After school, Hoshin packed up his things and prepared to head home.
Sofia walked up beside him.
Sofia: "Going home already?"
Hoshin: "Oh yeah, see you tomorrow."
She smiled softly.
Sofia: "See you, Hoshin."
With that, he left the school grounds.
As he walked, the evening breeze brushed against his face.
Who knew this would happen? Me and Sofia… together. It feels like a dream.
A small smile crept onto his face as he made his way home.
When he arrived, his father was already there. Without wasting a moment, Hoshin began his training — the same routine, but more intense than before.
Only one thought echoed in his mind:
I need to get stronger. So I can protect Sofia.
He trained until his muscles screamed and his body trembled with exhaustion.
Later, he ate dinner quietly, then collapsed into bed.
Sleep took him almost instantly — the kind of deep sleep that only comes after giving your all.