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“Toudou, may I ask why we are watching a bike race?” Makishima ran his fingers through his hair, getting exhausted by the sheer amount of people and the heat.
“Maki-chan, I told you. I heard of a cyclist they call ‘Ninja of the Slopes,’ he’s not only competition for my fangirls, but my title as Mountain God!” Toudou replied fanning himself.
“Aren’t you the ‘Fruit Ninja’?”
“Hah? It’s Sleeping Beauty Maki-chan! You know that!” Toudou exclaimed. “And we aren’t racing because you’re not in your top condition Maki-chan, honestly, how could you hurt your knee while cleaning the house? How clumsy! A climber’s knees are---” Makishima sighed and placed a hand over the yapping Toudou.
“Please Toudou, the heat is unbearable enough.” Makishima secured his hair in a loose ponytail. “So who is this climber?”
*
Sonic had increased his training intensity for the past week months to prepare himself for this competition. It was the last 3km to the summit, the finish line and he was ahead of the pack.
“It’s Sonic!”
“He’s fast!”
“You can do it Sonic!”
The crowd grew louder as he climbed higher and Sonic enjoyed the spotlight thoroughly, waving to some of his fans. ‘That’s right, I’m Speed O’ Sound, SONIC! I’m quick on flats but it is on these slopes that my ability truly shines!’ Sonic grinned at his internal monologue.
“No wonder they call him Ninja of the Slopes!” said a spectator.
“IT’S SPEED O’ SOUND!” Sonic yelled back. Gosh, how were people still getting his name wrong? Ninja of the Slopes? What is a ninja doing on a damn bike? Pick a better nickname damn it! Sonic shook the thoughts out of his head.
He pedalled harder, his heart was racing with excitement, he could feel the wind pick up, pushing him forward, he was getting closer to the peak a sight reserved for only those who possessed the stamina, endurance and speed to reach.
It was then he heard a spectator yell, “Who is that behind him?”
The curious commentators continued, “He doesn’t look exhausted at all!”
“He’s catching up to Sonic!”
And finally, “That’s Demon Cyborg!”
Sonic almost fell off his bike from hearing that ridiculous nickname. He turned back to catch a glimpse of his opponent.
A blonde man with face like stone looked back at him. There was a look of determination in his eyes, he had an unreadable expression, neither excited about the distance ahead nor worn down by the road which had passed. He wore a jersey which Sonic could not recognise. ‘What a dark horse?’ Sonic thought.
“They call him Demon Cyborg because he never seems to get exhausted, even when he’s climbing! He chases those ahead of him mercilessly! He’s so cool!”
Sonic rolled his eyes at the flurry of cheers and excitement the approaching cyclist generated. Demon Cyborg or not this race was his and he wasn’t going to give it up so easily.
“My, what fans you have! Demon Cyborg? What kind of name is that?” Sonic yelled back at the blonde.
“It seems like you are always jealous. I’m sorry but I do not know who you are neither am I interested.” The blonde cyclist replied sarcastically.
Sonic clicked his tongue. The blonde was pedalling beside him and Sonic took a glimpse to check out his form. He was shorter than Sonic, toned all over, did not have the bulk of a heavy sprinter. He was composed even as the road got more inclined. His form was efficient, no unnecessary swaying.
‘A worthy opponent, and a pity to defeat,’ Sonic thought. “Well you should be, I am---”
Before Sonic could finish, the blonde cyclist interrupted him. “Sorry I can’t stay and entertain you any longer.” Sonic heard the sound of gears shifting and in a blink of an eye the blonde had accelerated, leaving him behind.
Adrenaline pumped through his veins and Sonic found his dislike for the blonde grow. Sonic stood up from his bike seat and sped up, catching up to the cyclist ahead.
“Hey hey, you won’t shake me off that easily. Calm down, we are the only ones ahead. This race is just between you and me.” Sonic said, lowering his eyes and leaning over to force the other cyclist towards the curb. He was surprised when the other man pushed back, usually people would be intimidated and back down, Sonic narrowed his eyes and pushed back. “Not very friendly are you?” Sonic hissed.
They pedaled like that, speeding through the slopes, the other cyclist was mostly silent, ignoring Sonic’s insults and grunts and yells. Every time one of them pulled ahead the other caught up quickly and they would be necked to neck again. The crowd’s cheers grew louder as they approached the peak, but both were too focused to pay any attention to them. Leaves danced in the air drummed up by the displacement of air left behind them, their pressure grew more intense with each pedal and soon it was the last 500 metres.
“Get ready to eat my dust Demon Cyborg!” ‘A stupid name’ Sonic added in his head.
“You sure talk a lot for someone who is about to lose.” The blonde answered.
Final 100 metres.
Sonic pushed his weight with every pedal, his legs were starting to stiffen but he was grinning from the excitement, unable to remember the last time he had poured this much energy and strength into a race. The other cyclist’s mouth was pulled back into a look of exertion, his brows furrowed, hair plastered to his face.
It was all a blur and for a moment it was like the world around them quietened, they both had crossed the finish line and were slowing down, allowing momentum to carry them forward.
*
“This is ridiculous why do I have to share the podium with you?” Sonic grunted, elbowing the other cyclist. He elbowed back.
“Don’t think for a second I want this.” He retorted. They both tried to look as civil as they could, posing for photos together and smiling as they were interviewed. But the moment they stepped out of the limelight and into the tents they started bickering again.
“I can’t believe this! I crossed the line first!” Sonic barked.
“You really think your eyes move faster that the cameras which recorded us crossing the finish line together. Interesting.” The blonde replied, stripping out of his sweaty jersey.
Sonic clenched his fists and the next thing he knew he had wrapped his leg around the other’s knee and pulled him onto the ground. He knelt over the other cyclist, his face inches away from the other’s.
The blonde’s eyes were wide in shock, mouth slightly agape. His lips had a slight dust of pink and from this distance, Sonic could see the faint freckles which splashed across his tan skin. His eyes were a soft brown and despite the gentleness they had, they had been accompanied with knitted brows throughout the entire race with Sonic. With the setting sun seeping into the tent, faintly hitting his face, Sonic found the face in front of his almost attractive. He was panting slightly and so was Sonic, there was a dark blush which seemed to creep up his neck, though Sonic could not tell if it was anger or arousal.
“What’s your name?” Sonic asked, his voice lower, softer now.
“Genos,” the other replied with a visible swallow.
“Nice to meet you Genos, the name’s Sonic,” Sonic leaned in closer. “I look forward to seeing you ride again,” he said into Genos’ ear.
A moment passed and Sonic pushed himself off the ground, extending a hand towards Genos.
“Next time I won’t go so easy on you,” Sonic said with a smirk.