Ch 42 - We're Friends, Aren't We? Pt. 3

~A/N: Just a quick note from Cube QB, squarey bois~ ChEcK OuT mY miXtApe bRo~~

https://soundcloud.com/cube-qb

I uploaded the instrumentals for "I'm The General", "#SOUNDCLOUDRAPPER", and "A Soldier's Life." Sadly, my skill issues (and technology issues-) prevent me from making a beat for "Tabetai" Q-Q But that'll be all.~ READ NOW, OR I'MMA USE MAH GLOCK-~

"Hoo...Aight, let's go to Calli Calls!" I said as I got my piece of paper and went up to Calli's room, running slowly up the stairs as I knocked on her door.

"Calli, you there?" I asked.

"...Oh, Shiro? Come in!" She said as she opened the door afterwards.

And so, I told her what lyrics I came up with, and I tried rapping over it to let her hear how it sounded. When I finished, she shrieked a bit and clapped.

"Whoo! That sounds amazing!"

"Really? Well then, advance Happy Birthday, Calli. Hopefully 'Red' will get a ton of streams!" I chuckled.

"Though...mind if you give me your paper real quick?" Calli asked.

"Ah, sure. Here."

"...Man...I just can't believe it...you wrote this in a few hours?"

"Well...3 minutes, then another 10-30 minutes of refinement." I used my hand to gesticulate.

"Really?! Damn, you really are fitting for a member of V-R.A.P.P."

"Ah, that compliment sounds embarrassing. Maybe set your expectations a bit lower." I scratched my head and giggled.

'Well, if Fantano saw my ass, he'd prolly break me apart. But eh, couldn't care less honestly.' I thought.

"By the way...my 1 month ban gets lifted until April 6, right? Did you even ask your manager about that?"

"Ah, yeah! I got permission from J-chad who asked permission from Yagoo that this can be an exception. Just one time though."

"I see...welp, so uh...where should I record my vocals?"

"Oh...you can record here. Besides, I think the studio to the building is too far from here, personally." She giggled.

"Oh, really? I tend to be very loud, plus I like it if there's less noise and more crisp vocals captured. That's why I tend to go there. But...if you don't mind my voice's volume and whatnot, then it's okay…"

'...Oh shit, I forgot. My scar…'

"Hey, Calls?" I said as I looked at her.

"Y-Yeah?"

I closed my eys and took a breath in as I let down my mask.

'It's okay, Shiro. Just think of your lyrics and nothing else...you'll be fine.' I thought to myself.

When I opened my eyes, Calli looked so shocked to see what my scar looked like on my mouth.

"Please keep this a secret, okay? I don't really like it since this scar reminds me of the woman who did this to me…" I said.

"Hey, I can keep a secret, dude, you know? Don't worry! I'm sorry you experienced this though…"

"Ah, it's okay. I just uh...prolly need to get more used to it." I giggled.

"Anyway, mind guiding me to where I should record my vocals in your computer?"

"Ah, sure!"

And so, she took hold of the mouse, and I started to record multiple vocals on the computer. It was fun honestly, and it was interesting to see Calli having fun, which in turn, made me have more fun.

"Damn...the whole piece sounds nice!"

"Thanks. You don't think it's too long though?"

"Ah, no! I'm sure it's fine!"

"Well...if you say so." I chuckled.

"Man...do you ever get tired of producing songs?" She asked.

"What? Of course not. I love it. Why'd you ask?"

"'Cause...you know, you seem so energetic. I mean, it's expected since you're still new, but...considering your past persona, and all the songs you made...I'm surprised you're just down for anything."

"Well...I mean, what can I say? I got reborn as Ishijin Shiro, not White T anymore. New concepts, new ideas, new songs. It's a domino effect."

"I see...how do you see yourself in the future?"

"I don't know...one thing I can confidently say is that I'll definitely be able to leave an impact somehow. I may not be able to leave a huge impact like you, Suisei, or anybody...but I will leave a mark."

"Well...good luck with that. I mean, I already know my place in the Vtuber game." She said as she crossed her legs and arms.

"I bet you're one of the G.O.A.Ts. If not, one of the pioneers of V-Rap." I said.

