Inside the Warehouse
The warehouse smelled like rust and oil.
Keon crouched behind an old metal shelf, peering through broken slats. Kira stood near the center, fidgeting — glancing at the door like he was waiting for something. Or someone.
Then they came.
Three men stepped inside. Casual clothing, but hard eyes. One wore rings on every finger. Another carried a bat.
They looked at Kira like he was a wallet, not a person.
"You got the money?" one of them asked.
Kira stiffened. "I told you—I need more time."
"You've had time," the man with the rings said. "Your old man paid last time. Maybe we should tell him you're falling behind again."
Kira's face shifted. For a second, real fear broke through.
"No," he said. "Don't involve him. I'll pay. Just—just give me a week."
"You think this is a negotiation?" the bat guy growled.
Kira backed up. Hands raised.
"I said—"
He didn't get to finish.
The man with the rings punched him across the face. Kira hit the ground, coughing.
---
Keon Steps In
Keon had seen enough.
He stood, stepped out from behind the shelf.
"Hey."
All heads turned.
Kira blinked, stunned. "Keon?!"
The goons looked at each other.
"And who's this, your little friend?" said the ringed one. "He gonna pay your debts too?"
Keon didn't answer. He walked forward, slow and steady.
"You've got three seconds to leave him alone."
The guy with the bat laughed. "Kid, do you even know who we are?"
"No," Keon said, cracking his knuckles. "But I've been dying to hit someone this week."
---
The Fight
Bat Guy swung first.
Keon ducked. The bat splintered a wooden crate behind him.
Keon slammed his fist into the guy's ribs. He gasped, stumbled back.
The second thug lunged — Keon pivoted, grabbed his wrist, and flipped him over onto the concrete. Smooth. Fast.
Kira sat on the ground, watching in shock.
Who was this guy?
The third tried to rush from behind — Keon whipped around and headbutted him square in the nose. Blood exploded. He crumpled.
Three goons. Down in thirty seconds.
Keon stood over them, breathing hard.
---
Aftermath – Silence and Truth
Kira stood up, clutching his side. "You… you followed me?"
Keon didn't look at him.
"You looked suspicious."
Kira laughed weakly. "And now?"
Keon finally turned, eyes sharp but no longer cold.
"Now you just look stupid for not asking for help."
Kira smiled — not his usual grin, but something real. "Thanks… I guess."
Keon nodded once.
And for the first time since they met, the space between them felt… honest.
---