---

Scene: Aoki, Raizo, and Nomi sitting in class

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The classroom is buzzing with chatter, and the teacher hasn’t arrived yet. Aoki sits at the back, slouched in his chair, lazily tapping his pen on the desk. Raizo and Nomi sit next to him, leaning over their desks, animatedly talking.

---

[: Aoki, Raizo, and Nomi in Class]

---

 Nomi:

Leans toward Raizo

“Did you see that video I sent you last night? The one with the cat doing karate?”

--

Raizo:

“Oh my God, yes! That cat had better moves than you, Nomi.” laughs

---

Nomi:

“Excuse me? I have amazing moves! I’d destroy you in a fight!”

---

Raizo:

“Sure, if I just stood there and let you trip over yourself.”

---

Nomi:

Glares

“Watch it, Raizo. I know where you sit.”

---

Raizo:

“Right here, next to your bad jokes?”

---

Aoki, who has been staring out the window, smirks slightly but doesn’t say a word.

---

Nomi:

Aims a crumpled piece of paper at Aoki’s head

“Hey, Aoki! Back me up here!”

---

Aoki:

Without looking over

“You’d both lose to the cat.”

---

Raizo:

Bursts out laughing

“Even Aoki knows the truth, Nomi! Just give up.”

---

Nomi:

“Wow. You’re all traitors. I need better friends.” Pretends to sulk

---

Raizo:

Nudges Aoki

“Man, you’re too quiet. Say something fun for once.”

---

Aoki:

Finally turns to Raizo with a blank look

“Class is starting. That’s fun.”

---

Nomi:

Groans dramatically

“Why are you like this, Aoki? Why?”

---

Raizo:

“Because someone has to be the brooding one in this group.”

---

Aoki ignores them and goes back to looking out the window, though the faintest smirk lingers on his face. Meanwhile, Nomi and Raizo continue their lighthearted bickering as the teacher walks in.

---

The dynamic highlights Aoki’s quiet, serious nature, contrasting with Raizo and Nomi’s playful personalities, adding humor and balance to their friendship.

---

Scene: The Teacher Arrives & Lunchtime Begins

---

The classroom immediately falls silent as the teacher walks in, his glasses perched low on his nose, a stern look scanning the room.

---

Teacher:

Clears throat

“Alright, class, settle down. Open your books to page 42, and no talking unless you want detention.”

---

Raizo and Nomi exchange glances, pretending to zip their lips. Aoki sits quietly, already flipping to the page without a word.

---

Lunch Break: Aoki, Nomi, and Raizo at the Courtyard

---

The trio sits under the shade of a large tree, their lunchboxes spread out in front of them. Raizo is devouring his sandwich like he hasn’t eaten in days, while Nomi pokes at her rice, clearly distracted by something. Aoki quietly munches on a rice ball, occasionally glancing at his friends.

---

[Lunch time ]

--

Nomi:

Holds up her rice ball dramatically

“Why does school lunch always taste like sadness?”

---

Raizo:

With his mouth full

“Because you don’t know how to cook either.”

---

Nomi:

Gasps

“Excuse me! I make amazing instant noodles. Even better than your soggy sandwiches!”

---

Raizo:

Scoffs

“You’d burn water if someone didn’t stop you.”

---

Nomi:

“Want me to throw this rice ball at your face? It’s heavy enough to knock you out.”

---

Aoki:

Quietly

“Raizo would probably eat it before it hit him.”

---

Raizo:

Laughs

“True! Free food is free food!”

---

Nomi:

Groans

“You guys are the worst. Why do I even hang out with you?”

---

Raizo:

Grins

“Because without us, your life would be boring.”

---

Nomi:

Pretends to think

“Hmm, maybe. But with you, it’s loud.”

---

Aoki:

Looks up from his rice ball

“Not as loud as you during math class.”

---

Nomi:

Dramatically clutches her chest

“Aoki! You’re supposed to be on my side!”

---

Raizo:

“Dude, you’re savage today. I like it.”

---

Nomi:

Points a chopstick at Raizo

“Don’t encourage him. He’ll turn into you.”

---

Raizo:

“Impossible. Aoki’s too cool to be me.”

---

Aoki smirks slightly and shakes his head as Raizo and Nomi continue their playful banter. He lets out a small chuckle when Nomi accidentally drops her rice ball and blames it on Raizo.

---

The scene ends with the trio laughing together, showing their bond and how Aoki, though quiet, is comfortable around his friends.

