Number

As Maki scrolled through her phone, her social media feeds seemed to be overrun with posts about Hiro Takashi, and with each new post, her irritation grew.

The first post was a boastful announcement about Hiro being Japan's boxing prodigy. Maki rolled her eyes and muttered, "Prodigy or not, he's still got a lot to learn."

Then came another post, declaring Hiro as the hottest young star of the moment. "More like the hottest star of arrogance," Maki scoffed under her breath.

Next, she stumbled upon a scandalous post about Hiro being seen with a famous actress. Maki shook her head. "Typical celebrity drama," she commented dismissively.

But it didn't end there. Another post followed swiftly, where several actresses labeled Hiro as unfaithful. "Can't say I'm surprised," Maki said, her voice laced with cynicism.

And finally, there was a post of Hiro triumphantly raising the Japanese championship belt. Despite herself, Maki felt a grudging respect. "Well, at least he's good at what he does," she conceded, though the constant stream of Hiro-related content was starting to annoy her.

"I'm so tired of seeing posts about Hiro," Maki exclaimed aloud, frustration evident in her voice. "Ever since I met him, my feed is just full of him. Ads, news, scandals, everything!"

Setting her phone down, Maki couldn't help but wonder why Hiro seemed to be everywhere in her life now, even in the digital world. She was unaware of how this continual online presence of Hiro would gradually weave their lives closer, creating a connection that was much more than digital coincidences.

Maki rose from her seat and walked over to the window. The sky outside was a brilliant blue, with just a few wispy clouds drifting lazily in the gentle breeze. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over everything, signaling the approach of summer. The vibrant, clear sky seemed to mirror the potential of the day ahead.

Stretching her arms above her head, Maki let out a sigh. "Best to forget about that arrogant idiot," she muttered to herself, her thoughts momentarily lingering on Hiro before she pushed them aside.

She then made her way out of the room, walking down the hallway towards the dining area. The corridor was long and lined with traditional Japanese sliding doors, interspersed with windows that allowed the morning light to filter in, creating a calm and serene atmosphere.

Upon reaching the dining area, Maki saw Yuta Okkotsu sitting at a table, quietly enjoying his breakfast. He looked up as she entered and greeted her with a warm smile. "Good morning, Maki," he said, his voice carrying a sense of tranquility.

"Morning, Yuta," Maki replied, taking a seat across from him. "You're up early."

Yuta nodded. "Yeah, I had some training to do. How about you? You seem a bit... preoccupied."

Maki hesitated for a moment before shrugging. "Just some annoying stuff on social media. Nothing important."

Yuta, sensing her discomfort, decided not to pry further. "Well, if you ever want to talk about it, I'm here," he offered kindly.

Maki gave him a small smile. "Thanks, Yuta. I appreciate it." She then started to serve herself some breakfast, the earlier annoyance with Hiro slowly fading as she engaged in a more pleasant start to her day.

_______________

Hiro was in the midst of an intense training session at his gym, a spacious facility filled with state-of-the-art boxing equipment. The gym's walls were adorned with posters of boxing legends and motivational quotes. The sound of gloves hitting punching bags, the rhythmic thud of jump ropes hitting the floor, and the occasional grunt or shout from other boxers training created a symphony of effort and determination.

His trainer, watching from the sidelines, finally called out, "That's enough, Hiro. The morning session is over." The man knew Hiro's tendency to push himself too hard and was always mindful to keep him in check.

Hiro let out a heavy sigh, sweat dripping down his face, and walked over to grab his water bottle. Gulping down the water, he caught his reflection in the large mirror that spanned the length of the gym wall. He paused, admiring his well-toned physique and the way his muscles flexed with each movement.

"Still the best looking guy in Japan," Hiro boasted to his reflection, a smirk playing on his lips. His arrogance was part of his charm, a trait that had won him as many fans as it had critics.

After a moment of self-admiration, Hiro headed to the showers, ready to wash off the sweat and fatigue from his intense training session. Despite his cocky exterior, he was dedicated to his sport, always striving to be the best, both in the ring and out.

