A few days had passed since the camping trip, but Azaan's feelings for Viki had not changed. Every time he saw him, his heart felt different.

Meanwhile, Viki was still confused about the strange emotions he felt whenever Azaan was around.

Today was an important day at ANZ College—Martial Arts Day.

The event was one of the most anticipated programs of the year. Students from different departments, along with participants from other colleges, had gathered in the large martial arts hall.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement and energy.

The person in charge of the event was Mark, a senior instructor who was well-known throughout the college.

He was confident, friendly, and admired by many students for his skills and personality.

Standing on the stage, Mark welcomed everyone.

"Martial arts are not just about fighting," he said. "They teach discipline, confidence, and strength—both mentally and physically."

The students applauded as the event officially began.

The competition was divided into three categories: Karate, Kung Fu, and Judo.

Azaan chose Karate because he had been practicing it since childhood. Sam chose Kung Fu, a martial art he had trained in for several years.

Viki, being one of the senior student coordinators, was helping to organize and supervise the event.

Soon, the first round started.

Azaan fought with determination and skill. His movements were fast and precise, allowing him to defeat his opponent and advance to the next round.

On the other side, Sam also performed exceptionally well and secured his victory.

During the break, Viki brought water for both of them.

"You two are doing a great job," he said with a smile. "Just be careful and don't get hurt."

Those simple words made Azaan unexpectedly happy.

The second round began shortly afterward.

The second round was far more difficult than Azaan had expected.

His opponent was stronger, faster, and far more aggressive.

The match continued intensely as both fighters exchanged attacks.

Then suddenly—

A powerful kick landed on Azaan's leg.

A sharp pain shot through his body.

The audience gasped.

For a moment, Azaan nearly lost his balance.

From the sidelines, Viki immediately stood up.

"Azaan!"

But despite the pain, Azaan refused to give up.

He gritted his teeth and continued fighting.

Every movement hurt.

Every step felt heavier than before.

Yet his determination never wavered.

After several exhausting minutes, Azaan finally found an opening.

With one decisive move, he defeated his opponent.

The referee raised his hand.

"Winner—Azaan!"

The crowd erupted into applause.

But Azaan couldn't celebrate.

The moment the adrenaline faded, the pain became unbearable.

His legs nearly gave out beneath him.

Before he could fall, a pair of strong arms caught him.

Azaan looked up.

It was Viki.

His usually calm face was filled with worry.

Without hesitation, Viki supported him and quickly led him away from the arena.

"Azaan, stop trying to walk."

"I'm fine, sir..."

"No, you're not."

For once, Viki's voice left no room for argument.

Azaan fell silent.

Meanwhile, Sam watched everything happen.

The moment he saw Azaan struggling to walk, anger exploded inside him.

His eyes turned toward Azaan's opponent.

"That idiot..."

Sam clenched his fists.

Without thinking, he started moving toward the arena.

He wanted to confront him.

Maybe even start a fight.

But before he could take another step, someone grabbed his shoulder.

Sam turned around.

It was Viki.

"Don't."

Sam's jaw tightened.

"He injured Azaan."

"It was an accident."

"He went too far."

Viki looked directly into Sam's eyes.

"This is a martial arts tournament, Sam. Injuries happen."

Sam remained silent.

His anger hadn't disappeared.

But he knew Viki was right.

Reluctantly, he stepped back.

A few minutes later, the announcer called his name.

"Next match—Sam!"

Sam entered the arena.

But his mind wasn't focused on the match.

He kept thinking about Azaan.

About the injury.

About the pain on his friend's face.

His concentration was completely gone.

The referee signaled the start.

The match began.

Normally, Sam would have dominated.

But today was different.

His movements were slower.

His reactions were delayed.

His thoughts were somewhere else entirely.

His opponent quickly noticed.

Taking advantage of Sam's distraction, he scored point after point.

Before Sam could recover, the match was over.

The referee raised the opponent's hand.

"Winner!"

The audience applauded.

Sam stood there in silence.

For the first time in a long time...

He had lost.

And deep down, he knew exactly why.

On the medical center, the doctors immediately rushed toward Azaan.

"Put him here."

Viki carefully helped Azaan onto the examination bed.

As the doctors began checking his injury, Azaan couldn't stop himself from wincing in pain.

Every touch made the pain worse.

Viki stood nearby, watching everything.

The sight alone made his chest tighten.

He hated seeing Azaan like this.

After a few minutes, Viki quietly turned away.

He couldn't bear to watch Azaan suffer anymore.

Just as he was about to leave the room—

A hand suddenly grabbed his wrist.

Viki stopped.

He looked back.

Azaan was looking at him.

Despite the pain on his face, he managed a small smile.

"Sir..."

Viki immediately walked back.

"What is it?"

"Don't go."

His voice was weak.

"Stay here."

For a moment, Viki simply stared at him.

Then he nodded.

"I'm not going anywhere."

Only then did Azaan slowly release his hand.

The examination continued.

Several times, Azaan clenched his teeth to stop himself from crying out in pain.

Each time, Viki's hands tightened into fists.

He felt helpless.

All he could do was stand there and watch.

Eventually, Azaan reached out again and grabbed Viki's hand.

This time, Viki didn't let go.

Instead, he held Azaan's hand firmly.

As if silently telling him that he wasn't alone.

After some time, one of the doctors approached Viki.

"Can I speak with you outside?"

Viki glanced at Azaan.

"I'll be right back."

Azaan nodded reluctantly.

The moment they stepped outside, the doctor's expression became serious.

"His injury is worse than we initially thought."

Viki's heart sank.

"What do you mean?"

"If he participates in another match today, the damage could become much worse."

The doctor sighed.

"In the worst-case scenario, he could suffer a serious fracture."

For a moment, Viki couldn't say anything.

A fracture.

The word echoed inside his mind.

All he could think about was Azaan forcing himself to fight despite being injured.

The doctor placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Honestly, I don't recommend allowing him to continue."

Viki slowly nodded.

"I understand."

A few minutes later, Mark approached him.

"How is he?"

Viki looked down.

"He shouldn't fight anymore."

Mark frowned.

"Then he won't be participating in the final?"

With a sad expression, Viki slowly shook his head.

"No."

Just then—

A familiar voice interrupted them.

"Who said that?"

Both of them turned around.

Azaan was standing there.

He was limping heavily, but there was determination in his eyes.

"Azaan!" Viki immediately walked toward him.

"You shouldn't even be standing."

But Azaan simply smiled.

"I can still fight."

"No."

Viki's answer came instantly.

"You are not fighting."

"Sir—"

"No."

For the first time, Azaan heard genuine fear in Viki's voice.

"The doctor said your injury could become much worse."

"But I can do it."

"No."

Azaan stared at him.

Viki stared back.

Neither of them backed down.

Finally, Azaan took a deep breath.

Then he slowly reached out and grabbed Viki's hand.

The unexpected gesture caught Viki completely off guard.

Azaan looked directly into his eyes.

"Trust me, sir."

Viki froze.

"I know my limits."

"Azaan—"

"I'll be careful."

His grip tightened slightly.

"And I promise I'll win."

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Mark quietly watched from the side.

He had never seen Azaan look so determined.

And he had never seen Viki look so worried.

Several long seconds passed.

Finally, Viki let out a defeated sigh.

He knew that look.

Once Azaan made up his mind, nobody could stop him.

"Fine."

Azaan's eyes brightened immediately.

"But I have one condition."