---

Scene: School Library

---

The library is quiet, with only a few students scattered at tables. Aoki sits at the far corner, flipping through a thick book. His expression is calm and focused as sunlight filters through the tall windows. Suddenly, Raizo and Nomi burst into the library, their presence loud despite their attempts to whisper.

---

[: Raizo and Nomi Interrupt Aoki in the Library]

---

Raizo:

In a loud whisper

“There you are! We’ve been looking for you everywhere, man!”

---

Nomi:

Plops into the chair next to Aoki

“What are you even doing in here? Studying? Boring!”

---

Aoki:

Doesn’t look up from his book

“Some of us like peace and quiet.”

---

Raizo:

Grins

“Peace and quiet? Bro, we’re your peace and quiet. Let’s go hang out!”

---

Nomi:

Poking Aoki’s arm

“Yeah, we’re going to the park! Fresh air, sunshine, and maybe ice cream if Raizo’s feeling generous.”

---

Aoki:

Flips a page, still not looking at them

“Not today. I’ll join later.”

---

Nomi:

Leans closer dramatically

“‘Not today?’ What are you, a hermit? Come on, live a little!”

---

Raizo:

Nudges Nomi

“Hey, don’t disturb the scholar. He’s obviously trying to solve the mysteries of the universe.”

---

Nomi:

Snorts

“Yeah, or he’s just staring at the page pretending to read.”

---

Aoki:

Finally looks up, expression blank

“If I were pretending, I’d still be more productive than you two combined.”

---

Raizo:

Clutches his chest like he’s been shot

“Wow, the disrespect! Did you hear that, Nomi?”

---

Nomi:

“Yeah, and I’m taking notes. Aoki, you’ve got jokes today!”

---

Raizo:

“Okay, fine. Be boring. But don’t blame us if we eat all the snacks without you.”

---

Nomi:

“And we will eat all the snacks. Even the ones you like.”

---

Aoki:

Leaning back slightly

“Save me some, or I’ll borrow a book on curses and test it out.”

---

Raizo:

Laughing as he grabs Nomi’s arm to pull her up

---

“Alright, alright, we’ll leave you to your books, Mr. Wizard. But don’t take too long, or Nomi will drag you out of here herself.”

---

Nomi:

Grinning mischievously

“Try me, Aoki. You know I will!”

---

Aoki smirks faintly, shaking his head as Raizo and Nomi leave the library, their voices fading down the hallway. He returns to his book, but there’s an unmistakable hint of amusement in his expression.

---

The conversation highlights their playful dynamic, with Aoki’s quiet wit balancing out Raizo and Nomi’s boisterous energy. It also shows that Aoki values his alone time but still enjoys his friends' company.

---

To be continued

Aoki walked through the school courtyard, his ears catching the sound of mocking laughter. Turning, he saw Raizo and Nomi cornered by four Ryuji High gang members. Renji stood at the front, sneering. Daigo leaned casually against the wall, while Kenta and Hiroshi circled like vultures.

---

"Look at this guy," Renji mocked, shoving Raizo. "Acting like he belongs here."

---

"Why don’t you go back to wherever losers like you come from?" Daigo jeered, snatching Nomi's bag.

---

"Give it back!" Nomi yelled, trying to grab it, but Kenta stepped in, blocking her with a grin.

---

"Relax, princess," Kenta said. "We’re just having fun."

---

Aoki’s blood boiled as he approached. "Hey. That’s enough."

---

The gang turned, eyeing him with amusement.

---

Renji smirked. "And who’s this? A kid?"

---

"Just someone who doesn’t like cowards," Aoki replied coolly, his gaze sharp.

---

Kenta laughed. "Big talk for one guy against four. You think you’re a hero or something?"

---

"Let’s find out," Aoki said, stepping forward, fists clenched.

---

Renji rolled his neck. "Alright, tough guy. Let’s see what you’ve got."

---

Hiroshi lunged first, but Aoki moved like a blur, dodging and landing a precise punch to Hiroshi’s jaw. He staggered backward, clutching his face.

---

"That all you got?" Aoki taunted.

---

Daigo charged next, throwing a wild swing. Aoki ducked, countering with a sharp jab to the ribs. Kenta tried to grab him from behind, but Aoki spun, delivering a clean elbow strike that sent him sprawling.

---

Renji, the last one standing, hesitated before charging. Aoki sidestepped and swept his legs out from under him, leaving him gasping for air on the ground.

---

Renji spat blood, glaring up at Aoki. "You’ll regret this. Takashi’s going to deal with you personally."

