Before the Friendship Games: Sugarcoat

Neon and Sugarcoat ran full speed as they headed toward the latter's house. Sugarcoat had the advantage due to her familiarity of the territory, but Neon wasn't going to let that knowledge deter him! He'd win, no matter what the cost may be. Thinking quickly, he grabbed his phone in mid-stride, then accessed the map app. He plugged in his girlfriend's address, set the GPS to walk/run mode, then put his earbuds in. He grinned, feeling confident. Can't get too confident, though. The battle has only just begun!

Sugarcoat smiled. Neon thinks he has a chance just because he knows my address. She rolled her eyes. I knew I'd place above him in the track, so I held back just enough to not completely humiliate him. Sugarcoat cracked her knuckles and her neck as she continued running towards her house. My pride is on the line, and I will not lose. Even to my boyfriend!

Aw, shit, Neon thought. I think I fell for a ruse...why didn't I see it sooner?! He slapped the palm of his hand to his face. I didn't think of the possibility that she didn't go all-out on the track! With those hot as fuck thighs, she could have easily placed first if she really tried. She planned ahead! "Son of a bitch," he shouted, then doubled his efforts.

Neon isn't dumb, Sugarcoat thought. He's probably figured it out by now. She cupped her chin in thought in an attempt to stay at least one step ahead of her competition. Hmm, she mused. There's not much I can do if I can't see him...aha! She grinned and took out her phone. Okay, it can't be too obvious. Nothing like 'help, I'm being robbed!' or 'I'm hurt! Help!' She mulled over the possibilities, and finally chose one. I'll probably hate myself for it later, but for now I should just focus on the race.

Neon felt his phone buzz, but he ignored it. Gotta win this at any cost, he thought. I'll check it out after the race. He checked his phone. Okay, I'm about halfway there. Gotta keep up the pace! You've got this, Neon Lights!

What the hell was I thinking?! Sugarcoat slapped the palm of her hand to her face. Of course he wouldn't check his phone, he's far too likely to be focused on winning! She sighed. Well, what's done is done. I should just focus on the task at hand.

Neon felt his legs begin to get sore. No. Don't you dare, legs, he thought as panic began to set in. Don't give out on me now! Push past the pain! He grit his teeth and let his panic fuel himself as he ran faster. "Okay, I think I'm back in this," he thought out loud.

I wish I knew where Neon was, Sugarcoat thought. That way I'd at least know if I was in front or behind... She shook her head rapidly. No, Sugarcoat, she scolded herself. This isn't the time for self-doubt. You've got something to prove, and prove it you will! Just imagine the look on his face when he sees you beat him. Sure, he'll be upset, but it's not like he's going to break up with me over something as petty as a loss.

Neon continued his battle against himself as he reached a crosswalk. Oh thank god...I really needed a moment. His eyes widened in panic. But what if this gives Sugarcoat the edge she needs?! I can't just rest here, I need to keep going! He grunted, then ran away from the crosswalk.

Sugarcoat wiped sweat off of her forehead as she continued running home. I should've taken some paper towels from the bathroom with me...I'm so taking a shower when I get home. She took a quick breath, then exhaled. Keep up the pace, Sugarcoat! You're closing in!

Neon sighed. It's too late in the game to down an energy drink...should've done that beforehand, he thought. Even if I didn't know what the tiebreaker was going to be, I should have been prepared regardless. He shook his head rapidly. Enough dwelling on the past, Neon! Think about the future, he admonished himself. The satisfaction you feel when you prove to your girlfriend that you're a winner! Use that as motivation!

Sugarcoat saw her house in the distance, but not Neon. She pumped a fist in victory, then ran as fast as she could. Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she saw her boyfriend. She panicked as she saw the predatory look on his face. Oh, shit, this might actually turn out to be close!

Neon grinned widely. Victory is at hand, he thought, and he used every remaining erg within to catch up with her. He began to panic once he realized that even though he was using all of his energy, he was still only neck-and-neck with her. Desperate times... He pushed beyond his limit, passed her, then tripped her. Sugarcoat yelped and tumbled onto the sidewalk. He ran all the way over to her house and raised his fists in triumph. "Yes," he shouted. "I win! Take that, you fucking whore!"

For several moments there was silence between Neon Lights and Sugarcoat. Neon's eyes widened in absolute horror as the reality of his actions set in. He slowly walked over to his girlfriend, who had gotten up on her own. She glared at him, her glasses broken and a small gash on her forehead. Neon gasped as he noticed tears forming in the corners of her eyes. "S-Sugar...I..." He started, but she limped past him, staying silent. She opened the door to her house and slammed it. "Shit." He muttered under his breath. He sighed heavily as he took out his phone to check the message, then he began to choke up.

I love you. - Sugarcoat

Deeply ashamed of himself, Neon Lights slowly walked home.

Sugarcoat slammed the door to her household, barely keeping her emotions in check. She walked into the kitchen and saw her father. "Hey, Sugarc-" He cut himself off as he noticed the state his daughter was in. "Oh my god, what happened? Are you okay?!"

"No..." Sugarcoat said with a quaver in her voice, then ran to her father and burst into tears.