Haruto stepped into the ring, his steps steady and deliberate. The crowd roared, and the lights overhead seemed brighter than usual, making his sharp features even more striking.
He rolled his shoulders, exhaling slowly as he took his position, eyes locked on his opponent. The guy was bigger, bulkier, but Haruto didn't look fazed.
From the black box, Akane leaned against the railing, practically bouncing on her toes as she watched.
"Go, Haruto! Show him who's boss!" Akane cheered, practically bouncing in place.
Her grin stretched wide as her eyes tracked his every move, shining with excitement.
"Did you see that entrance? He looks so cool!" she gushed, her energy filling the black box.
Her enthusiasm was infectious, drawing amused glances from the others in the room.
Erika walked over to stand beside her. "Well, of course, he does," Erika said with a knowing smile. "He's on a ten-win streak, after all."
Akane turned to her, her jaw-dropping. "Ten?! No way! That's insane!"
The bell rang, and Haruto was on the move instantly, his sharp reflexes making the first few moments of the fight look effortless.
He feinted to the left, his opponent biting the bait, and landed a clean jab to the ribs.
"Woo!" Akane clapped her hands together, practically hopping in place.
"Did you see that fake-out? It's so cool!!" Her grin widened as the fight escalated.
Erika just nodded and smiled beside her, enjoying the fight.
Haruto ducked under a wild swing, his footwork light and precise. He pivoted, striking with a swift hook to the jaw.
His opponent staggered, and Akane gasped, her fists clenched as if she were the one in the ring.
"Yes! That's it! Keep going!"
Akane shouted, her voice brimming with energy, even though she knew Haruto couldn't hear her from the ring.
Haruto's opponent tried to recover, throwing a heavy haymaker that Haruto dodged effortlessly.
The crowd went wild as he followed up with a clean combination: a left jab, a right cross, and a roundhouse kick that sent his opponent reeling.
"Whoa! That kick! Did you see the height on that?!"
Akane practically plastered herself against the railing, her wide eyes sparkling with admiration.
"Right? That's amazing," Erika said as it was the first time she focused on Haruto's fight and movement and he looked even more dazzling than usual.
Enjoy new tales from empire
Inside the ring, Haruto smirked, his confidence radiating through his every movement.
Haruto leaned casually against the car, watching her instead of the view. He'd seen the city from here countless times, but Akane's reaction was something new.
Her wide hazel-eyed wonder, the way her cheeks glowed with excitement—it was a view he didn't mind losing himself in.
"This is amazing," she said, her voice softer now as she took in the sight. "I've never been out this late before... My brother never lets me."'
Haruto's expression softened. "First time, huh? Well, I'm glad I could show you this," he said, his voice quieter, almost thoughtful.
A chill breeze swept through the hill, and Akane instinctively shoved her hands into her pockets, shivering slightly.
Haruto noticed and immediately slipped off his jacket, draping it over her shoulders.
"Here," he said simply.
Akane looked up at him, her cheeks flushed—not just from the cold.
"Thank you, Haruto." She clutched the jacket tightly, its warmth and his faint scent enveloping her.
"This isn't just any jacket," he said with a smirk. "It's a champion's jacket. Take good care of it."
Akane's face lit up, her grin was as bright as the city lights. "Of course, I will! I promise!"
Haruto chuckled, wrapping an arm loosely around her shoulders. She tensed at first, glancing up at him nervously.
"Relax," he said with a teasing smile. "I'm not going to do anything."
She pouted but didn't pull away, settling into his side as they both gazed out at the city in comfortable silence.
After a few moments, Akane broke the quiet, her voice soft but sincere. "Thank you for tonight, Haruto. This night is really fun." She turned to him, her smile so radiant it put the entire cityscape to shame.
Haruto couldn't stop himself. Before he knew it, he leaned down and kissed her, his lips brushing hers gently but firmly.
Akane's eyes widened in shock, her face turning as red as a ripe tomato.
When he pulled back, a realization hit him like a truck. "I—I'm sorry—" he began, but Akane cut him off, placing her hand firmly over his mouth.
"If you apologize, I won't forgive you," she said, her voice shaking slightly but her tone firm.
Haruto stared at her for a moment before nodding, his arms wrapping around her in a warm embrace.
Akane stiffened briefly but quickly relaxed, resting against him as her face remained buried in his chest.
The night air was crisp, but neither of them noticed the cold anymore. The city lights twinkled below them, but for Haruto, the real star of the evening was standing right next to him.
As he held her close, the system's voice chimed softly in his mind, marking the quest as complete.
No skills required, no elaborate tactics—just an unexpectedly perfect moment. Haruto couldn't help but smile.
This might have been the simplest quest he'd ever done, but it was also the most fun.