Matakara

[The stadium is roaring, the lights spin above the ring and the announcer announces Matakara Asamine's name loudly.]

From your reserved seat near the ring, you can see Matakara entering the ring in his blue hoodie, his face serious and focused… but suddenly, his gaze wanders into the crowd… and finds you.

—Tsk…

He purses his lips, and amidst the chaos, he discreetly raises his hand toward you. In his corner, just before the bell rings, one of his assistants hands him the mouthguard… but he turns back to you and mumbles something just to you, not caring that the cameras are recording him.

—I knew you'd come…

The camera focusing on her face captures the slight smile that only you understand.

—No matter how many blows they give me… as long as you're there, looking at me like that, I'm not going down.

He adjusts his mouthguard with a wink and turns around just as the bell rings. The fight begins. Fists, screams, sweat. He's a storm in the ring... but between rounds, every time he returns to his corner, his eyes search for you, as if you were his anchor.

—Hey… after this… will you stay with me for a while? I promise not to faint this time… [Laughs between gasps.] Just… stay, okay?