220 Chapter two, 2016, just another Christmas: 1 (2/2)
”We had a talk last night,” Noriko continued. ”She told me a lot I didn't know. She told me that she was you and dad was me.”
At first that didn't make any sense, but Ryu knew his parents well enough to eventually grasp what they meant whenever they tried to be cryptic. Still, dad being Noriko he could understand, but mom? 'You really mean you played merry hell with the boys during your high-school years?'
”She told me she almost lost dad after graduation, and that their best friend saved them.”
Looking at Kuri clinging to Urufu Ryu felt something cold slither down his spine. 'She told you that after meeting Kuri?' ”Sis, I know they're having a hard time, but that's not why you're worried, is it?”
In response his sister shook her head. ”Mom told me Kuri's desperate to show Urufu she'll be able to handle school, career and their relationship, but that she's already given up.”
'Then he should act accordingly,' Ryu thought. He searched his friend's face for clues, and despite the distance Ryu saw how hyped up Urufu was. 'Crap! He's going to run for it. He'll want to prove to her that he's worth her feelings.'
”Ryu, please keep pace with him. I'm not in love with him any longer, but I still care. For them both,” his sister added after a moment of silence.
He didn't need to be told. Ryu guessed Kuri would pace her marathon well enough, and even if she didn't there wouldn't be any danger, but Urufu. 'Have you recovered enough for this?'
The sound of a whistle woke him from his thoughts, and as Ryu walked to his starting position he made an effort to look for where Urufu and Yukio made ready.
Then everything slowed to a crawl as expected. They had to wait an eternity for everyone to get ready and the PE teacher to run what he hoped was a heart-warming speech, but only forced them all to freeze in the wind for that much longer.
Then the girls were off and Ryu saw Kyoko and Noriko group up together with most of the club members and slog off somewhere in the middle. Kuri, however, caught up with some girls he recognised from the track and field's club.
'So, maybe not pacing it too well. Have fun as long as it lasts.'
The girls would be back within half an hour to an hour, Ryu guessed. The winner possibly in a bit over twenty minutes.
After the girls had vanished the boys lined up for real. As usual Ryu felt anticipation rising in him. He was a natural athlete and genuinely liked competitions. He just wasn't interested enough to spend his days trying to become the best.
At long last a subdued boom from the starting gun sent them away and Ryu stretched out to take a position just behind the track and field club members. Then he remembered Noriko's request, but just as he was about to slow down he saw Urufu well ahead of him.
'Idiot! You damn idiot!'
Pushing a little Ryu made the extra effort to get behind Urufu. From here on he could only wait until the idiot either collapsed or realised the tempo was way too high for him.