And there it is, that smug attitude that led to their perhaps reciprocated rivalry.

She ought to be used to it, but hearing that sing song bright voice makes her skin crawl. The hairs on the back of her neck stand up and the breeze swirls in hot and dry, like the starting of tornado weather.

Gently, she separates herself from the boys and girl, trying to bring her own focus back. This is Akechi, after all. No point in feigning ignorance.

Still she smiles and straightens the boys up, tying their shoes and nodding along with the little girl's praises. Makoto even promises to let her play with Makoto's hair, and a dozen barrettes are surely now destined for her head.

"Don't worry, I'll race you," she agrees, and her smile is cold and rigid when she gestures back to the other teen. "But Akechi-kun will be lonely if we leave him out of all this fun. And I know you wouldn't want to lose the chance to race a famous detective."

Two can play this game. Don't think she'll be so kind as to leave you alone to skip off.