The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the quiet streets. The air was cool, crisp—perfect for an evening walk.

That Random Girl strode along the sidewalk, lost in thought, her schoolbag hanging over one shoulder. The upcoming match against Sora weighed on her mind. It wasn’t just about the fight—it was about Kael.

She sighed. Victory is the only path forward.

Then—she turned a corner.

Collision.

"Ow—" she stumbled back slightly, regaining her footing just in time to see who she had walked into.

Standing before her, like a knight from a dream, was Kael Solaris.

His crimson eyes widened as he immediately reached out. "My apologies, fair maiden. Art thou unharmed?"

She almost blushed. Almost.

That Random Girl swiftly straightened her posture, her face a picture of calm elegance. "I’m fine. It was my fault as well."

Kael smiled—gentle, warm, sincere. "I see. Then we shall both share the blame."

She tucked a strand of black hair behind her ear, willing herself to stay composed. "Where are you headed?"

Kael gestured down the road. "To my place of duty. The convenience store."

She nodded. "Ah, I’m on my way to the public library."

Kael’s expression brightened. "A scholar and a warrior. Impressive. If thou dost not mind, shall we walk together until the next alley?"

Her heart nearly skipped a beat.

Still, she maintained her calm demeanor. "I don’t mind."

They walked side by side, their conversation flowing naturally. She was surprised at how easy it was to talk to him, how he listened, how his words felt both regal and kind.

Then—Kael spoke.

"It is only a week before thy challenge with Sora. I must admit, I am worried. A match between warriors always carries risk."

She glanced at him, surprised. "You need not worry, Kael. It’s just a sparring match. A friendly competition. Whoever wins… wins your heart."

Kael chuckled softly. "My heart, hmm? A bold prize." He turned to her, mischief glinting in his eyes. "So tell me—what if I win?"

That Random Girl blinked. "What?"

Kael’s smile deepened. "Would thou then grant me a chance to court thee?"

EXPLOSION. INTERNAL SYSTEM FAILURE.

For the first time, her calm, unshakable mask almost cracked.

She inhaled sharply. "You… would want that?"

Kael gazed at her warmly. "Who could resist a fair maiden such as thee?"

COMBUSTION IMMINENT.

Her heart pounded, but she forced herself to stay composed. With a smirk, she lifted her chin. "Then I suppose I must win."

Kael chuckled. "I look forward to it."

They reached the alley where their paths diverged. Kael gave a courteous bow. "Until we meet again, my lady."

She nodded. "Until then, Kael."

She turned and continued on her way, perfectly composed.

Then—she reached the library.

She picked a quiet, empty corner, clutched her hands to her face—

—AND COMPLETELY LOST IT.

That Random Girl (muffled scream into hands): "HE CALLED ME A FAIR MAIDEN! HE SAID I WAS CUTE! OH MY GOD, KAEL, YOU’RE TOO DREAMY!"

She practically vibrated with excitement.

The Rumor Spreads – CHAOS ENSUES

Unfortunately for her, they had been watched.

Somewhere, lurking in the shadows, a group of eavesdroppers had heard everything.

Eavesdropper #1: "DID YOU HEAR THAT?!"

Eavesdropper #2: "KAEL SAID HE’D DATE HER IF SHE WINS?!?!"

Eavesdropper #3: "SPREAD THE WORD! SPREAD THE WORD!!!"

Like wildfire, the news EXPLODED.

By the time morning came, the entire school was in chaos.

BREAKING NEWS: THAT RANDOM GIRL WILL DATE KAEL SOLARIS IF SHE WINS.

Student #1: "WHAT?! NO WAY!"

Student #2: "SORA HAS COMPETITION?!"

Student #3: "THIS JUST GOT PERSONAL!"

And then—Sora heard.

She sat at her desk, fists clenched around a crumpled piece of paper, her eye twitching.

Sora (growling): "SHE. WILL. DATE. MY. KAEL?!?"

Student #1: "Uh… are you okay?"

Sora (maniacally crushing the paper in her hands): "WE’LL SEE ABOUT THAT. I’LL MAKE SURE SHE LOSES—THREE TO NOTHING!"

THE SCHOOL GYM – PACKED WITH STUDENTS.

Sora vs. That Random Girl – The Match of the Century.

Rules: Three clean hits to win.

Referee: "Competitors, bow to the audience."

Referee: "Bow to each other."

Referee: "Ready—BEGIN!"

That Random Girl smirked, eyeing Sora’s belt. "A yellow belt? Just give up to avoid humiliation."

Sora’s eyes burned with fury. "Not in your life, sister. Kael is mine, and nobody takes him from me!"

ROUND 1 – DOMINATION.

Student #1: "A BLACK BELT?! Sora is finished!"

Student #2: "She can’t win against that!"

BOOM. That Random Girl scores TWO POINTS—EASILY.

Sora is struggling.

The audience is in shock.

Kael watches with concern.

Then—everything changes.

Sora exhales. I can’t win with karate alone.

She shifts her stance. Her aura changes.

Sora (smirking): "You’ve never seen this before."

That Random Girl (raising an eyebrow): "What?"

Sora plants her feet—fluid yet firm.

Her movements become unpredictable, refined.

The gym watches in stunned silence.

Sora (declaring proudly): "THIS is the Mirror Realm Guardians Fighting Style!"

THE CROWD LOSES IT.

AUDIENCE #1 "WHAT STYLE IS THAT?!"

AUDIENCE #2 "SHE’S BEEN HIDING HER TRUE POWER?!"

AUDIENCE #3 "KAEL JUST CHEERED FOR SORA!"

Sora fights back.

SHE SCORES.

SHE SCORES AGAIN.

IT’S TIED. 2-2.

That Random Girl smirks. "You’re better than I thought."

Sora (determined smile): "You haven't seen it all yet"

FINAL ROUND – THE LAST CLASH.

They both lunge—ATTACK AND COUNTER. 🚨

BOTH LAND A STRIKE.

ONE POINT FOR SORA! ONE POINT FOR THAT RANDOM GIRL!

IT’S A DRAW!

The gym ERUPTS.

THE CROWD LOSES IT.

“IT’S A DRAW?!”

“NO WAY, WE NEED A REPLAY!”

Only ONE student caught it on video—grainy, blurry, impossible to tell who struck first.

That Random Girl smirks.

Sora fumes in frustration.

Both of them panting facing each other. Kael walks toward them to the mat.

Sora (glaring): "So. You and Kael had a nice little walk together, huh?"

That Random Girl (innocent smile): "We simply happened to meet in the hallway. He was kind enough to help me."

(Translation: ‘Yes, I walked with your man, and there’s nothing you can do about it.’)

Sora (furious): "I swear, you are doing this on purpose."

That Random Girl (tilts head, smiling softly): "And what exactly am I doing?"

(Translation: ‘I know exactly what I’m doing, but you’ll never prove it.’)

Kael (bowing to both of them): "Both of thee are strong beyond words… I am honored to have known thee both."

That Random Girl (calmly shaking his hand while internally screaming, "oh my god! did he just praised me?!"): "Likewise, Sir Kael."

Meanwhile, Sora is literally combusting with frustration.

Sora (after Kael leaves, whispering angrily): "You stole my moment."

That Random Girl (gently brushing dust off her sleeve): "Oh, dear Sora… I believe we are simply even now."

That Random Girl smirks. "We’ll meet again, Sora. Until you two are married—Kael's heart is still up for grabs."

Sora’s eye twitched. That smug declaration just pushed her over the edge.