Many years ago.
"H-how..." The boy was speechless as he was easily defeated by a young 9-year-old girl.
"Good game. I hope we can be friends~"
"No! How can I lose to you? You're just a stupid girl!"
Suddenly, Kanako's heart dropped. Those words stabbed her like a silver blade. The boy got off of his seat and stormed off. Everyone turned around as the boy stomped through the room.
In the corners of her eyes, Kanako was starting to cry.
I-I just wanted to be friends... does he hate me now?
She stared silently at the chessboard. The white king was checkmated in a very elegant setup, leaving it in a completely undefendable position. As she looked at the board, she felt a cold, sad feeling in her stomach.
After a little while, one of the adult organisers walked over to her.
"It's okay, Kanako. The boy's just angry because you beat him."
"S-should I not have...?"
"This isn't your fault. Come on, let's go and find your next opponent."
Kanako walked quietly to her next opponent.
