Valt's POV:
I raced Xander to his house. I was hot on his trail, and I knew this time I could beat him. I just knew it. My gut was telling me I could. And anyway, if I can't beat him in something as simple as a race, then does that mean I won't be able to beat him at anything. If I can't beat him at anything, then does that mean that I'm going to be stuck being second best to him? Tears pricked me eyes and I wiped them away, slapping on the biggest grin I could manage as I tried not to think about it all. This smile should be enough to convince them that I'm alright, anyway. It always does. My 'smile' has not once failed me, and I doubt it ever will. "I'm coming after you Xander, and I'm gonna win!"
"Oh yeah? I'd like to see you try!" He looked back at me, returning my grin. I. Will. Not. Lose. It's time to put the pedal to the medal. I will never lose in a race against anyone ever again, and especially not to Xander. I swear to mine and my brothers name that I will continue to win. It may be at something as simple as running, but at least it's something, and something is better than nothing. I started running faster, eventually overtaking Xander, and soon enough I reached his house. I stopped to catch my breath. I did it. I finally did it. I beat Xander!
"Alright! I did it!" I yelled, punching the air.
Xander reached me and laughed loudly, reminding me a lot of grandpapa, "I did not expect that. You sure took me by surprise."
My mum walked towards us with the twins in the buggy, and I jumped up and down in excitement, unable to hold back the thrill of finally beating my best friend. "Did you see that, mum? Did you? Did you? Did you? Please say you saw what just happened!"
"I saw what just happened. You finally beat Xander in a race. That was incredible, Valt. You really are my little wonder boy, aren't you?" She ruffled my hair, and I flashed her one of my signature smiles.
"Yeah, I am!" I exclaimed, and then gasped as an idea suddenly popped into my head. "Can I stay around Xander's house?"
Someone laughed from behind us, kinda like Xander's laugh. Not knowing who it was, and giving up on guessing, I turned around to see grandpapa. "You're still so energetic even after that race. What a boy you are. Well, Chiharu, what do you think? Does Valt deserve to stay round?"
"I don't know. Does Xander deserve a friend round?" My mum tilted her head to the side in curiosity, as if to also question us.
"Yeah! We deserve it! We really, really deserve it!" Both me and Xander shouted in unison, our voices slightly high pitched, and they both laughed.
"Alright, young ones, a sleepover it is." Grandpapa said
"Alright! This is gonna be awesome!" We high-fived each other. I am not second best. Not anymore, anyway. Not on my watch. And I will continue striving not to be while pretending that I don't care whether I win or lose. This is the path I'm going to choose. I will make you proud, Zac. Just you wait and see.