For a few seconds…
Jonathan didn't move.
Didn't speak.
Didn't even look at anyone.
Then his jaw tightened.
"…Tch."
He turned sharply, grabbing his jacket from the side.
"Whatever."
He started walking toward the exit.
Fast.
Heavy steps echoing across the gym.
One of the football players hesitated.
"…Captain—"
"Let's go."
No one argued.
They followed him immediately.
The doors slammed open—
Then shut just as hard behind them.
Silence filled the gym again.
Then—
Callie burst out laughing.
"OH MY GOD—"
She doubled over slightly, holding her stomach.
"You actually destroyed him!"
Cammy laughed too, covering her mouth.
"That last move—"
She shook her head, smiling brightly.
"That was insane…"
Before Axiom could say anything—
Callie walked straight up to him and grabbed him by the shoulders.
"You schooled him!"
Cammy stepped in right after and hugged him too.
"We were watching everything!"
Axiom froze for half a second.
Then blinked.
"…Uh—"
Callie pulled him into a quick hug.
"You embarrassed him so bad!"
Cammy hugged him from the side, softer but just as genuine.
"That was really amazing…"
Axiom stood there, slightly overwhelmed.
"…Thanks…"
Callie pulled back, hands still on his shoulders, eyes shining with excitement.
"No, seriously."
"You just learned today."
"And you're already doing stuff like that?"
She shook her head, smiling wide.
"That's crazy."
Cammy nodded.
"You're really talented…"
Then Callie crossed her arms and smirked.
"Guess we trained a monster."
Axiom laughed.
"Monster is a bit much."
Callie pointed at him.
"No, no."
"That spin, that steal, that last shot?"
She grinned.
"Yeah. Monster."
Cammy smiled softly.
"…A cool one though."
Axiom scratched the back of his head, a little embarrassed now.
"…I had good teachers."
Callie laughed.
"You better keep saying that."
She tossed the ball lightly at him.
He caught it.
Clean.
She nodded, satisfied.
"Yeah."
"You're definitely ready."
Cammy tilted her head.
"…For the game."
Callie pointed at him again.
"We're coming."
Axiom blinked.
"…What?"
"To your game."
She smirked.
"You think we're missing that?"
Cammy nodded.
"We'll be there."
Callie added with a grin:
"We're your friends now."
Cammy smiled warmly.
"…Yeah."
"For real."
Callie extended her hand out to him.
"From now on—"
Axiom looked at her hand.
Then at Cammy.
Then back at her.
He smiled.
And shook it.
"Yeah."
Callie tightened the grip slightly and grinned.
"Don't lose, captain."
Cammy added softly:
"We'll be watching."
Axiom looked at both of them.
For the first time since everything started—
It didn't feel confusing.
It felt…
Clear.
"…I won't."
Callie stretched her arms over her head and let out a long breath.
"…That was fun."
Cammy nodded, still smiling.
"Yeah…"
Callie looked at Axiom again, tilting her head slightly.
"…You busy?"
Axiom blinked.
"…Not really."
She smirked.
"Good."
Cammy stepped a little closer.
"Do you… wanna hang out a bit more?"
Axiom smiled.
"Yeah."
Callie pointed toward the hallway.
"Give us a few minutes."
"We're gonna change."
Axiom nodded.
"I'll wait."
They both headed toward the locker rooms, their footsteps fading as the doors closed behind them.
The gym grew quiet again.
Axiom leaned back against the wall near the entrance, arms loosely crossed, letting everything settle.
The match.
The training.
The feeling of his Dama evolving.
Callie and Cammy's movements.
Their instincts.
He exhaled slowly.
"…This is getting crazy…"
Three minutes passed.
Then the locker room doors opened.
Axiom glanced up—
…and paused.
Callie and Cammy stepped out.
Their hair was slightly damp, like they had taken a quick shower.
Loose strands falling naturally around their faces.
They had changed into simple clothes.
T-shirts.
Yoga pants.
Comfortable.
But—
It fit them perfectly.
Their athletic builds showed effortlessly, not in a flashy way, just… natural.
Callie walked forward casually, tying her hair back again.
Cammy followed beside her, a little more reserved but just as relaxed.
Axiom blinked once.
Then looked away for a second.
"…That was fast."
Callie smirked.
"You're staring."
Axiom coughed lightly.
"I wasn't—"
Cammy giggled softly.
"You were."
He shook his head, smiling a little.
"…You two look… different."
Callie laughed.
"Better?"
Axiom smirked.
"…Debatable."
She nudged his arm lightly.
"Careful, captain."
Then she suddenly snapped her fingers.
"Oh— wait."
She pointed back toward the gym.
"I gotta lock the equipment room and return the balls."
