Chapter 30: The Slap That Wasn’t Just About Jealousy

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The taekwondo academy buzzed with energy — white uniforms in motion, laughter echoing in the halls, and a sense of calm that Ken had built with discipline and care.

He stood at the front entrance, laughing.

Next to him was Yuki, the man from the café — tall, charismatic, and animated in the way he waved his hands while talking.

Students came and went, bowing politely to Ken.

To an outsider, it looked like Ken was doing just fine.

Happy. Secure. Maybe even in love.

And that was the moment Arashi arrived — black coat flying behind him, helmet under his arm, eyes locked on the man beside Ken like a laser preparing to incinerate.

Ken looked up, startled.

"…Arashi?"

Arashi's jaw was tight. "So this is what you've been up to?"

Ken blinked, confused. "What?"

Arashi walked right up to Yuki. "You've got flowers now? Laughing like he belongs to you?"

"Excuse me?" Yuki stepped back.

Ken stepped between them. "Arashi. Stop it. Now."

Arashi's voice dropped. "I saw you. That day. At the café. You smiled at him like I never existed."

Ken's face hardened. "That's none of your business."

Arashi's breath caught. "None of my—? Ken, I—"

"You what? You didn't call. You didn't visit. You didn't explain why you were suddenly going on dates with some girl."

Arashi opened his mouth, stunned.

Ken wasn't finished.

"I waited, Arashi. For months. I waited in case you'd show up with your stupid smirk and say something arrogant like, 'I missed you.' But you didn't. You vanished. So don't come here acting like I cheated on you."

"I was trying to protect you—"

"From what?" Ken's voice trembled. "From loving you?"

Silence.

Then, in a blink, Arashi grabbed his arm — firm but not painful.

"I do love you, Ken."

Ken stared at him, eyes wide. "Then why didn't you fight for me?"

A pause. Arashi looked down.

And that was what shattered something inside Ken.

With trembling hands, Ken raised his palm—

Smack.

The sound rang louder than any student's yell.

Arashi's head jerked to the side.

Everyone nearby froze.

Even Yuki stepped back, silent now.

Ken's voice cracked. "I needed you, Arashi."

He stepped away, tears shining in his eyes. "But all I got was silence."

He turned and walked back inside the academy.

Arashi stood still, cheek burning, heart heavier than ever.

This wasn't just a misunderstanding.

It was years of resentment… finally speaking.

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