"No no no, I doubt it. I think I'm just...you know, regular."

"Well, say what you want. I definitely know your worth in the community, and it's pretty damn big."

"Well...knowing you know how to freestyle and such, I'm sure you're better."

"Eh, maybe?" I said as we both giggled.

"Oh, would you look at the time? I'm overstaying my welcome. Guess I'll be leaving now, Calls."

"Ah, sure! I bet you're busy and all."

"Ah no. I'm just...you know. I'm just a lazy fucking talent doing anything that gives him fun, watching clips, and especially rapping."

"Nah, I'm sure you're just joking." She laughed.

"Heh. Well then, jokes aside, see ya soon, Calls!"

"Yup, Shishi!"

"...Shishi?"

"You gave me 'Calls', so I thought of a nickname on the spot...prolly not the best nickname though." She giggled.

"Nah, I'm okay with it honestly. Doesn't matter." I chuckled.

And so, I went downstairs, and went back into my room.

"Alright...what to do, what to do...?"

...I guess I'll just write lyrics. I mean, that Ayame song needs to be finished.

"Oh yeah, I gotta go to Luna and Sora's DMs or channel to congratulate their sub special...not to mention, Towa too. She released a new song...might listen to it in Spotify." I chuckled.

'You know...thinking about how they all are working hard to achieve their goals...it makes me want to work harder...what a funny chain reaction.' I chuckled again.

"Alright, guess my new objective is to really finish the whole song for Ayame."

And just when I said that, I got a sudden call from my phone.

"Oh? Ah, LINE, ey?" I said as I got my phone and looked at the number.

"Flare...?"

I picked it up nonetheless and put it near my ear.

"S-Shiro-kun! Help us! T-They're gonna take us back to where we-KYAAAHHH!! GET OFF OF ME!" I heard Flare's voice before what seemed like a big clack as I heard her voice go off to the distance.

"F-Flare? Hey, Flare!"

"Cut that bitch's phone off!" I heard in the background as the last thing I heard was footsteps and my phone beeping thrice.

"...Oh, so that's how it is, ey?"

Guess I threw 1 million yen away for nothing…

"Well, as they always say…'The best defense against evil men is good men who are skilled at violence'." I giggled slowly as I got the crate under my bed.

'It's been a long time since I used Betsy and Tina...Hopefully my aiming hasn't gotten rusty after a few months of not using my "girlfriends".' I smiled.

I got a bag, and I stuffed my wallet, knife, two masks, and most importantly, my pistols. My trusty Five-sevens. I also stored an extra hoodie and pants in case it'll get too "messy".

"I guess I expected as much for those guys to backstab and only aimed to gain benefit for themselves only. Besides, Flare and Noel's bodies are hella hot, so easy money." I said to myself as I started walking outside, making my way to the city as I rode a taxi.

'Just wait, Flare, Noel...I don't know if they're raping you, or if something happened, but whatever it is...I'm about to return to my old ways for tonight…'

I will kill, and nothing shall get in between me and my target. Nothing at all.

I arrived finally at the area where I was supposed to be. I also got my guns out when I was finally a good distance away from the street and into the alleyway as I hid it under my hoodie.

The street, just as dead-like as the first time I went here. However, that would soon change the vibe as I arrived closer to the door.

I could see the light under the door. There was a clear shadow on it that looked like two legs of a man. I also could hear faint sounds inside the room, and those sounds were almost like scolding...I can't tell if it's Noel or Flare or maybe both of them at once, but whatever the case, I'm busting in now, starting with a knock on the door.

"Hmm? Hey, you're not part of our business, scram!-" The guy at the door said before I cut him off with a kick that resulted to the door almost getting unhinged. It definitely cracked when I kicked it though.

I closed the door, and I immediately locked it. When I turned around to look at the guy at the floor, I half-closed my eyes as if I was relaxing them. It's too late for anybody to escape this room.

"O-Oi, what the fuck do you think you're doing, kicking the door-" He got cut off as I pulled the trigger, resulting to blood spewing out from the back of his head.

"W-What the hell was that?!" I heard inside the room.

A couple staff members came looking at where the gunshot came from, and when that happened, I pointed both of my guns at them and shot dead right at the forehead.

