Next Day – School
The classroom buzzed with noise.
Students crowded around Aaron, patting his back, shouting praises.
"Man, that fight was insane!"
"You're definitely winning the finals!"
"We're all coming to support you—no excuses!"
Aaron leaned back in his chair, enjoying every second of it.
Erika sat a few rows away. She watched him for a moment… then stood up and walked over.
ERIKA:
"Congratulations, Aaron. Yesterday's fight was really cool."
(a small smile)
"I'm excited to watch you in the finals."
Aaron looked up, locking eyes with her.
Then, without hesitation—
AARON:
"If I win the finals… will you go on a date with me?"
The classroom exploded.
"WOOOAAH—"
"DAMN!"
"Say yes, Erika!"
Erika froze.
Her cheeks warmed.
Her heart raced.
She did like him.
And he asked her—right here, in front of everyone.
Her friends leaned in, whispering urgently.
"Say yes!"
"What are you waiting for?"
She opened her mouth—
The classroom door slid open.
CLACK.
Silence fell instantly.
Jason stepped inside.
The air changed.
Students stiffened.
Whispers died mid-sentence.
Everyone knew the stories—
how he beat seniors,
how bullies avoided him,
how his fists ended fights before teachers arrived.
Jason's eyes scanned the room.
Then stopped.
He walked straight toward Erika.
JASON:
"You forgot your lunch at home."
(holds out the bag)
"Your mom asked me to give it to you."
(a pause)
"Want to eat together?"
Her friends shook their heads aggressively.
No.
Don't.
Say no.
Erika looked at Aaron.
Then at Jason.
She remembered the rumors…
but also the boy she grew up with—
quiet, protective, never cruel.
She took the lunch bag.
ERIKA:
"…Yeah."
(softly)
"Let's go."
The room erupted again—but this time in mockery.
"Yo, Aaron just got rejected!"
"He doesn't stand a chance anyway!"
Aaron's jaw tightened.
Jason didn't react.
He turned and walked out, Erika beside him.
Aaron watched their backs disappear.
Something twisted in his chest.
(Lunch Break)
They sat in silence for a moment.
Jason finally spoke.
JASON:
"Can I ask you something?"
ERIKA:
"Hmm?"
Jason looked away slightly.
JASON:
"Stay away from Aaron."
(quiet, serious)
"I don't know why… but I don't trust him."
"He feels like someone who chases attention."
"And I don't want you getting hurt."
Erika laughed lightly, nudging him.
ERIKA (teasing):
"Oh?"
"Are you jealous?"
Jason frowned.
JASON:
"I'm not."
(then softer)
"I just care."
"You're the only one who ever understood me."
Erika paused.
Her expression softened.
ERIKA:
"Don't worry."
"I'll be fine."
(smiles)
"You focus on the finals."
"I'll be there… cheering for you."
Jason nodded.
JASON:
"…Take care of yourself."
(Match Day)
The arena roared.
BOOM—BOOM—BOOM.
Crowd stomping.
Vendors shouting.
Cameras flashing.
Businessmen.
Local celebrities.
And somewhere in the crowd—
A mysterious man, hood low, eyes scanning everything.
Backstage — Jason's Room
Jason wrapped his hands slowly.
His father stood behind him.
"Keep your head cool. Fight smart. This match is ours."
Jason nodded.
Jake burst in, holding a handmade poster.
"LOOK! I MADE THIS FOR YOU!"
Jason smiled. "Thanks, little man."
"I even gave you a hero name!" Jake said proudly.
"Oh yeah?" Jason asked. "What is it?"
Jake threw his arms wide.
"STEELBUSTER!"
His father chuckled.
"Fits you. Your punches feel like steel rods."
"You both exaggerate," Jason said—but he smiled.
They stepped out, giving him two minutes alone.
Then—
Erika entered.
Jason's eyes softened instantly.
"You came."
"Of course," she said, handing him a water bottle.
"Best of luck."
"When I win," Jason said quietly, "wanna eat something good together?"
Erika smiled.
"Of course."
The Ring
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN—"
The crowd erupted.
"ON ONE SIDE—THE RISING STAR—AARON STALE!"
ROAAAR!
"AND ON THE OTHER—JASON SCHIZOR—THE STAR HUNTER!"
The arena shook.
Jason stepped forward.
Let's finish this.
DING!
Round One
(Aaron POV)
You came prepared—but it won't matter.
Jason advanced slowly.
Corner me? Fine.
Aaron loosened his guard deliberately.
Come on. Attack.
Jason stepped in—
WHOOSH!
A heavy punch flew.
Got you—
Aaron bent his knees, ready to counter—
CRACK!
Pain exploded in his jaw.
WHAT—?!
Jason had dodged him.
Used his own trick.
Aaron hit the canvas.
The crowd gasped.
"NO WAY!" "HE DROPPED HIM!"
The referee counted.
"ONE—" "TWO—" "THREE—"
Get up.
GET UP.
Aaron forced himself to his feet just before ten.
DING!
Round one ended.
The arena went insane.
"He turned Aaron's own move against him!" "This match is insane!"
Corners
Jason's father wiped his face.
"Drink some water.
Stay calm.
Don't get distracted."
Aaron's coach slammed the towel.
"I TOLD YOU! You can't outplay him!"
Aaron spat blood, eyes burning.
"Relax," he muttered.
"Next round is mine."
Round Two
DING!
Aaron came out aggressive.
THUD!
THUD!
Punch after punch.
Jason stepped back.
Heavy..
Each hit felt like iron.
His leg screamed.
Focus started slipping.
Then—
CRACK!
Aaron smashed a punch straight into Jason's face.
The crowd exploded.
"OHHH!" "HE HIT HIM CLEAN!"
Jason staggered.
The fight had truly begun.