The storm from the previous night lingered in Lira's chest long after the rain had stopped. She barely slept, the sound of the stranger's mocking voice repeating in her head.
"You can't escape your past, Kai."
When she entered the classroom the next morning, she immediately searched for him. As always, Kai sat at the back, quiet, as if nothing had happened. His damp hair suggested he had walked in the drizzle without an umbrella again.
Gathering her courage, Lira sat down beside him.
Lira: "About yesterday…"
Kai: (without looking at her) "Forget it."
Lira: (frowning) "How can I? He attacked you! He knew your name!"
Kai: (voice low, almost a whisper) "That's exactly why you should forget."
The firmness in his tone made her chest tighten. It wasn't just stubbornness—he was protecting her. But the more he pushed her away, the more determined she became to stay.
---
Lunchtime
During lunch break, Lira followed Kai to the rooftop. The sky was still gray, and the scent of wet concrete lingered. He leaned against the fence, hands in his pockets, staring at nothing.
Lira: "If you won't tell me, then at least… let me stay by your side."
Kai: (turns sharply) "Why? You barely know me."
Lira: (smiling softly) "Because yesterday… when you pulled me away from that strike, I felt something. You didn't even think twice about protecting me. So don't tell me you don't care."
Kai's eyes softened for just a moment before he looked away again. Silence stretched between them, heavy and unspoken.
---
The Encounter
That evening, as Lira walked home from the library, a shadow trailed her steps. The hairs on her neck prickled. She quickened her pace, but the sound of boots echoed behind her.
Before she could scream, a hand clamped over her mouth—only to release instantly when Kai emerged from the darkness, grabbing the attacker by the collar.
Kai: (coldly) "I warned you."
The man stumbled back, and behind him appeared two more, all dressed in black. Their eyes glinted with cruel anticipation.
Man in Black: "Our boss wants you alive, Kai. Don't make this harder than it needs to be."
Kai: (placing himself in front of Lira) "If you want me, leave her out of this."
The leader smirked. "No promises."
---
The Fight
What followed was chaos under the flickering streetlights. Kai moved with sharp precision, blocking and striking with fluid motions. He wasn't just some quiet student—he fought like someone trained, dangerous. Lira pressed against the wall, trembling, watching the clash unfold.
One of the men lunged at her, but Kai intercepted, twisting the attacker's arm until it cracked. Another swung a knife, grazing Kai's shoulder, but Kai countered with a kick that sent him sprawling.
Finally, only the leader remained. He circled Kai, eyes gleaming.
Leader: "You're strong… but you can't fight forever. We'll take her next time if you don't come with us."
Kai: (gritted teeth) "Touch her, and I'll end you."
The leader laughed, retreating into the shadows with his men. "We'll see, Kai. We'll see."
---
Aftermath
The silence afterward was deafening. Kai's breathing was ragged, blood staining his sleeve. Lira rushed to him, hands trembling.
Lira: "You're hurt! We need to—"
Kai: (shaking his head) "Don't. If you get too close… they'll use you against me."
Lira: (tears in her eyes) "Then let them! I don't care, Kai. I'd rather be by your side than safe but knowing you're fighting alone."
For the first time, Kai's guarded expression cracked. He looked at her, truly looked at her, as if seeing the weight of her words. Slowly, he whispered:
Kai: "…You don't know what you're asking."
But even as he said it, he didn't pull away when she held his hand.