I never wanted love to be all about fate, especially when I could make fate happen. The first time I saw Satoshi playing a tennis match at the community center, he was so dashing—the game was worth watching every second. Once I learned we were going to the same school, I sought him out. We talked and connected instantly.

   “I’m going to go pro after finishing high school,” he told me one day. “I’ve already racked up enough wins. A company is willing to sponsor me if I win the next match.”

   Sports is great, I thought—it pushes people to pursue high goals. I love ambitious people, and I fell head over heels for Satoshi. “So, to become a professional tennis player,” I said, “you must win the upcoming match no matter what. Nervous?”

    His silence was enough of an answer. So, I gave him two loud slaps on the back. “Ow! Ow! What’s that for?” he said.

   “Tell you what,” I said, “win, and I’ll let you take me out. It’s a promise.”

   Satoshi would go far in life even without me. So I had to be assertive now and reserve my place in his life. His face turned red, and we made the deal.

   “You’re such a flirt,” my friend said when I told her about my daring move.

   “But now, he will win for sure,” I said, “because I made his next game worth winning. When a guy has clear priorities and proper motivation, he’s going to make it. I can’t wait for our first date.”