Kota's face turned ashen, the blood draining from it as he caught Haruto's menacing smile.
It was the smile of someone who knew exactly what was about to happen—and enjoyed every moment of it.
Kota barely had time to react before Ren stepped forward, his fist already swinging.
The punch landed square on Kota's face, sending him sprawling to the floor.
It wasn't the pain that paralyzed him—it was the sheer humiliation.
Ren's punch didn't hurt as much as Haruto's once had, but the oppressive atmosphere and the gang's mocking laughter made it feel far worse.
"You're as weak as you look," Ren spat, standing over him with a sneer. He nudged Kota's side with the tip of his shoe before delivering a hard kick to his stomach.
"Get up, moron! If you stay this weak, you'll just embarrass the gang."