Snow blanketed the city in a soft white silence as December neared its end. Riku Kazehaya stood in front of the apartment mirror, slowly wrapping the bandages around his fists. Each pull tightened not just the wrap but the coiled energy within him. The Featherweight Championship was only a few days away—December 26th. His chance to reclaim the name that had once vanished from the spotlight.
Behind him, Aika Hoshino padded out of the kitchen, wearing nothing but an oversized hoodie that hung slightly off her shoulder. Her hair was still a little wet from the shower. She held out a bowl of warm soup. "Eat this before you head to training. And no arguments. Punch helped."
Punch, their little white dog, wagged his tail proudly from the couch.
"Thanks, you two," Riku said with a grin, accepting the bowl. He sat beside Aika on the couch. Punch immediately jumped between them like the smallest third wheel in the world. Riku scratched him behind the ears.
As Riku finished his soup, Aika leaned in and whispered, "You know, once you win that belt, I expect something more than a thank-you."
Riku raised an eyebrow. "Something like... a lip-to-lip kiss?"
Aika's face turned a little pink. "That's entry-level. You still owe me your first time on your birthday."
Riku chuckled. "February 1st. You never forget it."
She leaned back, arms folded behind her head. "It's carved into my soul. Now hurry up. Genji-san will get pissed if you're late."
---
Later at the Gym
The gym echoed with the rhythm of jabs and grunts. Riku stood in front of the heavy bag, sweat dripping from his brow, his breathing rhythmic. His father, Genji Kazehaya, stood behind him, arms crossed and eyes sharp.
"You switch too early in your stance," Genji barked. "The Ghost style only works if it's invisible. Make them see long guard, then hit them with peek-a-boo. Don't just dance between them. Make them bleed confusion."
"Yes, sir!" Riku shouted, pivoting on his heel, switching from long guard to peek-a-boo seamlessly, then to counterpuncher stance as he threw a crisp right hook.
The gym door opened. Several boxers paused when they saw Riku. He was no longer just the mysterious prodigy—he was now the final challenger. The one who beat Renji before anyone knew what Ghost Switch Style even was.
Genji smirked. "They're watching now. Keep your rhythm sharp. The belt's not given, it's taken."
---
Night at the Apartment
Riku returned home to the scent of dinner and the soft hum of Aika singing while drying her hair. Punch greeted him first with zoomies across the wooden floor. He kicked off his shoes and slumped onto the couch.
"You alive?" Aika asked, walking out of the bathroom with a towel draped around her neck.
"Barely. Your dad would kill me if I didn't already belong to you."
She smirked. "Exactly. Now come eat. And tomorrow, I want to see you shadow box in your sleep. Punch and I will rate your form."
Riku smiled, looking at the tiny family he had made. "Yeah... This time, I'll win it all. For me. For you. For Punch."
Aika stepped closer, sat in his lap, and rested her head against his chest.
"Just don't break. Or I'll break whoever does it to you."
Riku kissed her forehead. "Deal."
To be continued...