"Miss Jessyka… She suffered… so much… Poor thing…" said Guina, her eyes brimming with tears as she tried to hold back her sobs. "I just want to hug her…"
"Haha… Well, I'd advise against that—for your own safety, President," Sekai said, chuckling.
"But—but…" Tears streamed down Guina's cheeks. "I want to help herrrr…" She began crying.
"Ah, geez…" Sekai sighed, stood up, and went to the restroom. He returned with some paper towels and handed them to her. Guina took them, blew her nose, and wiped her face.
"Sorry, boy. I lost control for a moment," said Guina, calmer now, gathering the used tissues to throw away later.
"It's fine. I'm glad you sympathized with Jessyka's story."
"But the story isn't over yet, is it? What happened next?"
"Well, I think that's best left for another day."
"Whaaaaat?! Why not?! I want to know more about Miss Jessyka!" Guina pouted.
Sekai blushed a little at her cute expression and laughed.
"Hehe, well, that'll have to wait. Jessyka's here." He pointed toward the entrance.
A strong wind blew through the gym's doorway, and dark clouds loomed outside, announcing the coming rain. Along with the wind, Jessyka entered. Her fiery red hair flowed, her skirt swayed, and she carried her backpack slung over one shoulder.
The students gathered to watch the fight were mesmerized by Jessyka's presence. Even with her stern face and intimidating posture, she radiated a beauty that rivaled the student council president's. Watching two beautiful girls about to fight had the crowd thrilled.
Murmurs filled the stands:
"Wow! The president and that gorgeous first-year are gonna fight? This'll be amazing!"
"I don't even care who wins—just watching two hot girls go at it is enough for me!"
"You guys are disgusting!"
"We're just being honest! What are you doing here then?"
"I came to witness the president's magnificence! That new girl won't even make her sweat!"
"So what are they fighting over?"
"No idea. Just hope it's not over a guy. "
Jessyka looked toward the bench and saw Sekai and Guina sitting together.
"GET AWAY FROM MY SEKAI, BLONDE VIPER!" she shouted, charging toward them.
"Come on, viper, I'll smash your face in and take Sekai back for myself!" Jessyka yelled.
"My, my. Miss Jessyka, lovely to see you too," Guina replied with a smile.
"Let's go, peroxide witch! I'll win and make sure you never see my Sekai again!"
"You really think he'd be happy about that, Miss Jessyka? Your cousin and I were just having a warm, friendly, and rather deep conversation about family bonds. I'm sure he'd love to have more private talks like that…" Guina said with a mischievous grin.
"ALBINO SNAKE!! DON'T YOU DARE GET ANY CLOSER TO MY SEKAI!" Jessyka screamed, her face red with fury.
"Jessy, please, people are watching…" Sekai said, clearly embarrassed.
The audience murmured again:
"They're fighting over that guy?"
"He's kinda cute, but isn't the president already with Jim? He's way hotter."
"Lucky bastard! Second day of school and both the president and a hot new girl are after him?!"
"How dare that shameless guy flirt with the president!"
The stares of jealousy and disdain were piercing, and Sekai shifted uncomfortably.
"Can we just get this over with, please…" he muttered. "And fast, if possible."
"Hmph! Don't mind those jealous fools, Sekai. Our love will overcome all barriers!" Jessyka declared dramatically, hand over her heart, chin lifted.
"What a movie line, Miss Jessyka," Guina chuckled, clapping lightly before standing. "Aren't you going to change? Or will you fight dressed like that?"
"Calm down, Karate Kid. I'm going to the locker room." Jessyka turned and left.
"It's a judo uniform…" Guina murmured. Jessyka didn't hear.
"Haha, sorry about that, Guina…" Sekai said, embarrassed.
"It's fine, boy. Anyway, I'll be waiting for Miss Jessyka on the court."
Before she could leave, Sekai grabbed her wrist. Guina turned, startled, meeting his serious gaze.
"President, I didn't tell you that story for nothing. Jessyka might not know martial arts, but she's got a ton of street-fighting experience. Don't underestimate her," he said seriously. "Good luck." He smiled and winked.
"Well, thanks for the advice. Don't worry, I won't go easy on Miss Jessyka." Guina blushed and turned away.
She walked to one end of the court and took her stance. Rain began to fall, and some students pulled the gym doors partly closed.
"I almost feel like letting her win after hearing that story…" Guina whispered.
Don't even think about it!
"I know, I know! I'm not losing, don't worry!" she murmured.
A few minutes later, Jessyka returned from the locker room. She wore tight black running shorts and a light gray T-shirt, her hair tied in a ponytail.
"Sekai, hold my stuff for me, okay?" she said, handing him her bag.
"Sure thing, Jessy."
"And burn those over there, please," she added, pointing at Guina's bag and uniform.
"Haha, I can't do that, Jessy…" he said awkwardly.
"Hmph! Fine, I'll burn them myself after the fight."
"No, Jessy! That's the president's stuff!"
Jessyka leaned in close, her face inches from his.
"We're definitely going to talk about your favoritism for that blonde later," she whispered, staring into his eyes.
"Jessy, it's not like that…" Sekai stammered, blushing.
As he looked away, she kissed his cheek.
"J-Jessy! I told you not to do that in public!" he said, covering his cheek.
"Wish me luck, my love!" Jessyka blew him a kiss.
Sekai could feel the jealous glares from the bleachers—especially from the boys.
Jessyka stepped onto the court, facing Guina from a few meters away.
"Hello, Miss Jessyka. I heard you had something to do before coming," Guina said.
"Oh, nothing much. Some girls in my class bombarded me with questions and the conversation dragged on."
"I'm glad you're enjoying your second day, Miss Jessyka. I hope you made good friends." Guina smiled warmly.
"Not sure about friends. I think they were just curious about my hair color… Anyway, I don't know why I'm telling you this. Let's get this over with, blonde viper!" Jessyka spread her legs, one forward, one back, fists up—right near her face, left pulled slightly behind.
Guina took her stance too, legs apart, both arms up in front with open palms.
"Miss Jessyka, the rules are simple: the first to immobilize or render the other unable to react wins. Of course, surrender is always an option. Do you agree?"
"Fine by me."
"Alright then. Let's go!"