Ayla blinked awake, only to nearly jump out of bed when she found Yumi standing by her bedside.
"Geez! I told you to stop scaring me like that!" Ayla scolded, clutching her chest.
Yumi only smiled slyly. "Good morning, Master Ayla. Please prepare yourself-we're going out today."
"Eh? But it's Sunday," Ayla tilted her head. "I don't think I have anything scheduled."
Yumi smirked. "Well... don't you want to see Haruki's muscles?"
Ayla froze. "...Wait. Haruki has muscles?"
Just the thought of Haruki half-naked, sweating , flexing awkward poses made her face flush bright red. She shook her head furiously. "W-wait! How do you know that?! Don't tell me-you're spying on him! You didn't peek at him bathing, did you?!"
Yumi raised an eyebrow. "Whatever you're imagining-it's not that. Think for a second. Don't you find it strange he can fight even though he looks so clumsy? Or that he carried you so easily before?"
Ayla narrowed her eyes. "Wait. Are you saying I'm heavy?"
"Really? That's the part you question?" Yumi deadpanned.
Ayla's cheeks puffed. "No, wait-how do you know about that!? Did you follow us!? You saw-"
Yumi tilted her head. "Saw what?"
Ayla panicked. No way she saw us kissing... right? "I-I mean, why were you spying on us in the first place!?"
"Tch." Yumi bit her lip. Shouldn't have mentioned the carrying part..."
"What's that supposed to mean??" Ayla pressed.
"I just happened to be on a date," Yumi blurted, clearly making excuses.
"A date?" Ayla crossed her arms. "And who might this mystery date be?"
Backed into a corner, Yumi blurted the first name that came to mind. "...Kenta."
"Wait-Kenta? Haruki's best friend?!"
"Don't ask about my love life," Yumi waved her off. "What's important is, do you want to see Haruki or not?"
"Of course!" Ayla's pout quickly softened. "But... does Haruki know?"
"Nope," Yumi grinned. "It'll be a surprise."
Ayla hesitated. "And you said before I'll see his... his-" her cheeks reddened.
"His muscles, yes." Yumi cut in, acting casual. "He and Kenta are at the boxing gym. Every Sunday. Whole day."
"Boxing?!" Ayla gasped.
"Mm. And Master Hanami already approved, saying you'll be practicing boxing as self-defense from now on."
Ayla lit up. "Really?! Thank you, Yumi! That means I get to spend all my Sundays with Haruki from now on!" Then she smirked. "What about you? Aren't you happy you'll be with your *boyfriend* Kenta every Sunday?"
"Oh, yesss, I'm thrilled. Hooray," Yumi replied in the most robotic, deadpan tone possible.
Ayla gave her a suspicious look. "...Right."
They got ready, but Ayla came out wearing a dress.
"...What are you wearing? This is a boxing gym, not a tea party," Yumi sighed.
"Eh? What should I wear then? It's my first time! Please help meee!"
With another sigh, Yumi threw her a proper outfit. Moments later, Ayla stood there awkwardly in a sports bra and fitted pants.
"I-isn't this too much?!" she stammered.
"It's normal gym wear. You'll be fine," Yumi reassured.
They set out, chatting in the car. Ayla soon noticed something. "...Wait. Aren't we going the same way as when we went to Asakusa?"
"Yes," Yumi nodded. "Their gym is in Taitō, near Asakusa."
Ayla sulked, puffing her cheeks. "...He told me it was his first time visiting Asakusa. So he lied? Did he bring another girl before... maybe even kiss her there-"
"Stop overthinking," Yumi cut her off. "He probably had his reasons."
But Ayla crossed her arms stubbornly.
When they arrived, heads turned immediately at the sight of the two girls. A cocky newbie approached Ayla. "Hey, gorgeous. You new here too? I am. How about we get to know each other-"
"Not interested," Ayla cut him off flatly.
"Whoa, wait, I'm not done. At least give me your number-"
"I already have a boyfriend. Get lost."
"Oi!" a voice boomed.
The newbie turned to see Kenta, arms crossed, towering over him. His aura alone made the newbie back off. "Tch. Whatever. Just wait," the guy muttered and walked off.
Yumi thanked him, but Ayla teased, "Well? Aren't you going to hug your *boyfriend*?"
"Boy-?" Kenta blinked in confusion, but Yumi quickly hugged his arm and whispered an explanation.
"Ohh... I see." Kenta played along. "Yeah. I'm her boyfriend."
Just then, the gym owner, Kenji, approached. "So this is why you're slacking, Kenta? Who are these two beauties?"
Yumi bowed politely. "I'm Yumi. We talked on the phone yesterday-I registered us."
Kenji nodded. "Ah, right. And you are...?" he looked at Ayla.
Before anyone could answer, Kenta shouted, "Oiii! Haruki! Your girlfriend's here!"
The gym fell silent. Everyone froze, then shouted in unison, "EHHHHH?!"
Haruki rushed over, towel around his neck, wearing a plain white sando that clung to his broad shoulders and veiny arms. He froze at the sight of Ayla in a sports bra.