She looked at Axiom.
"Can you stay with Cammy for a minute?"
The way she said it—
It wasn't casual.
It wasn't just "watch her."
It was trust.
Real trust.
Axiom noticed immediately.
He straightened slightly.
"…Yeah."
Then he said it without hesitation.
"I'll protect her with my life."
For a second—
Callie blinked.
Then smiled.
Not teasing.
Not joking.
Just… genuine.
"…I know you will."
Cammy looked up at him, her hand gently wrapping around his arm.
"I'll be fine."
Her grip was light.
Comfortable.
Like she already trusted him too.
Callie nodded once.
"Be right back."
She turned and jogged back toward the gym.
The doors swung open—
Then closed behind her.
Now it was just Axiom and Cammy.
Standing in the quiet hallway.
Cammy still lightly holding onto his arm.
She looked up at him with a small smile.
"…You really meant that, didn't you?"
Axiom glanced down at her.
"…Yeah."
She smiled a little more.
"…You're kind of intense."
He laughed quietly.
"…I've been told that too."
She leaned just slightly closer, still holding his arm.
"…I don't mind it."
The hallway was quiet.
Axiom leaned lightly against the wall, and Cammy was still holding onto his arm, a little closer now, more comfortable.
"…So," he said, glancing down at her,"you've been playing that long?"
She nodded.
"Since I was little."
Her voice was soft, but now it carried more ease than before.
"At first I wasn't that good."
He raised an eyebrow.
"Really?"
She smiled a little.
"I was slower."
"I used to watch Callie and try to copy her."
Axiom chuckled.
"…Sounds familiar."
She looked at him, tilting her head.
"You really just started today?"
"Yeah."
She blinked.
"…That's still hard to believe."
He shrugged.
"I had good teachers."
She smiled again.
Then after a small pause, she added quietly:
"…Callie saved me, you know."
Axiom looked at her.
"How?"
She looked down slightly.
"I used to be really shy."
"…Like really shy."
"I didn't talk to anyone."
Her grip on his arm tightened just a little.
"But she didn't care."
"She just… stayed."
Axiom listened quietly.
"She made me play."
"She made me run."
"She made me talk."
A small smile formed.
"…She never left."
Axiom nodded slowly.
"…Yeah. That sounds like her."
Cammy laughed softly.
"It does."
Then—
Footsteps.
Heavy.
Familiar.
Axiom's eyes shifted slightly.
Down the hallway.
Jonathan.
And his group.
Walking past again.
Axiom didn't react.
He just kept standing there.
But—
Cammy did.
Her body tensed slightly.
Her grip on his arm tightened.
Just a little.
But Axiom felt it.
He looked down at her.
Then gently—
He lifted his hand and placed it on her head.
A soft, reassuring pat.
"…It's okay."
His voice calm.
Steady.
"I've got you."
Cammy froze for a second.
Then slowly relaxed.
Her shoulders eased.
"…Okay…"
Jonathan stopped a few feet away.
He looked at them.
His eyes locked onto Axiom.
Then Cammy.
Then back to Axiom.
"…You think you're funny?"
Axiom didn't answer.
Jonathan stepped closer.
"You embarrassed me back there."
Callie wasn't here.
No audience.
No game.
Just hallway tension.
One of the guys behind him muttered:
"…Let's just go—"
Jonathan didn't move.
"You think that's over?"
Cammy's grip tightened again.
Axiom didn't look at Jonathan.
He just spoke quietly.
"…Leave."
Jonathan scoffed.
"Or what?"
Axiom exhaled slowly.
Then—
His Dama moved.
Not explosive.
Not visible.
Just… pressure.
Cold.
Heavy.
Focused.
He didn't release it wildly.
He directed it.
Straight at Jonathan.
And the others behind him.
At the same time—
He stepped forward slightly.
Just one step.
But the air changed.
"Back off."
His voice wasn't loud.
But it carried.
The pressure behind it amplified the words.
Jonathan froze.
His body reacted before his mind did.
His chest tightened.
His breathing hitched.
Something felt… wrong.
Danger.
Real danger.
The guys behind him felt it too.
"…Yo…"
"…What is that…"
Cammy looked up at Axiom slightly, feeling it too—
But different.
Not fear.
Just strength.
Jonathan took a step back without realizing it.
"…You…"
His voice wasn't as confident anymore.
Axiom didn't move.
Didn't raise his voice.
Didn't show anger.
Just stood there.
Calm.
Unshaken.
Watching.
Jonathan swallowed.
"…Let's go."
One of the guys didn't even hesitate.
"Yeah— yeah, let's go."
They turned.
Fast.
Walked away.
Not running.