Fresh from the shower and dressed in clean clothes, Hiro prepared to leave the gym. His hair was still damp, adding a casual, effortless charm to his appearance. As he reached the door, his trainer called out to him. "Remember, you've got shadow boxing in the afternoon and a run tonight. Keep up the pace, Hiro."

Hiro turned and nodded, "Got it, coach. I'll be back for the shadow boxing." His voice carried the confidence and dedication of a young athlete committed to his craft.

Stepping out into the bustling streets of Tokyo, Hiro immediately became the center of attention. People on the street, especially women, couldn't help but turn their heads as he passed. His tall, athletic build, combined with his striking blonde hair and blue eyes, made him stand out in the crowd.

With each step, Hiro could feel the admiring glances. He walked with a swagger, a natural charisma that came not just from his fame as a boxer but from his inherent confidence. Women whispered to each other and shot him smiles, which he returned with a charming grin.

As he strolled through the city, basking in the admiration and the vibrant energy of Tokyo, Hiro felt at ease. This was his city, and he was its golden boy.

As Hiro walked through the lively streets of Tokyo, he decided to make a stop at his favorite café. "I could use an iced coffee," he thought aloud, already anticipating the refreshing taste.

He made his way to a quaint, yet popular café known for its excellent coffee and relaxed ambiance. The café, with its stylish interior and soothing music, was a stark contrast to the bustling energy of the Tokyo streets.

Upon entering, Hiro was greeted with the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the gentle hum of conversations. He walked up to the counter and ordered his usual iced coffee, a drink that had become a staple in his daily routine.

As he waited, Hiro leaned against the counter, casually observing the patrons. His presence didn't go unnoticed; a few customers recognized him and whispered among themselves. Hiro was used to this kind of attention and took it in stride, offering a polite nod or smile when he caught someone's eye.

With his iced coffee in hand, Hiro found a quiet corner to sit and enjoy his drink. This moment of calm, amidst his busy and public life, was something he cherished.

__________

Maki, Panda, Yuta, and Inumaki were in the midst of a grueling training session at Jujutsu High when Gojo Satoru, their teacher, clapped his hands together, signaling the end of the session. "Alright, that's enough for today. You guys can head out and have some fun," he announced with his usual cheerful demeanor.

Maki wiped the sweat from her brow, feeling the exhaustion from the intense training. "I could really use an iced coffee right about now," she said, thinking out loud. Turning to Yuta, she asked, "Want to come with me for a coffee?"

Yuta, always amiable, replied with a smile, "Sure, that sounds great, Maki."

However, before they could leave, Gojo interjected. "Actually, Yuta, you can't go. You've got a special training session with me," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Maki shot Gojo a frustrated look. "You're such an interfering idiot, Gojo," she muttered. Then, turning to Yuta, she added, "Guess it'll have to be next time."

With a resigned sigh, Maki decided to head to the café anyway. She could use the break, and the thought of a cold, refreshing coffee was too tempting to pass up.

_________

Maki settled into a chair at the café, savoring the peaceful moment. She took a sip of her iced coffee, and a smile spread across her face, the cool drink a welcome relief.

Her moment of tranquility, however, was short-lived. To her surprise, Hiro Takashi, the very person she'd been trying to forget, took the seat opposite her. Maki let out a stressed sigh and looked at him with a mix of irritation and disbelief. "What are you doing here? I didn't know you were a stalker," she said, her tone laced with annoyance.

Hiro flashed a charming smile, unfazed by her irritation. "Actually, you're the one stalking me. I was here first, and I saw you come in," he retorted playfully.

Maki rolled her eyes. "Please, like I have nothing better to do than to follow you around."

Hiro leaned back in his chair, his smile never wavering. "Then it's a happy coincidence. You can't deny, we do have a knack for bumping into each other."

"It's not a happy coincidence, it's an annoying one," Maki shot back, taking another sip of her coffee, trying to maintain her composure.

