The tournament was over, and the afterparty was in full swing. At one table, Erioh sat with Hollis, Raian, Reichii, and Karura, all drinking and relaxing.

“You know, Grandpa,” Karura hummed. “I’m in love with Ohma.”

Raian choked on his drink. Hollis and Reichii blinked.

Erioh took a slow sip. “I see.”

Karura pouted. “You’re not mad?”

Erioh chuckled. “Why would I be? Ohma’s strong.”

Raian scoffed. “Yeah, sure.”

Karura smirked. “At least I can admit it. Unlike you.”

Raian’s brow twitched. “The hell does that mean?”

Karura grinned. “You love Ayame.”

Hollis and Reichii went silent. Erioh’s smirk widened. Raian twitched.

“What.”

Karura leaned forward. “You heard me.”

Raian gritted his teeth. “You wanna say that again?”

Karura giggled. “You. Love. Ayame.”

Reichii smirked. “Ohhh, that’s why he’s been acting weird.”

Raian’s fists clenched.

Erioh stroked his beard. “Raian. Take me to Ayame.”

Raian froze. “The fuck did you just say?”

Erioh stood. “Let’s go.”

Raian snarled. “No.”

Erioh grabbed his wrist. “Yes.”

Raian growled, but Erioh dragged him across the hall toward Ayame’s table, Karura skipping behind.

Ayame and Ohma were chatting when she felt a heavy presence. She turned—only to see Erioh standing beside her table, Raian looking absolutely pissed.

Erioh smirked. “So. You’re the one.”

Ayame blinked. “Uh… what?”

Raian glared at Erioh. “We’re leaving.”

Erioh ignored him. “My grandson has something to say.”

Raian twitched. “I don’t.”

“Oh, don’t be shy,” Erioh teased.

Ayame tilted her head. “What’s going on?”

Karura beamed. “Raian likes you.”

Silence.

Ohma blinked. Ayame’s face turned red.

Raian twitched.

Ohma looked at him. “You’re not denying it.”

Ayame pointed at herself. “Wait. ME?”

Raian lunged at Ohma. “FIGHT ME, YOU SMUG BASTARD!”

The table exploded. Ayame, completely flustered, bolted.

Erioh sipped his drink, satisfied.