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FORTITUDE LEVEL, 9.8 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ "But you're the same stranger." ☠︎⚔︎☠︎
AKIRA WHIPED SMALL tears from the corner of her eyes. Kafka's sudden and slightly embarrassing outburst landed her and Vice-Captain Hoshina into a fit of giggles.
She didn't notice that Mina had already walked out of the room by then—a ghost of a smile gracing the Captain's features.
Walking over to where Kafka began doing his pushups, Akira watched as multiple officers cheered him on. Iharu, a devilish grin on his face, being the main one keeping count. "Eighty-seven! Eighty-eight! Come on, Kafka, you got this!"
Kafka, red-faced but resolved, pushed through the last few pushups, his form impeccable despite the strain. Akira couldn't help but feel a swell of pride and amusement at the sight. She clapped her hands, joining in the encouragement.
With one final burst of energy, Kafka completed his set, collapsing onto the floor with an exaggerated groan. The room erupted into applause and laughter, the camaraderie among the officers palpable. Kafka rolled over onto his back, panting but smiling broadly.
"You did great, Kafka! High five?" Akira giggled, standing over him and extending her hand.
Kafka looked away with a pout, beads of sweat sliding down his forehead. "Says the one who laughed at me for getting roped into pushups in the first place!"
Akira put on a mock-shocked expression and clutched her heart. "Wow, Kafka, don't blame me for your embarrassing outburst, silly." She stuck out her tongue playfully, just as Kikoru walked over.
"Kafka Hibino. Stand up, I need to talk to you." Kikoru instructed Kafka, her tone firm.
"Why do I need to get up? We can talk right here," Kafka grumbled, still catching his breath.
Reno, who wasn't far off, came up next to Akira, giving her a comically stressed look. Kikoru sighed, looking slightly flustered. "This isn't the best place for a conversation," she insisted.
Iharu smirked, leaning in to tease her. "What, are you gonna ask him out?"
Kikoru blushed profusely, her usual composure slipping as she squealed, "It's not like that!" The crowd erupted in a chorus of mocking "ooos," making Kikoru's blush deepen.
Akira couldn't help but laugh even more at the scene, and Reno walked over to Kafka, urging him to get up. "Come on, Kafka, let's move before this gets any more out of hand."
Shortly after, Akira looked at the group, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. "Is it okay if I join the conversation with Kikoru, Kafka, and Reno? I don't want to intrude."