His face burned. Oh no. She's too pretty. Don't scream. Don't scream.
"A-Ayla?! What are you doing here?!" he stammered.
Meanwhile, Ayla was equally stunned. OMG. He's too hot! She forced herself to stay composed. No! Don't let those muscles fool you. Remember-he lied about Asakusa!
"Ayla? You okay?" Haruki waved his hand nervously. "Why aren't you answering? Look, it's not that I don't want you here. I'm just... surprised." He scratched the back of his head-unknowingly flexing his bicep even more.
Ayla gulped, then looked away. "...Ehem. Well, why don't *you* explain first what you're doing here?"
Haruki opened his mouth, but the crowd cut him off.
"Damn, Haruki! You bagged a baddie!"
"Didn't know you had game outside the ring!"
"Get back to training!" Kenji barked, and the crowd dispersed.
Kenji then smiled. "Since you're here, Haruki can show you around."
As Haruki led them around, Ayla stayed oddly quiet, still sulking. When Haruki stepped away to grab water, the cocky newbie returned.
"Changed your mind yet?" he smirked at Ayla. "Come on slide them digits. He said trying to sound American.
Haruki returned right on time. "...Can I help you?"
"Oh? And who are you supposed to be?" the guy sneered, sizing him up. Haruki's calm and handsome face made him assume he was weak.
Yumi cut in coldly. "He's her boyfriend. So leave."
"Tch." The guy clicked his tongue and walked off.
Haruki turned to Ayla. "Are you okay?"
But Ayla still wouldn't answer, lost in thought. Yumi, sensing the tension, excused herself.
And then someone shouted Haruki's name
"Haruki!" Kenji called. "Someone wants to spar with you!"
The whole gym perked up, abandoning their training to watch.
Haruki sighed, then turned to Ayla. "Wait for me, okay? I don't know why you're upset, but I'll make it quick."
"You think I'm mad?" Ayla finally spoke.
"...Aren't you?" Haruki asked. "You're not talking to me."
"Did you do something to make me mad?"
"...I don't think so?"
"Then I'm not mad."
Haruki blinked in confusion. ...Is this normal for girls?
Kenji shouted again. "Haruki! Stop stalling!"
Ayla gave a small smile. "Go. I'll wait. But... make sure you win."
Haruki's lips curved. "Always."
As he wrapped his gloves, Kenji called Ayla and Yumi over. "Come closer. It's your first day, so watch carefully. This'll give you an idea of boxing."
Ayla bit her lip nervously. "He... he won't get hurt, right?"
Kenji chuckled. "He'll be fine. Honestly, we're more worried about the other guy."
"Huh?" Ayla blinked.
"Haruki might look clumsy, but inside the ring, he's different. He's the most talented boxer I've ever coached. You know why everyone's watching? It's because it's rare to see him sparring with someone."
"What?"
Kenji nodded. "They avoid sparring with Haruki after they saw him knocked Kenta down once. And Kenta's no pushover. He's feared by everyone here because of his strength but they would rather spar with Kenta than Haruki."
Ayla's eyes widened. He beat Kenta?
Haruki entered the ring calmly, without protective gear. His opponent smirked. "You're not wearing any? Cocky, huh?"
Haruki shook his head. "I just don't need it."
Then someone from the crowd shouted, "He tried hitting on your girl, Haruki!" It was Kenta, and for some dumb reason he thinks it's fun to see haruki get upset during the sparring.
The air shifted. Haruki's calm aura turned sharp, dangerous.
The challenger smirked. "So her name's Ayla? If I beat you, I'll take her home."
Haruki's eyes darkened, killing intent radiating.
*Ding!*
The challenger rushed in with a wild punch-
*BOOM!*
In a blink, he was flat on the mat.
Ayla gasped. "W-what just-?"
Kenji grinned. "You didn't see it, right? What he did is a counter punch, Haruki's a counter-puncher. The moment you throw a punch-it's already over. For boxers, pride means everything. They'd rather be pummeled into the ground than suffer the humiliation of a quick knockout. That's why most of them steer clear of Haruki. "
Ayla stared at Haruki in awe. So this is another side of him...
Her heart swelled with pride. My man is so cool.
---
"Man, that was quick," Kenta whistled as Haruki stepped out of the ring, wiping sweat from his brow.
Haruki only nodded, his eyes immediately searching for Ayla. She was still sulking, arms crossed and lips pursed, refusing to meet his gaze. He took a hesitant step toward her, but-
"Ayla, Yumi! Come here real quick," Kenji called out.
The girls approached him, leaving Haruki standing there with a frustrated sigh.
Kenji cleared his throat. "Since you're both new here, I'll explain the rules and policies of the gym." He went through the basics-safety, respect, training schedules-before finally looking directly at Ayla.
"Now, Ayla, may I speak with you for a moment?"
She blinked. "Eh? O-okay."
Kenji gave her a long, almost fatherly look. "I know I don't have any right to tell you this, but... please don't have kids with Haruki yet."
"EHH?!" Ayla's entire face went red.
Kenji chuckled, waving his hands. "I'm just kidding. What I *do* mean to say is... please give him more time."
