The air felt different today.
Not in a poetic way; more like the world itself was holding its breath, waiting to see someone get their face smashed in.
Because today was Tanaka's match.
Against that woman, the one who had mocked him in the stands, doubting whether 'The Showman' lived up to his title.
She'd soon find out.
Roy and Kieran stood on the station platform, hands in their pockets, waiting as the wind rushed past their coats. The tracks hummed in the distance, signalling the incoming train.
Kieran yawned. "Think he's nervous?"
"Tanaka? He probably memorised his victory speech already," Roy deadpanned.
The train screeched into the station.
Doors hissed open.
They waited. And then…
"MOVE! MOVE! MOVE!"
Annie burst through the station entrance like she was being chased by debt collectors, a group of girls scrambling after her with equal panic. Not the ones from the bar this time.
One of them yelled, "WE'RE GOING TO MISS ITTT!"
Behind them, wheezing, bags barely held together, came Tanaka and Brock.
"WE ARE ALSO GOING TO BE LATE AS WELL!"
Roy watched them sprint past with the emotional expression of a brick.
"…They're going to trip."
Kieran nodded. "Definitely."
They didn't.
Barely.
Annie's squad dived into the first carriage. Tanaka and Brock flung themselves into the next one.
Once they were safely aboard, Roy and Kieran stepped in and made their way through the connecting corridor, sliding open the door to the next carriage.
There they were Tanaka slumped in his seat, gasping like he'd run a marathon, and Brock bent over with hands on his knees.
Roy stared at them.
"You two got beaten by cardio. Just how weak are you two?"
Tanaka pointed weakly. "Shut… up… I was saving… energy… for the match."
Kieran snorted as he sat across from them. "Sure, champ."
They settled in, coincidentally (or unfortunately), just a few seats behind Annie and her group.
Her friends were gossiping animatedly, but Annie herself glanced back, briefly locking eyes with Roy.
He blinked, expression unreadable.
She looked away first.
Tanaka finally caught his breath and leaned back.
"Alright boys…" He exhaled, attempting a grin. "Today's the day. The Showman makes history."
Brock slapped his shoulder. "Just don't get knocked out in the first thirty seconds."
Tanaka glared. "I will end you."
Kieran leaned forward. "It's a woman opponent, right? Are you sure you're not going to hesitate?"
Tanaka scoffed. "Gender is irrelevant in the arena. I am a man of EQUALITY. If I have to bitch slap that woman in the face to win the tournament, I will do it without hesitation."
Roy sipped his drink. "Bold words. Hope she doesn't fold you like laundry."
Tanaka pointed at him. "I swear to God if you jinx me."
"You already jinxed yourself by talking," Roy replied calmly.
The train lurched forward, carrying them toward the colossal arena. Outside the window, the scenery blurred.
Inside, tension sharpened.
Somewhere up ahead, Annie's group was laughing loudly.
But here in this small cluster of four, the mood had shifted.
Kieran cracked his knuckles. Brock leaned back, headphones in. Tanaka stared at his reflection in the window, jaw clenched.
Roy watched him silently.
Not mockingly.
Not sympathetically.
Just… watching.
Curiosity has always been weird for me, you know.