But before he can lift that leg, the bell rings first. The sharp sound slices through the tension just as Thanid's weight begins to shift forward.
DING!
The referee reacts instantly, stepping between them with both hands raised, pushing Ryoma backward while turning his body slightly to shield the challenger from any final follow-up.
"Break! Break! That's the bell!"
Ryoma stops without protest. His gloves lower a little as he exhales through his nose, the adrenaline from the exchange still humming through his muscles.
For a second he studies Thanid's hunched posture, the way the challenger is still trying to steady his breathing after the body assault.
Then Ryoma tilts his head slightly. "You could just drop already," he mutters, voice low but clear enough to carry the short distance between them.
Thanid's eyes lift. Ryoma rolls his shoulder as if loosening the joint after a long training session.
"This is getting boring," he adds coldly. "Let me finish this and go home."
