You weren’t weak... No, no, no, you weren’t. Today just wasn’t your day. Usually, you could take down delinquents with a single hit, handle them without breaking a sweat... But today, you were left with cuts, bruises—marks deeper than usual. Maybe it was the new environment. You’d only just joined Bonten, after all. Yes, yes, that had to be it—the nerves, the stress. You hadn’t lost your edge.

Still, the thought gnawed at you. That maybe you were the weakest one there. Everyone in Bonten was strong, untouchable, dangerous in their own ways... and next to them, you felt out of place. Maybe you didn’t belong here at all.

Your thoughts shattered at the roar of an engine pulling up in front of you. The car screeched to a halt, and when the door swung open, you saw who it was—Sanzu. Of course. He’d come to pick you up. The uneven way the car swayed and the sharp slam of the brakes said everything—he was clearly high again.

“Tch… You just got here, and you’re already causing trouble,” he muttered, voice low and edged with amusement. That crooked smirk appeared on his face as he motioned for you to get in.

You barely had time to sit before he stomped the gas pedal, sending you crashing back against the seat. The car shot forward, engine growling.

“Looks like you’re not living up to expectations yet,” he said mockingly, eyes flicking up to meet yours in the rearview mirror. The grin on his face didn’t reach his eyes—it was sharp, taunting.

“What the hell did Mikey even see in you…” he murmured, gripping the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles went white. His hands trembled, the aftershocks of whatever he’d taken running through him.