Kaito decided to play along, masking his intentions behind a calm demeanor. He approached the girl, his voice soft but firm. "Mia, what are you still doing out this late? Didn't you go home?"
He didn't really know her name so he just called her any female name.
The girl blinked in surprise, quickly catching on. She played along. "I was heading home, but these guys stopped me."
Kaito turned his gaze to the thug gripping her arm. His expression didn't change, but his tone dropped slightly. "Can you please let go of her?"
The leader laughed, a rough, guttural sound. Hey kid, if you know what's good for you, you'll mind your own business. Besides, who is she to you, huh?
Kaito hesitated for a bit, then offered a small, nervous smile. "She's my girlfriend. And I've met her parents, and they told me to protect her. Please, I don't want any trouble."
The thug raised an eyebrow, a smirk spreading across his face. "Your girlfriend, huh? So you're playing the man now. Fine I'll let her go... but only if you stay. Do we have a deal?"
Kaito nodded. Yes deal. Just let her go first.
The thug released the girl, shoving her toward Kaito. She stumbled but quickly regained her footing. "Don't worry," she said, her voice trembling. "I'll get help."
Kaito didn't respond, watching her retreat until she disappeared into the shadows. The moment she was out of sight, his demeanor shifted.
He rolled his shoulders, letting out a long breath. "Finally," he muttered, stretching his neck until it cracked. His hands curled into fists, the faint sound of knuckles popping breaking the silence. When he spoke again, his voice was cold and detached, like a predator addressing prey.
"Now that she's gone... why don't we get this show on the road?"
The leader's smirk faltered, but he quickly masked it with bravado. "Big talk for a kid. You really think you can take us on?"
Kaito didn't answer. He simply stepped forward, his movements slow and deliberate, like an executioner preparing for the first swing.
A sinister smile spread across Kaito's face as he lunged at the first thug. His fist connected with a sickening thud, and the man crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
The remaining four surrounded him cautiously, their eyes darting to the leader, who barked orders from the sidelines. "Hey, get that pocket knife we keep for emergencies!"
Kaito smiled coldly, his voice dripping with mockery. "Oh? So it's five against one now? Well, four, since your friend's already napping."
The four hesitated, their nerves visibly fraying. One of them glanced at the unconscious thug and took a step back.
"Don't just stand there! Are you really going to let some high school kid beat you up? Get him!" the leader shouted.
Two of them lunged forward. Kaito met them head-on, his movements precise and fluid. A kick to the gut sent one flying, while a swift uppercut dropped the other.
As Kaito focused on the two in front of him, the thug with the knife crept behind him, blade poised to strike. But Kaito turned sharply, his eyes glinting like a predator's.
In one swift motion, he grabbed the thug's wrist, twisting it with brutal efficiency. A sickening crack echoed through the alley as the thug screamed in pain, the knife clattering to the ground.
"Knives? Really? How cliché," Kaito muttered, delivering a sharp elbow to the thug's temple, knocking him out cold.
Within moments, the other two fell, leaving only the leader. The man stared at his fallen comrades in disbelief, then sneered. "Useless idiots!"
He charged at Kaito, his shoulder aiming to tackle him. But when he collided with Kaito, he stumbled back, clutching his shoulder in pain.
"What the hell..." the leader muttered, wincing as he realized the metal weights hidden beneath Kaito's uniform had absorbed the blow.
Kaito stepped forward calmly and struck the leader at the base of his neck. The man's eyes rolled back as he collapsed in a heap.
Surveying the unconscious thugs, Kaito walked over to one who was still conscious but groaning in pain. He crouched beside him, hands in his pockets.
"You're lucky I'm in a good mood tonight," Kaito said, his tone icy. "Get your friends out of here before I change my mind."
The thug glared at him but said nothing as Kaito turned and walked away.
As Kaito approached the roadside, the sound of footsteps behind him made him pause. He turned slightly, catching sight of the thug from before charging at him, his face twisted with rage.
The thug tackled Kaito with all his might. Kaito, caught off-balance by the weight of his jacket, stumbled backward.
Before he could regain his footing, a deafening horn blared.
His eyes widened as the headlights of a truck filled his vision.
The impact was sudden and brutal. Kaito hit the ground, his body cold and unresponsive. Blood pooled beneath him, staining the pavement.
He smiled faintly, his vision blurring. "I didn't make my dream come true after all..."
With trembling fingers, he raised a bloodied hand toward the night sky.
"If there's a next life," he whispered, his voice barely audible, "I'll do whatever it takes to achieve my dreams."
Boom!
"Run! Run! It's a monster!"
Kaito's eyes fluttered open. His vision was hazy, but he could feel himself being carried. The warmth of someone's arms held him close, their steps hurried and frantic.
Where am I? he thought. What's happening?
The air was heavy, vibrating with an ominous energy. A deafening roar tore through the chaos, making his tiny body tremble.
He tried to make sense of it all, but his surroundings felt alien. His body, his thoughts—everything was foreign. As he was jostled through the noise and fear, a single realization echoed in his mind: This isn't my world.