I finally saw the whole room itself and peeked at the corner to see Flare and Noel staring back at me with their full body naked. I could see a couple more girls beside them that also looked at me in terror. I still kept my eyes relaxed as I pointed my guns at everybody else.

One by one, everybody tried to run away, but what hope did they have to begin with against a guy with a gun? That's like a sloth trying to run away from an ape. You may be able to avoid it at first, but if it's got you in its sights, the best thing to hope for is a quick and painless death. Heh, I guess that's what I'm giving right now.

Though, the director, who was the one I talked to before when I went here with Noel and Flare, was an exception. After all, I'm a sadistic motherfucker.

"AAARRRGHHHH!!" He screamed as he held his knee in pain while crying tears.

"Oi, teme...!!!!" I said as I went and roundhouse kicked his face.

"GUHAGH! AARGH! Gah…" He panted as I kicked his stomach to face me.

"Hey, answer me, you fuck. I paid you 1 million yen. What kind of 'man of your words' are you? I know Japanese people are two-faced, but damn, you make the Japanese look bad. You should've left Noel and Flare alone, and yet, you did this shit? You don't deserve to live."

"L-Listen! We were becoming bankrupt! I promised to give them back when I finally make enough-"

BANG! No hesitation to pull the trigger and finally end his life right in front of these girls.

"Heh. Bankrupt deez nuts, bitch." I said in English.

I looked at Flare and Noel.

"Hey, Flare, Noel." I said as I kneeled near them.

"...Shit, you two are tied, huh? I guess I expected this." I said again.

From what I estimated, cops will come in about 3 minutes. That's more time than I needed, considering there aren't a lot of girls right now, but shit, if we're a second too late, even if we escape, they'll catch us. We need to do this quickly.

"S-Shiro-kun...you came for us…" Flare said.

"Mhmm. Sure did. You two are a part of Hololive after all." I chuckled.

"Help untie the rest of the girls, and get your clothes." I ordered.

"Got it!" Flare and Noel said.

When that finally happened, I gave both of them my spare black masks and we started running as I held my bag.

"You two...how did they get you?"

"We were suddenly pulled over as we walked from the mall to the train station. Flare was able to escape from them, but of course...they got her too after a second attempt." Noel said.

"Well, I'm sorry you two had to see me kill, but there's no time to worry about that."

"Say...those guns...is it even legal?" Flare asked while panting.

"Of course. Well, technically not, but they're my guns from when I was still a soldier, so I'd say it's a yes." I chuckled.

We finally got inside another alleyway that branched to a street, and the two panted as they took off their masks while leaning against the wall.

"Hah...I-I'm...I'm still shaking from what happened earlier…" Noel said as she looked at her palm.

"That was the first time...I saw a person get killed in front of my eyes…" Flare said as she frowned and looked at me.

I looked down to avoid those innocent eyes of theirs.

"If I could, I would've done it where you two couldn't see it...but the circumstances couldn't lead to that."

"H-How are you not shaking...? You almost look like it's an everyday thing-" Noel got cut off.

"Because that was what a majority of my job was, Noel…I'm a good man who's an expert in violence. The more you kill, the more it becomes easier to deal with."

"...So you really are…" Flare said.

"Mhmm. Should've been obvious from my body and whatnot, Flare. More importantly...are you two safe? You weren't hurt or anything?"

"L-Luckily...we were spared. Though, some girls back there might've had to take a pill 'cause...you know-"

"I know...I'm just glad you two are safe." I giggled.

"...We're very sorry, Shiro-kun." Flare said.

"It's okay...you two have family and friends, after all."

"I-I feel bad you don't get the recognition you need."

"Ah, don't worry about it. Respect is earned, not given. Besides, I'm not a soldier anymore, you idiots. I'm just a normal streamer that just wants to rap. I've called an Uber to our way, so we can just relax at a bench or so."

"O-Okay…" They both said.

And so, we sat a bench as I just looked through my phone, but I could see the two in my peripheral vision looking back from their phone to me.

"S-Say, Shiro-kun…" Flare said.

"Hmm?"

"...Do you need help with anything?"