"But you have to admit, there's something there," Hiro said, his tone teasing. "Maybe it's fate."

"Fate? More like bad luck," Maki replied dryly.

Hiro chuckled. "Come on, Maki. Admit it. You're intrigued by me. Why else would you be here?"

"I'm here for the coffee, not for some self-absorbed boxer," Maki said pointedly.

Hiro, undeterred by Maki's sharp responses, leaned in slightly, his eyes twinkling with a mix of challenge and charm. "So, how about a date then? I promise it'll be worth your time," he suggested, his tone confident yet playful.

Maki raised an eyebrow, her expression unamused. "I don't go out with arrogant idiots," she replied flatly, making her stance clear.

Hiro let out a soft laugh, not at all offended. "Arrogant? I prefer 'confident.' And you can't call me an idiot until you've gotten to know me better."

Maki sighed, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "I think I've seen enough to know," she said, taking another sip of her coffee.

"But that's just one side of me," Hiro countered, trying to show a more sincere side. "There's more to Hiro Takashi than just boxing and commercials."

"I highly doubt that," Maki retorted, her tone still skeptical.

Hiro's smile didn't wane. "Let me prove it to you. One date, Maki. That's all I'm asking."

Maki looked at Hiro, her expression softening just a fraction. Despite her reluctance to admit it, his persistence was somehow endearing. However, she remained firm. "No dates, Hiro. I'm not interested."

Hiro, leaning forward with a hint of genuine curiosity, asked Maki, "So, why won't you give me a chance? What's stopping you?"

Maki looked at Hiro, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "There's a primary requirement for me to even consider going out with someone," she began. "They have to be stronger than me."

Hiro laughed, clearly amused. "Stronger than you? That's really unique." He then leaned back, his confidence returning. "Well, in that case, you're in luck. I'm not just strong, I'm the strongest. I am the boxing champion of Japan, after all."

Maki's smile widened, but her eyes held a spark of challenge. "You're an idiot," she said affectionately. "I know at least a hundred people stronger than you."

Hiro's laughter turned into a smirk. "A hundred, really? Now, who's being arrogant? I think you're just saying that to get my attention."

Maki's amusement faded slightly, replaced by irritation. "That's the dumbest thing I've heard," she retorted. "Why would I need to lie to get your attention?"

Hiro shrugged nonchalantly and quipped, "I'm not sure, but you have a really weird way of courting someone."

Maki shot back, "Cut the nonsense."

Then, with a more serious tone, Maki asked, "Why are you so interested in me? You don't seem like the type to chase after a girl."

Hiro's smile softened, his eyes reflecting a sincerity that was rarely seen. "Because you're unique," he said simply.

A silence fell between them, charged and heavy with unspoken thoughts. They locked eyes, Hiro's blue eyes bright and clear like the summer sky, while Maki's held a depth and intensity akin to the dark, mysterious ocean. The air around them seemed to hum with a tension that was palpable, a dance of gazes that spoke volumes more than words.

Finally, Maki broke the silence, calling him an idiot. Hiro's smile returned, wider this time. "I can be your idiot," he responded playfully.

Without warning, Maki kicked Hiro under the table, her way of bringing an end to their increasingly intimate conversation. Despite the playful aggression, there was a hint of a smile on her lips, a sign that Hiro's presence wasn't as unwelcome as she pretended.

Hiro, undaunted by the kick under the table, leaned in slightly and asked, "So, can I have your number?"

Maki looked at him, her expression unyielding. "In your dreams," she replied curtly.

Hiro persisted, "I promise I won't bother you. Just want to have a way to contact you."

"You don't seem like someone who keeps promises," Maki shot back, skeptical of his intentions.

"I'm a reliable guy," Hiro insisted, trying to sound convincing.

Maki then raised a valid point, "Then why have you been unfaithful to all your past girlfriends?"

Hiro's confident smile faltered, turning into a nervous grin. "I thought you said you didn't know anything about me."

Maki sighed, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "Unfortunately, my social media feeds are full of you."

