Cote: Elite in Action

The Class A team continued to dominate almost all the events of the sports festival. It was, by far, the class with the best performance, and now one of the most peculiar competitions was about to begin: the three-legged race. This event consisted of a pair of a boy and a girl tied together by one leg. To represent them, Class A had selected Kayden and Honami, who were already on the track preparing.

Kayden observed his partner as she adjusted the strap that would bind their legs together.

—How have you been doing in the other events, Honami? —he asked while finishing tying the strap—. I haven't had much time to see your performance.

—I've been doing quite well—Honami replied with a smile—. I've achieved first places in some and second places in others. Oh, and the girls and I won the jousting event.

—Really? —Kayden nodded in approval—. I'm glad to see everyone putting in so much effort.

As he crouched to ensure the strap was tightly secured, Honami looked at him with a confident expression.

—I'm sure we'll win this event too, Kayden—she said with complete determination.

—Of course—he responded with a calm smile—. We've practiced enough and our synchronization is excellent.

—That's true.—Honami looked at him for a moment before asking—: What events do you have left after this?

—Including this one, I have three more—he replied as he stood up—. And you?

—I have two left—she said—. After this, I have the flag capture and the relay race.

Kayden nodded, wanting to keep the conversation going. It had been a busy day, and he hadn't had many chances to talk with Honami. However, before he could say anything else, the teacher in charge interrupted.

—Participants, please prepare for the start of the three-legged race!

Honami looked at Kayden with a slight smile before positioning herself.

—I guess it's time, Kayden.

—Yes, we're ready—he responded, looking ahead with determination.

They both lined up with the other participants, ready for the starting signal.

...

The tension on the track grew as the participants lined up for the three-legged race. Kayden and Honami, with their legs firmly tied, positioned themselves at the starting line, both focused. Around them, the other competing pairs also prepared, some adjusting the knots of their straps and others exchanging quick strategies.

The teacher raised the whistle, and for a moment, the world fell silent.

Whistle blast!

The sound of the whistle broke the calm, and in an instant, all the pairs began to move. Kayden and Honami started in unison, their movements perfectly synchronized from the first step. The intense practice they had undergone was evident: each adjusted their pace with precision, alternating their tied legs with a fluidity that made them stand out from the start.

As they advanced, Kayden kept his gaze straight ahead, focused on maintaining balance and speed. Each step was fast but measured. Honami, with the same determination, followed the pace effortlessly, her movements light and graceful, as if she were dancing.

The other pairs were not as coordinated. Next to them, a pair from Class B stumbled and fell to the ground after losing their rhythm. Behind them, another pair wobbled dangerously, their disjointed movements slowing them down. But Kayden and Honami did not lose focus. Their teamwork was almost perfect, as if they were one.