𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 | ᴋᴜᴢᴜʀʏᴜ ꜰᴜʏᴜʜɪᴋᴏ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

~𝟖~

The sun was beginning to set as the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. Students poured out of the building, chatting and laughing, eager to head home. Among them, Hannah Togami stood at the center of a rapidly forming crowd. Her fists were clenched, and her chest heaved with anger. Across from her, a tall girl with a sneer on her face, taunted her. "Is this the best a Togami can do? Pathetic."

Hannah's eyes blazed with fury. She couldn't let these insults slide. Without another word, she launched herself at the girl, fists flying. The crowd gasped and cheered, their phones out, capturing every moment. The fight was intense and brutal, with both girls exchanging blows. However, it became clear that Hannah was taking the brunt of it. Her lip split open as blood trickled down her chin. Bruises began to form on her arms and face, darkening her pale skin. A particularly hard punch sent her sprawling to the ground, but she quickly scrambled back to her feet, refusing to show any sign of weakness.

Meanwhile, Peko, with her distinctive grey hair and piercing eyes, emerged from the school building. She noticed the gathering crowd and, ever vigilant, pushed her way through to see what was happening. Her heart sank when she saw Hannah, battered and bleeding, still standing defiantly against her opponent. Without hesitation, Peko intervened.

"That's enough." Peko said in a firm, commanding voice. She stepped between the two girls, her presence alone enough to make the other girl back off. "You're coming with me, Hannah."

Hannah struggled against Peko's grip, but her strength was unmatched. "Let me go! I- I'm not done yet!" Hannah protested, her voice hoarse with exertion and frustration.

Ignoring her protests, Peko practically dragged Hannah away from the scene, the crowd parting to let them through. Once they were out of sight, Peko paused to examine Hannah's injuries more closely. Blood was dripping from a gash above her eyebrow, and her knuckles were raw and bleeding. Purple bruises were already forming on her cheek and jaw, stark against her otherwise flawless skin.

"You're a mess." Peko said softly, her usual stern demeanor softening slightly.

"I can handle it-!" Hannah muttered irritated, though the pain in her voice betrayed her tough words.

"We're going to the Kuzuryu manor," she decided, her tone leaving no room for argument. "You need to get cleaned up."

Peko dragged Hannah into the Kuzuryu manor, her grip firm and unyielding. The grand hallway was dimly lit, casting long shadows across the polished floors. Fuyuhiko, who had just returned from a meeting, looked up in surprise as Peko and a bruised Hannah entered the room. He raised an eyebrow, a smirk curling on his lips as he took in the sight of a battered and bruised Hannah.

"What's she doing here?" he asked, his tone dripping with mockery. "Decided to join a fight club, Togami? You look like you've been through a meat grinder."

Hannah shot him a glare, refusing to show how much pain she was in. "Shut up, Kuzuryu!" she spat, but the wince she couldn't hide made her words less biting.

Fuyuhiko chuckled, clearly enjoying her discomfort. "Always so tough, aren't you? You Togamis really think you're invincible."

Before Hannah could retort, Peko interrupted, her voice calm but firm. "She needs to be cleaned up." she said, steering Hannah towards a nearby chair.

Hannah winced as Peko pulled her by the wrist, the pain shooting through her arm. Peko noticed this and paused, looking at her with concern. "Is everything alright?" she asked, her eyes searching Hannah's.

"I'm fine." Hannah muttered, trying to keep the pain from showing on her face. She didn't want to seem weak, especially not in front of Fuyuhiko, who was still watching with an infuriatingly smug expression. She gritted her teeth as Peko resumed her careful dragging.

Peko guided Hannah to a nearby chair, pulling out a first aid kit from a drawer. She began to clean the cuts and applied antiseptic with practiced efficiency. Hannah winced but didn't pull away, her eyes focused on a spot on the floor, refusing to meet Fuyuhiko's gaze.

"Always getting yourself into trouble, aren't you?" he taunted.

Ignoring him, Peko began cleaning Hannah's wounds. Hannah tried her best not to wince, but the cuts and bruises stung with every touch. Fuyuhiko stayed where he was, his eyes never leaving Hannah.

As Peko worked, she took a closer look at Hannah's wrist, which was badly bruised and swollen. The bruises were a sickly mix of green and purple, with darker spots indicating deeper damage. Peko's frown deepened as she gently probed the area. "I think you've done something to your wrist," she said, worry evident in her voice. "It looks sprained."

Hannah dismissed her concern with a careless wave of her good hand. "I'm sure it's nothing."

Peko's eyes narrowed slightly. "You should get this checked out properly. It could be more serious than you think."

"Just leave it." she muttered, her eyes still fixated on the tiled flooring. "It'll be fine tomorrow."

Peko sighed but didn't push her any further. Once she had finished cleaning Hannah up, she stood back and assessed her work. "Would you like to stay for tea, Miss Togami? Or maybe have something to drink?" she offered, her voice kind but insistent.

Hannah shook her head. "No, thanks. I need to get going." She stood up, swaying slightly but catching herself before anyone could react.

Peko's worry deepened. "You shouldn't be going anywhere in your condition. At least rest for a bit."

"I said I'm fine." Hannah insisted, her tone polite but firm. She started towards the door, her movements stiff and painful.

Peko hesitated, clearly uneasy about letting Hannah leave in her condition, but she nodded. "Alright, but please be careful." The brunette nodded in response.

Fuyuhiko watched her go, his smirk fading slightly as a hint of concern flickered in his eyes. "Don't get yourself killed out there, Togami." he called after her.

Hannah didn't look back. "I can take care of myself, Kuzuryu." she replied, her voice strong despite the pain.

They both watched in silence as she left the manor, her stumbles and muffled groans not gone unnoticed. "She's too stubborn for her own good," she murmured to Fuyuhiko.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, well, that's the Togami way, isn't it?" he said, but there was a note of frustration in his voice. As he watched Hannah leave the manor, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in his chest.

As much as he enjoyed their verbal sparring, he couldn't shake the worry he felt seeing her so hurt. He pushed the thought away, determined to keep their rivalry as it was, but a small part of him couldn't help but hope she'd be okay.