The bell rang, signaling the end of second period.
Kaito walked down the crowded hallway, backpack slung over one shoulder, muscles still sore from James' morning drills. He tried to keep his head down—stay unnoticed.
Too late.
Ryo's gang spotted him.
"Well, well… if it isn't Hoshino," Ryo sneered, leaning casually against the lockers. "Back for more lessons?"
Kaito froze. Heart hammering. His first thought: don't panic… don't panic…
Then he remembered James' words: react, don't freeze.
A pencil flew toward him. Instinctively, Kaito sidestepped. Not only did he avoid it, he managed to bump the thrower slightly with his shoulder—just enough for the kid to stumble.
Gasps echoed across the hallway.
"Did… he just do that?" whispered a girl nearby.
Ryo narrowed his eyes. "Hmm… you're learning. I can see it."
Kaito's face burned red. He hadn't meant to do anything impressive—it had been reflex.
A Small Challenge
The bell rang for lunch, and Kaito found himself seated at a table with Miki.
"You handled that well," she said. "You didn't freeze, and you didn't overreact."
Kaito shrugged. "I… don't know. It just happened."
Miki smiled. "That's how progress works. Small steps. Tiny victories. You're starting to stand on your own."
Her words made his chest feel warm. Small victories. That's all it had been. But it felt like climbing a mountain.
Unexpected Humor
Later, during gym class, Kaito tried to practice a new kick James had shown him.
His foot caught the edge of the mat. He wobbled… and fell flat on his back.
The entire class turned to look.
"Wow…" muttered a boy. "Impressive… landing technique?"
Kaito's face turned bright red. He scrambled up, muttering something about slippery shoes.
Even Miki couldn't hold back a laugh. "Careful, Kaito. You'll injure yourself before anyone else does!"
Kaito groaned, rubbing his knee. Step by step… one strike at a time…
After School Reflection
Walking home, Kaito felt a mix of exhaustion and pride.
He wasn't a fighter yet. Far from it. But for the first time, he wasn't completely helpless.
He remembered James' words: Embarrassing yourself is part of learning. Use it. Turn it into progress.
And slowly, he realized—he was using it.
He even managed a small smile.
Tomorrow would be harder. The day after, even harder.
But for the first time, Kaito wasn't dreading it.
He was… ready.