Hisashi fled, leaving Subaru standing alone, his face a mask of frustration and concern. The boys erupted into laughter, their jeers filling the air.
"Looks like that kid made a smart move," one of them remarked, his laughter ringing out as the others joined in.
"Damn, that coward," Subaru seethed silently, his anger palpable. "I'm already battered and exhausted; taking them on now would be too risky. I need to retreat." With a grim expression, he began to walk back, the boys' laughter trailing behind him as they continued to close in.
Subaru's steps quickened as he retreated, his urgency mounting with each stride. Eventually, he pivoted and broke into a sprint, fleeing from the scene.