"Like what?"

"You know...requests...help? Anything you're struggling with in streaming?"

"Nah...honestly, I'm doing fine. Thanks for your concern though." I said as I kept scrolling through Twitter.

"...Do you need help in collabing or trying something?"

"Well, I don't think I need to. I've already gotten the idea, but I have yet to ask my manager about it. Again, thanks for your concern. Say...why're you asking?"

"It's...unfair. How you always help the Hololivers in a tight situation when you have trust issues with women. How you're always so confident and have things going your way in our job. How, despite being a kouhai, you do way more than us senpais…"

"...Hah, Flare. Do you know how you're gonna help me?"

"H-How?"

"Well, I'm sure Noel's listening in...if you wanna help me, then just act like the senpai you should be."

"Eh?"

"I don't care much about the senpai-kouhai relationship despite being Japanese. You could literally be a daisenpai and yet you can be worse than your kouhais. What's important is how good your relationship should be. Think of it like this, Flare. We're not just workmates with different positions, but also like friends. You don't get to decide who helps who and who shall depend on who. If I want help from you, I shall. Same thing if you want help from me."

"But...that's not repaying the favor…"

"Heh. It's simple. It doesn't repay the favor? Then wait for the right opportunity to repay it. It's not like I'm destined to die in a war or so. We got all the time in the world."

"So don't worry about it, Flare, Noel. The only thing that matters right now is that we are all here. Aaaand the taxi's here. Let's go." I stood up.

"E-Eh? G-Got it!" They both said.

And so, we sat down in the taxi, and we kept waiting until we got back.

"...Oh, Shiro-kun! Look, a cute chibi fanart of you!" Noel said as she gave me her phone.

"Oh? Lemme see!" I said as I grabbed her phone.

When I did, I felt her finger ice cold as our hands touched. It made me widen my eyes for a split second when I took a look at her phone.

"It's cute, right?"

"...Yeah, it is." I chuckled.

'Huh...well, as expected of somebody like them. They're still shaken from the killing I just did earlier.'

I almost feel bad. People like them should be focusing on jobs and being normal, not having to experience what it's like to be a psychopath. But then again...it was me who ended up having dirty hands, so they're still innocent in terms of committing sins.

And so, we finally got to the school entrance, and started walking back to the house.

"Hah...finally back. I was thinking of finishing the Ayame song, but then 'that' came up, so…"

I looked at both of them and they were looking down, frowning. I looked at Noel and Flare's arms and they were at least not shaking. However, in moments like this…

"Hey." I said as I went in front of the two and we all stopped.

"Oh?" They both said.

I put my arm around their necks and pulled them close as they let out a little gasp.

"...You two are cold as hell. You still shaken from what happened earlier?"

"...Yeah." They both said.

"I-I'm very angry at them...I wish they'd die...but I didn't know my wish would just...actually come true like that…" Flare said.

"It's okay...it's not any of your faults. I was the one who did it."

"...You just wanted to protect us, right?" Noel said as she also hugged me back.

"Yeah. Maybe...I didn't do it in the best way, but-"

"No...I think it was for the best...we understand...Though, what if we get caught? Will we get sent to-"

"Don't worry. As long as we keep quiet, it's our little secret. We're friends, right?" I said.

They slowly smiled and nodded. "Yeah, we're friends."

'I feel bad to say that last line there, but...I mean, technically I'm not wrong? Whatever…' I thought as we kept walking back to the Holohouse and I went into my room.

And so, I kept going through the whole night, mainly writing the lyrics of the Ayame song and refining it, as well as congratulating Sora and Luna for their specials, and listened to Towa's song. It was hella bopping. Not only were the vocals good, but the lyrics...it had a great synergy along with the track. Gotta admit though, the MV itself is also greatly done.

Obviously, it's not my cup of tea because Hololive focuses quite a ton on this 'idol' image and stuff, so it's more pop-oriented, but...the lyricism is hella nice here. Talking about a monochrome black-and-white world to which then you were able to find colors and fill your world with color and happiness? I'm pretty sure we've all been there.

"...Oh? What's this? Ah, Discord?"

I looked at it. It was Mea. I forgot I already accepted the request before, but this was her first message to me.

