Clash of Titans

Wei wiped the dust off his uniform. Across from him, Vasco rolled his shoulders, still grinning like this was the best day of his life.

"You're strong," Vasco said, eyes burning with excitement. "Not just fast, but smart too. I like that!"

Wei exhaled. Vasco was way tougher than expected. His raw power was ridiculous, but what made him truly dangerous wasn't just his strength it was his will.

Most people would hesitate. Vasco never did.

If Wei wanted to win, he couldn't just dodge and counter. He had to break through.

Time to get serious.

The Final Exchange

Vasco raised his fists. "One more round!"

Wei nodded. "Fine."

The moment the words left his mouth, Vasco exploded forward.

A straight punch fast, like a bullet.

Wei twisted, letting it graze past his cheek but he didn't retreat.

Instead, he stepped in.

Close-range. His territory.

A sharp elbow strike Muay Thai.

It slammed into Vasco's ribs.

For the first time, Vasco flinched.

But he didn't stop.

Vasco swung a knee.

Wei blocked it with both arms the force sent him sliding back.

Before Vasco could press forward, Wei lashed out a boxer's cross, perfectly aimed at Vasco's jaw.

CRACK!

Vasco's head snapped to the side.

Silence.

Then he smiled.

"Damn," Vasco muttered, rolling his jaw. "That actually hurt."

Wei didn't react. He just exhaled. "You're tough."

Vasco let out a breath then grinned. "Alright. I'll let you off the hook… for today!"

Just like that, he dropped his stance.

The fight was over.

Respect Earned

Wei stared at Vasco, unsure what to make of him.

This wasn't just some reckless musclehead. Vasco fought with his heart.

"Hey," Vasco said suddenly. "You should join my crew!"

Wei raised an eyebrow. "Crew?"

Vasco beamed. "Yeah! We fight for justice! No bullies, no punks just helping people out!"

Wei stared at him. He had met all kinds of fighters merciless, selfish, violent. Vasco was something different.

A fighter who fought not for himself, but for others.

Wei smirked. "I'll think about it."

Vasco grinned. "Alright! But next time, I'm winning for sure!"

Wei turned to leave. "We'll see."

As he walked away, he heard Vasco laughing behind him.

For the first time since coming to J High…

Wei felt like he had met someone worth respecting.

Wei barely made it back into the hallways before the whispers started again.

"Did you see them fight?"

"I thought only Daniel Park could go against Vasco!"

"That new guy… he's crazy strong."

Wei ignored them, walking toward his next class.

Then a voice.

"Yo."

Wei turned.

A guy with slicked-back hair, sunglasses, and an arrogant smirk leaned against the lockers.

Vin Jin.

"Not bad," Vin said, pushing his shades up. "Didn't think you'd last against Vasco."

Wei didn't respond.

Vin clicked his tongue. "You're making a lot of noise for a new guy. You sure you know what you're doing?"

Wei's gaze didn't waver. "Do you?"

For a moment, Vin's smirk twitched just slightly.

Then, he chuckled. "Tch. Whatever, man. You'll learn soon enough."

He turned and walked off, hands in his pockets.

Wei watched him go, his mind already elsewhere.

This school had too many interesting people.

And he hadn't even met Daniel Park yet.