The sky was still brushed with warm shades of orange when Asuka opened the front door, her eyes half-closed and hair slightly messy from a rough night's sleep. The crisp morning air carried a lazy silence, broken only by distant birdsong.
And there he was.
Kaido leaned against the gate wall like part of the decoration itself — hands tucked into his pockets, wearing that infuriatingly smug grin.
"Asuka, you're up early," he teased.
She narrowed her eyes at him, muttering, "You're already here?"
"Good morning to you too" he replied, tilting his head slightly.
She rolled her eyes and walked past him without another word. Kaido just chuckled and matched her pace.
"I told you yesterday you don't need to pick me up," she grumbled.
"I know," he shrugged. "But someone who spends half the night training has no right to complain. If I let you sleep, you'd stroll into class halfway through third period."
She let out a theatrical sigh. "It wasn't half the night, exaggerator…"
"Yeah, right. If you could, you'd marry the tatami." Kaido's grin widened.
"Baka!" she huffed, but the corner of her mouth betrayed a tiny smile.
They walked in silence for a few meters, only the sound of footsteps on dew-wet pavement filling the air. The sun was climbing, painting everything with a soft golden glow.
Asuka glanced sideways, breaking the silence.
"How's Mrs. Aroma?"
Kaido blinked, caught off guard by the question, then smiled gently. "She's fine. Stubborn as ever." He suddenly snapped his fingers and dug into his bag. "Oh—almost forgot."
He held out a neatly wrapped bento. "Mom sent this. And her exact words, not mine: 'Tell Asuka not to overdo it, and if she ever needs anything, she's always welcome.'"
Asuka blinked, a little taken aback. "Uh… thanks." She held the bundle carefully, unsure where to put her hands. "Your mom's really sweet."
Kaido smiled. "Yeah. I'm lucky."
For a moment, silence returned — heavier this time. Kaido looked down the road ahead.
"And… your dad?"
Asuka's step slowed. A sigh slipped out. "The same." Her voice dropped, soft and restrained. "That's why I have to get stronger. I have to take over the dojo."
Kaido's expression turned serious. "You know you can count on me, right?" His tone was calm but steady. "You don't have to carry it alone. The dojo's got your back."
She tightened her grip on the strap of her bag. "I know. I just… hate burdening people."
His gaze held firm. "Burden? Asuka, you're fighting for something everyone respects. No one sees it as a burden."
She didn't answer, but the faint softening in her eyes showed his words had hit home.
. . .
When they arrived at school, Kaido wasted no time stirring her up.
"You know," he said, feigning seriousness, "Miss Miho's gonna love seeing your face today. Skipping class on a Monday? What a model student."
"Urusai, Kaido!" she snapped, narrowing her eyes.
"I bet ten yen she'll give the speech," he continued, lifting a finger and mimicking Miho's dramatic tone, "'Miss Kazama, responsibility is the key to your future!'"
Before she could throw something at him, the sharp rhythm of elegant heels echoed across the courtyard.
Heads began to turn on instinct.
A blonde figure walked with slow, deliberate steps, her school uniform tailored into a picture-perfect statement — fitted skirt, silk tie, flawless posture. Every move seemed designed to command attention.
She approached with a sweet, venomous smile, her eyes locked solely on Asuka. When she finally spoke, her voice was smooth, melodic… and irritatingly smug.
"Bonjour, Kazama."
Asuka froze mid-step, tension creeping up her shoulders.
"Tsk… first thing in the morning…" she muttered under her breath.
Kaido, of course, couldn't resist adding fuel to the fire.
"Lucky you, Asuka. Your number one fan's in a good mood today."
She shot him a death glare. Kaido raised his hands in surrender but snickered softly.
Lili tilted her head, feigning boredom.
"Surprised to see me so early?" she said lightly, oozing false sweetness. "Oh là là, I thought you'd finally given up on school. You're so… undisciplined."
Asuka drew in a sharp breath, already feeling her patience evaporate.
"What do you want now, Lili?!" she snapped, folding her arms tightly.
Lili tilted her head, her perfect blonde hair catching the light.
"Mon dieu… so aggressive so early…" she sighed theatrically. "Can't I just say good morning?"
"You can… if you leave the poison at home," Asuka shot back, rolling her eyes.
Then Lili's gaze shifted toward Kaido, sliding over him from head to toe as if judging something beneath her.
"I still don't understand why you insist on such… company."
Kaido raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Funny hearing that from the girl who always loses to Asuka."
Asuka felt pride swell in her chest — not that she'd admit it out loud.
For a fraction of a second, Lili's mask cracked. Her expression stayed poised, but her eyes flashed.
"Mon cher, I could silence you in a heartbeat," she purred.
"Lili, don't you dare!" Asuka stepped forward, her jaw tightening. "Touch him and you deal with me!"
Lili placed a hand delicately on her chest, mock-surprised.
"Oh… me? Threaten someone? Jamais. Just stating facts."
Kaido's posture was loose, but his eyes were sharp. "Sure. Stating facts. Classic you."
Lili took a step closer, her heels clicking sharply. Her clear eyes gleamed with poisonous delight.
"You know, chéri… it's amusing how you're always around her. Almost like you need Asuka to protect you."
The provocation was served like wine — sweet and lethal.
Kaido chuckled softly, lowering his bag to the ground with a soft thump.
"Oh… so that's how you wanna play it?" His smile sharpened. "You wanna test me, Rochefort?"
Lili arched an elegant brow, pretending to be surprised.
"Mon dieu, how bold…" she whispered, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I don't usually waste time on those beneath me."