Their conversation had taken a turn, revealing a side of Hiro that Maki found less than admirable. Despite his charming exterior, Hiro's past actions and the gossip surrounding him were hard for Maki to ignore. Their exchange highlighted the complexities and contradictions in Hiro's character, making Maki even more cautious about letting him into her life.

Hiro, seeing Maki's growing irritation but not ready to give up, played another card. "If you give me your number, I can get you tickets to my next fight," he offered, trying to entice her.

Maki, unimpressed, responded, "I'm not interested in boxing matches."

Hiro couldn't help but tease her, "You're so cute when you're annoyed."

This comment caused Maki to blush, a mix of anger and embarrassment. She stood up abruptly, declaring, "I'm leaving."

As she headed for the door, Hiro quickly stood up and opened it for her. Maki, taken aback, asked, "What do you think you're doing?"

"I'm being a gentleman," Hiro replied, a hint of playfulness in his voice.

Maki scoffed, "You're just an idiot trying to be something you're not."

Hiro looked at her, a bit more serious now. "You're judging me without really knowing me."

In that moment, Maki remembered something Panda had said about being a fan of "The Lightning of Tokyo," and his birthday was coming up. Tickets to Hiro's next fight could actually be a great gift. With a sigh, she asked, "When is your next fight?"

Hiro's expression became a bit more somber. "Nothing is arranged yet. My last opponent got injured."

Maki considered this information, her plan forming. Despite her earlier reluctance, she was now contemplating the possibility of getting those tickets, not for herself, but for Panda. The dynamics of her interaction with Hiro were changing, revealing layers of complexity in both their characters.

Maki let out a resigned sigh. "Fine," she conceded, "but only texts about the tickets, nothing else, or I'll block you."

Hiro's face lit up with a victorious grin. "Deal! You won't regret it."

Maki raised an eyebrow. "Don't make me change my mind," she warned, her tone firm.

"I won't. I promise," Hiro replied, trying to convey sincerity. "So, can I have your number now?"

Reluctantly, Maki gave Hiro her number, making sure to remind him, "Remember, only messages about the tickets."

Hiro nodded eagerly. "Of course, only about the tickets. You have my word."

Maki looked at him skeptically. "I'll hold you to that. And if you break your promise, you'll never hear from me again."

Hiro held up his hands in a gesture of surrender. "Understood. I won't mess this up."

As Maki turned to leave, Hiro called out, "Thank you, Maki. Really."

Maki paused but didn't turn back. "Just remember our deal," she said before walking out the door.

Hiro watched her leave, a mixture of excitement and contemplation on his face. He had her number now, but he also had a promise to keep. This encounter had shown him a different side of Maki, one that intrigued him more than he cared to admit.

Hiro felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. Pulling it out, he saw a new message. It was from Maki, and all it said was, "Idiot." Despite the simplicity and bluntness of the message, it brought a wide smile to Hiro's face. It was a small, yet significant sign that Maki was at least willing to engage with him, even if it was just to call him an idiot.

Amused, Hiro decided to respond with a light-hearted touch. He chose a sticker – something playful and non-intrusive – and sent it to her. After sending the message, he put his phone back in his pocket, his smile lingering.

As he walked away from the café, Hiro couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. "Can't wait for my next fight," he said to himself, not just because of the fight itself, but because it meant he had a reason to contact Maki again. The interaction, however brief and unconventional, had sparked something in Hiro, a new interest that went beyond his usual pursuits.

__________

Energized by his recent interaction with Maki, Hiro returned to the gym with a bounce in his step. He pushed the door open and announced loudly, "The star is back!" His usual confidence was amplified, his demeanor exuding an even greater sense of happiness.

His trainer, noticing Hiro's unusually high spirits, called him over. "Hiro, I've got some important news for you," he said, holding up his phone.

Curious, Hiro walked over and peered at the screen. It was an email from Jhimmy, his representative. As he read the message, his eyes widened in shock and excitement. The content of the email clearly held significant news, though the details remained a mystery for now.

