Morning Routine
Kaito groaned as he rolled out of bed, muscles stiff, joints protesting, but he forced himself up.
"Okay… today's offense drills," he muttered, rubbing his arms. "Punch, kick… and don't fall on my face."
James was already in the living room, bouncing lightly on his toes, shadowboxing like a predator in a cage.
"Morning, Hoshino," James said casually, noticing him dragging himself in. "Today, we combine offense and defense. You'll learn to react and strike back."
Kaito swallowed. "Combine… offense and defense? That sounds… complicated."
"Not if you pay attention," James replied, tossing him a small focus pad. "Start with a jab. Step, twist, strike. No flailing."
Kaito took the pad, bracing himself.
The First Sparring Attempt
He lunged forward awkwardly, swinging his fist.
Whoosh.
It missed James entirely.
James tapped the pad toward him. "Lower your guard! Step into it, don't just punch like a noodle!"
Kaito's kick followed. His leg shot up, caught nothing, and he stumbled backward into the couch.
"Oof!" he groaned, collapsing.
James crouched next to him. "Hoshino… you're not supposed to hit the couch. Focus on balance first. Power comes later."
Kaito sat up, sweat dripping into his eyes. "I… I feel like I'm getting worse."
"You're not," James said with a small grin. "You're learning. Every fall teaches you more than a perfect punch ever will."
Kaito nodded, trying to swallow his embarrassment. "Step by step… one strike at a time."
"Exactly," James said. "Now try again."
Midday at School
By lunchtime, Kaito felt the soreness in every muscle, but he was ready to test himself in real life—even if it was small.
He walked down the crowded hallway, backpack heavy, eyes forward.
Ryo's group noticed him instantly. The leader leaned back against the lockers, smirking.
"Look who's back. Hoshino. The one who ran last week… or did he?"
Kaito froze, heart hammering. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through him.
Don't panic… don't panic… just stay calm.
A pencil flicked toward him. Instinctively, he sidestepped and placed a hand lightly on the student's shoulder for balance as he passed. The student stumbled, almost tripping into a locker.
Gasps echoed. A few classmates paused, staring.
"Did… he just push him back?" whispered Miki from the side, peeking at him.
Kaito's face turned red. "I didn't mean to!"
Ryo's eyes narrowed. "Not bad… for a beginner."
Kaito let out a shaky breath. Small victories. Just small victories.
After School Walk
Walking home with Miki, Kaito muttered, "I… I can't believe that actually happened. I just… moved on instinct."
Miki smiled. "Exactly. You're reacting, not freezing. That's progress. Tiny, subtle progress—but it's still progress."
Kaito nodded, feeling a flicker of pride. Maybe this wasn't impossible. Maybe he could actually defend himself one day.
Evening Drill
That night, James had him practicing combinations again—jab-cross, low kick, step back, guard.
"Better," James said, nodding. "Timing's improving. Still sloppy, but you're moving. By the end of the month, you'll surprise yourself."
Kaito wiped sweat from his brow. "I hope I don't make a fool of myself at school tomorrow…"
James smirked. "Embarrassing yourself is part of learning. The trick is to use it. Turn it into progress."
Kaito's lips twitched into a small, tired smile. Learning… that's all this is. Step by step.
Night Thoughts
Lying on the couch, staring at the ceiling, Kaito thought back to the day.
I moved. I reacted. I even… struck someone back.
Not perfectly. Not powerfully. But he did.
For the first time in years, he felt something new—
a faint flicker of confidence.
Not arrogance. Not bravado.
Just… hope.
Step by step. One strike at a time.
And tomorrow… he would keep moving forward.