Saving Her

"So," Aika said, her voice echoing through the empty school halls as we strolled along. The faint sound of our footsteps reverberated against the cold, tiled floors. "Was boxing fun?"

"It was alright," I shrugged.

"Quit being modest, Haruki." Yujiro put his arm around me as he smiled at Aika. "He was a natural fighter! You should have seen him after everyone left! He pounded that punching bag like there was no tomorrow!"

"Just some simple punches, nothing special," I waved a hand in front of his face.

"Then how do you explain the time he took down our coach?" Yujiro shook his head at me. "Nobody else even came close to touching him, but he had to tell Haruki to stop."

"Really? That's impressive, Haruki!" Aika grinned at me.

I smiled at their praise. "It wasn't a big deal, really."

Yujiro rolled his eyes as Aika laughed. "It's okay to acknowledge your skills once in a while, you know."

"Fine," I said. "If it makes you guys happy, then yes, I'm 'great' at boxing." We all shared a laugh.

As we stepped outside, the cool autumn breeze brushed against our faces, carrying the scent of fallen leaves. A vibrant tapestry of red, orange, and gold adorned the surrounding trees, casting a warm glow upon the world. I scanned the courtyard, my gaze drawn to a commotion near the far corner.

"Hold on, guys. I need to check something real quick," I informed them, my curiosity piqued by the unfolding scene. They nodded understandingly and continued their path, leaving me to investigate further.

I trailed the group of boys with caution, their actions displaying an alarming lack of friendliness. Their destination became apparent as they led a young girl toward a dimly lit corner, where shadows danced ominously.

"What's wrong with you?!" I overheard one of the boys sneer, his voice dripping with malice. "Staying quiet won't help you in any way."

The girl attempted to free herself from their grasp, but her efforts were in vain as she was forcefully pushed against the cold, unforgiving wall.

"Tsk, trying to run away?" The ringleader of the group sneered, a malevolent smirk etched across his face. "You should have come up with a better plan." The girl's helplessness was painfully evident.

"Hey!" I shouted, striding forward to confront them, my voice resonating with authority. The gang turned their attention toward me, their eyes narrowing with hostility. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Hmm," the ringleader sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "And who are you to interrupt our conversation?"

"Why don't you just let her go?" I maintained my composure, meeting his gaze unwaveringly.

He laughed, a mocking sound that echoed through the silent courtyard. "Did you hear that, boys? This bystander thinks we should release her out of our own volition."

His cronies joined in the laughter, their menacing gazes fixated upon me. The ringleader advanced, his hand latching onto the collar of my shirt with a vice-like grip.

"Do you really think we'd do that?" he sneered, his eyes glinting with malicious intent.

I stood my ground, unyielding in the face of his aggression. "It's in your best interest," I replied calmly, my voice laced with unwavering resolve.

His smile faded, replaced by a mask of rage and indignation. In an instant, his clenched fist swung toward me with furious velocity. I managed to evade the full force of the blow, stumbling backward, but feeling the sting of impact.

"How do you expect to save her if you can't even defend yourself?" His voice dripped with contempt as he prepared to strike once more. My arm instinctively rose to shield me, blocking his incoming punch.

"I gave you a chance," I stared directly into his eyes, my voice laden with determination. "But if you won't listen, then have it your way."

Summoning every ounce of strength within me, I launched a swift and powerful punch into his stomach. The ringleader's face contorted with pain as he crumpled to the ground, gasping for breath.

"Stop him!" one of his cronies barked, his voice tinged with panic. The gang surged forward, their collective fury unleashed. I let out a frustrated sigh, realizing that relying on my boxing skills would be unavoidable.

"Looks like I'll have to put my training to the test sooner than expected," I thought to myself, bracing for the onslaught.

As the first attacker closed in, I swiftly ducked, delivering a calculated throw that sent him hurtling over my shoulder. I deflected incoming punches with well-timed blocks and swiftly countered, delivering strikes that sent his companions stumbling to the ground.

The battle raged on, the clash of bodies and the sharp crack of blows punctuating the air. Each movement was fluid and precise, honed through hours of training. As the last opponent fell to the ground, the courtyard settled into an eerie silence, save for the heavy panting of the defeated gang members.