Shiro: Sup?

Mea: What do you mean "Sup"?? wwww

Mea: What're you doing right now? You free for a call?

Shiro (reply to Mea): The hell you think "greetings" are, woman? ww

Shiro (reply to Mea): Sure. Hit me.

And so, I heard the usual Discord call tone, and I accepted the call.

"Yo." I said.

"Sup?" She said.

"...Dafuq? First you said 'Oh, what do you mean Sup?' then you hit me with this? Make up your mind, damn idiot."

Mea laughed while I snickered.

"Well uh...what're you doing?"

"Oh, um...I'm just listening to Towa's new song. You know Towa, right?"

"Yeah. Tokoyami Towa. I'm not a damn idiot, okay?"

"Well, you are, so suck it."

"I'M NOT!" She said to which I replied with a snicker.

"Well...she made a new song called 'Palette'. Honestly...it's good. Definitely worth giving it a listen. Not to mention, do try to look at the MV. The art and animation is beautiful."

"Really? Well then...I guess I'll put that on my playlist. What else're you doing?"

"Well, I was writing a song. Currently, I'm out of ideas right now, and I just finished writing lyrics for one song and refining it, so now, I'm just...playing Chess with Towa's music in the background."

"Really? Listen to my music."

"Well, if you could just stop fucking deleting your karaoke streams, we'd be grand!" I said and she laughed hella hard from it.

"By the way, do you actually have a song out...?" I asked.

"I do, damn idiot! It's called 'Strawberry Confiture'!"

"...Eh? Wait a-eh? You actually have one? How did I not know that...?" I said as I pulled a new tab and immediately searched it.

"I'm an idol, you know?"

"You're a girl who doesn't know how to take care of her own period that's also a menhera. You can't fool me...Okay, your thumbnail is really misleading." I said as she laughed so hard in the background, my ears actually hurt from that spike in the audio.

"OW! JESUS, THAT'S THE LAUGH OF A FUCKING DEVIL, WOMAN! 'AHAHAHAHA!' Tone it down, would ya?!"

"IT'S NOT A DEVIL'S LAUGH, YOU!"

"Anyway...I'm listening to it right now. What's the name of the artist? This is definitely not your voice."

"IT'S ME!"

"Eh? How? Try singing it, 'cause I can't imagine it."

"Sutoroberii konfichuuru-"

"Yeah, that's a voice changer. How the fuck...?" I said as we both laughed.

"Jokes aside though...holy shit, that's a good voice. I could not imagine that the girl who sang this is one of the most chaotic girls ever." I chuckled.

"Really? Now you know! You know, I could be the best girlfriend ever.~"

"Nah...honestly, I got a better chance hitting on Matsuri, and she's prolly more yabai than you. Matter of fact, I think I'd rather have Coco as my girlfriend than you."

"W-WHY?!"

"Cause why not?"

"FAQ U!"

"OI." I shouted as we both laughed from it.

"Well uh...what're you doing?" I asked.

"Oh, I'm just killing time. I'm bored, honestly. I thought it'd be a good time to call you."

"Luckily I wasn't streaming. Yo, I actually got my Switch today. Wanna play something like clubhouse together?"

"Oh, really? That's a good idea! Send me your Friend code and we can start playing!" She said.

And so, we added each other as friends, and we played Clubhouse. We first started with Chess...how nice it is to destroy that smug of hers and her trashtalk.

In the start, she said: "Hah, baka! You know, I played Chess quite a good amount of times! Surely you can't beat me!" And she starts as white playing G4…

After 3 matches, she's already raging and shouting: "CAN YOU AT LEAST LET ME WIN?! YOU'RE CHEATING!"

"Eh? You're using your dumbness as an excuse?" I scoffed.

"I'M NOT DUMB! I JUST DON'T KNOW HOW TO PLAY!"

"But you clearly said at the start, 'Oh, I know how to play Chess! Let's do that!' You literally got caught in your own trap, Mea." I snickered.

"STILL, HOW THE HELL ARE YOU ABLE TO DO ALL THAT?!"

"It's called 'being smart', Mea darling."

