Rito:"Why don't we have a little race? Winner gets all the bragging rights."
Yotsuba:"Why would I do that? I hate you."
Rito:"Eh? A little more honest, aren't we? Well, how's this, I'll personally apologize to that poor idiot if you win."
This perked up Yotsuba.
Yotsuba:"Alright...You got a challenge!"
The fourth sister had chased after the prodigy known as Rito. After what he said on the second day, Yotsuba had kept those lines in her mind while she overworked herself, leading to her passing out. She thought there was some truth to what he said in regards to her. However, with the help from Miku and Fuutarou, along with the tough love from Itsuki and the support from Ichika and Nino, she finally came to understand her feelings and come to terms with who she was. Now, she was ready to give Rito exactly what she thought from the bottom of her heart. But, that wouldn't erase the words that he had said about Fuutarou. He might not care about what some people say about him, rather only caring if the sisters were part of that. But Yotsuba cared. She was determined to get an apology out of him. Thus brings them to the race track. For a reason unknown to Yotsuba, Rito challenged her to a race. This was the perfect chance for her.
Rito:"The rules are easy. Five laps around the track. First to complete them wins."
Yotsuba began to stretch.
Yotsuba:"I won't lose. Even if you beg me."
Rito:"The only begging will be from you. Your entire athletic prowess will mean nothing to me."
Yotsuba:"I guess you forgot that I've beaten you every time we raced for fun before."
Rito:"Yes...I know that too well. But that was the old me. Now I have a greater reason to win."
Yotsuba:"What's that?"
Rito:"Family."
Yotsuba:"Eh?" [I recall him going for a scholarship. Did he give up on that?]
Rito:"Your dream against my speed will mean nothing."
Rito got into position.
Yotsuba:"Dream, huh?" [I only took this up because it was the only thing I was good at at the time. I was worthless with studying and I was a terrible actor. The only memory that goes through me when running...It's not pleasant. But that doesn't mean I'll let this jerk win!]
On the count of three, the two began running with all their might. Immediately, Yotsuba gained a lead with her intense running. It was almost as if she was a flash of lightning, leaving only dust behind. Rito was doing fine being behind her, and while there would be times where he could close the gap a little, Yotsuba would continue her comfortable lead. Before long, one lap had passed.
Rito:[This girl. To think she has such speed.]
Yotsuba:[The amount of times I've gone back and forth the school through just these three days is more than I could count. I've never stood in one place. I would run for the club, for the council. I would also run away from many things, including Fuutarou-kun. These legs are more than ready for the challenge of a jerk!]
The two continued their race, going as fast as they could. There was no pacing themselves, purely sprinting with everything they had. Eventually, the second lap ended with Yotsuba still in the lead.
Rito:[I can't catch up even with my training!?]
Yotsuba:[I won't let some prodigy beat me!]
Then, in the middle of the third lap, Yotsuba felt something snap. Her back, neck and legs began to go through immense pain.
Yotsuba:[What's happening!? I shouldn't feel so tired this quickly! No, this isn't the only thing I've done recently.]
Rito:[She's slowing down! This is my chance.]
Rito then went into overdrive.
Yotsuba:[These three days have been awful on my body. Yesterday's stress hasn't even fully healed and I still did many things today like an idiot! I didn't listen to Fuutarou-kun...but that's in the past. Even if it hurts, I can't stop!]
The gap that Yotsuba had made began to decrease in length. Through her pain, she continued to run. Her breath was getting heavier, her body burning more. The last time she had felt like this was the previous day.
Yotsuba:[If I'm not careful, I could pass out again...But I have to...No. That's simply doing what I've done before...I have to conserve energy, I can't just rush into everything like before…]
Yotsuba slowed down more. By the end of the fourth lap, Rito had passed her.
Rito:[Finally! I will finally win a race against her! This is what you get! It's all because of your damn tutor!]
…
…
"And Rito-kun takes first place!"
"That's our son!"
"You'll become famous one day!"
Rito had just finished another race, this one being his last one before he entered high school.
"If he keeps this up during the next three years, the colleges will be fighting for him."
"He's a prodigy, no doubt he'll do it. You'll destroy the competition, right? All to make us proud?"
Rito:"Ha...Ha…"
"Rito!"
Rito:"Right! I'll get first place in every race no matter what!"
"That's a good boy."
Rito:[Once high school is over, I'll be famous!]
End of Chapter 115