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Chapter Eight: Toby Vs Gwen O'Mara

As another month passed, tensions within Yokai Academy heightened. Moka and Tsukune observed how determined Mikki had become about being with Evan, despite his indifferent attitude. She firmly believed Ruby had her chance at love, and if she lost, it was her own fault.

Meanwhile, things between Miles and Kurumu continued to improve as he trained her to harness energy to fly without relying on her wings. However, for Toby and Mizore, complications arose, and the source of those troubles was Gwen O'Mara.

Gwen had set her sights on Toby, seeing a future between them. Her playful teasing, frequent attempts to touch him, and bold gestures like placing his head on her chest only caused Mizore's typically cool demeanor to boil with jealousy.

After midterms, Toby decided he had to put a stop to it. If he truly wanted a future with Mizore, he needed to tell Gwen straight up. But knowing her, this wouldn't end without a fight.

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"You keep denying the fact that we'd make a badass couple." Gwen's voice was laced with frustration, though it was more directed at Mizore than Toby. "And for what? A snow woman who wouldn't give you the time of day if you weren't here at Yokai Academy? If you and I had met in the real world, I'd have given you my number, maybe even set up a date. But her? She had her chance—with Tsukune of all people. He picked Moka. What makes you think Mizore's ready to forget about him for you?"

Toby remained silent, letting her words linger.

"Come on, Toby. Tsukune and Mizore have history—battles fought together, moments shared. You'll never be able to make her forget him. You're setting yourself up to be her second choice. And what about her future? You think she's gonna cut the cord with Tsukune just like that? Get real."

Toby's expression hardened as he spoke. "I'm no Tsukune. I haven't led some grand group or faced down ancient threats, but I've fought my own battles. Alone. I've fought beside my brother and cousin. And never once did I get a thank you or a reward for risking my life. Then... Mizore came along." He paused, the softness in his tone noticeable. "She's the purest person I've ever met. Yeah, she has her flaws, and sure, she may still have feelings for Tsukune. But she knows that he's made his choice. And she's realized something, Gwen. She can be loved. She can have hope again—for a future, a family. And she can have that with me."

Gwen crossed her arms, unimpressed. "You really think you're enough to make that leftover forget about Tsukune?"

"She's not a leftover," Toby said firmly. "She's someone who deserves to be loved. Just like me."

Gwen's smirk returned. "I'm not backing down without a fight, you know that, right?"

Toby smiled in return. "That's exactly what I was going to offer you."

"See!" Gwen gestured at him triumphantly. "We have so much in common! Yet you're throwing it all away for Mizore."

"Mizore isn't just some girl," Toby replied, his voice steady. "She's someone I want to spend my future with."

Gwen's eyes glinted with challenge. "After school. Soccer field. If I win, you leave her alone. No talking, no looking. You let her melt where she stands."

Toby didn't flinch. "And if I win, I'll find someone who will build a future with you. Someone who'll make you happy."

Gwen didn't bother shaking his hand. Instead, she pulled him into a sudden embrace, pressing his head against her chest as she gently ran her fingers through his hair. "Deal," she whispered before stepping back and walking away.

Toby sighed as he looked around, his senses sharper than they appeared. "Come on, Mizore. I know you're here."

A soft crunch of snow sounded behind him, and Mizore stepped out from the shadows of a nearby tree. Her face was unreadable at first, but her eyes betrayed her emotion—a mix of hesitation and warmth. She approached him slowly, her icy presence unmistakable as a slight breeze followed her. "You really knew I was here the whole time, huh?" she asked quietly, a small smile tugging at her lips.