Jamal and Ula walked back towards the feast area after the altercation. It was a silent trudge, as neither wanted to discuss the event, but to move on from it. Jamal was still frustrated at Hops, and he promised that he would pay, but didn't know-how. After a while was when Jamal finally decided to speak.
"You know, I don't even know what will take place at the tournament. I need to worry about that more than Hops," he said to her.
"Oh, well it changes every year." Ula replied back calmly, "Last year, it was just one big fight, to see who was the most strategic and strongest. Hops was so cocky, and he fell down, then someone beat him out of the space."
Jamal laughed at those words briefly. Hops being cocky didn't even surprise him. Thinking about it, they were able to see the space where the feast was, Brat and Fonda still talking about who knows what.
"Remember, we can't let anyone find out about us, at least for now," he said, letting go of her hand.
She nodded and slipped back behind him. It was a shame for him, but he had to be careful, as he didn't know how any of them would react.
"Oh look, you guys finally returned. I thought y'all were still behind me." Hops mentioned to them.
Jamal glared at him, but continued to ignore him.
"You good, Jamal?" Fonda asked.
"Oh yeah, I'm great." he replied, instantly not thinking about what happened earlier.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I just got lost, that's all." Ula added into the conversation.
"Well, we have plenty of work to do these last few days! So let's get some rest. We'll discuss what to do tomorrow." Boom walked towards them, speaking.
They groaned, but didn't bother to fight it. They all walked back to the Academy, except the trainers, cleaning up the mess that was left at the site. Hops, Brat, and Fonda watched as the elevator door open and walked in, but noticed that Ula didn't get in.
"Ula, where are you going?" Brat asked.
"Jamal dropped something, so I'm returning it to him." she said.
"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow too, Jamal." Hops laughed at him.
"What's so funn-" Fonda asked as the door closed.
"I'm going to burn him alive, for real." Jamal fumed, "I had enough of him."
"Don't worry, he won't do anything. But you did leave your watch." Ula replied back, handing it to him.
Jamal sighed, "I'm too nice for you."
She simply smiled and kissed him one last time.
"I'll see you tomorrow." she said, as the elevator door opened again.
He watched as it closed and went straight back to his room. I'm really going to mess him up, I swear at this rate, he thought as he opened the door to his room and slammed it shut. He slumped onto his bed and covered his face. What do I really do from here? He took a deep breath and changed into his shorts, got comfortable in bed, and fell asleep.
His alarm jolted him out of bed. He was dreaming about beating the living crap out of Hops and was just about to make him beg for mercy before it happened. He got out of it and looked at himself through the mirror. His face looked miserable, but had determination for the days ahead. He cleaned himself up, like he always did and headed out the door. He was already out of the Academy, but could see a person in the far distance standing outside the restaurant. Once he got closer, he groaned. Of course, Hops was still going to taunt him.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Jam-" he began to speak, before getting punched in the stomach.
The punch made him roll across the ground for several yards, Jamal's fist hot from the heat, and him smiling.
"Shut up now, how about it!" Jamal laughed at him now, and walked inside.
He walked to his usual seat, ignoring the looks from inside, and causally laid back. Soon enough, he heard a banging on the window, and glanced to see Hops furious, spiting vile at him, still clutching his stomach . He simply waved at him, and continued to chill. He heard the door open a few minutes later, to see Ula come inside, shocked.
"What did you do to him!" she screamed at him.
"He deserved what's coming. I don't think I hurt him that bad." he shrugged.
"Do you have any idea what you've done? He's going to tell everyone."
"Let him. I don't care as long as we're together."
She sat down, clearly upset, but didn't say anything after. Jamal noticed and spoke up.
"Okay, I'm sorry. I really am. But I couldn't take it anymore. He was pissing me off." Jamal said, "I really mean it. I'm tired of what he does and what he says."
Not a word came from anyone in the restaurant, as all eyes were on them. Jamal didn't even care. He was not in the mood to deal with anyone right now. He noticed that Hops stopped banging and that he wasn't even at the window. He looked around outside.
"Where did he go?" he asked Ula.
"I don't know, but I'm hungry so why bother." she mumbled.
He just nodded as they ordered their food. I can't ruin this relationship already, and not so soon too, he thought and he stared outside, noticing the bright sunrise. He glanced to see her looking at it too.
"I remember when I first saw the sun rise. It was so calming and dreamy, just like you." he grinned.
She blushed at that, and a small smile appeared. Not a bad save, he knew, not a bad save. It didn't take much longer until their food arrived, and they ate in peace. It always tasted well as he could never complain. As soon as he finished his, he waited for Ula to finish and then after paying they walked out the place together. They strolled back to the academy, still enjoying the fresh air.
"You know, you're not as bad as you seem." she stated looking his eyes, "And that's why I like you."
He grinned, until he felt a sharp burst of pain in his stomach and was flung in the air. Gasping in the air, he looked down to see Hops smirking at him as he heard Ula ask him to stop once again. But, his eyes widened as he watch him push her out of the way. That's when his mind broke.