The brawl

The sun hung high over Bangkok, casting its warm glow over the bustling city. Tayo stood with her classmates in front of the National Museum, listening as their teacher explained the rules for their outing. She kept her expression neutral, her hands tucked into her jacket pockets.

This wasn't her kind of activity, but at least it was better than sitting through another class with Niran and his cronies. She cast a quick glance at him, standing near the back of the group with his usual smug grin. His presence grated on her nerves, but she tuned him out as the teacher wrapped up her instructions.

"Remember, stay with your assigned groups," the teacher said firmly. "And no wandering off."

Tayo's group was a mix of students, including Kanya, who lingered close to her side, and Sukhum, who was already making jokes to ease the tension. They filed into the museum, the cool air inside a welcome contrast to the heat outside.

Tayo's eyes scanned the exhibits as they walked, her interest piqued by the intricate sculptures and artifacts. She found herself slowing her pace, her focus drawn to a particularly detailed display of ancient Thai weaponry.

"You like this stuff, huh?" Sukhum's voice broke her concentration. He grinned at her, leaning casually against the glass case.

"It's interesting," she replied simply.

"Bet you're imagining how you'd use those in a fight," he teased, earning a rare smirk from her.

"Maybe," she said, her tone light.

As they moved through the exhibits, a familiar figure caught Tayo's attention. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized Scarlet, her opponent from a recent underground fight. The tall, athletic woman stood with a small group near an exhibit of traditional Thai textiles, her striking features unmistakable.

Tayo quickly averted her gaze, tugging her hood slightly lower over her face. Scarlet didn't know her outside the ring, and she intended to keep it that way.

Kanya noticed her sudden shift in demeanor. "Are you okay?" she asked softly.

"I'm fine," Tayo replied, her tone clipped. She steered Kanya away from Scarlet's group, her mind racing.

Scarlet didn't seem to notice her, too engrossed in a conversation with her friends. But the tension in Tayo's shoulders didn't ease until they were several exhibits away.

---

The outing was going smoothly until they reached the museum's courtyard. Kanya had wandered a few steps away from the group to take pictures of a vibrant flower arrangement.

That's when Niran approached her.

"Hey, Kanya," he said, his tone overly friendly. "Taking pictures for your social media? Let me guess, a hundred likes in an hour?"

Kanya shifted uncomfortably, clutching her phone. "Just leave me alone, Niran."

"Oh, come on," he said, leaning in closer. "Why so shy? A pretty girl like you should be used to attention."

Tayo, standing nearby, caught the exchange. Her jaw tightened as she watched Kanya's unease grow. She stepped closer, her voice sharp.

"She said leave her alone."

Niran turned to face her, a smirk spreading across his lips. "What's this? Knight in shining armor?"

Tayo crossed her arms, her glare unwavering. "No. Just someone who's tired of seeing you harass people who clearly want nothing to do with you."

The laughter from Niran's friends spurred him on. "Careful, Tayo. You keep sticking your nose where it doesn't belong, and you might get hurt."

Tayo's eyes narrowed. "Try me."

The shift in the air was immediate, charged with unspoken tension. Niran's grin twisted into something darker, and before anyone could react, his fist flew.

---

Tayo twisted to avoid the punch, her body reacting on instinct. Her foot shot out in a swift teep kick to his midsection, forcing him back a step. Niran recovered quickly, launching a roundhouse kick aimed at her side. Tayo blocked, the impact rattling up her arm.

The fight erupted in a flurry of movement.

Niran's strikes were heavy and aggressive, each one fueled by raw anger. Tayo countered with precision, her defenses sharp and unyielding. A low kick from Niran connected with her thigh, but she absorbed the blow and retaliated with a knee to his ribs.

He snarled, his frustration growing as Tayo evaded his attacks with fluid grace. A sweeping elbow came dangerously close to her face, but she ducked under it, driving her own elbow into his shoulder.

Their movements were a stark contrast—Niran's wild, unrefined fury against Tayo's calculated efficiency. Each clash of limbs echoed in the courtyard, drawing the attention of their classmates.

Sukhum watched from the sidelines, his usual humor replaced by a rare seriousness. He stepped closer, his voice rising above the growing murmurs of the crowd.

"Hey, you two!" he called out, his tone firm. "The teacher's on her way! Unless you want detention, I'd stop now."

Tayo landed a final, devastating knee to Niran's midsection, sending him stumbling back. She didn't follow up, her chest heaving as she straightened and lowered her guard.

Niran glared at her, his pride bruised. "This isn't over," he spat, wiping his mouth.

"It is if you know what's good for you," Tayo shot back, her tone icy. She stepped closer, her voice dropping low. "Next time, pick on someone your own size—or better yet, grow up."

Niran muttered something under his breath before storming off, his friends trailing behind him.

Sukhum moved to Tayo's side, his usual grin returning. "Remind me to never get on your bad side."

Tayo's lips quirked upward, but she didn't reply.

Kanya approached her cautiously, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you."

Tayo's expression softened as she turned to her. "Let's stick together from now on."

As they rejoined the group, Scarlet lingered at the edge of the courtyard, her sharp eyes fixed on Tayo. She hadn't intervened or spoken, but the way Tayo moved—there was no mistaking it.

Scarlet's lips curled into a small smile.

Shade.