But definitely not staying.
Jonathan didn't look back.
The hallway went quiet again.
The pressure faded.
Axiom let out a slow breath.
Cammy looked up at him, eyes wide.
"…What… was that…?"
Axiom smiled faintly.
"…Nothing."
She stared at him for a second longer.
Then smiled softly.
"…That didn't feel like nothing…"
She leaned a little closer to him again.
"…But I liked it."
The hallway settled back into silence.
No footsteps.
No tension.
Just the faint hum of the building again.
Axiom looked down at Cammy.
She was still holding his arm, a little closer now than before.
Not out of fear anymore.
Just… comfort.
He hesitated for a second.
Then gently—
He pulled her into a hug.
Cammy blinked in surprise for a brief moment…
Then relaxed into it.
Her arms lightly wrapped around him.
It wasn't rushed.
It wasn't awkward.
Just quiet.
Steady.
Axiom spoke softly.
"…One day…"
A small pause.
"…you and Callie will understand what I just did."
Cammy tilted her head slightly against him, listening.
"…But I can't tell you right now."
He exhaled quietly.
"I'm not qualified to teach it yet."
She didn't pull away.
Didn't question him.
Didn't push.
She just nodded gently against his chest.
"…Okay."
A small pause.
Then she smiled.
"I trust you."
She pulled back slightly, looking up at him, that same soft expression in her eyes.
"😊"
Axiom smiled back.
"…Thanks."
At that moment—
The gym doors opened again.
Callie stepped out, tossing a key in the air and catching it.
"All done—"
She stopped mid-step.
Looked at them.
Raised an eyebrow.
"…Wow."
Axiom stepped back slightly.
Cammy didn't look embarrassed.
If anything, she just smiled.
Callie smirked.
"That was fast."
Axiom scratched the back of his head.
"…It's not like that."
Callie laughed.
"Relax, captain."
She walked over, hands in her pockets.
"I'm not complaining."
She looked between the two of them, then shook her head slightly with a grin.
"…You two got comfortable quick."
Cammy nodded happily.
"He's nice."
Callie smirked at Axiom.
"…Yeah."
"I can see that."
She stretched her arms again.
"Alright."
She pointed toward the exit.
"Let's go."
Axiom looked at both of them.
Callie.
Confident. Sharp.
Cammy.
Soft. Warm.
And for the first time in a while—
Everything felt… balanced.
"…Yeah."
He smiled.
"Let's go."
The three of them walked back through the school halls together.
Callie grabbed her bag from her locker, slinging it over one shoulder like it weighed nothing.
Cammy opened hers more carefully, pulling out a small pouch and slipping it into her backpack before closing it.
Axiom leaned against the lockers for a second, watching them.
"…You two are really organized."
Callie snorted.
"She is."
Cammy smiled shyly.
"I like knowing where my stuff is…"
Callie shut her locker with a light bang.
"I just throw things in and hope for the best."
"That explains a lot," Axiom said.
Cammy laughed softly.
Callie gave him a look.
"…Careful, captain."
He smirked.
"Just making observations."
Callie rolled her eyes, but she was smiling.
"Yeah, yeah."
They headed toward the office.
Callie walked in briefly, tossing the storage key onto the counter.
"Equipment room's locked."
The staff member nodded.
"Thanks, Callie."
"No problem."
She walked back out like it was nothing.
Then the three of them stepped outside the school together.
Fresh air.
Afternoon light.
The tension from earlier was completely gone now.
They started walking down the street, side by side.
A small mall was only a few blocks away.
Cammy walked in the middle.
Callie on one side.
Axiom on the other.
Axiom kept his Dama controlled the entire time.
Veil.
Low.
Hidden.
No pressure leaking.
No presence.
Just… normal.
Or at least, as normal as he could manage now.
Callie glanced at him.
"You're quiet."
He shrugged.
"Thinking."
Cammy looked up at him.
"About the game?"
"Partly."
Callie smirked.
"You nervous?"
Axiom shook his head.
"…Not really."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Confident, huh?"
He looked at her.
"You're coming to watch, right?"
She grinned.
"Of course."
Cammy nodded.
"We said we would."
Axiom smiled slightly.
"Then I can't lose."
Callie laughed.
"Oh wow."
"Now that's pressure."
Cammy giggled.
"What if we don't come?"
Axiom looked straight ahead, serious face.
"Then I might lose on purpose."
Callie burst out laughing.
"Yeah right!"
Cammy covered her mouth, laughing too.
"You're joking…"
Axiom kept a straight face.
"…Maybe."
Callie nudged his shoulder.
"Liar."
They kept walking.
A few moments later, they passed by a small food stand.
Callie stopped instantly.
