Chapter 7: The Iron Giant

Gen sat in class, struggling to keep his eyes open. His body still ached from the fight with Taehyung, and sleep was creeping up on him. Just as his head started to droop, a piece of chalk smacked him right in the forehead.

"Try not to fall asleep in my class, Gen," the teacher said sternly.

Gen sat up straight, rubbing his forehead. "Oh, sorry, Teach."

The class giggled, and he felt his face turn red. A few girls whispered amongst themselves.

"Omg, he's so cute when he's flustered!"

"Yes! Look how red he is!"

Luckily, the lunch bell rang, saving him from further embarrassment. He sighed in relief and gathered his things, mumbling, "Man, maybe this new look really isn't my thing."

As he stood up, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Wondering who it was, he turned around and almost stumbled out of his chair. His hand gripped the window ledge for support. Standing before him was none other than Keiko Yoshida.

Keiko Yoshida was everything he wasn't. She had light auburn-dyed hair, brown eyes, and a pretty face. She was the perfect student—kind, intelligent, and talented, competing nationally in flute competitions. She was also the class representative.

They had been best friends in elementary school, but when Gen hit middle school, he realized how much he had changed. He thought he was ugly and unworthy of being around her, so he distanced himself, not wanting to ruin her image. They hadn't spoken since—until now.

"What am I, a freak to you?" Keiko asked, crossing her arms.

Gen stammered. "Uh, no…"

She huffed, placing her hands on her hips. "Don't fall asleep like that again, mister, or we're gonna have trouble. I'm class rep, after all, and my class has to look good."

"Uh, yes…" Gen stammered again, feeling even more flustered.

Keiko raised an eyebrow. "Geez, Gen. For a masculine and handsome guy, I thought you'd speak a little more confidently."

A firm hand suddenly rested on Keiko's shoulder, making her flinch. Gen looked up and saw Isamu Yamamoto standing behind her.

Isamu Yamamoto was notorious. He grew up in poverty, forced to fend for himself. In school, he fought anyone who crossed him, knowing only survival. Eventually, he learned street fighting and then boxing, trained by a mentor who saw potential in him. He was able to earn the title "Iron Giant" as he was so large and could take any punch. However, during a sparring session, Isamu lost control and sent his partner to the emergency room. Disgusted by his actions, his mentor threw him out, calling him a disgrace. Isamu left, cursing his mentor's weakness. Now, he attended the same school as Gen, standing at a staggering height of 6'4.

Isamu smirked. "Hello, my bitch."

Gen immediately stood up, knocking his chair back. "What the fuck did you just say?"

Isamu grinned. "You heard me."

Gen grabbed Keiko's wrist and pulled her behind him. "You really think you can talk to her like that?"

"Oh? What's this?" Isamu tilted his head mockingly. "You're gonna take my girl from me? You think you can do that?"

"Yeah, I am. Call her that one more time, and I'll sock you in your fucking face."

Isamu's smile faded. His eyebrows furrowed. "What the f*ck did you just say to me?"

Keiko quickly stepped between them, placing a hand on Gen's chest. "Stop. Both of you. Gen, it's alright."

She turned to Isamu, but he grabbed her wrist roughly. "Let's go, my bitch."

Before he could drag her away, Gen grabbed Isamu's shoulder and yanked him back.

"Swift," Gen activated his ability in his mind as he launched a punch.

Just before it connected, the teacher walked in. Gen froze, his fist inches from Isamu's face. The tension in the air was thick.

Isamu scoffed. "You really were gonna do it."

He leaned in close and whispered, "I'm gonna fold your ass like a motherfucking omelet. Come down to my boxing gym. You know where it is."

As he walked away, he shoved Keiko aside. She stumbled into a desk, clutching her side in pain.

"Keiko!" Gen rushed to her, helping her up. "Are you alright?"

She nodded weakly. "I think so…"

Gen clenched his fists. "Who is that bastard? And why do you keep putting up with him?"

Tears welled in Keiko's eyes as she grabbed Gen's shirt, burying her face into his chest. Her body trembled.

"I'm scared… I'm so scared…" she whispered, repeating it like a broken record.

Gen's breath hitched. He had never seen her like this before.

"I have to do whatever he says, or else he'll beat me. He's not afraid of detention or expulsion. No one can stop him. I can't do anything…"

She sobbed into him, her fingers gripping his uniform tightly. Gen's jaw tightened as his anger boiled inside him. He had never hated anyone more than he hated Isamu in that moment.