"Time?" Ayla tilted her head, confused.
Kenji smiled gently. "I've trained Haruki since he was in middle school. He and Kenta used to travel all the way from Kanagawa to Taitō every Sunday before moving to Tokyo. To me, those two are like sons. And Haruki... he's always been a little clueless, sometimes clumsy, but lately, I've noticed something different."
"Different...?"
Kenji nodded. "This morning, for example. He didn't stumble over himself like usual. He's been more careful, more... mature. He even got his hair cut. The only explanation I can think of is you."
"Eh? M-me?" Ayla stuttered, her cheeks burning.
"Yes. You're the reason he's trying to be better," Kenji said warmly. "So please, give him time to adjust. It'd break my heart to see you leave him just because of his flaws."
Ayla's chest tightened. She smiled softly, her sulk finally melting away. "Don't worry, Mr. Kenji. I won't leave him just because of that. I love him for who he is, and that won't change. Not ever."
Kenji's eyes grew misty. He sniffled, quickly wiping at his face. "Damn it... I'm just so happy my boy Haruki found his love."
Ayla panicked. "W-wait, are you okay, Mr. Kenji?!"
"I'm fine, I'm fine," he laughed through tears.
Just then-
*BOOGS!*
A loud crash echoed through the gym. Both turned their heads-and found Haruki sprawled on the floor, groaning, one shoe untied.
"...He tripped on his own shoelace," Yumi deadpanned from the side.
Ayla's cheeks puffed again, but her lips curved into a tiny smile. Clumsy or not... he's mine.
After training wound down, the gym began to empty. Haruki left with Kenta, but his steps were heavy. Ayla was still refusing to talk to him.
Kenta noticed and slapped his back. "Man, cheer up. Girls just get like that sometimes."
Haruki gave a small, forced smile. "...Yeah." But his eyes dimmed. Nothing hurt more than Ayla's silence.
As they walked a few steps from the gym, a car pulled up and parked beside them. The window rolled down-Yumi was inside.
"Come on. Hop in," she said casually.
Haruki hesitated, but Kenta grabbed him by the arm and dragged him in. Of course, Yumi sat next to Kenta in the middle row, leaving Haruki beside Ayla in the back.
Ayla still sulked, arms crossed, refusing to look at him. Haruki stared at her profile, his chest tightening. She's really not looking at me...
The car was silent for a few moments until Ayla finally spoke, her lips in a pout. "Aren't you gonna ask why I'm like this?"
Haruki blinked. "Well... I don't know why you're mad at me. I-I don't think I did anything wrong for you to be like this."
"You think so?" Ayla huffed.
"Then please tell me!" Haruki's voice grew desperate.
The tension thickened. Kenta and Yumi went completely silent, though both were secretly enjoying the drama.
Ayla kept pouting, not giving him the reason. Haruki clenched his fists, then softened his voice.
"Please, Ayla. I don't know what I did to make you mad, but I can't bring myself to act normal knowing you're upset with me. I don't care if the whole world is mad at me-but not you. Never you. So... please, tell me."
Those words pierced Ayla's chest. Her pout wavered, her cheeks warming. "...I'm being like this because you lied to me."
Kenta immediately leaned backward. "OHHH! Haruki, you lied to her?! You're done for! If I were Ayla, I'd be even more mad!"
*Smack!* Yumi whacked him. "Don't stir things up, idiot."
"Hehe... sorry," Kenta grinned sheepishly.
Haruki blinked at Ayla. "What did I lie about?"
Ayla puffed her cheeks again. "About Asakusa! You told me it was your first time there, and I believed you! But your gym is right nearby-that explains why you knew most of the places we went! You probably... probably brought someone else there before... maybe even kissed there!"
The car went quiet.
Haruki lowered his gaze. "...Yes, I lied."
Ayla's pout deepened.
"But," Haruki continued, "it's because I didn't want to ruin your mood. You put so much effort into planning that day. If I admitted I already knew the area, I thought it might make you sad. I didn't lie to trick you-I lied because I didn't want to see you sad. I'm sorry."
Ayla's eyes widened. Her sulk melted away as her face turned red.
Kenta leaned in again. "Ohhh! He just lied because he didn't want to ruin your plan! If I were you, Ayla, I wouldn't be mad anymore."
*Smack!* Yumi hit him again. "Shut up!"
Ayla bit her lip, then looked down. "...Well... sorry too. I should've asked you first instead of sulking. Now I feel like a jerk for making you sad."
Haruki shook his head quickly. "That's fine. Don't be sad, Ayla. As long as you're not mad at me anymore, I'm okay. I can tolerate being sad... but not seeing you sad."
The words made everyone in the car blush-including Yumi, Kenta, and even the driver.
And then-
*SCREEECH!*
The driver suddenly made a sharp turn. Haruki and Ayla, facing each other without seatbelts, crashed forward-
*Chu\~!*
Their lips met in an unexpected kiss.
"EHHHH?!" everyone shouted in unison.
The driver, completely unfazed, glanced at the rearview mirror, flashed a 👌 sign, and said:
"I help with the plot, guys. That's my work for the readers."