The air was cold. Too cold.
Chris's eyes narrowed, rage flickering like a storm under his skin.
BAM.
He kicked the door with everything he had. Once. Twice. Wood cracked under the pressure.
Third time—CRASH. The door exploded open. He didn't wait. Feet pounded against the stairs. The building echoed with his steps. His breath was sharp. Hot. Furious.
Each second felt like fire crawling across his skin.
And then—
He saw them.
Seven of them.
The ones he used to call "his boys."
Standing around Airi like she was prey.
But between them and her—
Haruta.
His back to her. His fists clenched. Silent. Steady.
"H-Haruta?" Chris asked, breathless. "What are you doing here…?"
Haruta didn't even look back.
"I was just waiting for you to show up," he said casually. "Rei, Sera, Alya… we're all watching."
He brushed past Chris, his voice dropping to a whisper only Chris could hear:
> "Go on. Finish that old Chris off completely."
---
One of the boys chuckled, stepping forward.
"So what do you think, Chris? We're standing on the throne you built."
Chris didn't flinch. He met his eyes, voice calm. Too calm.
> "Then I guess it's time I broke that throne."
---
From the stairwell, Sera grabbed Rei's arm.
"We should go help… It's seven on one."
Alya's eyes were wide. "Haru—say something."
But Haruta just folded his arms, watching.
"He's not alone. Not this time."
---
Chris turned to Airi, ignoring the tension behind him.
His voice was soft—almost out of place in the chaos.
"Wanna go to the café after I finish this off, Airi?"
She blinked, confused.
"We're still he—!" one of them yelled.
BAM.
His fist hit the first guy in the face.
Bone cracked. Blood flew.
The guy dropped like dead weight.
The rest roared in fury.
"You bastard!!"
They charged.
Chris didn't move.
Eyes on the sky, he exhaled.
> "God, have mercy on them…" he whispered to himself.
---
The fight wasn't pretty.
It wasn't stylish.
It was raw.
Chris was outnumbered—but not outmatched.
He moved like someone who wasn't trying to win.
He was trying to end it.
Punches. Slams. Elbows to jaws. Knees to ribs.
They were fast. But Chris was faster. Cleaner.
Like a storm that had learned to focus.
---
But just as he was gaining ground—
THWACK.
A baseball bat smashed into the back of his head.
Chris dropped to one knee, blood running into his eyes.
"You're not the king anymore," one of them sneered.
Chris looked up. Bloody. Smiling.
> "Nah... But I am still the one who carved the crown."
---
Back on the stairs, Rei's hands were trembling.
"What's up?" Haruta asked.
Rei's voice was low. "What is he made of…?"
"But you fought him before. You beat him bad, right?" Sera asked, confused.
Rei didn't look away. "Yeah. But that wasn't this version of him…"
He swallowed hard.
> "I'm just glad he wasn't fighting for Airi back then…
Or I'd be dead meat."
---
One by one—Chris took them down.
Seven guys.
Broken. Groaning. Defeated.
Blood on his shirt. Blood in his hair.
But his eyes—sharp. Awake.
He turned to Airi, the only softness in his storm.
> "You're safe now," he said softly.
Then his body gave in.
His knees hit the ground.
Everyone rushed down.
Airi caught him, panic rising in her voice.
"You said you wouldn't fight again… Why? Why did you break your promise?"
Chris looked up at her. Weak. Smiling.
> "There was a catch…
If it's to protect someone precious… fight with your life."
Airi's eyes trembled. "But… who's precious here?"
He looked her dead in the eyes, a faint smile on his face.
> "You."
Her whole face turned pink. "Wha…?"
---
Haruta leaned toward Rei.
"Well? You accept him now?"
Chris looked up at Rei, still catching his breath.
Rei smirked, nodding.
> "Wanna hit the café with us?"
Chris blinked. Then smiled. It wasn't wide. But it was real.
> "Sure."
"GET YOURSELF TO A HOSPITAL FIRST!" Airi screamed, smacking him lightly on the arm.
They all laughed.
And for the first time in a long time…
Chris laughed too.
---
To be continued.
- ~Rei