They groaned and winced on the cold pavement, nursing their wounds. My own body felt weary, my mind spinning from the flurry of action that had transpired.

"A-Are you okay?" I heard a voice say softly, as if carrying the weight of uncertainty. I glanced up, my vision still blurred, and saw the silhouette of the girl who had been caught in the crossfire of the altercation.

"I'm fine," I replied, though my voice betrayed the fatigue that coursed through my body. The world spun around me, threatening to pull me into the darkness. Before I could brace myself, my legs gave way, and I collapsed to the ground, my energy completely drained.

In an instant, the girl rushed to my side, her concern evident in her actions. She knelt down, her hands steady as she helped me up.

"You need a doctor," she said urgently, her voice tinged with worry. "Just hold on."

I mustered a weak nod, pain pulsating from the back of my head where I had been struck. I gingerly touched the tender area, feeling the warmth of blood seeping through my fingers. The extent of my injuries remained uncertain, but the weariness in my limbs and the fog that clouded my mind served as unwelcome reminders of the toll the encounter had taken on me.

As we made our way out of the dimly lit corner, the world outside gradually came into focus. My ears caught the sound of hurried footsteps approaching, and I strained my eyes to see through the haze that enveloped me. A familiar voice pierced through the cacophony.

"Haruki!" The voice echoed with concern, and I recognized the faint outlines of Aika and Yujiro running toward me, their figures hazy but distinct in my blurred vision. I coughed, the taste of copper lingering on my tongue.

"Yujiro... Aika..." I managed to utter their names before my body betrayed me once again, and I succumbed to the darkness that beckoned me, my eyelids closing heavily.

--❦--

I woke up to the soft hum of machines, the sterile scent of the hospital surrounding me. My eyelids felt heavy, but with a determined effort, I managed to open them. As my vision cleared, I saw Aika seated beside my bed, her eyes filled with relief as they met mine.

"Aika," I whispered, my voice barely above a breath.

"Haruki! You're awake!" She leaned in, a smile spreading across her face.

I attempted to shift in the bed, but a sharp pain throbbed in my head, causing me to groan.

"Take it easy, buddy," Yujiro's voice came from the other side of the bed as he approached. He placed a gentle hand on my arm. "You took quite a beating. Just take things slowly."

I glanced around, taking in my surroundings. The sterile white walls, the monitors beeping rhythmically—it was clear that I was in a hospital room.

"Where am I?" I asked, confusion clouding my mind.

Aika's hand found mine, offering a comforting squeeze. "You're in the hospital," she explained, her voice calm and reassuring.

My brows furrowed as I tried to recall the events that had led me here. "How did I end up here?" I inquired, my memory still hazy.

Aika's comforting touch remained steady as she spoke. "Don't you remember what happened?"

I searched my mind, the fragments of memories slowly piecing together.

"Fighting," I muttered, my voice tinged with recognition. Images of the gang, the girl in distress, and the intense struggle flooded my thoughts.

"The girl!" I exclaimed suddenly, the memories solidifying in my mind. "Is she okay?"

"Don't get up! Sheesh!" Aika gestured for me to lay back down. "She's alright. She's right here."

As my gaze followed her gesture towards the door, the blurry figure of the girl materialized, standing in the doorway. She walked over and took a seat beside Aika, her eyes avoiding direct contact with mine. Her hands were clasped tightly together, betraying her inner turmoil.

"Are you feeling okay?" she asked softly, her voice laden with a mixture of relief and guilt. I studied her face, the faint traces of tears glistening in her eyes.

"I feel alright," I reassured her, a warm smile touching my lips. "And how about you?"

She nodded, her eyes downcast. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this," she whispered, her voice laced with both remorse and gratitude.

"It's not your fault," I said earnestly. "I would do it again in a heartbeat. Those people were hurting you, and it was my choice to step in and help."

Her eyes met mine briefly, gratitude shining through the veil of tears. With a nod, she stood up and quietly left the room, her emotions still raw and overwhelming.

Aika leaned closer, her voice filled with understanding. "Don't worry about her," she said softly. "She's probably just overwhelmed by everything that happened today."

I nodded, my gaze shifting to the window. Darkness had settled outside, casting a soothing ambiance over the hospital room.

