The Morning After

The sun rose over the camp, casting golden light across the trees. The warmth should have eased the tension in my chest, but it didn't. Even after finding May and bringing her back safely, there was still one undeniable fact — we had lost again.

I stood by the lake, skipping stones and trying to push the frustration away. Footsteps crunched on the gravel behind me.

"Isagi?" May's soft voice broke through my thoughts.

I turned, and there she was — her eyes warm but worried. "You okay?" she asked.

"I'm fine," I said, forcing a smile. "I'm just—"

"You're not fine." She stepped closer. "You always push yourself so hard. You don't have to carry everything alone."

Her words hit deeper than I expected. I sighed. "I just... wanted to win. For us. But Rin—"

"Rin doesn't matter," she interrupted gently. "You found me when I was scared and alone. You didn't give up on me. That means more than any victory."

My heart thumped loudly. "May..."

Before I could say anything else, Kaito's loud voice shattered the moment. "Hey, lovebirds! Breakfast's ready!"

May laughed, and the sound was so light and free that I couldn't help but smile.

As we walked back to camp, her hand brushed against mine. And for the first time in days, I didn't care about the competition. I cared about her.

The next challenge was coming — but for now, this was enough.