Haruki shoved his hands into his pockets as he walked home, his mind still swirling with everything that had happened. The video, the stares, the whispers—he didn't know what to make of it all.
As he rounded the corner near a convenience store, he froze. Kaito was leaning against a vending machine, hands casually tucked into his jacket pockets.
Haruki tensed. He hadn't seen Kaito since the fight, and now here he was—looking perfectly fine.
"You." Haruki said, voice flat.
Kaito smirked, not at all bothered by the tension. "Me."
Haruki didn't know what to expect—was Kaito here for a rematch or revenge? But Kaito just stood there, a cocky grin plastered on his face, as if the fight had never happened.
"You're pretty famous now, you know?" Kaito said, tilting his head slightly. "That little fight of ours got more views than I expected."
Haruki frowned. "So?"
Kaito chuckled, clearly enjoying Haruki's confusion. "So, I have an idea. A good one."
Haruki raised an eyebrow. "What kind of idea?"
Kaito pushed himself off the vending machine and walked closer to Haruki, his steps casual but with purpose. "We start a channel. A fight channel. You fight and defeat bullies. I record it."
Haruki blinked. "What? You want me to fight random bullies and upload it?"
Kaito smirked, as if he'd been waiting for this reaction. "Exactly. You're already famous, so why not use it to make some money? You fight, people watch, and we both get paid."
Haruki shook his head, still skeptical. "Why don't you do it yourself? You're stronger than me. I'm the one who's been getting bullied."
Kaito shrugged, unbothered. "If I fight, it won't be as interesting. But if a loser like you gets in the ring? That's entertainment. People love watching the underdog rise. It'll go viral. Trust me."
Haruki clenched his fists, not sure how he felt about being called a "loser" but willing to admit that Kaito had a point. If he fought more, it might actually get attention, maybe even respect.
Kaito leaned in slightly, his voice lowering with a hint of businesslike seriousness. "I'll be your cameraman. I'll handle all the behind-the-scenes stuff—editing, marketing, all of it. You just focus on the fighting." He paused, waiting for Haruki's reaction. "Of course, I'm going to need my cut."
Haruki raised an eyebrow. "How much?"
Kaito smirked. "I'll take 80%. You get 20%. After all, I'm the one making it happen. Without me, you're just some guy fighting in the streets."
Haruki's jaw tightened. "80%? Are you serious? I'm the one fighting. I'm the one taking the risks. You're just holding a camera."
Kaito didn't flinch. "I'm the one making it content, though. I'm the one who can turn this into something big. Think about it. Without me, this whole thing would go nowhere. You wouldn't even be famous."
Haruki thought for a moment, then shook his head. "No way. I'm not that dumb. You're not taking that much."
Kaito shrugged as if it didn't matter. "Fine. 60%. You keep 40%. That's the best I'll do."
Haruki stared him down. "No. I'll keep 80%. You get 20%. Take it or leave it."
Kaito paused, looking surprised for a moment. But then his smirk returned. "Damn, you've really changed." He crossed his arms, giving Haruki a once-over. "Alright, 80-20. But there's one thing you're going to need to know."
Haruki was cautious. "What's that?"
"I get to decide who you fight next. I pick the bullies, and you deal with them. We keep it interesting, and the views keep coming." Kaito's grin was almost predatory.
Haruki frowned, feeling a bit uneasy. But deep down, he knew there was no turning back.
"Fine," he said, a new sense of determination settling in his chest. "But I'm in charge of the fights. I pick how far I go."
Kaito smiled wide. "Deal."
And with that, the agreement was made. Haruki wasn't sure whether it was the right choice, but one thing was for sure—he was no longer just the weak kid everyone ignored. He had a plan. And for better or worse, Kaito would be along for the ride.
---
To be continued.