Next day.
5 a.m.
The faint "beep-beep" of the alarm broke the silence.
Shion's eyes opened slowly. The window was foggy, the sky outside still grey–blue.
Another day. Another cycle.
He dragged himself out of bed and stood in front of the bathroom mirror. Cold water splashed on his face. The fatigue in his eyes didn't vanish. He just stared at his reflection, motionless, unblinking.
One question echoed inside him:
What am I even doing? This routine… for what reason?
No answer came.
Push-ups. Sit-ups. Planks. Every repetition perfect, soldier–like. Sweat trickled down his neck, but his expression stayed the same — blank.
Jogging outside, the streets were wrapped in mist. His footsteps echoed, accompanied only by the chill of the morning wind. A faint piano melody played in his earbuds, almost drowned by silence.
Am I running away… or searching for something?
The thought vanished into the fog.
After a cold shower, water dripping down his shoulders, Shion pressed a hand against his head. Just one moment… he wanted everything to feel lighter.
His room was perfectly arranged. Books stacked neatly, desk spotless, bed aligned. Mechanical order. No trace of emotion.
He slung his bag over his shoulder. Before leaving, he caught his reflection again in the mirror. Same face. Same emptiness. But something inside… felt a little shaken.
And then he walked out.
At the school gate, students laughed in groups, shared memes, shouted gossip. Noise filled the air.
Amid all that chaos, one boy slipped in quietly. No words. No glance. Just silence.
Inside, his heart whispered:
Another morning. Another breath.
I didn't know… today something would change.
---
In the classroom, the period was about to end. Students stretched, chatted, laughter bouncing off the walls.
The door opened.
Souta Minami, the student council president, stepped inside.
Ren Fujimiya flashed him his usual grin.
"Oh, President! What's with the sudden visit?"
Souta's calm smile didn't waver.
"Nothing serious. Just… a small task. You'll be doing a friendly fight."
Ren blinked. "Me? Why not you? Your kicks still feel like missiles!"
Souta gave a little laugh, hiding it with his hand.
"My shoulder's strained. This time, it's your turn."
Ren leaned toward his friend, whispering under his breath, "Liar…"
"Shut it! He'll hear you," his friend hissed back.
Ren looked back at Souta, this time more serious.
"Fine. Who's the opponent?"
Souta's tone was steady, but his eyes carried a playful spark.
"You'll know on the ground. Be ready."
Excitement flickered in Ren's eyes. For him, fights weren't just competition — they were thrill.
---
A few minutes later, Souta stood by the blackboard, addressing the entire class.
"Attention, everyone. Today, on the school ground, there'll be a friendly martial arts match — Ren versus a surprise opponent."
The room buzzed instantly.
"Who's it gonna be?"
"Which class?"
Whispers spread everywhere.
Souta only smiled coolly.
"He's from this school. That's all you need to know."
Speculations flew across the classroom.
In the corner, Shion sat still, expressionless, quietly listening.
---
Later that evening — the terrace.
Shion stood by the railing, staring at the cloudy sky.
Souta approached with a soft smile.
"Hey, Shion…"
Shion turned his head, his tone flat.
"Hm?"
"The surprise opponent… is you," Souta said directly.
"No." Shion didn't even hesitate. "I can't."
Souta's voice firmed, though his smile remained.
"I wasn't asking, Shion. Just… give it your best. I'll be waiting."
And with that, he left.
Shion gripped the railing tighter, eyes lowering.
Inside, a question echoed:
Why couldn't I say no means no…?
---
Flashback — Four months ago.
Shion was walking home, exhausted. Medicine packet in his hand. Dark circles under his eyes.
A group of boys bumped into him.
"Oi! Apologize!" one snapped.
Shion's cold glare cut into him.
"What are you staring at?!" The boy swung a punch —
—but his wrist was caught mid-air.
Souta Minami stood there. Calm aura. Overwhelming presence.
"Four against one? That's boring," Souta smirked. In a flash, the first boy was on the ground. The rest recognized him and quickly scattered.
Random boy say to his friends."he is souta minami avoid this fight "
Souta turned to Shion. "You okay? What's your name?"
Shion's voice was shaky. "I didn't ask for your help…"
"Still, you got it," Souta smiled awkwardly.
"…Shion Amano." The name left his lips weakly before his knees gave way. Souta caught him just in time, carrying him to a nearby bench.
"Everyone needs support sometimes, Shion. You can't do everything alone," Souta said gently.
Later, at Shion's apartment door, Souta extended his hand.
"I'm Souta Minami. Nice meeting you."
"…Same," Shion muttered flatly.
---
Flashback ended.
Back on the terrace, wind whipped through Shion's hair. His half-lidded eyes reflected only one thought:
Some people enter your life for just a moment… and sometimes, that moment comes back months later.
---Chapter 4 end---