Kiku's been saying this for the past year—holding back—but never once showed any sign of it.
Hajime just went along with it because arguing was pointless. Even if he tried, Kiku would keep going the same way, throwing punches until she decided she was done. And here, in this unfamiliar place, she was as calm as ever.
On the other side, Hajime could only hope that maybe this time, Kiku was really going to hold back a little. This was because she was in her maid uniform instead of her usual train gear.
He took a deep breath, then let it out slowly, steadying himself. A moment later, he shifted his weight back, one leg forward, and one hand clenched into a fist, his eyes locked on Kiku.
I highly doubt that I'm going to hit her this time.
Then a voice echoed in his mind, sharply: Give up, we all know how this is going to end.
He ignored the voice, thinking that it was just his confidence eating at him.
