The snow had finally stopped, but the cold still hung in the air. School had ended, and the crisp breeze brushed past Rei and Sera as they made their way out. The world was quiet, almost peaceful, as the weight of winter seemed to hold everything still.
"Hey, Rei, could you bring me some boxes from the terrace?" Mr. Ryusei, the youngest teacher at the school, called out, interrupting their quiet walk.
Rei groaned. "Do I really have to do that?"
"Yes," Mr. Ryusei replied with a grin.
Sera smiled at Rei, squeezing his arm gently. "It's fine, I'll head home with Sia and Souta. Text me later, okay?"
"Alright, see you later," Rei replied, watching her walk away with Souta and Sia.
Haruta, who had been quietly standing nearby, spoke up. "I'll wait for you at the ground. You don't want to walk home alone, do you? I'd help, but I've got some stuff to finish."
Rei nodded, flashing him a brief grin. "Thanks, man. I'll grab the boxes as fast as I can."
Rei made his way up to the terrace. The cold wind cut through his jacket as he picked up one of the heavy boxes. "Damn, this thing is heavy," he muttered to himself, glancing down toward the schoolyard.
His heart stopped when he saw it. Sera was surrounded by Chris and his friends. Her face was tense, but she was trying to hold herself together. Sia stood beside her, her face a mask of concern, while Souta was standing in front of the group, trying to shield Sera.
Rei's blood boiled, an intense heat rising in his chest. Without even thinking, he dropped the box and sprinted toward the stairs.
"What the hell? Why's he running like that?" Haruta whispered, eyes narrowing. He quickly followed Rei, sensing something was wrong.
Rei reached the bottom of the stairs and stormed into the courtyard. His fists clenched at his sides as he saw Chris sneer at Sera. His voice was cruel, cutting through the winter air.
Chris didn't even notice Rei's presence until he was right in front of him. Rei's voice was low, but the fury behind it was clear. "I told you not to bother her, didn't I?"
Chris smirked, stepping forward. "Yeah, so what? Who are you to give me orders?"
Rei's hands tightened into fists, and without a second thought, he stepped closer. "Say sorry to her," he demanded, his voice cold and unwavering.
Chris scoffed. "What if I don't?" he said, grabbing Rei by the collar.
Rei didn't flinch. His eyes burned with a dangerous glint, his pulse quickening. He could feel the blood rushing in his ears, drowning out everything except the noise of his own heartbeat.
"I said," Rei growled, his voice a mere whisper but holding a power that could silence any room, "say sorry."
Chris' grin faltered. He took a step back, but before he could react, Rei's fist collided with his nose, sending him stumbling backward, blood spraying from his nostrils.
"You piece of—"
Rei didn't give him the chance to finish. He slammed his fist into Chris again, his knuckles connecting with Chris' jaw this time. The sound of bone cracking rang out, and Chris fell to the ground, dazed.
His friends rushed forward, but Rei didn't hesitate. His movements were fluid, practiced, like a predator who had already marked his prey. One punch, another kick, and the others crumpled to the ground like ragdolls, unable to even stand. Rei was a storm of fury.
Sera's heart pounded in her chest, her hands trembling as she rushed toward Rei. "Rei, stop—" she called out, her voice shaking.
Rei froze at the sound of her voice, his body taut with rage. His breath was heavy, coming in short, controlled bursts. He turned to look at her, his eyes burning with intensity, but then something in his expression softened.
"Don't," he said, his voice low but commanding, almost like an order.
Sera stopped in her tracks, her heart pounding. She took a step back, her body obeying his silent command.
One of Chris's remaining friends tried to crawl away, struggling to get to his feet. Rei didn't notice him, his attention still on the others, until Haruta's foot shot out and kicked the guy back toward Rei. He landed in front of him with a sickening thud.
"Oh, this little kid still hasn't learned his lesson," Haruta said casually, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Rei turned and looked down at the guy, who was now lying helplessly at his feet, unable to escape. Without even thinking, Rei kicked him again, sending him sprawling further away. The guy let out a strangled gasp, unable to move.
Rei stood there, his body heaving with deep breaths, his knuckles bruised and bloodied, his shirt torn. But not a single mark on his skin. He hadn't been touched. Not even a scratch.
He lowered himself to the ground and sat under a nearby tree, his breathing still heavy. He wiped a hand across his face, frustration in his eyes. "Sorry, Sera... I couldn't stop myself," he muttered, looking up at her with regret in his gaze.
Sera didn't say anything. She simply stood there, watching him, her heart full. She didn't need words to understand. She was grateful—no, thankful—that someone had stepped up, that someone cared enough to protect her.
Around them, whispers started to spread. "Rei... is he really that cool?" "I knew he was handsome, but damn, I didn't know he had this side to him..."
Souta, with his usual grin, nudged Haruta. "Looks like Rei's the center of attention now, huh?"
Haruta chuckled, his expression cold as always. "Yeah, he folded five seniors like laundry."
-To be continued
-~Rei