The Blessing of the Loser

The silence in the cathedral was absolute. Tomoki looked Ren in the eyes. He had accepted his defeat in matters of love, but his pride as a man and a protector still had one final test to impose.

" Don't think I'm going to make it this easy for you, Prince. " said Tomoki, with a challenging half-smile.

Without another word, and with a speed no one expected from the kind chef, Tomoki threw his right arm toward Ren.

Tomoki's fist impacted Ren's face. The blow was solid. Ren staggered back a few steps, surprised by the force of the impact. " Ren! " shouted Mio, giving a little jump of fright and bringing her hands to her mouth.

But Ren didn't fall. He passed his hand over his cheek, wiping away a trickle of blood. Far from becoming enraged, a faint smile appeared on his dirty face. He regained his composure instantly, planted his feet on the ground, and launched himself forward.

Ren returned the blow with a straight right to the jaw that sent Tomoki reeling back, almost making him trip over Mio's dress.

Everyone was silent, frozen by the violence in such a holy place. In the front row, Kenji jumped up, ready to stop the scene "I'm going to stop them! " growled the chef.

But Sara gripped his arm tightly, forcing him to sit down. " No, Kenji! " she whispered firmly. " Let them. This is something the three of them have to resolve. No one else can interfere. " Kaguya, for her part, didn't even blink. She was sitting with her legs crossed, watching the spectacle seriously, understanding that this exchange of blows was, strangely, a necessary conversation for both boys.

At the altar, the fight continued. Both boys lunged at the same time. They landed simultaneous blows to each other's faces. Both staggered back, panting, their suits disheveled and sweat flying. They were agitated, breathing with difficulty. Neither yielded. But there was something in both their faces; more than angry, they seemed to be enjoying the fight. It was a release. It was the liberation of months of tension, jealousy, and mutual respect.

Tomoki wiped the blood from his lip and looked at Ren. " It's time to end this. " he said, clenching his fists. " Stop, please! " pleaded Mio, trying to step between them. " You're going to hurt yourselves! ". 

" No, Mio! " Tomoki stopped her with an authoritative voice, without looking at her. " Don't interfere. This is necessary. "

Tomoki launched a final, desperate attack. He threw a wide punch, loaded with all his frustration. Ren, with reflexes fueled by adrenaline, barely managed to dodge it. Tomoki's punch grazed his ear. Ren saw the opening. He didn't waste a single second. With a fluid motion, he connected a hook to Tomoki's stomach, followed by a shove that knocked the wind out of him. Tomoki fell to the floor, spent, staring at the cathedral ceiling.

Mio ran to him and knelt by his side, frightened. She looked at Ren with fury, tears in her eyes. " Why did you do that?! " she shouted at him. " You had no right to hit him like that! He just wanted to protect me! "

" Mio... " Ren tried to speak, panting.

" He has the right... " interrupted a voice from the floor. Tomoki, coughing a little, raised a hand to stop Mio. " Leave it... " said Tomoki, smiling painfully. " He has what it takes to defend you. That punch... had the strength to take down anyone. Now I know he'll be able to protect you from your father and anyone who wants to harm you. "

Tomoki tried to get up. Mio wanted to help him, but he stood up on his own, dusting off his white tuxedo, which was now stained. He looked at the girl he loved. " Mio. " he said softly. " I love to see you smile. Truly. I would do anything for that smile. " Tomoki stroked her cheek tenderly, leaving a small smear of blood on her perfect skin. " But your red eyes... they only shine like that for him. Not for me. I could see it the moment he walked through that door to claim you. Your soul lit up. With me... you were just surviving... that wouldn't be a life for you. "

Mio didn't know what to say. The words caught in her throat. Tomoki straightened up, recovering his dignity. " It's okay, Mio. For me, the most important thing is to see you happy. Even if that happiness means it's not with me. "

Mio, unable to react to such events, stood paralyzed. Her heart screamed that she had to go with Ren, that he was her destiny, but her mind and her gratitude towards Tomoki kept her anchored to the spot.

However, time for sentimental decisions had run out.

The side doors and rear entrances burst open. A squad of men in black suits stormed into the church. And behind them, walking with his cane and a look that promised murder, entered Ryōma Shinomiya. He had arrived.

" Grab them! " shouted Ryōma, pointing at the altar. " Don't let them escape! "

With no more time to think, Ren reacted. He leaped over the steps and grabbed Mio's hand firmly. " Let's go! " shouted Ren. Mio looked at Tomoki one last time. Tomoki gave a slight nod: Run.

Mio hitched up her pink dress and started running alongside Ren. They descended from the altar and ran down the central aisle, dodging the cameramen who were still broadcasting. The cameras captured the most spectacular escape in Japan's history: the rebel Prince and the runaway Cinderella running hand in hand toward the main exit, while Ryōma's guards tried to push their way through the confused guests.

When the pair exited the venue and the sunlight bathed them, the noise inside the cathedral erupted. Shouts, shoving, and total chaos over the scene they had left behind. Finally, the war in the church had ended.