Bully Lord

Part-78

Just as self-doubt threatened to consume James, Mili's voice broke through the fog of negativity.  "See that guy over there," she pointed towards the one with the near-900 stats, "that's Imran.  He's one of the best judokas in Bangladesh.  Won a national championship last year."

James could only nod, still processing the overwhelming display of skill and power before him.

James forced a smile, the weight of Imran's dominance settling heavily on his chest.  "National champion, huh?" he managed, his voice barely above a whisper.  A part of him, the competitive part awakened by the System, felt a flicker of admiration for Imran's skill.  But the larger part was drowning in self-doubt.

Mili, oblivious to his internal struggle, continued with a hint of awe in her voice.  "He's incredible.  Fast, strong, and… strategic.  He can read his opponents like a book."

James nodded mutely, his gaze lingering on Imran's flawless takedowns.  Then, a mischievous thought struck him, a way to lighten the mood and maybe pry a little more information out of Mili.

"So," he began, a playful glint in his eyes, "is this Imran your secret crush?  The national champion who can read minds and throw people around like rag dolls?"

Mili's cheeks flushed a rosy pink, and she swatted him playfully on the arm.  "No way!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with mock indignation.  "He's… well, he's good, sure.  But a crush?  Definitely not."

James couldn't help but chuckle at her flustered reaction.  It was a relief to see her smile again, the tension momentarily broken.  But her answer sparked a new question in his mind.  If Imran wasn't the object of her affection, then who was?

He stole a glance at Mili, her eyes still fixed on the training session.  There was a wistfulness in her gaze, a hint of longing that he couldn't quite decipher.  Was there someone else here, someone who trained alongside her, someone who perhaps held a special place in her heart?

The question burned on his tongue, but something held him back.  He didn't want to pry into her personal life too aggressively.  Their connection was still fragile, built on a chance encounter and a shared secret.  Maybe, just maybe, as they spent more time together, the answer would reveal itself naturally.

The whirlwind of emotions churning within James was interrupted by a voice that sent a jolt down his spine.  "What are you doing here?" a familiar voice called out from behind them.

James spun around, bracing himself for a confrontation.  There, standing a few feet away, was Ryan, the very same boy he'd tangled with in the school cafeteria.  He looked… different.  The smug arrogance that had characterized their previous encounter was absent, replaced by a casual friendliness that felt almost out of place.

Mili, however, didn't appear surprised by Ryan's presence.  In fact, a flicker of annoyance crossed her features, but it was quickly overshadowed by a resigned sigh.  She leaned towards James and whispered, her voice barely audible, "Ryan huh...  He's also a member of the judo section.  We've known each other… well, for a while."