Jade steadies himself, near the neutral corner now, planting his feet. For the first time since the collision, he looks back.
The ref finally begins the count.
One!
Two!
Ryoma's hand fully grips the rope, both feet planting on the canvas. He stands up, one hand still holding the ropes.
He hears the ref still counting, but he takes the moment to rest.
Seven!
Eight!
Finally, Ryoma releases the rope and turns toward the referee. His legs still tremble beneath him, but he raises his gloves anyway.
"Nine!"
The count stops.
The ref grips Ryoma's gloves firmly, eyes searching for something far more important.
"Look at me," he says. "What's your name?"
"…Ryoma Takeda," he answers.
The referee presses on. "Do you know where you are?"
"In the ring."
"Which ring?"
"Festival Hall," Ryoma says. "OPBF title fight."
The referee watches him closely. He tilts Ryoma's gloves slightly, testing his balance, his resistance.
"Who's across from you?"
