Bully Lord

Part-42

A dull throb pulsed in James's hand with every subtle movement, a constant reminder of his limitations. Three days at the gym had left him pleasantly sore, yes, but also painfully aware of his poor physical condition. Completing all the Loop Missions in a single day felt like a distant dream. He winced as he gripped his pen, the simple act a testament to his newfound weakness.

Despite the throbbing pain, a flicker of gratitude sparked within him, a wave of appreciation washing over Coach Gin. In the haze of anger and the System's cryptic message that day at the Judo club, James had been consumed by a reckless desire to prove himself. Blinded by bravado, he hadn't stopped to consider the physical disparity between him and Sourov. It was a foolish act, fueled by pride and a complete disregard for his own safety.

Now, with the ache in his hand a constant reminder, James understood the potential consequences of facing Sourov unprepared. Coach Gin's intervention, though humiliating at the time, had prevented him from making a grave mistake. It was a lesson James wouldn't soon forget – a lesson scrawled not in ink on paper, but in the throbbing ache of his muscles.

The crumpled note in his pocket felt heavier now, the weight of the upcoming meeting pressing down on him. Was Ryan trying to intimidate him further?  Or was there something more at play?

The lunch bell clanged, a jarring counterpoint to the knot of apprehension twisting in James' stomach. He shoved his notebook into his bag, the crumpled note a constant reminder of the looming confrontation. During lunch, James couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Every snicker, every raised eyebrow felt like a potential lead-up to Ryan's promised "meeting."  Finally, unable to bear the suspense any longer, James decided to take the initiative.

He scanned the schoolyard, his gaze landing on a lone figure sitting beneath a sprawling oak tree. It was Ryan. James approached cautiously, his muscles tensed for a fight. As he got closer, however, he noticed something unsettling – Ryan was alone. No posse of bullies, no menacing grins. Just Ryan, hunched over a book, his brow furrowed in concentration.

Tentatively, James cleared his throat. Ryan looked up, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before morphing into a smug smirk.

"So, you decided to grace me with your presence, Khan," he drawled, his voice laced with mock civility.

James met his gaze unflinchingly. "Why'd you call me out here, Ryan?"

Ryan leaned back, a playful glint in his eyes. "Ah, straight to the point. I like that.  Let's cut to the chase, shall we?" He gestured vaguely towards the empty space beside him. "Sit."

James hesitated for a beat, then lowered himself onto the grass, keeping a wary eye on Ryan.

Ryan hesitated for a moment before blurting out, "Look, about the other day..."

His voice trailed off, replaced by a frustrated sigh.  James narrowed his eyes, waiting for an explanation.  Finally, Ryan blurted out, "I know you were only trying to protect Mili because you're... well, in love with her."