Kiyotaka's decision to confront Ryuen wasn't born out of anger, but a quiet, unwavering determination. He had seen the way Ryuen's manipulative tactics had affected Kei, the subtle erosion of her confidence, the way he had tried to isolate her from her friends. He couldn't stand by and watch it happen anymore.
He found Ryuen leaning against a locker, a smirk playing on his lips as he chatted with a group of students. Kiyotaka approached, his steps deliberate, his expression unreadable.
"Ryuen," he said, his voice calm and measured.
Ryuen turned, his smile widening as he saw Kiyotaka. "Ayanokōji," he drawled, his tone laced with amusement. "What a surprise. What brings you here?"
"We need to talk," Kiyotaka said, his gaze unwavering.
Ryuen chuckled, his eyes glinting with a hint of challenge. "About what? Are you finally going to confess your undying love for Karuizawa-san?"
Kiyotaka ignored the taunt, his focus unwavering. "I know what you're doing," he said, his voice low and steady. "You're trying to manipulate her, to use her for your own gain."
Ryuen's smile faltered, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "What makes you think that?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of annoyance.
"I've seen the way you treat her," Kiyotaka replied, his gaze piercing. "The way you try to isolate her, the way you undermine her confidence. It's all part of a game, isn't it?"
Ryuen's eyes narrowed, his amusement replaced by a hint of anger. "You're a perceptive one, Ayanokōji," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "But you're wrong. I'm just trying to be a friend to Karuizawa-san. She seems to appreciate it."
"She doesn't know you like I do," Kiyotaka countered, his voice firm. "She doesn't see the way you manipulate people, the way you use them to get what you want."
Ryuen stepped closer, his presence imposing. "You're making a mistake, Ayanokōji," he said, his voice a low growl. "Karuizawa-san is a smart girl. She knows what she wants. And she wants me."
Kiyotaka stood his ground, his gaze unwavering. "She doesn't know you like I do," he repeated, his voice calm but firm. "And she doesn't want you. She wants someone who respects her, who cares for her, not someone who uses her like a pawn in a game."
Ryuen's face contorted with anger. He lunged forward, his fist aimed at Kiyotaka's jaw.
But Kiyotaka was ready. He dodged the blow, his movements swift and precise. He knew he couldn't let his anger get the better of him. He had to stay calm, to stay focused.
"You're not going to intimidate me," Kiyotaka said, his voice calm and steady. "I'm not going to let you hurt her."
Ryuen, surprised by Kiyotaka's unexpected agility, backed off, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He knew he had underestimated Kiyotaka, that this wasn't going to be an easy victory.
"You're a fool, Ayanokōji," he snarled, his voice laced with venom. "You think you can stand in my way? You're just a weakling, a nobody. Karuizawa-san will see that eventually."
Kiyotaka ignored the taunt, his gaze fixed on Ryuen. "You can try," he said, his voice calm and resolute. "But you'll fail. I won't let you hurt her."
Ryuen, his anger reaching a boiling point, turned and stormed off, leaving Kiyotaka standing alone in the hallway. The confrontation was over, but the battle was far from won. Kiyotaka knew that Ryuen wouldn't give up easily. He would have to be vigilant, to protect Kei from Ryuen's manipulative games.
He had made his stand, his resolve unwavering. He would protect Kei, even if it meant facing Ryuen again and again.