"DON'T CALL ME DARLING-You know what? One more game. Just one more game!" She said as I laughed.

"Alright...if you say so."

And so, we started again, and I was white. It was literally just a match of her mirroring my moves.

1. e4 e5

2. Bc4 Bc5

3. Nc3 Nc5

4. Qg4 Qg5

"...Mea? Are you actually sure about that?-"

"WAIT 6x, I DID IT WRONG! NO! Hey, Shiro-kun?~ I'll be your girlfriend if you spare my Queen.~"

"Eh, girlfriends are useless." I said as I got her Queen.

"AAAHHHHH!!!! I SURRENDER!" She said as the game ended in an instant while I laughed a lot in the background and got off my seat.

"SHIRO-KUN, YOU STUPID IDIOTTTTTT!!!" I heard her voice from my headphones.

"...Oh my god. Seriously, you really thought copying me would be the best move?"

"AAAHHH!- You know what? Let's just play Ice Hockey." She said as we both laughed.

"Given up on your using your dum2x brain?"

"I'M NOT DUMB, YOU!" She shouted as I laughed once more with my belly legitimately hurting.

"Hah...oh my god, your reactions are so cute and funny." I said while wiping off my tears.

"Seriously...! How long have you played chess?!"

"Since I was young."

"AREN'T YOU AN EXPERT THEN?!"

"Nah, I play for fun mostly. It can help in strategy and stuff, but I never really took it to that point."

"You're too good! Eh, do you play other board games?"

"Ah yeah. Shogi...and a game called 'Game of the Generals'. I play Game of the Generals more often since it stimulates real war, so it can really help in strategy and tactics."

"Eh...? I thought you're just a musclehead!" Mea exclaimed.

"Well, you know you're extremely dumb when even a musclehead can beat you in Chess." I snickered.

"THERE'S NO NEED TO RUB SALT INTO MY WOUNDS!"

And so, we kept playing random games. Hell, we even played Speed and Hare and Hounds. The last game we played though was another game of Speed. That was her only win against me, who had 12 points.

"HAH! BAKA! IDIOT! NITWIT! IMBECILE! MORON! HAH, HOW DOES IT FEEL TO HAVE YOUR PRIDE CRUSHED BY A WOMAN?! BAAAAAKAAAAA!!!"

"Ah...I lost...Well, it can't be helped, can it?~ I mean, I can't believe you actually used your brain for once and finally scored a win against a 12-point player.~"

"THIS IS NOT ABOUT POINTS! HAH! YOU'RE JUST TRYING TO MAKE ME FEEL BAD! YOU LIKE CRUSHING WOMEN'S PRIDE, DON'T YOU?!"

"Eh? Not just pride but even dignity, but then again...what did you even have after all those losses?"

"AAAAAAAHHHH!! SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP!!"

"...Oh? Fuck, my Switch is low now. Gotta charge it. Mind if I go out now and continue my business? I also do have to write more songs."

"Ah, sure!" She said as we both returned to normal.

"So uh...mind if I end the call?" I asked.

"Mhmm! Let's chat again sometime! It's been fun! ...Aside from losing a lot." She said as we both laughed.

"Yeah...it was fun for me too. Take care of yourself."

"Yup! Love you, darling.~ Chuuu.~" She said as she immediately left the call.

"...What the fuck was that?" I blinked twice.

Huh...hopefully she's joking, 'cause this'd be yabai.

~March 19, 2021 5:25 AM~

"Woohoohoo! Can't wait for tomorrow!" I said as I went outside of my room with my gear on for running.

"Ah, Shiro-kun! I'm glad I wasn't late!" I heard Korone in the kitchen running towards me.

"Oh? Korone! Wassup?"

"This time, I'm gonna show you I can catch up with your workout!"

"...Sigh. You sure? You're a boxer, I'm a past soldier that just wants to stay fit. Besides, this is really hard. You sure you ain't pushing yourself?"

"That's why I've been working out hard lately!"

"Why're you even doing it in the first place? It's not like I challenged you or anything."

"It's fun! And plus, I can't lose to a kouhai!"

"Heh. Alright...Korone-senpai. If you say so, then catch up so you won't fall behind." I smirked and chuckled.

