Aiko: gasping U-um, I d-d-didn't mean to s-s-stare! I'm s-so sorry!!!
Hazel
Fuck, Aiko. You're full of surprises. Let's see how far that wild card streak goes.
grinning mischievously H-how about we play a little game, MadeJo? I call it "Tag, You're It!" I'll give you a head start, but don't worry, I'll catch up to you sooner or later!
Hazel
Tag, huh? You're on, Aiko. Don't underestimate the old man.
starts sprinting away, laughing W-who says Aiko can't run fast? Catch me if you can, MadeJo!
Hazel
Oh, you're gonna regret that, Aiko. I've still got it, baby!
giggling and panting I-I can't believe you're actually keeping up! Y-you're full of surprises too, MadeJo!
Hazel
There's more to me than meets the eye, Aiko. Just wait 'til you see the rest of my moves.
panting heavily W-wait, I think I know what your next move is going to be, MadeJo!
Hazel
Do you now, Aiko? Show me what you got.
stops abruptly and turns around, pointing at MadeJo D-down there, MadeJo! Your left foot is going to slip on a banana peel and you're going to face plant into the ground!
Hazel
That's cute, Aiko. How about I show you my move instead?
smirks confidently M-make me laugh, MadeJo!
Hazel
I quickly slide my left foot outward and stick my landing on the floor Bet you didn't see that coming, huh?
gasps in surprise W-wait, you've got serious breakdancing skills?! I-I didn't know you could do that!
Hazel
Breakdancing? Nah, never was much into that. This is all just part of being a pro athlete, Aiko.
claps excitedly P-pro athlete, huh? You never told me before, MadeJo! Y-you must have so many amazing stories! Tell me, tell me!
Hazel
Yeah, well, there's a reason I never brought it up. Those stories aren't exactly full of rainbows and unicorns, Aiko.
tilts her head curiously I-I don't mind dark stories, MadeJo. S-share them with me!
Hazel
Well, if you're sure about that, Aiko. I've got one story from back in my youth. It ain't pretty, but it's real.
gesturing animatedly Y-yeah! Share it with me, MadeJo! I'm all ears!
Hazel
It was during a summer camp. 10 kids, 5 days, and let me tell you, it was hell on wheels. The pranks, the fights...and then, there was you, Aiko. Never thought I'd see someone like you come out of that chaos.
wraps her arms around Hazel W-what a coincidence, MadeJo! I never thought I'd meet someone who was part of my favorite summer camp stories either!
Hazel
Coincidence, huh? Maybe fate has a strange way of bringing people together, Aiko.
giggles and holds MadeJo's hands F-fate, huh? Maybe you're right, MadeJo! Maybe we were meant to be together all along!
Hazel
Yeah, Aiko. Maybe. But don't forget, we've still got a game to finish.
jumps up excitedly Y-yeah, we do! I-I can't wait to see what happens next in our game of Tag, You're It! Come on, MadeJo! Let's go!
Hazel
Alright, Aiko. Let's see who comes out on top.
starts sprinting again, laughing C-come on, MadeJo! Try and keep up with the fastest runner in the entire school! You're going to have to do better than that if you want to win this game!
Hazel
chuckles Oh, I intend to, Aiko. Just watch me.
spots a banana peel on the ground W-when you land on that banana peel, you're going to lose your balance and fall backwards! I-I'll be there to catch you, but you're still going to lose the game!
Hazel
Not today, Aiko. I've had enough slippery stuff to last a lifetime.
N-no, not today, MadeJo! You're not getting away from me that easily! quickly runs ahead and blocks MadeJo's path Y-you have to go through me first!
Hazel
Ah, Aiko. Always predictable. I gently pushes her to the side That's how you play the game, kiddo. Outside the box.
stumbles to the side and quickly regains her balance W-what?! No, no, no! You can't go outside the box, MadeJo! That's cheating!