Hiro's reaction was a mix of disbelief and elation. Whatever the message said, it was clear that it was a game-changer, something that could potentially have a big impact on his career and future. The gym, buzzing with the energy of training athletes, seemed to fade into the background as Hiro focused on the words on the screen, his mind racing with possibilities.

___________

As the afternoon sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting a warm golden hue across the sky, Maki climbed the steps leading to Jujutsu High School. The late summer breeze was gentle and soothing, ruffling her hair slightly as she ascended. The sky was a canvas of orange and pink, the clouds softly illuminated by the setting sun.

Reaching the top of the stairs, Maki entered the main courtyard of the school. The air was filled with the quiet buzz of students enjoying the last rays of the day, some chatting in groups, others lost in their own thoughts.

Maki walked towards her room, her usual stoic expression softened by a subtle smile. This unusual display of contentment didn't go unnoticed.

Panda, who was sitting with Yuta at a distance, observed her. "It's rare to see Maki smile like that. Maybe her coffee was really good," he commented, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

Yuta watched Maki with a thoughtful expression. "Yeah, maybe," he agreed, but his tone suggested he suspected there was more to her smile than just a good cup of coffee. He pondered over what might have happened to bring such a gentle smile to Maki's usually serious face.

In the solitude of her room, Maki found herself lost in thought. The walls, bare and unadorned, echoed the simplicity of her life, a stark contrast to the complexity of her thoughts.

She reflected on her upbringing within the Zenin family, a lineage that had never made life easy for her. "They never really saw me," she whispered to the emptiness of her room. "Always underestimated, always the outcast."

Her thoughts drifted to Naoya Zenin, a cousin whose personality had always grated on her. "Naoya... always so arrogant, so full of himself," she mused, her voice tinged with a mix of disdain and resignation. "Ever since we were kids, he's been nothing but a thorn in my side, always belittling, always mocking."

Maki's mind involuntarily drew parallels between Naoya and Hiro. "Both of them, arrogant womanizers," she said with a scoff. "Always thinking they're the center of the universe."

Lying back on her bed, Maki stared at the ceiling, her mind replaying the day's events. Despite her initial resistance, she couldn't help but notice the differences between Hiro and Naoya. "But Hiro... he's not that bad," she admitted quietly, a hint of surprise in her voice. "There's something about him... something different."

In the quiet of her room, with the evening light fading outside, Maki allowed herself a moment of vulnerability, contemplating the unexpected connection she felt with Hiro, a connection that was both confusing and intriguing.

Maki lay in her bed, her mind a tumultuous sea of thoughts, each one crashing against the next like waves upon a shore. Memories, doubts, and curiosities swirled together in a whirlpool, pulling her deeper into contemplation.

She found herself adrift in a sea of 'what ifs,' her thoughts meandering to uncharted territories. "What if Hiro were a Jujutsu sorcerer?" she wondered aloud, her imagination painting a picture of Hiro amidst the world of cursed spirits and sorcery. Would his arrogance and charm hold up against the realities of their world? Would his confidence be his shield, or would the tides of Jujutsu turn against him?

Maki quickly shook her head, as if to dispel the thought. "Why am I giving so much thought to that arrogant idiot?" she said, her voice echoing slightly in the quiet room. She felt like she was being pulled into a maelstrom, caught in the gravitational pull of Hiro's larger-than-life personality.

She sat up, a determined look on her face. "Focus, Maki. He's just a distraction," she reminded herself, trying to anchor her thoughts back to reality. But even as she said it, she knew Hiro had already made an impression on her, one she couldn't easily shake off.

Maki, still lost in her sea of thoughts, remained on her bed, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. The waves of contemplation continued to wash over her, each thought ebbing and flowing with the rhythm of her mind.

The room grew dimmer as the evening light faded, casting soft shadows that danced across the walls. The stillness of the room, combined with the exhaustion from the day's events, slowly enveloped Maki in a tranquil calm.

