Six years passed in a blink for Ren Takeda. Each week, he would sneak into underground matches, fighting to sharpen his skills and earn money, eventually stacking up eight million yen in his bank account.
His strength had grown immensely, and he had better control over his body, now wearing 60 kg ankle weights with ease.
A month ago, Ren started college. One morning, he was heading to school while reading a new novel he had found interesting, so absorbed in its pages that he didn't notice a blonde girl with waivy hair and glasses walking nearby, also reading a book.
Just as Ren passed her, the girl's hand shot out toward him. Ren, sensing sudden danger, ducked and leaped back, his book dropping to the ground as he looked up sharply.
He recognized her instantly—Yumi Fuyuzora, the girl who fought with him against some thugs.
Yumi's eyes widened in panic, and she rushed toward him.
"Ah, I'm so sorry!" Yumi blurted, bowing quickly. "My body moved on its own."
Ren let out a small sigh, picking up the scattered books with a calm expression. "You know, it's dangerous to attack people like that. You could hurt someone."
Yumi's cheeks turned pink as she mumbled, "I-I'm sorry. But it's normal to react if someone suddenly appears behind you, right?"
Ren chuckled, shaking his head as he collected the last book. "Normal? Maybe for someone who's been trained to fight. Help me with these, will you?"
Blushing harder, Yumi knelt to help him. "Sorry, it was really a mistake."
Once they had gathered everything, Ren gave her a small, playful smile. "Alright, since we're going to be late, let's head to school together. I know a shortcut."
Without waiting for her response, he gently took her hand and started pulling her along.
"H-Hey, you don't have to hold my hand! I can follow you," Yumi protested, her face burning.
"I want to hold your hand, so I'm holding it. Deal with it," Ren replied calmly, not letting go.
Steam practically came out of Yumi's ears as she tried to hide her face behind her bangs. Ren led her confidently, taking a route through a storm drain shortcut.
"We need to jump here. I'll help you," Ren said before scooping Yumi up in a princess carry.
"Wait! I can jump on my own—" she began, but before she knew it, they were already across, and Ren gently set her down.
"You were saying something?" Ren asked with a smirk.
"N-Nothing," Yumi stuttered, her face red.
"Alright, let's go."
They reached the school just in time before the bell rang, and a few minutes later, their homeroom teacher walked in, introducing Yumi to the class.
"Class, we have a new transfer student today. Please treat her well," the teacher announced.
Yumi stepped forward, bowing politely. "Hello, everyone. My name is Yumi Fuyuzora. I transferred from Shouchiko School. Please take care of me."
Ren smiled from his seat, feeling a strange warmth seeing her there.
During the break, Ren and Yumi found themselves sitting under a tree, the wind gently rustling the leaves above. Yumi fidgeted with her glasses, while Ren decided to strike while the iron was hot.
"You've really grown beautiful, Yumi. But what's with the glasses?" Ren asked casually.
Yumi's face turned bright red. "Ah, well… I didn't have many friends at my old school. Someone told me I stood out too much, so…"
Ren couldn't hold back a laugh. "Haha, Yumi, you really are cute."
"W-Why would you say that?" she pouted, her eyes glancing away.
Ren's hand came up, gently patting her head, and he leaned closer. "Because whoever told you that wasn't nice.
They were probably jealous of how pretty and kind you are, and maybe they made it harder for you to make friends."
"J-Jealous? But why would someone do that just because of jealousy?" Yumi asked, confused.
"Jealousy makes people do all sorts of stupid things," Ren replied calmly, his eyes locking with hers. "But you don't need to worry about that anymore. You're not alone now."
Yumi's tense shoulders relaxed, a small smile forming on her lips as she met his gaze.
The moment was warm, almost perfect, until a strange someone appeared, interrupting the peaceful atmosphere.