The Campus Fight
Phoenix walked into the high school campus, wondering why so many students were crowded together, whispering and gossiping in a tight circle.
Curious, he pushed his way closer—until he realized what was happening.
Princess.
She was in the middle of the crowd, fists flying, locked in a fight.
"Oh my God!" Phoenix muttered, before sprinting toward the commotion.
When he finally reached the scene, his eyes widened. Princess's long, straight hair had come loose from her ponytail, cascading wildly down her shoulders.
Damn… even in the middle of a fight, she looked like a goddess. Fierce. Untouchable.
Without thinking, Phoenix grabbed Princess's hand, trying to pull her back and put some distance between her and the girl she was fighting.
But why was Princess fighting her in the first place?
And then he noticed another figure—standing beside the girl.
Pet.
A third-year student Phoenix knew well.
"What the hell are you doing here, Pet?" Phoenix snapped.
"Don't tell me you're actually fighting with this lady. Where the hell are your balls?"
Pet raised his hands defensively, his uniform already dirtied from the scuffle.
"Stop accusing me, Phoenix! I was just trying to break them apart. But damn—look at my uniform now! The girl you're protecting is a savage! I didn't even know she was a black-belter, a judo master—shit!"
Then, with a mischievous grin, he added, "Actually… don't stop holding her. I'll marry her one day. I'll be safe if she's on my side."
Phoenix glared at him.
"Stop dreaming, Pet. She's mine. Only mine. If you ever think about her that way again, you'll be dead."
Meanwhile, Princess's cold eyes were locked on Erica—the girl she was fighting.
"Next time, Erica, choose your words carefully," Princess growled.
"If you think I'll cry because of your trash talk—you're wrong. I'll kill you with my bare hands. Don't ever try to trap me in your games. I am not some scared little rat.
You don't know who I am."
Phoenix tightened his grip on Princess's arm, trying to hold her back, but Erica smirked and shouted across the crowd:
"Oh, come on! A person like you doesn't even deserve to study here.
Your own mother hates you.
Your father left the moment you were born.
Why? Because you're nothing but trash!"
The words sliced through the air. The crowd gasped.
And without a blink of hesitation, Princess exploded. She spun and unleashed a powerful 45-degree kick straight to Erica's face.
CRASH!
Erica fell hard to the ground, unconscious.
The students screamed and panicked, scattering in all directions.
But Princess's eyes still burned like hellfire. She didn't care if she got expelled. She didn't care about consequences.
Phoenix pulled her into his arms, whispering, "Shhh… it's alright, babe. I'm here. No one will hurt you again."
Then, gripping her hand tightly, Phoenix ran with her—away from the chaos, away from the gossiping students, dragging her into safety.
on the Grass!
"Why are you always pestering me?!" Princess snapped, her voice cold.
"Let go of me. I don't need anyone in my life. Go home, kid."
Phoenix only grinned.
"Poor Erica… she didn't know my future wife is strong enough to defend herself.
Damn, babe, don't fight with me—I can't win against you. The only thing I can do is maybe hug you… if you ever give me the chance."
Princess sighed deeply and sat down on the soft Bermuda grass. She leaned back, staring up at the sky, her thoughts heavy.
Quietly, she whispered, "I don't know how long I'll last here… but at least no one will forget that I stood up for myself."
Phoenix crouched beside her. "Why are you both always at odds? Do you really hate each other that much?"
Princess gave a weary smile. "Yes. From the very start. Since we were kids. She's my cousin—the one my mom has always loved dearly. But me? I don't need pity or love from anyone. I'm not a beggar."
Phoenix listened in silence. Then, with gentle determination, he said, "You don't have to be alone anymore. From now on, I'll always be here. Whether you like it or not… I'll be your knight."
Princess laughed, shaking her head.
"A knight? You? Don't make me laugh. Knights are tall, strong, and fearless. Look at you—a skinny boy who looks like Cream'O."
Phoenix pouted, pretending to be offended.
"Why do you always call me Cream'O? I'm not dark like coffee. My skin is caramel, my dear. Delicioso!"
For the first time that day, Princess let out a real laugh—warm and genuine.
I hope I can truly appreciate the real beauty of a human being—like you said, you're delicioso!
But unfortunately, I can't.
I have too many things to fix in my life, too much chaos to handle, than to waste energy appreciating someone who isn't even connected to my world.
Princess glanced at Phoenix from head to toe.
"Hm. You're tall… not dark. More like a caramel cookie, I think."
Her lips curled into a half-smile. "You're too much of a pretty boy for someone like me. I can't really appreciate your presence."
She shrugged. "Maybe you should try with some other girl out there. Maybe the two of you will belong to each other—because no one belongs to me. I don't even believe in romance. Relationships only make me feel… awww… scared!"
Then Princess burst into laughter, as if mocking the very thought.
Phoenix was left stunned by her words. He had never met someone who could speak so bluntly without pretending, yet still wear an expression completely devoid of emotion.