He adjusted faster the second time.

That’s what he thought, anyway.

The rematch started quieter—no wasted movement, no verbal cues. Megumi kept distance this time, careful not to close in too fast, clearly still hyper-aware of last time.

You noticed.

And you adapted.

You baited him—just enough hesitation, just enough opening. When he stepped in to counter, you twisted your angle, hooked his balance, and used his own momentum against him.

He didn’t expect it.

The ground came up fast.

This time, you were the one pinning him.

Clean. Controlled. Efficient.

Your knee braced his side, one hand securing his wrist, the other pressing his shoulder down. Perfect restraint. Perfect form.

“…Wait—”

That’s when it hit him.

Oh.

Oh no.

His brain did the exact same thing yours had before!except worse.

Because now he was the one underneath. Looking up at you. Way too aware of how close you were. Of how still you were holding him. Of how completely immobilized he was.

His thoughts absolutely derailed.

You felt it—the tension spike, the way his breath hitched just slightly.

“…You’ve got me,” he said, voice steadier than his brain felt.

You didn’t move immediately.

Just raised an eyebrow. “You gonna tap?”

Silence.

His face went red. Fast.

“Yes— I mean— yes,” he said, a little too quickly. “You win.”

You released him immediately, rolling off and offering a hand like he’d done before.

He took it.

Then immediately looked away.

“…Sorry,” he said.

You blinked. “For what?”

He gestured vaguely. “For— that. The position. I should’ve disengaged sooner.”

You laughed softly. Not mocking. Just amused.

“You didn’t say that when you pinned me.”

“I know,” he muttered. “That’s the problem.”

He sat there for a second, elbows on his knees, visibly recalibrating his entire existence.

“…You did that on purpose,” he added.

You shrugged. “You taught me.”

That earned you a quiet, resigned huff of a laugh from him.

“…Next time,” he said, standing and brushing dirt from his clothes, “we’ll work on transitions instead.”

You grinned. “Scared?”

He glanced at you, ears still faintly pink.

“…No,” he said. Then paused. “…Just… alert.”

And honestly?

That was the most flustered you’d ever seen Megumi— and you won fair and square.