---

"Bring him," Aoki said coldly.

---

The gang scrambled to their feet, retreating while muttering to each other.

---

Raizo: "Aoki! What the hell was that?! You just took on four guys!"

---

Nomi: "Are you hurt? Did they hit you?"

---

Aoki: "I’m fine. You two okay?"

---

Raizo: "Yeah, thanks to you. But Takashi… he’s no joke, man."

---

Nomi: "Takashi’s their boss, right? The one everyone’s scared of?"

---

Aoki: "Yeah, I’ve heard of him. Doesn’t matter."

---

Raizo: "What do you mean it doesn’t matter? The guy’s a psychopath!"

---

Aoki: "If he wants to fight, I’ll handle it."

---

Nomi: "You’re crazy. But… thanks for saving us."

---

Raizo: "Yeah, seriously, man. You didn’t have to, but you did. Just… be careful, okay?"

---

Aoki: "Always am."

Aoki’s gaze lingered on the path the gang had fled. He wasn’t afraid of Takashi—but he knew this was just the beginning.

---

Scene: The Hideout of Ryuji High Gang

---

The hideout was dimly lit, the single bulb overhead flickering as if afraid of Takashi's fury. Takashi stood at the center of the room, his knuckles white from gripping the back of a chair. His cold, piercing eyes scanned the gang members huddled around him. Renji, Daigo, Kenta, and Hiroshi sat on the worn couches, nursing bruises and egos from their encounter with Aoki the day before.

---

Takashi slammed his fist against the chair, the sound echoing like a gunshot.

---

Takashi:

"Four of you… FOUR of you couldn’t handle one kid?!"

---

Renji, always quick with excuses, straightened up defensively.

---

Renji:

"He wasn’t just some kid, Takashi. He was fast. And strong. He fought like he’d been in a hundred street fights before."

---

Takashi:

(leans forward, voice low and menacing)

"Are you telling me you're afraid of one high school boy, Renji? Or is it that you're getting soft?"

---

Renji clenched his fists but didn’t dare respond. Daigo, sitting beside him, spoke up instead.

---

Daigo:

"It wasn’t just strength. He was protecting those kids—Raizo and Nomi. He fought like he had nothing to lose."

---

Takashi’s lips curled into a sneer as he paced back and forth.

---

Takashi:

"And now the whole school thinks you’re a joke. We’re a joke. Do you know what that does to my reputation? To our reputation?"

---

Kenta, the most hot-headed of the group, stood up, wincing slightly from a bruise on his side.

---

Kenta:

"Then let’s take him down, Takashi. All of us. Right now."

---

Hiroshi, quieter but more observant, shook his head.

---

Hiroshi:

"Rushing in isn’t the answer. Aoki’s gang will be watching. And if we attack him at school, we’ll bring the teachers and the police into this."

---

Takashi stopped pacing and turned to face them, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

---

Takashi:

"You think I care about the police? This isn’t about Aoki anymore. This is about sending a message—to him, to his gang, and to everyone watching. No one crosses us and walks away."

---

The gang fell silent. Takashi leaned against the chair, a cruel smile forming on his face.

---

Takashi:

"We’ll lure him out. Make him think he’s won. And then we’ll crush him. But not just him—anyone close to him. They all pay the price."

---

Renji hesitated but asked cautiously,

---

Renji:

"What’s the plan, boss?"

---

Takashi walked to the table, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. He took a slow drag, the ember glowing in the dim light.

---

Takashi:

"First, we find his weak spot. Someone he’d do anything to protect. And then…"

(he exhales, smoke curling around his face)

"...we make him watch as we destroy everything he cares about. That’s how you break someone."

---

The gang exchanged uneasy glances but nodded. Takashi’s orders were never questioned for long.

---

Takashi:

(quietly but with finality)

"Renji, Daigo, Kenta, Hiroshi—you’ve already embarrassed yourselves once. Don’t fail me again."

---

Renji:

"You can count on us, Takashi. We’ll make it right."

---

Takashi smirked, his eyes gleaming with malice.

---

Takashi:

"Oh, I know you will. Because if you don’t, you’ll be the next example I make."

---

The room grew colder, and the tension was suffocating. As the gang began to strategize, a sense of dread hung in the air. The storm was coming for Aoki, and Takashi wouldn’t stop until his vengeance was complete.

---

To be continue . . .

