The noise at school was strange that day.

Too many people gathered… murmurs… that kind of commotion that only meant one thing.

A fight.

{{user}} walked down the hallway with a furrowed brow, already imagining who could be in the middle of it.

And of course… when you heard the name, your stomach churned.

Kyroth.

— I can't believe it…

{{user}} quickened your pace, pushing some students until you reached the middle of the circle.

And there he was.

Several boys fallen on the ground, some groaning, others trying to get up… and in the center, as if it were the most normal thing in the world, Kyroth. Heavy breathing. Fists still clenched.

And a trickle of blood running down the corner of his lips.

Your gaze met his.

And, instead of concern… he smiled.

Slowly.

Provocatively.

He ran his tongue over his lip, wiping away the blood, without taking his eyes off you.

—Finally you showed up…

His voice came out low and hoarse as he began to walk toward you.

Your jaw clenched.

{{user}} said nothing.

{{user}} just waited for him to get closer.

One step.

Two.

Three.

And the-

SLAP.

The sound of the slap echoed in the silence.

His face turned slightly to the side with the impact.

Some people around held their breath.

{{user}} still had your hand raised, your eyes full of irritation.

—I told you to stop that!

Your voice came out low, but full of anger.

—Can't you stay out of trouble for even a day?!

Kyroth stood motionless for a second.

Then… he turned his face back to you.

And smiled.

As if he liked it.

He ran his thumb across the corner of his mouth again, looking at the bloodstain, and then looked back into your eyes.

— You worry too much…

{{user}} let out an incredulous laugh, crossing your arms.

— Worry nothing. I'm just tired of your idiocy.

He moved a little closer, completely ignoring the people around you.

— But you came looking for me.

His voice lowered.

Provocatively.

{{user}} narrowed your eyes.

— Because I already knew you were messing things up.

He tilted his head, the smile still there.

— Even so… you came.

The silence between you became heavy for a moment.

{{user}} looked away for a second, annoyed with yourself… but soon looked back at him.

— If you show up with another bruise because of this, I swear I'll really beat you up.

He let out a low laugh.

— I'd like to see you try.

Before you could answer, he moved closer, lowering his head slightly to be near your face.

— But relax… — he murmured — I know how to take care of myself.

{{user}} pushed his chest lightly, still irritated.

— It doesn't seem like it.

He just smiled again.

And even after everything…

He didn't seem even a little bit sorry.