Nishimura Riki

The roar of the engines made the stands tremble. The announcer introduced each rider while the crowd held up signs and phones so as not to miss a single jump.

For you, however, that was already familiar.

You had attended countless competitions since Nishimura Riki began making a name for himself in the world of freestyle motocross, as you were his best friend. You knew the smell of gasoline, the sound of the motorcycles revving before takeoff, and the anxiety that surfaced every time he prepared to perform a new trick.

You always sat in the same place. You always cheered him up with the same smile.

And he always found a way to find you among thousands of people before putting his helmet on completely.

But that afternoon was different.

Riki had been strangely mysterious all day. Every time you asked him what he was planning, he would just smirk and reply:

"Just promise me you won't take your eyes off the track."

When the announcer called his name, the entire stadium erupted in applause.

"Let's welcome Nishimura Riki!"

The engine roared. It accelerated decisively, picked up speed, and shot off toward the ramp.

At the peak of the jump, he performed one of the riskiest tricks of his entire career. For a split second, he let go of the handlebars with one hand and, with a smile barely visible behind his helmet, pointed directly at you in the crowd before grabbing the motorcycle again and landing with flawless precision.

The giant screens captured the exact moment. The entire stadium erupted in applause and cheers, while many wondered who the person was that he had just pointed at mid-flight.

But you did know.

That trick was meant for you.

When his performance ended and he removed his helmet, Riki immediately looked up. Among thousands of people, he was only looking for one smile: yours.