Ryoma exhales slowly, his focus steady and forward, no longer distracted by the noise beyond the room.
A moment later, the locker room door swings open, and the noise from the arena spills inside along with Ryohei's laughter.
He enters first, towel hanging around his neck, hair still damp, face swollen but glowing with exaggerated triumph.
Hiroshi follows closely behind with the belt, Murakami at his side, and Sera bringing up the rear with his usual composed expression.
The tension that had filled the room only minutes ago breaks almost instantly.
"Oi," Ryohei calls out as soon as he sees Ryoma. "Satisfied now?" He gestures broadly with his left hand, as if replaying the knockout in the air. "Did you see how wild they were out there? You saw what I did to end that fight, right?"
His voice is animated, intentionally playful, as though he is trying to sweep away whatever heaviness remains before Ryoma's own bout.