"How long was I out?" I asked, curiosity tinged with a hint of concern.

Yujiro checked the clock on the wall. "About three hours," he replied, his voice calm and reassuring.

"Have you two been here the whole time?"

Yujiro nodded. "Aika mostly stayed, and I went to your house to take care of Kaito and Sakura after ensuring you arrived safely."

"Thank you. I don't know what I would have done without you guys." A smile crossed my face.

Yujiro shook his head. "Don't mention it, man. We were worried about you."

"Yeah," Aika chimed in. "The doctor said you had a mild concussion from the blow to the back of your head."

"A punch caused me to bleed?" I reached back and touched the tender area.

Yujiro chuckled. "The girl mentioned that you were struck with an iron bar. I was amazed you could still stand after that!" He grinned at me. "I guess we can truly call you the boxing champion now!" It was a lighthearted jest.

Aika stood up. "I'll be back in a moment." She opened the door and left the room. I sighed.

"Do I have to stay in the hospital for long?" I asked, voicing the question that had been nagging at me.

Yujiro's expression softened as he responded. "Unfortunately, the doctors want to monitor you for the next two days, just to be safe. They want to make sure there are no complications from the concussion or any other potential issues. But don't worry, it's better to be cautious."

"Can we come in?" I turned my head to see Kaito and Sakura, their concerned expressions gradually transforming into relief and joy as they caught sight of me.

Yujiro grinned and gestured for them to enter. "Come on in, guys." Kaito and Sakura rushed toward me, wrapping their arms around me in a tight, loving embrace.

Kaito's voice trembled with worry. "Are you alright, big brother?"

I returned the hug, reassuring him with a gentle squeeze. "Yes, Kaito. I'm fine. The doctors have been taking good care of me."

Sakura, her eyes glistening with tears, whispered softly, "We were so scared."

I stroked Sakura's hair gently, my heart swelling with love for my younger siblings. "I'm alright, Sakura. Nothing major happened. You don't need to worry."

Yujiro chimed in, his voice filled with warmth. "Your big brother here is one tough fighter."

Sakura's tears turned into a mix of relief and a faint smile. "I'm glad you're okay."

Aika returned, carrying a tray filled with three cans of coffee and two juice packets. She distributed the drinks, and we all gathered around, raising our beverages in a spontaneous toast.

"Might as well enjoy our visit here," Aika suggested, her voice carrying a sense of lightness and camaraderie. "To the future."

We echoed her words, our voices merging in harmony. "To the unknown future!"

Together, we sipped our drinks, cherishing the moment, and allowing ourselves to bask in the warmth of each other's company. Laughter filled the room as we recounted fond memories, shared jokes, and played games to pass the time.

As night fell, Yujiro and Aika bid their goodbyes, promising to return the next day. We exchanged heartfelt farewells, and I raised my hand, a gesture of gratitude and friendship.

"Have a good night," I called out, watching as the door closed behind them.

Turning my attention to Kaito and Sakura, I realized it was time to prepare for bed. "You two should get ready," I suggested, my voice laced with affection. "I'll call the nurse to bring blankets and pillows."

They nodded and started getting ready, their tired but relieved expressions revealing the emotional toll the day had taken on them. As Sakura emerged from the bathroom, concern etched on her face, she approached me tentatively.

"Are you feeling alright?" Her voice was filled with genuine care and worry.

I smiled at her, appreciating her empathy. "I'm feeling fine, Sakura. Don't worry about me."

Glancing out the window, I admired the starry sky, its brilliance a reminder of the vastness of the universe and the endless possibilities it held.

"I'm sorry you had to come here," I said, my voice tinged with regret.

Sakura settled onto the extended couch bed, her eyes brimming with tenderness. "It's not your fault, big brother. We just wanted to be here for you, to show our love and support."

Moved by her words, I looked at her and smiled warmly. "Thank you, Sakura. You and Kaito mean everything to me."

With that, I settled back into the bed, feeling a sense of calm and contentment wash over me. The pain in my head had subsided, replaced by a gentle throbbing. Closing my eyes, I let out a sigh.

"It was definitely worth saving her," I murmured softly, my thoughts drifting into the realm of dreams.