XXIV

[Word Count: 1205]

----------

As the impending reunion with Kishibe drew near, Leo was determined to avoid being punted across the grassy fields again. Despite the diligent efforts he put into his training, it became increasingly clear that he wouldn't be able to seek retribution in time for their next encounter, or even the one after that.

Nevertheless, Leo remained resolute in his pursuit of payback. It was only a matter of time before he would get his chance.

Aside from plotting revenge, Leo had to navigate the mundane routine of school once again. The week ahead promised to be uneventful and dull.

Much like before, Himeno had inserted herself into Leo's life.

"Somebody has to make sure he stays out of trouble," Himeno had confided in Yuki, explaining her presence in Leo's world.

Considering herself Leo's friend, Himeno felt a responsibility to keep him on the right path and out of trouble.

One whole week of school felt like an eternity to Leo, and to his disappointment, Kishibe didn't show up as expected. It seemed like another surprise visit that Leo was left to assume.

At this point, Leo would rather endure being punted across the field than spend too much time in school. The idea of faking an injury crossed his mind as a potential escape plan.

"If I can pull it off convincingly, I could miss a whole month of school," Leo contemplated, weighing the possibilities.

However, he knew that simply returning battered and bruised would only raise suspicion to a certain extent. He needed a more convincing approach.

Putting his thoughts on hold for the time being, Leo aimlessly wandered through the school halls, taking an extended bathroom break. He peeked into empty classrooms and unlocked janitor's closets, searching for a way to pass the time.

As Leo explored the empty classrooms and janitor's closets, a sense of curiosity and mischief overcame him. He knew he shouldn't be snooping around, but the monotony of the school day had driven him to seek a bit of excitement.

And as luck would have it, excitement found him.

While snooping through an empty classroom, Leo happened to catch sight of Kishibe approaching the school from the back. Intrigued and wary, he decided to get Kishibe's attention.

Whistling sharply, Leo called out to Kishibe, who paused, flask in hand, and looked up towards the window where Leo was poking his head out, resting on his arms.

Kishibe paused for a second before taking a swig and walking over. Once he was under the window he jumped. Grabbing onto Leo's hands, Kishibe immediately went for a headbutt but Leo was barely able to avoid it by ducking his head under the window seal.

Breaking free from Kishibe's grip, Leo stumbled back into the classroom. Kishibe grabbed onto the window sill and pulled himself in, immediately charging at Leo with a forward punch aimed at his head.

With quick reflexes, Leo dodged the punch, feeling the force of it sending a gust of wind toward the classroom door, causing it to rattle. Taking a step back from Kishibe, Leo readied himself, exhaling deeply.

Realizing that the confrontation was inevitable, Leo was mentally prepared for the fight. Kishibe withdrew his fist and calmly tucked his flask into his jacket, assuming a fighting stance. With limited options, Leo mirrored Kishibe's stance, matching his deep breath.

Kishibe inched forward while Leo held his ground, realizing that backing up would eventually corner him, and meeting Kishibe halfway without a counterattack plan would be futile.

Assessing Leo, Kishibe moved side to side briefly before closing the distance once more with a straight left hook

. Forced into a defensive position, Leo brought his hands up to block the attack. Although the impact left his forearms feeling numb, it was far less overwhelming than their previous encounter.

Absorbing the blow, Leo stumbled back a few steps, unintentionally colliding with an empty desk. But before he could regain his footing, Kishibe swiftly launched another attack. Leo kept his eyes fixed on Kishibe, determined not to lose sight of his opponent.

As Kishibe aimed for a left hook, he was taken aback to see Leo attempting to parry by redirecting the punch while simultaneously launching a left hook of his own. Kishibe allowed the punch to connect and was surprised by the force behind it. Though it was powerful enough to hurt an average person, Kishibe was far from the average person.

Enduring the blow, Kishibe retaliated with a right hook to Leo's stomach. Leo had no choice but to tighten his muscles and absorb the hit since he wouldn't be quick enough to block or parry. Feeling the air escape from his lungs, Leo clenched his teeth, determined to prevent himself from coughing. He knew that Kishibe wouldn't stop, even with a solid hit to the stomach.

Skidding across the floor, Leo knocked over the remaining desk before colliding with the wall.

As soon as Leo's back met the wall he forced himself to get up. His body protested but he managed to get up regardless.

On unsteady legs and with lungs nearly depleted, Leo returned to his fighting stance and waited for Kishibe's next move.

To Leo's surprise, Kishibe lowered his hands and reached for his flask.

"You've been working out?" Kishibe asked casually.

"A bit," Leo wheezed in response.

"Hmm," Kishibe acknowledged, taking another sip from his flask.

Lowering his own hands slightly, Leo focused on recovering his breath while keeping his gaze fixed on Kishibe's looming figure.

"We're done for the day," Kishibe declared, sealing his flask once more.

Leo fell back on the wall as he gasped for air, but his eyes never left Kishibe's looming figure.

As Leo regained his breath, Kishibe nonchalantly leaned on a nearby desk, seemingly deep in thought.

"When you were younger," Kishibe suddenly spoke, breaking the silence. "Did you often break your toys?"

Leo appeared to ignore the question, focusing on replenishing his oxygen supply and regaining his composure. With each deep breath, he gradually pulled himself up and sat upright against the wall.

"I never had toys," Leo replied, his voice still slightly strained from the exertion. "Until a few months ago, I struggled to even get three meals a day."

"I see," Kishibe acknowledged, his expression unreadable.

Leaving the desk, Kishibe made his way toward the sliding door, signaling the end of their confrontation.

"We'll do this again next week," Kishibe stated matter-of-factly as he walked out, closing the door behind him.

Leo's gaze remained fixed on the closed door, his mind processing the encounter. He waited until the sound of footsteps faded away before finally allowing his head to rest against the wall, a mix of exhaustion and contemplation washing over him.

The sudden sound of approaching footsteps jolted Leo back to alertness, causing him to tense momentarily. However, relief flooded over him as he recognized the familiar sound of heels.

The door to the empty classroom swung open, and Chiyo entered, her expression filled with concern as she scanned the room before spotting Leo.

"Oh my god, are you okay?" Chiyo rushed over, her voice filled with genuine worry.

"Yeah," Leo replied wearily, a hint of exhaustion in his voice. "I... fell."