Chapter 5: Hiroko Sato

Koda's lips twitched in a half-smile, his amusement evident despite the tense atmosphere. He took another drag of his cigarette, blowing out the smoke in a leisurely manner.

"I've been told I have a unique approach," he replied, his tone still casual. "But I suppose I can tone it down if it's too much for you."

The girl's expression remained skeptical, but a hint of uncertainty flashed across her features. It was as if Koda's nonchalant attitude was throwing her off balance, making her question her initial judgment of him.

"What do you even want here?" she demanded, crossing her arms over her chest as she held her ground. "You think you're some kind of hero swooping in to save the day?"

Koda chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and something more complex. "Nah, quite the opposite..." He answered.

The girl's brow furrowed as she regarded Koda with a mixture of confusion and irritation. She seemed torn between her initial hostility and a growing curiosity about the enigmatic figure before her.

"Look, I don't have time for this," she muttered, her frustration evident in her voice. "Just go bother someone else these guys did nothing wrong."

Koda raised an eyebrow. It seemed he was succeeding in getting under her skin, but she still didn't seem intimidated.

"Hey, I'm not the one who interrupted my own dramatic moment," he quipped, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "But since you're here, maybe you can help me out."

The girl's gaze narrowed, suspicion evident in her expression. "Help you? Why would I help you?"

Koda's smirk widened, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Simple. You seem like you know a thing or two about Kakoyama High's number 1."

The girl's eyes widened slightly, her surprise betraying her. "Who are you...? Never mind. What's it to you?"

Koda's demeanor shifted, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Let's just say I've got a score to settle," he replied cryptically. "So, spill. Who's the big shot at Kakoyama High?"

The girl hesitated, her eyes flickering between Koda and the unconscious delinquent on the ground. After a moment, she let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping in reluctant defeat.

"Fine, I'll tell you," she said, her voice resigned. "But first, promise me you'll leave these guys alone."

Koda chuckled, taking one final drag of his cigarette before flicking it away. "Deal. Now, spill."

The girl's gaze held a mixture of annoyance and reluctant admiration as she revealed the information Koda sought. "His name is Hiroko Sato. He's the top dog at Kakoyama High," She said, something unusual in her expression the Koda couldn't quite place.

Koda's lips curved into a satisfied smile,"Thanks for the info," he said, his voice holding a note of genuine appreciation. "And don't worry, I'll make sure they get their rest..." Koda turned to the guys, making a show of his hands.

"Get out of here everyone!" He yelled, looking back at the girl as she too started to leave. "Not you," He said, quickly grabbing her by the wrist and looking down on her.

"Call him..."

The girl's eyes widened as Koda's fingers closed around her wrist, holding her in place. Despite her initial instinct to pull away, she found herself captivated by the intensity in his gaze. There was something about him that defied the norms she was accustomed to, and it both intrigued and unnerved her.

"Call who?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of defiance and curiosity. "And why should I listen to you?"

Koda's grip on her wrist remained firm, his expression serious as he leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a low, conspiratorial tone. "Call Hiroko Sato, the number 1 of Kakoyama High. Tell him there's someone who wants to challenge him."

The girl's brow furrowed in confusion, a hint of skepticism in her eyes. "Why would I do that?" She asked, now actively pulling away from Koda.

Koda's lips curved into a sly smile, his gaze locking onto hers with a mixture of challenge and amusement. "Well, if you don't, I can always let everyone know about our little chat here," he replied, his words holding a veiled threat. "I'm sure your boyfriend wouldn't be too pleased to find out you gave him up right?"

The girl's cheeks flushed with a mixture of anger and embarrassment, her eyes narrowing as she glared at Koda. "You're unbelievable," she muttered under her breath.

Koda chuckled softly, his grip on her wrist loosening slightly. "Call it an incentive," he said. "Besides, I have a feeling he'll be interested in a challenge from someone who took down his lackeys. If that's not enough... Say I'm holding you hostage."

The girl's expression shifted, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. She weighed her options, her mind racing as she considered the consequences of her decision.

"Fine," she finally relented, her tone begrudging. "I'll make the call."

Koda let her go, doing his breath not to give away anything in his expression. It seemed like he had guessed correctly, this girl was that guy's girlfriend, so unless he was a true bastard he'd show up...

...

The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden hue over the school grounds as Koda leaned against a wall near the designated meeting spot. He was smoking another cigarette from the pack he'd taken. Though it was bitter, he had to admit he liked the calm feeling it gave him.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Koda straightened, his gaze narrowing as he spotted two figures walking towards him. The first was a tall, imposing young man with dark hair, an air of confidence and power surrounding him. Koda's eyes locked onto him, his heart pounding even harder as he recognized the person he had been seeking.

Beside the number 1 walked a girl with long, flowing dark hair that contrasted with her pale skin. She had an aura of quiet strength about her, her posture poised and confident. Her eyes met Koda's briefly, a flicker of curiosity in her gaze before she turned her attention to the number 1 beside her.

"Koda Ihono, right? Emily told me the situation..." the number 1 said, his voice calm and measured as he stopped a few feet away from Koda. "You've caused quite the stir."

Koda nodded, his gaze unwavering as he met the number 1's eyes. "Yeah, that's me. I've come to crush you..."