Her eyelids grew heavy, the barrage of thoughts gradually becoming less distinct, more like distant echoes than pressing concerns. The boundaries between wakefulness and sleep blurred as the gentle tide of drowsiness pulled her under.

Without realizing it, Maki drifted off to sleep, her mind finally finding peace in the quiet embrace of slumber. The concerns and curiosities about Hiro, her family, and her future all faded into the background as she succumbed to the much-needed rest, her breaths deepening and evening out as she entered a world of dreams.

In the depths of her slumber, Maki found herself transported back to her childhood, a time marred by the harsh judgments of her family. She was standing in the familiar surroundings of the Zenin household, her younger self facing Naoya Zenin.

Naoya, with a mocking tone, taunted her, "You don't even have cursed energy, Maki. How pathetic."

Young Maki, her fists clenched in defiance, retorted, "I don't need cursed energy to be strong."

Naoya laughed scornfully. "Without it, you'll never be respected in this family. You'll be nothing more than a servant."

Maki's anger flared, but she struggled to maintain her composure. "I am more than my cursed energy," she insisted.

Naoya shook his head in feigned pity. "I feel sorry for your father, having such a weak and pathetic daughter. You're a stain on the Zenin family's bloodline."

"I am not weak!" young Maki shot back, her voice firm despite the hurt in her eyes. "And I am certainly not pathetic."

Naoya smirked, his arrogance evident. "I can be whatever I want because I'm a prodigy. But you? You'll always be limited by your lack."

Maki woke up from the dream with a start, her breathing heavy. The hurtful words still echoed in her mind, a reminder of the struggles she had faced and the strength she had forged in spite of them. Lying in the darkness of her room, Maki reaffirmed to herself, "I am strong, with or without cursed energy." Her resolve, like a beacon in the night, shone brightly against the shadows of her past.

At 9 pm, Maki got up from her bed, still feeling the remnants of her dream lingering in her mind. She needed a distraction, something to wash away the echoes of the past. Thirsty, she decided to head to the common room for a glass of water.

Quietly, Maki walked down the dimly lit hallway, the sounds of her footsteps muffled by the soft carpet. The school was peaceful at this hour, most of its inhabitants settled in for the night.

As she approached the common room, Maki noticed a faint glow and the sound of a television. Curiosity piqued, she slid the door open just a crack and peered inside.

Panda, Inumaki, and Gojo Satoru were all there, engrossed in a sports program on TV. The screen flickered with images of athletes in motion, the commentary filling the room with a low, steady hum.

Maki hesitated for a moment, then decided to join them. Sliding the door open, she stepped inside, her presence immediately drawing their attention.

"Hey, Maki," Gojo greeted her with his usual casual demeanor. "Couldn't sleep?"

Maki shook her head. "Just needed some water," she replied, making her way to the kitchenette area.

As she poured herself a glass, she couldn't help but glance at the TV screen, where the sports program continued. The camaraderie in the room, the familiar faces of her friends and teacher, provided a comforting contrast to the isolation she had felt in her dream.

As Maki sipped her water, the sports program on the television suddenly shifted to a breaking news segment. The presenters announced that boxer Leo Smith would be withdrawing from his upcoming world championship fight against the current champion, Mike Johnson, due to an injury.

The news caught the attention of everyone in the room. "Looks like there's big news in the boxing world," Gojo commented, turning up the volume.

The presenters continued, explaining that with significant money at stake, the promoters were reluctant to cancel the event. Instead, they sought a fighter who could create a buzz and match the challenge. To the surprise of everyone in the room, the presenters announced that Hiro Takashi, the young boxing sensation, had been chosen as the replacement. Moreover, Hiro had already accepted the fight, which was scheduled to take place in a month.

Maki's eyes widened in surprise. "Hiro?" she muttered under her breath, a mix of disbelief and concern in her voice. The revelation added another layer to her thoughts about Hiro. He wasn't just a brash young boxer; he was now stepping into a fight that could catapult him to the top of the boxing world.

Panda, equally surprised, turned to Maki. "Isn't that the guy you were talking about the other day?"

