[Never thought you'd get this far, Kazushige, just to impress Kurogane? Tch.] The voice was laced with envy, a bitter edge cutting through the air.

Kazushige laughed, a mocking sound that echoed through the phone. "What do you think I'm doing this for? I love the spotlight, especially when it should be yours. Consider this a bonus, my dear."

The voice on the other end fell silent, and Kazushige savored the momentary upper hand. But before he could gloat further, the voice returned, sharp as a blade. [“Is that so? Well, good luck with that, Kazushige. Because the only thing that's going to be stuck under anyone's skin for any substantial amount of time is your arrogance.”]

Kazushige burst out laughing, his satisfaction evident. "Oh, how the tables have turned! Who would have guessed your arrogance would lead you to this?" He chuckled. "Here I am, cool and unscathed, while you're bound up like a mummy. How does it feel? Pretty miserable, eh, little punk?"

He ended the call with a smirk, a glint of triumph in his eye.

Kazushige managed to had the school's records in his hands, a particular name catching his eye. He'd managed to obtain the student's information, including his full name, address and every valuable information he needed. it was a senior high school student whom he was looking for, He was known for his exceptional running abilities running at approximately 54 km, Kazushige was baffled and confused at the same time but all the students and teachers who reported the sightings of seeing him running at such a tremendous speed that resembles a motorcycle on a race track, Kazushige couldn't help but be impressed himself. 

 

Arriving at the hospital, Kazushige spotted a man storming out, visibly angry. He recognized him instantly.

 

Following the man, Kazushige was about to continue his pursuit when a girl rushed towards him. It was the girl who had been chasing him earlier. Kazushige couldn't help but chuckle. Her dedication was amusing. He smirked.

 

Meanwhile, Kazuki retreated to the back of the hospital, seeking a moment of peace. "Fucktard!" he muttered under his breath. "Always thinks he can get everything he wants!"

 

How could his mother, the woman he loved dearly, do this to him? He'd dedicated his life to her, never leaving her side. And this? He'd rather be dead than stay with that bastard of a father who had abandoned them.

 

"Say everything you want, but I'm not sticking my butt with an old hag and his damned family!" He attempted to compose himself, one hand against the wall, the other on his hip, head bowed. He gasped for breath.

 

Suddenly, a fist slammed into his head, a searing pain that made him cry out.

 

"AHHHHHHHHH!"

 

His eyes widened in shock as another fist connected with his face.

 

"WHAT THE FUCK!?" He glanced behind him, only to be met with another blow to his stomach. He managed to endure the impact, surprised by the brutal force of the attack. What the hell!?

 

"Sorry won't fix anything!" A woman's voice cut through the air.

 

He raised his gaze to meet hers, her expression furious. Time seemed to stand still as he struggled to make sense of the situation. Anger welled up within him, urging him to strike back. But all he could do was stare, lost in the turmoil of his conflicting emotions.

 

"What was that supposed to mean? It wasn't a sorry! Are you kidding me!?" She replied angrily.

 

He remained silent, his gaze fixed on her, consumed by a sense of unease. Why did his heart ache so intensely? Did this girl have a profound impact on everyone she encountered? Or was it something else?

 

Earlier, he'd caught a brief glimpse of her when he glanced back, but couldn't feel the same unease and uncertainty he felt, he just straight up apologize and running. 

 

"HEY! are you listening!? Are you deaf!? Do I have to......"

 

He was lost in the whirlwind of his own emotions, unable to pinpoint the source of this unfamiliar feeling. It wasn't love, no, but something else entirely. A prickling sensation that demanded his attention, it had to do something with her. Yet, who was she? What was this strange pull he felt? He was lost in confusion and frustration, desperately trying to make sense of it all. He'd never felt this feeling before.

 

She was about to tap his shoulder, a gentle touch meant to bring him back to the present, when a strong hand clamped down on her wrist. The sudden intrusion jolted them both, their gazes snapping towards the source of the interruption.

 

"Get your filthy hands off him." The man's voice was a chilling whisper, a low growl that sent a shiver down her spine. He glared down at her, his eyes hard and unforgiving. She froze, her eyes widening slightly, staring at the man in front of him. He frowned, putting himself between them, pissed.

 

"Let her go, who are you!?"

 

The man stumbled back and released the girl but managed to regain balance. "I came here to talk to you." He uttered, in a chilling voice.

 

"What?"

 

"I am here to talk to you....Kazuki Kanashiro."

 

She took a step back, her gaze dropping to the ground. Her expressions remained a puzzle, a mystery wrapped in stoicism. It was impossible to discern sadness from anger, joy from despair on her expression.

 

The possibility of being close to him was enough to make her freeze, her unease hidden as she eavesdropped on their conversation from a nearby wall. 

She sighed as she bit her lip and clenched her fist, looking down at the ground.