Empathetic Mari

Haruto sat in the quiet school library, the warm afternoon sun spilling through the windows, casting soft golden hues over the wooden shelves.

Outside, momiji leaves fluttered to the ground, painting the scenery in rich reds and oranges.

He absentmindedly turned a page in the fairytale book Ayaka had given him, though his mind drifted elsewhere.

Lately, he had been keeping close to her, making sure Ren didn't pull something stupid before their scheduled fight. 

He recalled the conversation with Daiki when he first mentioned facing Ren in the underground ring.

"Finally, something fun's happening since that wimp died," Daiki smirked, glancing at Haruto. "What was his name again? Ah, yeah… Kota."

Daiki turned back to Ren, eyes gleaming with amusement. "So you finally grew a spine, huh?"

Ren, standing nearby with a bandage still taped across his nose, had clenched his fists, his face twisted in anger.