Maki nodded, her mind racing with the implications of this news. "Yeah, that's him."

The atmosphere in the room had shifted, everyone now focused on the TV as the presenters discussed the potential impact of Hiro's participation in such a high-profile fight. For Maki, this news brought a new dimension to her understanding of Hiro, showcasing his ambition and fearlessness.

On the television, the presenters announced that they had Hiro Takashi on a video call at that very moment. The screen split to show Hiro, who appeared confident and relaxed, his signature smile in place.

"How do you feel about this upcoming fight, Hiro?" one of the presenters asked.

Hiro's response was immediate and full of his usual bravado. "I'm going to win," he declared confidently.

The presenters, seemingly impressed but also a bit skeptical, followed up with another question. "Isn't one month a very short time to prepare for such a significant fight?"

Hiro's smile didn't waver. "I could fight tomorrow and still win," he boasted. "I'm the strongest, and I'll prove it in this fight."

Back in the common room, Maki watched Hiro's display of confidence on the screen and couldn't help but mutter, "Arrogant idiot," under her breath.

Her comment drew a glance from Gojo, who chuckled lightly. "He does seem pretty sure of himself," he observed.

Maki shook her head, a mix of annoyance and reluctant admiration in her eyes. Despite her words, it was clear that Hiro's unshakable confidence and determination had left an impression on her. The TV continued to play, with the presenters and Hiro discussing the upcoming fight, but Maki's thoughts were already far away, pondering the complex feelings Hiro's sudden appearance in her life had stirred within her.

The television presenters bid farewell to Hiro, ending the call. As the screen returned to the studio, Maki felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She pulled it out to check the message and saw Hiro's name on the screen. The message read, "Ready to go to Vegas?"

A small, involuntary smile crept onto Maki's face, a reaction that didn't go unnoticed. Panda, ever observant, teased, "Love is in the air, huh? Is that Yuta?"

Maki quickly pocketed her phone, her smile fading as she turned to Panda. "Cut out the nonsense, Panda. No, it's not Yuta," she replied, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

As she left the common room and walked back to her own, Maki's mind was a whirlwind of emotions, like leaves caught in a gust of wind. Each step was a mix of irritation and curiosity, her footsteps echoing softly in the quiet corridor. Under her breath, she whispered "Idiot," a word meant for Hiro but also for herself, for the unexpected way her thoughts kept drifting back to him.

Her journey back to her room was a solitary one, the quiet halls of the school echoing the tumultuous thoughts racing through her mind. Hiro's message, simple yet bold, had stirred a storm within her, a tempest of feelings she was still trying to understand.

The night in Tokyo was alive with energy, the city's neon lights casting a vibrant glow against the dark sky. Skyscrapers stood like silent sentinels, their windows twinkling with the lives of countless unseen inhabitants.

Hiro laced up his running shoes and stepped out into the night, ready for his nocturnal training run. The streets were less crowded than during the day, but still buzzing with the city's never-sleeping spirit. The air was cool and crisp, a welcome relief from the heat of the day.

As he ran, Hiro's thoughts were a mix of anticipation for the upcoming fight and the intriguing interaction with Maki earlier in the day. His phone, secured in his pocket, vibrated. Slowing down, he pulled it out to see a message from Maki. It was just one word: "Ready."

A smile spread across Hiro's face, a spark of excitement lighting up his eyes. He whispered to himself, "You really are one of a kind, Maki Zenin."

Pocketing the phone, Hiro resumed his run, his feet pounding against the pavement in a steady rhythm. The cool night air caressed his face, the city lights blurring into a kaleidoscope of colors as he moved. He felt a surge of energy, his heart beating in time with the city's pulse.

His run was more than just physical training; it was a dance with the night, a moment of connection with the bustling life of Tokyo. And as he ran, Hiro's thoughts kept returning to Maki, her challenging spirit adding a new layer of excitement to his life. The night around him seemed to echo his anticipation, the city a vast stage upon which his story was unfolding.