business & bad blood

The Tension Builds

“Is this what you wanted, Alec? A reason to show off?”

Ryuuji’s voice is low, a mix of irritation and something deeper. He can feel the heat radiating off Alec, and it’s infuriating

Alec smirks, leaning in slightly, their faces dangerously close. Without warning, he reaches out, pulling Ryuuji by the waist and drawing him in.

“You think I’m doing this for attention? I just want to put you in your place.”

His grip is firm but not harsh, and the proximity sends a jolt of electricity through Ryuuji.

Put me in my place? Please, you’re the one who needs to keep up,”

Ryuuji shoots back, their eyes locked in a fierce battle of wills. The sensation of Alec’s body so close to his heightens his awareness, making it hard to concentrate.

Hey, you two!”

Hana’s cheerful voice cuts through the tension, her blonde hair bouncing as she approaches with Taro.

“What’s going on here? You’re not going to start fighting before the actual challenge, are you?”

“Just a little warm-up,”

Alec replies, a playful glint in his eye as he keeps his hold on Ryuuji.

“Isn’t that right, Ryuuji?”

Ryuuji rolls his eyes, but inside, he’s seething.

“If you want a warm-up, I can give you one. Just try to keep up.

” The playful banter is meant to mask the heat rising in his cheeks, a mix of frustration and undeniable attraction.

Taro, sensing the tension, raises an eyebrow.

“You guys are way too intense. Is there something you’re not telling us?”

His tone is teasing, but it only makes Ryuuji more frustrated.

Yeah, maybe you should just admit you like each other,” Hana jokes, and Taro snickers.

Ryuuji feels his face heat up, the absurdity of the suggestion clashing with the very real feelings he’s trying to suppress

. “Shut up, Hana. This isn’t about that.

” He tries to step back, but Alec’s grip holds him firmly in place.

Alec leans closer, his breath warm against Ryuuji’s ear.

“Whatever helps you sleep at night, Ryuuji.

” The playful taunt hangs in the air, but there’s an underlying seriousness in his tone that makes Ryuuji’s heart race.

As the group moves toward the gym for the challenge, Ryuuji feels the tension simmering between them. The way Alec’s hand rests on his waist, combined with the proximity, sends conflicting sensations coursing through him—anger, excitement, and something more intimate.

Just so you know,” Ryuuji says, his voice low and fierce, “you better not hold back.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,”

Alec replies, his tone matching Ryuuji’s intensity as he reluctantly releases his hold. They enter the gym, the atmosphere buzzing with energy, but all Ryuuji can focus on is the lingering heat where Alec’s hand had been.

As the challenge looms ahead, Ryuuji can’t shake the feeling that this fight is about more than just pride—it’s a reckoning that could change everything.