When the past fight backs

Episode X+2: When the Past Bites Back

Kenji’s knife pressed hard against the man’s throat, his grip deadly steady.

The bar was silent—all eyes on them.

The older man, unfazed, tilted his head, the sharp edge of the blade grazing his skin. “Still have that fire in you, Kenji?” His lips curled. “You used to be more obedient.”

Kenji’s jaw clenched. His grip tightened.

Alexier could see it—Kenji was seconds away from snapping.

His usual sarcastic, laid-back demeanor was gone. In its place was something dangerous. Unstable.

Alexier had never seen him like this.

And it was starting to scare him.

"Kenji," he said, voice low but firm.

Kenji didn’t move.

The man’s smirk widened. "What? Your new pet doesn’t know? You haven’t told him what you really are?"

Kenji’s breath hitched.

The entire bar watched, frozen in time. Waiting for blood.

Alexier acted before it was too late.

He grabbed Kenji’s wrist.

"Kenji. Stop."

Kenji finally blinked. His grip loosened—just a fraction.

And in that moment, the old man moved.

With a swift motion, he knocked Kenji’s hand away and disappeared into the crowd.

Kenji cursed violently, shoving past people, but by the time he reached the door—the bastard was gone.

Kenji stood there, fists clenched. Breathing hard.

Alexier could still feel the tension in the air. The raw, unfiltered rage in Kenji’s body.

But more than that—

He could see it in Kenji’s eyes.

Something deeply broken.

Something shattered.

Outside the Bar – The Aftermath

Kenji stormed outside, running a frustrated hand through his hair.

Alexier followed, watching as Kenji leaned against the wall, breathing heavy.

For the first time since they met—

Kenji looked… lost.

Alexier crossed his arms. "You wanna tell me what the hell that was?"

Kenji exhaled sharply. "No."

Alexier rolled his eyes. "Not how this works, Kenji. That guy looked at me like he knew me."

Kenji tensed.

Bingo.

Alexier narrowed his gaze. "Who was he?"

Kenji was silent.

Then, finally, he muttered, "A ghost."

"Kenji."

Kenji gritted his teeth. "Fine. He’s from my past. From a time I’d rather forget."

Alexier frowned. "And what does that have to do with me?"

Kenji hesitated. His fingers twitched.

"Because…" His voice was lower now. Almost bitter. "People like him don’t let go. And if he’s here…"

His sharp eyes met Alexier’s.

"It means he wants something."

Alexier felt a chill crawl up his spine.

He had a bad feeling about this.

And judging by Kenji’s face—

So did he.

Episode X+2: When the Past Bites Back (Extended)

Kenji didn’t say another word. He turned on his heel and walked straight back into the bar.

Alexier stared after him, heart still pounding from the earlier encounter.

That old man… he wasn’t just anyone.

Kenji’s reaction had been too intense.

Too personal.

And now, the bastard was gone, leaving behind a puzzle that Alexier had no idea how to solve.

---

Inside the Bar – A Downward Spiral

By the time Alexier stepped back in, Kenji was already at the bar, knocking back his third shot of whiskey.

"Seriously?" Alexier muttered, approaching him. "Drinking like this after what just happened?"

Kenji didn’t even look at him. He just signaled for another.

Alexier frowned. He had never been the type to drink—his father used to have a drink now and then, but Alexier had never seen the appeal.

Kenji, on the other hand?

It was like he was trying to drown something out.

Alexier sat beside him, arms crossed. "You’re an idiot."

Kenji smirked, finally glancing his way. "And yet, here you are. Sitting with the idiot." He lifted his glass. "You sure you don’t want one? First time for everything, kid."

Alexier scowled. "Pass."

Kenji downed his drink and chuckled darkly. "Of course. You’re still a ‘good boy,’ huh?" He tapped his fingers against the counter. "Bet you never had a rebellious phase."

Alexier sighed. "Not all of us get the chance, Kenji."

Kenji huffed a laugh. "Yeah. Guess not."

Alexier studied him. The usual teasing tone was there, but his eyes…

They weren’t mocking.

They were just tired.

Kenji poured himself another glass.

And another.

The longer Alexier sat there, the more Kenji spiraled.

It wasn’t just drinking—it was escaping.

Finally, Alexier had enough. "Kenji. Stop."

Kenji lifted the glass, but Alexier grabbed his wrist.

For a second, neither moved.

Then Kenji laughed under his breath. "What’s the matter? Afraid I’ll ruin myself?"

Alexier gritted his teeth. "You’re already ruined. You just don’t want to admit it."

Kenji’s smile froze.

Alexier expected a sarcastic comeback. A joke. Something.

But instead—

Kenji lowered the glass.

For a long moment, he just stared at it.

Then, in a voice softer than before, he muttered, "Smart kid."

Alexier exhaled, finally releasing Kenji’s wrist.

At least he wasn’t completely unreachable.

---

Outside the Bar – A Heavy Night

They left the bar hours later.

Kenji was less drunk than expected—he had slowed down after Alexier’s words—but he still walked a little unsteady.

Alexier kept pace beside him, hands in his pockets.

The city was quiet now. Neon lights flickered in the distance, and the cool night air felt almost too calm after what had happened inside.

Alexier broke the silence. "You never answered me earlier."

Kenji didn’t react.

Alexier pressed on. "That guy. Who is he really?"

Kenji stopped walking.

The shadows made it hard to see his expression.

Then, without looking at Alexier, he said, "A reminder."

"Of what?"

Kenji’s fingers twitched. His voice was almost unreadable when he answered.

"That the past never stays buried."

Alexier felt a chill run through him.

Kenji turned slightly, glancing at him with a smirk that didn’t reach his eyes. "Don’t look so tense, kid. It’s nothing you need to worry about."

Alexier didn’t believe him for a second.

But for now, he let it go.

Because something told him this wasn’t over.

Not by a long shot.

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