"Don't underestimate me! I actually bought my boxing gear on! Mind if we spar after your workout?"

"Sure, whatever. Just don't pass out before that." I chuckled.

And so, we did my workout routine. Jog to the park, loop, pull-ups, push-ups, ab exercises, jumping rope, and more exercises and sets before finishing with another loop.

"Hah...you're good. I'm glad to know you're not tired yet." I said as I took a sip from my water bottle.

"I...I told you...I can...keep up...hah! I'm tired!" She said as she put some water on her hand and rubbed it on her face.

"If you're tired, then I guess we should ditch the boxing practice and just jog back home."

"N-No! By tired, I meant that I just need a few minutes of rest!"

"Well...3-5 minutes is a good amount of rest. Besides, I do wanna know how hard you box."

"Oh? Well then, let's see how hard you punch first. It's not like we're going bare fists, after all." She smiled.

And so, we got the gloves on and the pads. I punched my fists together and breathed out.

"Just so you know, Korone, I'm gonna hold back. Otherwise, the next day, you're gonna have a broken wrist."

"Eh? Well, we'll see once we test your abilities."

And so, I started punching left and right, dodging her punches, and also punching quickly. I definitely saw her eyes widen from how strong I punched and how quick my fists were that she almost actually got punched at the chest or face.

"W-Wait! Are you really holding back?!"

"Eh? Of course! Why'd you ask? Also, stop stepping backwards! It's making it hard for me to punch!"

"T-That's because your strength is actually scary!" She said as she started laughing.

I kept punching and punching until she said "Stop!". That, of course, led me to stand up properly and breathe out.

"Well...that's good enough practice. I was worried my flow had gotten rusty."

"Y-You're scary. From 1-10, how much were you holding back?"

"Hmm…four?"

"Eh?! How strong is a 10?"

"Well, that's only if I'm really angry. You uh...don't wanna know."

'Something tells me I shouldn't tell her that I could break a tree bit by bit with my bare fists at 8. 10 just screams bloody murder.' I sweat dropped.

"Eh...? Well then, my turn!" She said as she threw the pads to me.

"Yup." I said as I threw the gloves in return.

When we did so, she was strong. Albeit not too strong where she could kill. She can cause a concussion if she hit me right in the head. She fucking lied about not being good in boxing. Her flow, hits, and her footwork are definitely not beginner-intermediate. Hell, I think it's somewhere around expert-intermediate to expert.

"Aaand stop!" I said.

"Phew...was I good?"

"Hella great. You're a damn good liar, you know that?"

"Eh?"

"Those were not the moves of a beginner. You got experience, Korone."

"Hehe. Give me more praise!"

"Uh...thankfully your tits didn't get in the way of boxing?"

"Wha-No, you pervert! What's with that statement?" She laughed.

"I don't really know what else to compliment." I deadpanned.

"Hmm? How about how I'm stronger than I look?"

"Ah yeah...honestly, you look skinny as hell, yet you pack a punch."

"There we go! What else?"

"Uh...you got good at keeping up with my workout."

"Mhmm! I think that's enough praise! Isn't your senpai great?~" She said with her chest puffing out.

"Yeah...honestly, there's more I could compliment, but I'm guessing we're on the topic of fitness, so I won't say anything else."

"Eh? Like what?"

"Well...you're cute."

"E-Eh?" She said as her eyes widened.

"Hmm? Do you not like those compliments...? Oh, and by the way, that was a platonic compliment. I'm not flirting with you." I said.

"Oh? A-Ah, I knew you were saying it as a compliment. It'd be stupid if I thought you were flirting, right? Ahahaha!" She said, scratching her head quickly with a wide smile.

"...You're flustered, aren't you?"

'Well, that's cute as well.' I thought in my mind and chuckled.

"I'M NOT!" She pouted and blushed more.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever, Koone."

"Call me Korone!" She pouted more.

"Yeah, yeah. So uh...should we jog back now?"

"Yeah!" She said as she got the pads from my hands and got her bag.

"By the way, I'm excited to hear your EP tomorrow! It's gonna be released at noon, right?" She asked.

"Yeah. Hopefully it'll be received well enough."