The echo of hurried footsteps reverberated down the hallway as Kaito pulled Airi along, his hand gripping hers tightly.
"H-Hey… I know I accepted the date, but we don't need to run, Kaito…" Airi's voice trembled, a mix of embarrassment and concern creeping into her words. Her cheeks flushed a soft pink as she tried to keep up, the urgency in Kaito's steps sending an undercurrent of fear through her.
Kaito didn't answer, his grip only tightening slightly as they rounded the corner. His face was set, eyes fixed ahead with a determination that didn't match the panic pulsing in his chest.
"We don't have time," he muttered through gritted teeth, his words barely above a whisper.
Airi glanced sideways at him, her heart skipping a beat. Why does he look so scared? His usual confidence was gone, replaced by a haunting sense of dread that seemed to linger in the air.
Behind them, the sound of heavy footsteps grew louder.
Ryuu was closing in.
Flashback – One Minute Ago
"Koji, I need you to stall him," Kaito had said, his voice tight, the weight of his request heavy in the air.
Koji had blinked, surprised. "Ryuu?"
Kaito's gaze hardened. "Yes. Just... keep him busy."
Koji had slapped him on the back with a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Alright, bro. Leave it to me."
Kaito's expression softened just a bit. "Thanks. Take care."
Koji had given him a quick nod. "Always."
Back in the hallway, Koji stood his ground, arms crossed and his eyes sharp as he waited. His fingers twitched. His heart pounded in anticipation, but he knew the stakes were higher now. If he didn't hold Ryuu off, Kaito and Airi were in danger.
The sound of footsteps echoed, approaching rapidly.
Ryuu appeared, his eyes wild and dangerous. There was no doubt in Koji's mind that this was the moment when things could escalate beyond control.
Ryuu glanced at him, then tried to walk past, but Koji stopped him with a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Stop," Koji said, his voice low, but commanding.
Ryuu's eyes narrowed, a sneer curling on his lips. "Eh? Who the hell are you?"
"I'm Koji. Kaito's friend."
Ryuu's sneer widened. "Oh, so you're friends with that nerd?"
The word hit Koji like a slap. His fists clenched at his sides, his gaze turning cold.
"You bastard..." Koji's voice dropped an octave, the calm before the storm. "You looking for a fight?"
Ryuu cracked his knuckles, grinning with malice. "You want one? I'll give it to you."
Koji didn't back down. His stance shifted, legs bending slightly, preparing for whatever came next.
"I'm not looking," Koji said, his voice edged with steel. "But I'm ready."
Ryuu laughed, a deep, mocking sound that seemed to taint the air around them. "Boxing? This isn't middle school."
Koji's lips curled into a wry smile. "Try me."
Without another word, Ryuu lunged forward, throwing a wild, wide hook aimed directly at Koji's face.
Koji's reflexes kicked in. He snapped his head back just in time, feeling the air rush past his nose. He immediately countered with a quick jab aimed at Ryuu's cheek, but Ryuu twisted his body, evading the punch with ease.
Ryuu's fist collided with Koji's stomach, and the force of the punch left Koji gasping for air, pain exploding through him. The shock of it sent him staggering back a few steps.
Shit... This isn't good.
Koji clenched his jaw, refusing to let the pain slow him down. Sweat dripped down his face, but his resolve didn't waver. He couldn't lose this fight. Not now. Not with Airi and Kaito's safety on the line.
Ryuu laughed, a cruel, taunting sound. "That all you've got, Koji? Come on, you're not looking so tough now."
Koji wiped his mouth, the sting of blood on his lips. "I'm just getting started."
He dropped into a low, compact stance, elbows tight to his sides, knees bent in preparation. His eyes locked onto Ryuu with a newfound focus, his chest heaving with each breath. He could feel the adrenaline rushing through him, the pain in his stomach only fueling his determination.
This isn't just a fight. It's about Kaito. About Airi. I can't let him get to them.
Ryuu stepped forward again, his eyes dark with fury. He swung a brutal right hook aimed at Koji's ribs, his fist a blur of raw power.
Koji barely managed to dodge, but the punch grazed his side, the impact sending a jolt of pain through his body. He retaliated with a jab to Ryuu's face, but Ryuu ducked under it and spun around, landing a crushing blow to Koji's shoulder. The sharp pain rang through him, and Koji winced, fighting to stay on his feet.
God, this guy's strong.
Ryuu was faster than before, relentless, his blows like battering rams. Koji found himself retreating, his body moving sluggishly as the hits kept coming. Sweat poured down his face, his legs aching with each step.
"You're weak," Ryuu sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "I thought Kaito's friends would be better than this."
Koji could feel his breath coming in ragged gasps. His muscles screamed in protest, but his will to protect his friends was stronger. The flashes of Kaito's terrified face, Airi's confusion—those images fueled his every move.
No. I won't let him hurt them.
Ryuu lunged again, fists flying, his movements wild and unpredictable. The speed and power of his strikes were overwhelming, but Koji was no slouch. He sidestepped, dodging a punch, but Ryuu's knee slammed into his gut, knocking the wind out of him. Koji gasped for air, his body bending forward as the sharp pain radiated through his chest.
Ryuu smirked, clearly enjoying the sight of Koji struggling. "You're done."
Koji could feel his body growing weaker, his movements slower, but he refused to give in. Not now. Not when they were so close.
He stood up straighter, breathing deeply. His legs shifted, and he dropped into a stance unfamiliar to Ryuu.
Krav Maga.
Ryuu stopped mid-step, eyes narrowing with confusion. "What the hell is that stance?"
"Krav Maga," Koji said, his voice steady despite the exhaustion threatening to overtake him.
Ryuu scowled. "Krav Maga? What's that supposed to be—some kind of joke?"
Koji's lips curled into a smile that was anything but friendly. "No, but you'll find out soon enough."
Ryuu's gaze darkened, and he charged again, reckless and angry.
But this time, Koji was ready.