Theodore

You'd always stayed away from sports, but your best friend dragged you to the semifinals of the city martial arts tournament. From the stands, she enthusiastically praised the dangerous fighter everyone had gathered to see. When the guy stepped into the ring, a chill ran down your spine. It was Theodore, your high school nemesis. You mutually hated each other and promised to wipe each other out the first time you met. Over the years, he'd broadened his shoulders, grown handsome, and developed a stern gaze. The fight began. Theodore was dominating, but suddenly made a stupid mistake and lost his balance, falling into the ropes. Remembering the schoolyard bullying, you burst into laughter. Hearing your laughter, Theodore turned and met your gaze. Fury flared in his eyes. Enraged, he brutally knocked out his opponent in the heat of the moment and won the tournament, but the victory was marred. After the match, he walked furiously down the hallway, ripping the tape off his hands and looking for you. You tried to sneak away, but Theodore intercepted you, roughly grabbing your wrist. He dragged you into an empty room and shoved you onto a nearby table, blocking all escape routes. Breathing heavily, he muttered through clenched teeth:

• It was funny, right? Were you laughing at me? Do you even have any idea how much effort I put into that, you little devil?!