 ---

[Scene: Classroom at Aoki's high school, Shimizu High. The morning after the fight. Students are buzzing with excitement, whispering about Aoki's brawl with the Ryuji High gang.]

---

Student 1:

(whispering to another student) "Did you hear? Aoki fought four guys from Ryuji High by himself and won!"

Student 2: (eyes wide) "No way! That’s insane. Is it true?"

---

Raizo:

(sitting on his desk, looking nervous) "Aoki… everyone’s talking about you. Aren’t you worried they’ll come after you now?"

---

Aoki:

(leaning back casually in his chair, arms crossed) "Let them talk. Doesn’t change anything."

---

Nomi:

(frowning, voice low) "You didn’t have to step in, you know. Ryuji High guys are no joke. Takashi’s gonna hear about this."

---

Aoki:

(shrugging, smirking) "So what? They were picking on you two. What was I supposed to do? Watch?"

---

Raizo:

(glancing around nervously) "Still, you could’ve just… I don’t know, avoided the fight? Now everyone’s making a big deal out of it."

---

Student 3:

(interrupting from across the room) "Hey, Aoki! You’re a legend, man! Four-on-one? Unreal!"

---

Aoki:

(waves dismissively) "Legend? Nah. They just tripped over each other. Lucky for me."

---

Nomi:

(hissing under her breath) "You’re acting like this is nothing, but it’s serious, Aoki. Takashi’s not the kind to let this go."

---

Aoki:

(grinning, leaning closer to Nomi) "If Takashi wants to talk, he knows where to find me."

---

Raizo:

(groaning) "You’re impossible. Don’t you ever think things through?"

---

Aoki:

(smiling, leaning back again) "What’s the point of thinking too hard? Life’s more fun this way."

---

Student 4:

(shouting from the back) "Aoki! When’s the rematch? Ryuji High’s probably shaking in their boots!"

---

Aoki:

(laughing, shaking his head) "Nah, no rematch. I’m retired. Peaceful guy now."

---

Nomi:

(mutters to Raizo) "He’s so annoying. Why does he have to act like it’s all a joke?"

---

Raizo:

(whispering back) "That’s just how he is. But deep down… I think he cares more than he lets on."

---

[Bell rings. The teacher walks in, cutting off the conversation. Aoki sits back in his seat, still grinning, as the whispers about the fight fade into quiet murmurs.]

---

[Scene: Shimizu High. The bell rings, signaling the end of the first period. Students flood the hallway. Aoki is casually leaning against a locker, arms crossed, waiting for Raizo and Nomi. A crowd of curious students starts to gather around him.]

---

Student 1:

"Yo, Aoki, is it true you flipped one of the Ryuji guys over your shoulder like in an action movie?"

---

Aoki:

"Flip? Nah, he slipped on his own. Guess they don’t teach balance at Ryuji High."

---

Student 2:

"Man, you’ve got to teach me those moves. I can’t even dodge a volleyball in P.E.!"

---

Aoki:

"Step one: eat your breakfast. Step two: don’t skip leg day."

---

Raizo:

"Here we go again. Aoki’s got a fan club now."

--

Nomi:

"More like a cult. They’ll start chanting his name soon."

---

Student 3:

"Aoki! Be honest. You weren’t scared at all, were you?"

---

Aoki:

"Hmm… I was scared. Scared they’d ruin my shirt. Dry cleaning isn’t cheap."

---

Nomi:

"Unbelievable. This guy’s allergic to taking anything seriously."

---

Raizo:

"But that’s why they love him. He could make tripping over a rock sound like a heroic tale."

---

Student 4:

"So, Aoki, are you gonna take on Takashi next? Or maybe his whole gang this time?"

---

Aoki:

"I’m thinking of challenging his dog first. Build up to the main event."

---

Nomi:

"You’re impossible."

---

Raizo:

"Yeah, but he’s our impossible idiot."

---

Student 5:

"Can I get your autograph, Aoki? You’re like a school legend now!"

---

Aoki:

"Autograph? What’s next, paparazzi outside my house?"

---

Raizo:

"Better practice your signature. You’ve got a reputation now."

---

Nomi:

"‘To my biggest fan, thanks for supporting my nonsense.’ That’s what you should write."

---

Aoki:

"You’re just jealous you’re not my manager."

---

[The crowd laughs as the bell rings for the next class. Aoki shrugs off the attention, casually slinging his bag over his shoulder. As they head to class, Raizo and Nomi exchange amused glances, knowing this is just the start of Aoki’s newfound fame.]

---

To be continued . . .