Ruby Red

5

I was in my personal room in Border HQ. I had a black sports bra and black athletic shorts on with my fists wrapped up in handwraps. My hair was pulled back in my usual ponytail to keep it out of my face as I struck the punching bag in front of me. I heard a knock at my door and stopped what I was doing, throwing a small towel around my neck and drinking from my water bottle. I opened the door to find none other than Shiori and Kazama waiting in the hallway. I stepped aside and allowed them into the room.

The two gazed around at the massive dorm and also took note of my own personal simulation room. Kazama trailed his eyes on my revealing outfit, my skin gleaming with sweat. I blushed as he looked me up and down but refocused on the subject.

"What did you two need?"

"You didn't show up for practice, so we wanted to make sure everything was okay," answered Shiori. I looked at her in mock confusion.

"I'm sorry, umm... First of all, I am very busy with conferences and working with my uncle. Second, I wasn't informed of when practice would be held, and third," I chuckled, "I don't remember fully agreeing to being on the team. And I thought the other two weren't B-Ranks yet."

"That doesn't mean they can't train with us," Kazama informed. I shot him a glare which he returned. Neither of us broke eye contact, wanting the other to break under pressure. Shiori became nervous and stepped in between us, breaking our gaze.

"Come on, guys. I don't need one of you exploding," she nervously joked. I rolled my eyes at the two and began unwrapping my hands.

"Even if I wasn't with you, I was training." Kazama grimaced at my statement.

"I didn't think someone of your calibre would be so proudly perched on their pedestal," he bit back. I scoffed and held a heavy frown, turning my back on them and grabbing a hoodie out of my dresser. I threw it on over my head and shoved my hands into the pocket.

"Well, if Mr. I'm In Charge can stop being controlling, then bring the other two here tomorrow at four o'clock sharp. If you don't show, I'll make my own team and beat yours down," I said sharply as I stepped out of my own room in haste, making my way to the roof of HQ to get some fresh air.

赤

I sat on my bed and glanced at the gold watch resting against my pale wrist.

3:59 AM

I heard a strong knock at my door and stood up slowly. I sauntered over to the metal barrier and watched as it slid open to reveal the people I was expecting. Kazama and Shiori stepped inside my room again but this time, they were followed by a familiar fourteen year old and a boy with shoulder length brown hair.

"Glad to see you have actual clothes on today," Kazama muttered. I scowled at him then put on a sickly sweet false smile.

"Oh, I can take off a few layers if you'd like," I smirked at him almost suggestively. Shiori made a fake barfing sound making me roll my eyes at her childish behavior. "Sorry, forgot we had kids in the room." I playfully glared at my friend. She punched my shoulder in response to my immature comment. 

I glanced upward at the taller new boy and stopped in my tracks. "Ryo-kun, long time no see," I said politely. "How weird! Who would've thought that you were one of Kazama's soldiers! I still owe you. How about we go to lunch sometime?"

Utagawa went to answer but was stopped by the older male.

"You two know each other?" Kazama questioned as his red eyes darted back and forth between the two of us.