The Fire Within

May's eyes were filled with determination as she stood in front of Isagi, her hands clenched into fists. "You have to win, Isagi! You can't lose to Rin — not when he's using me as some kind of prize!"

Isagi blinked, a little surprised by her intensity. "May, you know I wouldn't let that happen—"

"I know," she interrupted, her voice softer now but still firm. "But knowing that isn't enough. I don't want you to just not lose — I want you to crush him!"

Her words lit a fire in Isagi's chest. He had seen this kind of passion from her before, but this was different. It wasn't just about pride — it was about trust. She was trusting him to fight for her.

"I will," he promised, his voice steady. "I won't let him win."

Over the next few days, the air between them grew more intense. They studied together for the mid-semester exams, but there was an unspoken urgency hanging over them. Every time their eyes met, May's silent encouragement pushed Isagi forward.

Late one evening, after hours of reviewing notes, May finally set her pen down and stretched. "We're getting better at this. You're a pretty good tutor, Isagi."

He smiled, feeling a small rush of warmth at the praise. "You're a fast learner."

She grinned, then her face turned serious again. "But remember — you're not just studying for exams. You're preparing for that challenge too."

"I haven't forgotten," he said. And he hadn't. Every spare moment, he ran through possible scenarios, trying to figure out how Rin would test him and how he could counter it.

Finally, the day of the challenge arrived. As Isagi stood at the entrance of the school grounds, May walked up beside him.

"Good luck," she said softly. Then, more fiercely, "And don't you dare hold back!"

He nodded, feeling more ready than ever. The fire May had sparked inside him was burning brighter than ever. Whatever Rin had planned, Isagi was ready to face it head-on.