"Kaido!" Asuka stood in front of him — more serious than he expected.
"She doesn't fight like others," she warned. Her brows furrowed. "If you go in playing around, you'll end up on the floor."
Kaido tilted his head slightly, a calm smirk still lingering. "Hey, hey… I know. I'll be careful. Just wanna remind her not to underestimate people."
"Then don't underestimate her either," Asuka snapped. "She's tricky. Very tricky."
He nodded, smirk fading into focus. Taking a few steps forward, he faced Lili and settled into a taekwondo stance — body tilted, back foot ready to spring.
Lili let out a soft, elegant scoff, like she was watching a child perform a play.
"Oh… this is simply adorable," she cooed, touching her lips with her fingertips.
"You'll see just how adorable," Kaido shot back, adjusting his guard.
Asuka folded her arms tightly, eyes locked on them.
"If you fight dirty, Lili, I swear I'll step in," she warned flatly.
"Bien sûr…" Lili replied sweetly, clearly ignoring her.
The two circled each other. Kaido moved first — a fast-spinning kick, smooth and clean.
Lili slipped aside effortlessly, hair swaying like silk. Her smile didn't falter.
"Faster than usual…" Asuka muttered, tension coiling in her chest.
Kaido didn't stop. He followed with a string of kicks — front, roundhouse, sharp and rapid. Lili danced through them with infuriating elegance.
"Too slow, mon cher." she whispered, her eyes glinting.
Then she struck back. A lightning-fast side kick. Kaido barely dodged, the wind grazing his shirt. Before he could breathe, a spinning kick followed — he jumped back, heart pounding.
She pivoted gracefully and pressed forward — short punches, precise kicks, a flawless mix of elegance and brutality. Kaido blocked and backstepped, but her rhythm was razor-sharp.
"Allez, Kaido…" she purred. "I thought you wanted to show me something."
A grazing kick split his lip. He staggered back, swiping the blood away with his thumb. The playful grin was gone now, replaced by sharp, cold focus.
Around them, the crowd roared.
"Holy crap—"
"She's toying with him."
"Did you see that move?!"
Lili crossed her legs gracefully, offering a theatrical bow like a prima ballerina.
"I told you so," she said sweetly.
Asuka's fists clenched. She hated seeing this. Lili could be ruthless when she wanted to.
Kaido exhaled slowly and stepped forward, every muscle poised. Lili noticed the shift — her smile sharpened.
She moved first, a high kick aimed at his chest.
(Too simple.) she thought.
But it was a trap. Kaido twisted, grabbed her leg midair, pulled her down — and before she could recover, his uppercut shot upward like a cannon.
She jerked her head back at the last second — his fist brushed a strand of her hair.
Silence.
Then the courtyard exploded.
"DID YOU SEE THAT?!"
"He grabbed Lili's leg—WHAT?!"
"He almost landed it!"
Lili stepped back, regaining balance, her perfect smile now tense — real.
Asuka froze for a heartbeat, half in shock, half proud.
"Kaido…" she whispered with a small, involuntary smile.
He raised his fist lightly, calm and steady.
"Don't underestimate everyone, Roche— Lili," he said, voice low but taunting.
Lili straightened her uniform, tongue brushing her lips slowly, a dangerous glint in her eyes.
"Très bien," she murmured. "This might actually be fun."
A sharp whistle split the air.
Fweeeeet!Fweeeeet!Fweeeeet!
The crowd scattered as a campus guard stormed in, eyes blazing with anger. "What is going on here?!" he barked, pushing through the students.
Then he froze, scanning the courtyard. His jaw dropped. "Of course… it's you." He crossed his arms, the anger giving way to a mix of exasperation and reluctant recognition. "I should have known with Asuka and Miss Rochefort involved…"
Lili raised an eyebrow, unfazed, wearing that same sly smile.
The guard scanned the courtyard — and then saw Kaido still in full fighting stance.
His jaw dropped. "YOU?!"
Laughter and whispers rippled through the students.
The guard marched up, a hand on Kaido's shoulder. "Do you want to get expelled?!"
Kaido's grin returned, light and playful. "Come on, Mr. Saibo, it was just a warm-up."
Lili stepped forward, every movement dripping elegance.
"Don't worry," she said sweetly. "Tell the director that Kaido will be under the same terms as Asuka from now on."
"Yes, Miss Rochefort," the guard sighed.
Lili closed the distance, brushing her fingers against Kaido's cheek — soft, disarming, almost intimate.
"Ohh… mon dieu," she whispered, adrenaline glinting in her voice. "You're not just a toy after all… You've got teeth. How delightful."
"Hah… unbelievable…" Asuka muttered through gritted teeth, arms crossed tight. "She's actually enjoying this."
Lili threw one last look at Asuka — cold, sharp — then turned on her heel and left, walking like she owned the world.
Asuka huffed, fists clenched. "Aho! I can't believe you fell for her game!"
Kaido raised his hands defensively, wearing a sheepish grin.
"I just wanted to teach her a little lesson."
"A lesson?" Asuka snapped, rolling her eyes. "Kono bakemono nante, atashi hitori de juubun da![1]"
BRIIIIIIIIING!
The school bell blared.
"Everyone inside! Class time!" the guard barked.
Students dispersed, chattering excitedly about the fight. Kaido shot Asuka a half-smile, and she sighed, brushing hair from her face — totally annoyed with what just happened.
The quiet that followed Lili's exit made one thing clear:
No one would forget that early morning, and the day had barely begun.
[1] A monster like her, I can handle her alone!