Rio stopped at the bulletin board and pulled off the small flyer pinned there. The writing was simple. Just a location, a club president's name, and a short line about the club's purpose.
Maybe this place fits… or at least it's something to try.
Without hesitating, he followed the directions.
As he walked, he read it again. Second floor. Left corner of the building facing the main courtyard.
The school had three floors. From above, the layout looked like a giant U, wrapping around a wide courtyard where all the daily chaos spilled out.
A hand suddenly touched his shoulder.
Rio spun right and jumped back instantly, creating distance in a blink. Reflex. His breath tightened for a split second before he saw the face.
Riko stood there with an awkward smile, like he had no idea what he'd done wrong.
"Hey, it's just me. You're way too alert," he said.
Rio let out a quiet breath. His body had moved faster than his thoughts again.
Riko stepped closer and patted his shoulder once more.
"That movement just now… you've improved."
The admiration in his voice made Rio stiffen slightly, but he didn't respond. He just kept walking toward the stairs leading to the second floor, Riko following silently behind.
"Why are you tagging along?" Rio finally asked without looking back. "Aren't you usually with Rivaldo and his group?."
Riko scratched his head. "Why would I follow them? You're the one who beat me."
The words lingered in the air, making Rio rethink the so called power hierarchy he'd heard about.
"So… you don't regret it? I've been bullied for years. Ever since middle school."
Rio wanted to avoid that topic, but Riko continued, steady.
"That's why I want to follow you. There's something different about you."
Rio closed his eyes for a moment, steadying his breathing, then answered quietly.
"I'll beat him."
Soon, they arrived in front of the club room.
Knock. Knock.
Rio pushed the door open slowly.
The room looked like a smaller version of a regular classroom. A rectangular table. A few chairs. Two people sat there casually, like they'd been waiting for anyone who showed up.
"Welcome! I'm the president of the Newspaper Club."
The boy greeted them brightly. "Sorry if it looks lacking. We just started the club."
"Just started?!"
That explained the plain flyer and zero promotion. He introduced himself as Arya Morningstar, a second year Class A student, with a two block haircut and round glasses that made him look older.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Rio Mahadipa."
"Riko Hanggara."
They introduced themselves, but the quiet boy next to Arya hadn't spoken yet. Messy hair. Hard to read eyes.
When Rio greeted him, he stood politely.
"Tadeus Kriss. First year Class A. We're the same age, just call me Kris."
"Great, everyone knows each other now!"
Arya clapped cheerfully and told them to sit. His explanation was simple. Kris handled writing the newspaper. Arya distributed it. New members gathered information. His hands moved excitedly like he was drawing in the air.
Riko raised his hand. "I've got interesting news."
Rio immediately felt a bad feeling creeping up. He looked at Riko suspiciously.
"Rio beat David."
No one reacted much.
"In a fight."
The moment that word left Riko's mouth, Arya lit up like someone flipped a switch.
"Is that true?!"
He looked at Rio. Rio just nodded.
"Kris, write that down! That's hot news!"
The small room filled with their excitement, like this tiny club had suddenly found oxygen.
The day ran into evening. Club activities ended, and Rio stretched his stiff arms even though he'd just been sitting.
He walked home with Riko, chatting lightly about the past, until the road ahead grew quiet.
At the end of the street, four figures stood blocking the way.
David was in the middle, his face carrying unfinished resentment.
"David?! What are you doing here?!"
Riko snapped instantly, his emotions flaring.
"Ah, Riko the coward. Leave. This doesn't concern you. Or do you want to lose to me again?"
David's mockery made Rio's eyes widen.
David… beat Riko? That makes no sense.
"Take them down."
David's command was short.
Three guys rushed forward. Riko shot ahead to meet them, moving with a speed he only showed when he was serious.
Rio stepped forward alone, stopping right in front of David.
This felt different from before. Sharper. More alive.
A slow smile spread across his face. His eyes widened, locking onto prey that stared right back.
"So… guess it's our turn now?"