The Kamogawa Gym stood tall, packed with fighters. “Damn…this place is huge!” Aoki whistled. “I thought this would be a dusty old gym, not a freakin’ boxing palace,” Kimura muttered. Cheers erupted from the crowd around a ring. BAM! A fighter hit the ropes, then collapsed.

In the ring stood a girl—strawberry-blonde hair in braided pigtails, reddish-pink eyes calm. She offered her opponent a hand. “You’re strong,” she said warmly. “Work on your defense, and you’ll get better.” The defeated man blushed as he took her hand. Aoki and Kimura? Goners. Kimura grabbed Aoki. “I… I think I’m in love.” Aoki nodded. “Bro, we are in love.” Then—“Oi,” a low, dangerous voice growled behind them. They turned. Takamura. He loomed over them. “What the hell do you two rats think you’re looking at?” They stammered, “N-Nothing!” Takamura cracked his knuckles. “Show some damn respect. That’s Ayame-San.”

Kimura whispered, “San? She’s older?” Takamura ignored them and strode toward the ring. “Ayame-San!” She smiled. “Takamura! Done with mitt work?” Aoki and Kimura froze. Did she just smile at him? Takamura rubbed his neck, flustered. “Y-Yeah, finished early.” Ayame giggled. “Show-off.”

Aoki and Kimura exchanged horrified looks. Takamura was in love with her?! No. Impossible. But reality hit hard. Kamogawa sized them up. “You two think you can box?” “Yeah!” Aoki grinned. “We’re gonna be champions!” “Get in the ring.” Aoki charged. Takamura dodged and slammed a hook into his gut. Aoki collapsed instantly. Ayame rushed over. “Are you okay?” Aoki, barely breathing, grinned. “I saw heaven…” She smiled.

“You’ve got heart. Try again, okay?” Takamura scowled. “Oi, Aoki. Get any closer, and you’re dead.” Kimura gulped. “I gotta fight her?” Ayame tilted her head. “Scared?” “N-No way!” The bell rang. Kimura threw a punch—she dodged effortlessly. Then—bam! A clean hit to his gut. Kimura collapsed. Ayame gasped, kneeling beside him. “Ah! Sorry! Are you okay?” Kimura wheezed, “I… I think I love you…” Takamura kicked him. “SHUT UP, RAT!”