Who said anything about winning?

As Jason took his seat on one of the tree log seats that had been prepared around the fire and looked at the other students having fun in the distance, Jenny showed up behind him. "What are you doing here. It's time for the scavenger hunt. Let's go register." Jason shook his head. "You go have fun with the others. I'll wait for you here." Jenny looked at him and at his slightly sad expression and tried to understand why he would not participate when it was clear he wanted to. Even if he didn't, he wouldn't say no to her if she asked him to participate with her. "Why? Don't you like challenges like this?" Jason forced a smile and said, "No reason. I must be tired from all the running around. Don't let me stop you from participating. I'm sure you will like it." Jenny looked at him hesitantly. Causing Jason to give her a little nudge while saying, "Go on. Go." as he smiled once more. As Jenny turned around to walk to the booth, she turned her head back to make sure. But all she saw was Jason smiling and waving at her.

Then it suddenly occurred to her. She stopped and turned around with big strides. She grabbed Jason's hand and said, "Let's go." with a strict voice. "Why did you turn back? I told you I am fine." Jason said. "No you are not. I know you love things like this. So there must be a silly reason why you don't want to participate. Just like you claim you can read me like an open book, I can read you in the same way. If you insist on not participating, I won't participate either. So, you pick." Jenny replied without turning around or stopping. Jason was clearly surprised by her declaration. He didn't think she would notice and especially not that she would trap him like this. If he said no, then he would confirm that something was holding him back and if he agreed then he would have to participate in the scavenger hunt, that which he had agreed to no longer do. He let out a deep breath and with a soft smile on his face said, "Fine, you win. But we can't win." Jenny turned her face around with a big victorious grin and said, "Who said anything about winning?" Jason chuckled. He was powerless against this woman and allowed himself to be dragged to the booth.

The both of them registered and went on their way. Jenny and Jason were both quite smart and athletic, so they were in their element during something like a scavenger hunt. As they passed by the parties that had started, they slaughtered the challenges one by one, putting down the fastest time for each booth. However Jenny hadn't forgotten Jason's request. They could participate, but they couldn't win. She only wanted to experience the hunt and wanted to do so with Jason. That was enough of a prize for her. So, when they saw the last booth with the finish flag, they stopped and took a seat against one of the trees. Much to the surprise of the teachers manning that booth and the students they had passed before. But Jenny and Jason had no intention to get up and sat there as if it was the most normal thing in the world. They chatted for a moment and once they saw a few students pass they got up and cleared the last challenge like it was nothing, before turning around and heading back to the bonfire. Leaving the other people behind flabbergasted at what had just happened.

At the bonfire the prize for the scavenger hunt was revealed. There were a total of three prizes from which the winning students could pick. The prizes were just as extravagant as the ones that they could win as a class. They could pick one year tuition free, thirty hours of private tutoring by the teachers or a customized car. The winners were a student from a normal family who had lost his scholarship last year because his grades weren't high enough and a student from a middle class rich family who was ranked too low for him to get the award his parents had promised him. So, they both were really happy with the prizes and picked what suited their situation best. After the award ceremony the festivities could begin and the festival could come to an end. The music was started the food was brought in and the people who were rivals all day, could finally hang out as friends again. Everyone had a blast until well into the evening. But it being a school event and them still having school the next day, the party was ended at ten o'clock sharp. Everyone was sent home with a big smile on their face and a well filled stomach, making it one of the most successful sports festivals and the most mysterious one as no one could figure out what had come over their tormentor and prince, who had been the most surprising this day.