As Kaito collapsed, face-first onto the canvas, Chase followed, gloves raised, ready to rain down hammerfists to seal it.
But before he could land a single shot, the referee dove between them, arms outstretched, shouting over the tension in the room.
"Stop! It's over!"
Chase pulled back mid-swing, taking two quick steps away. His expression didn't change much.
No wild celebration or taunts, just a focused breath through the nose and a sharp nod, as if this had been inevitable.
Kaito rolled onto his side, dazed, one glove limp over his face as the medics moved in. The room was quiet except for their voices and the shuffling of boots on the mat.
Damon stood at the edge of the ring. His arms were still crossed, but his shoulders rose slightly with a long, slow breath.
The streak was broken.
Team Cross, undefeated until now, had taken their first loss.
He didn't flinch nor did he frown. But the edge in his eyes faded just a touch.
