Chapter 32: One kick (2)
"Hey," Ryouta called out, his voice echoing in the quiet street.
Haruto paused and glanced back, his expression wary but not particularly concerned. Up close, Ryouta could see he was younger than he’d initially thought, probably around his own age. But there was something steady about him, something that suggested he wasn’t easily rattled.
"You’re the one who beat the crap out of Kazuma, right?" Ryouta asked, a grin spreading across his face. He’d heard the stories, of course. Everyone had. But seeing the guy in person, holding that beautiful girl like she was made of spun glass, made it seem somehow more real.
Haruto nodded briefly, shifting his grip on Satsuki to make sure she was secure. "Yeah, that was me."
The casual way he said it, like it was no big deal, only made Ryouta’s grin wider. "Thought so. Word gets around, you know."
He started to circle them slowly, hands in his pockets, taking in the scene. The girl was even more beautiful up close—perfect skin, long lashes, lips that looked soft as silk. And this guy just got to touch her whenever he wanted? Got to hold her close and breathe in her scent and feel her body pressed against his?
"Must be nice," Ryouta said, his voice taking on a harder edge. "Having a girl like that."
Haruto’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Is there something you want?"
"Yeah, actually." Ryouta’s grin turned predatory. "I want to see what all the fuss is about."
He moved fast, faster than most people could react. His fist came up in a perfect arc, aimed right at Haruto’s jaw. It should have been an easy hit—the guy was distracted, off-balance from carrying the girl, completely unprepared