Invisible Punches

I stood there for a few more seconds, still processing what had just happened, until the bell rang.

I mumbled under my breath:

— Did she hear me making that dumb speech?

— Pretty sure she did...

A sudden voice behind me made me whip around.

— But I gotta say, you looked kinda cool saying it.

It was that guy again. The one who'd been cornered by those seniors earlier.

— Damn, man! You scared the hell out of me... You're still here?

He was still getting up off the ground.

— Of course. I couldn't leave without thanking you. Really, thank you.

Weird. That was probably the first time anyone had ever thanked me for anything at this school.

— Tch... it wasn't a big deal. Just don't get into more trouble.

I turned and started walking back to class, but noticed he was following me from a distance.

So I ducked into a random classroom on purpose. And just as I suspected, he ran right into me.

—What is it? Why are you following me?

He finally stopped and looked me in the eye.

—It's just... I wanted to know your real name.

Real name?

— What do you mean by "real name"?

— You're not actually called Gozu, right?

My face burned. A scowl twisted my expression as I grabbed him by the collar and snapped:

— You idiot. Who told you my name was Gozu?

— W-Wait! I'm sorry! It's just... that's what people call you when you walk down the halls...

I let go of him.

Maybe I overreacted. He didn't seem like the kind of guy who'd insult me on purpose.

—My name is Ryosuke Miura.

He gave a polite little bow and said:

—Nice to meet you, Ryosuke Miura. I'm Yuji Endou. A pleasure!

What a weird kid.

—Sure… pleasure's mine. Now if you'll excuse me, I'd rather not be late again. See you around.

He finally stopped following me, and I managed to make it back to class.

And so the lesson started again, but the only thing I was actually focused on... was the clock. Every tick felt like a punch to my already exhausted brain.

Eventually, the torture came to an end with the lunch bell. I got up slowly and headed for the cafeteria, one of the few decent things about this school.

The usual cliques filled the tables, tight-knit and easy to spot. It was like a scene out of a high school movie: the jocks, the popular kids, the nerds… and then, off to the side, me.

Me and my usual little table. A bit secluded, but also away from the chaos. Definitely one of my favorite spots at Keika.

Of course, no one ever sat there. Just me.

I grabbed my chopsticks and started eating peacefully, until a shadow loomed over the table.

I looked up.

It was him again. Yuji Endou.

— Are you eating here? Mind if I—

— I've got a full tray in front of me and

chopsticks in hand. What do you think?

— Hmm... so that's a no?

I sighed.

— Do whatever you want.

He sat down. No hesitation. Again.

— There are too many people inside. I hate noisy places.

— So you chose to sit with the loudest guy in the whole school? — I muttered without looking up.

He chuckled, but didn't say anything right away. Just started eating in silence.

Truth be told, I didn't really mind having someone like him there. I couldn't even remember the last time I had lunch with anyone.

Several minutes passed. Still no word from him. And that was starting to annoy me.

Ah, screw it.

I decided to break the silence:

— So… earlier today, what did you do to piss those jerks off?

As soon as I asked, his expression changed.

— Oh… the seniors? They're always messing with me, honestly. No real reason. I guess they just don't like that I'm on a scholarship.

— Really? Then why not beat the crap out of them? I bet they'd never mess with you

again. But you'd have to make it a good one!

— As if I could. If it weren't for you and the president, I wouldn't have gotten out of that situation at all…

I noticed how his grip on his chopsticks tightened. That look in his eyes — that was helplessness. I'd seen it before.

Yuji mumbled, eyes low:

— If only I could…

— Are you stupid?

He choked a little.

— What? What do you mean, stupid?

— Exactly what I said. You hate being treated like you're weak, but all you do is act like a victim?

He blinked wide-eyed, clearly taking in every word.

— If the president hadn't shown up, I was about to teach you how to handle guys like that... the good old Rocky Balboa way.

And in that moment... something rare happened.

As I talked, I started getting fired up without realizing it. My voice got louder. My fists

moved, throwing invisible punches in the air — as if I were showing Yuji the proper way to throw one.

For a moment, I forgot all about trying to act indifferent.

That shadow in my eyes... vanished, even if just briefly.

Yuji laughed. A light, genuine laugh.

When I saw him laugh like that, I realized what I'd done.

Maybe I smiled too. Just a small twitch at the corner of my lips, not enough for anyone to notice, but it was there.

It had been a while since I felt this. Talking to someone. Listening. Laughing for real.

Maybe… not everyone here is so unbearable after all.

Without noticing, time flew by as we talked. Before we knew it, it was time to head back to class.

I stood up.

— Can I walk with you? — Yuji asked, a bit hesitant.

I just nodded.

And just like that, for the first time since I entered Keika... I didn't walk back alone.

—

***

Later that day, elsewhere in the school, Ayumi made her way to the student council room.

— President, — her secretary called out as she entered. — I did as you asked. Here's what I found on Ryosuke Miura.

Ayumi took the papers and began reading through them.

— Thanks, as always, Kaede-san. You can go now. I'll head out once I'm done here.

— Understood, President. I'll leave you to it.

The secretary bowed and exited.

Now let's see why you're so interesting, Ryosuke Miura...

She sat at her desk, expression calm, but there was something different in her eyes. Something that said her interest in Ryo was only beginning…

Ex-boxer, huh?

—

Meanwhile, Ryo was walking home.

His phone buzzed.

It was a message from his mom:

"Hey sweetheart, I'll be working late today. Grab something tasty from the store, okay? But don't get used to the easy life! Love you."

He read it and sighed lightly.

After picking up some food from a nearby convenience store, he finally made it home.

The place was quiet. The only sound was the front door closing, followed by his heavy footsteps echoing down the hallway. When he entered his room, the contrast was jarring: walls covered in medals, trophies, and certificates from old competitions. Boxing gloves hanging, fight posters, a framed photo of him and his dad beside the bed.

He didn't look at any of it.

Just dropped his backpack, collapsed onto the bed, and stared at the ceiling.

What a day…

Random flashes came in no order: the director's threat, Ayumi staring at him, Yuji following him… and that gentle tap on the head.

Ryo took a deep breath.

What even was that, anyway…?

Of all the things that happened today, that one…

That one stuck with him the most.

But soon, he remembered the director's words. As much as he hated it, he knew he had to do better on the final exams, or he'd be kicked out.

He started wondering who his tutor would be. And if that person could actually help him.

What he didn't know yet…

Was that his peace was about to interrupted by the last person he wanted to deal with.

***

Man, I just hope it's someone who actually knows what they're doing.