Kaito Hoshino slumped against the fence outside Shizuoka High, fiddling with the straps of his backpack.
His mom had been unusually busy lately, disappearing early in the morning and returning late at night.
Again… she's gone for work.
This time, it wasn't just a few days. His mom had called that morning with unexpected news:
"Kaito, I need you to stay with your cousin James for a month. I have an important business trip, and I can't leave you alone."
Kaito blinked. A month? With James?
He's… different. Muscular. Confident. Unapproachable…
He didn't know how to feel — nervous, curious, annoyed. Probably all three.
Arrival at James' Apartment
James Hoshino opened the door before Kaito could even knock. Towering over him, arms crossed, eyes calm but assessing.
"So… you're staying with me," James said casually, stepping aside. "For how long?"
Kaito muttered, "A month… Mom said she had work."
James raised an eyebrow. "A month? That's a long time. You better not just sit around and play on your phone."
Great. I just want peace… not lectures.
As soon as Kaito stepped in, he noticed the trophies lined along the shelf and a punching bag in the corner of the living room.
Wait… is that… a training space?
Curiosity gnawed at him. Before he could say anything, James rolled up his sleeves and tossed a small foam ball at Kaito.
"Catch."
Kaito fumbled, barely managing to grab it. The ball hit the floor anyway. James laughed, a low, teasing sound.
"Not bad… for someone who never trained. Want me to show you something?"
The Discovery
That evening, Kaito was watching James move through shadowboxing drills. Each punch, each kick, precise and fluid — like a dance, but deadly.
Whoa… he's fast… so fast…
Kaito couldn't take his eyes off him. Something inside him stirred — a mix of admiration and envy.
"James… can you… teach me?" he asked quietly.
James paused, looking down at him. "Teach you? To fight?"
Kaito nodded, swallowing hard. "I… I just want to defend myself. At school… I get pushed around… laughed at… I want to learn how to… not be helpless."
James studied him for a long moment. Then he smirked.
"Fine. One month. You survive my training, you learn something. But don't expect miracles — it'll hurt."
Kaito felt a spark he hadn't felt in years: hope. Maybe I can actually change.
First Training
The next morning, James started with the basics: push-ups, squats, stance drills.
Kaito's arms shook. His legs burned. Sweat poured down his face.
"Again!" James barked. "Don't half-step! Focus!"
Kaito stumbled, collapsed onto the mat. He gasped for air, chest heaving.
"I… I can't…" he whispered.
James crouched beside him, hand on his shoulder. "Yes, you can. You've already asked for help. That's step one. Step two? Not giving up. Step three? Learning."
Kaito nodded weakly, determination flickering. This is what he wanted — to be able to protect himself.
Night Thoughts
That night, lying on James' couch, Kaito stared at the ceiling.
He didn't feel strong. He didn't feel confident. But he felt… alive, like for the first time, he had taken a step toward change.
A month… one month. If I can survive James' training, maybe I can finally stand up for myself.
Tomorrow, the real work would begin.