"…Hold on."
She pointed.
"I'm getting something."
Cammy smiled.
"I knew it."
Axiom looked at her.
"You always stop for food?"
Cammy nodded.
"Every time."
Callie turned around.
"Hey, I train hard."
"I need fuel."
Axiom smirked.
"Is that what we're calling it?"
Callie pointed at him.
"Watch it."
He raised his hands.
"Alright, alright."
She walked up to the stand, ordering something quickly.
Cammy leaned slightly toward Axiom.
"She eats a lot…"
He nodded.
"I can tell."
Callie turned back mid-order.
"I heard that!"
Cammy laughed.
Axiom just smiled.
A few minutes later, they kept walking again, Callie eating casually like nothing happened.
Cammy looked at Axiom again.
"You're actually really funny."
He blinked.
"…I am?"
Callie nodded.
"Yeah."
"But you don't try."
"That's the annoying part."
Axiom smirked.
"…I'll take that as a compliment."
Callie rolled her eyes, but she was still smiling.
They reached the mall entrance.
Glass doors sliding open.
People moving in and out.
Lights.
Voices.
Energy.
Callie stretched her arms again.
"Alright."
"What are we doing first?"
Cammy looked at Axiom.
"You pick."
Axiom paused for a second.
Then smiled.
"…Food."
Callie pointed at him instantly.
"See? I like him."
Cammy laughed softly.
"…Same."
The three of them walked inside together.
And for once—
It wasn't about training.
Or fighting.
Or Dama.
Just three people…
Hanging out.
The mall was lively, voices echoing softly, people moving in every direction.
Callie was already looking around for food again.
"…There's a lot here."
Cammy smiled.
"There always is."
Axiom glanced around, then nodded toward the far end.
"Come on."
They followed him.
Past fast food.
Past dessert stands.
Past crowded spots—
Until they reached a quieter corner.
A Chinese restaurant.
Warm lighting.
Soft music.
The smell hit instantly.
Savory.
Rich.
Comforting.
Callie stopped mid-step.
"…Oh."
Cammy's eyes lit up.
"That smells so good…"
Axiom smirked.
"Yeah."
"We're eating here."
Callie looked at him like he had just made the best decision of the day.
"…You're serious?"
He nodded.
"Yeah."
They walked in and sat down at a booth.
Menus were placed in front of them.
Callie opened hers immediately.
Cammy followed, a little more calmly.
Axiom leaned back slightly.
"Before I order…"
He looked at both of them.
"Any allergies?"
They both shook their heads.
"Nope."
"All good."
Axiom nodded.
"Perfect."
He didn't even look at the menu again.
The waiter came over.
"What can I get for you?"
Axiom started ordering like he'd been there before.
"Sweet and sour chicken."
"Beef and broccoli."
"Chicken fried rice."
"Shrimp lo mein."
"Spring rolls."
"Dumplings."
"And… orange chicken."
The waiter paused.
"…Anything else?"
Axiom shook his head.
"That's it."
"…For now."
Callie slowly lowered her menu.
"…For now?"
Cammy blinked.
"…That's a lot of food…"
Axiom shrugged.
"We trained."
"You're hungry."
Callie stared at him for a second.
Then—
Her expression softened.
"…You're paying?"
He nodded.
"Yeah."
"…All of it?"
"Yeah."
There was a brief pause.
Then Callie leaned back in her seat, arms crossed, but smiling.
"…You're dangerous."
Axiom raised an eyebrow.
"How?"
She pointed at him.
"Food."
"That's how you get me."
Cammy giggled.
"It's true…"
Callie nodded seriously.
"You feed me like this?"
She tapped the table.
"I might actually like you."
Axiom smirked.
"…Might?"
She rolled her eyes.
"Don't push it."
But she was smiling the whole time.
The food came out one dish at a time.
Steam rising.
Sauce glistening.
The table quickly filled up.
Callie's eyes lit up instantly.
"…Oh wow."
Cammy smiled warmly.
"This looks amazing…"
Axiom slid the plates toward them.
"Eat."
Callie didn't hesitate.
She grabbed her chopsticks and went straight for the food.
"This is so good—"
Cammy laughed softly and followed.
Axiom watched them for a second.
Callie eating like she hadn't eaten all day.
Cammy eating neatly but just as happily.
He smiled slightly.
Callie paused mid-bite and looked at him.
"…What?"
He shook his head.
"Nothing."
She narrowed her eyes slightly.
"You're staring again."
He smirked.
"…Maybe."
She huffed lightly, but didn't stop smiling.
"…Idiot."
Cammy laughed softly beside them.
And just like that—
Between laughter, food, and small conversations—
The distance between them got smaller.
Much smaller.