasting money ? " Riko scolded .
" It's called the winner reward . " He said giving her can .
She rolled her eyes but despite taking the can . " Thanks. "
" Cheers bro . "
That word again .
Bro .
She tried to laugh it off .
" You really can't stop saying that , huh ? "
" What ? " He blinked , " Bro ? It's kinda your title. "
" Title ? What am I , King of pirates? "
" Queen , maybe. You'd look terrible in Queens outfit , though . "
She glared , " You wanna find out how terrible I can look when I punch you ? "
" Okay . Okay . I am joking. "
Rioko puffed cheeks , sipping her drink .
He always treated her like that - like a buddy , a rival or a guy .
Never as a girl .
The realization hit in her face , and it's hurt . Really it's hurt .
.....
While they walking together to home ....
" Hey " Daichi suddenly turning toward her .
" You've got something on your hair . "
" Huh "
Daichi leaned closer to her before he could react . Brushing a small leaf from her short hair .
" There " he said simply.
Her face went boom red .
Smell of his shampoo - Mint and soap .
Her brain shut down.
"T...T. Thanks " she stammered.
She stepped back .
" No problem. You're such a mess after practice , you always have leaves or grass stuck to you . "
" Wh--- You didn't have say it like that . "
" Sometimes, I think , people in streets will get scared of you , if you keep planting grass and leave on your head . "
" Shut up , ..." She snapped
Daichi laughed . " You make it easy to tease you . "
Riko turned away , " Idiot ."
They started walking again .
....
Daichi shoved his hand in his pocket .
" Hey , Riko ... ? "
" Yeah ? "
" Do you remember when we used to fight over the snack in elementary school ? "
" How could I forget ? You stole all of my Pocket Jelly . "
" First you started it . "
" But I won at the end ."
" True . "
They both laughed.
He sighed and tilted his head and said
" You know .... I'm glad we're still friends. "
The way he said friends so casual and normal made her heart ache a little.
" Yeah me too . "
...
That night ...
Riko doing her homework but she couldn't focus because her head was in loop with a single question.
He said , " Friends "
She buried her face in books .
" Why do I care so much? "
" Stupid Daichi .....calling me bro always like I'm one of guys . "
Her phone buzzed . Mina again .
Mina : Soo ... Did Daichi say anything cute today?
Riko : No , He called me bro again .
Mina : Lol girl you're basically digging you own friend zone. Wear a skirts or something .
Riko : Not happening
Mina : Then stay Riko-bro forever.
Riko tossed her phone aside . Her face red .
" As if I would wear skirt just for him ...
A pause ...
" Would that even work ."