The streets of Justice Town were bustling with activity as the Crystal Brawlers returned. The sun was starting to set, casting a golden glow over the familiar streets. Kouchu’s feet were dragging a bit as he walked ahead of his friends, his mind already starting to wander to the comfort of home.

  Kouchu: (sighing) “I can’t believe I have to go back to my parents’ house after everything… I just want some peace and quiet.”

  Roaracryst: (glancing at Kouchu) “Family time, huh? That sounds nice.”

  Sakuro: (chuckling) “You’re in for a treat. What’s the plan for tonight, Kouchu?”

  Kouchu: “Oh, I’ve got a feeling this one’s going to be a disaster…”

  As they arrived at his home, Kouchu’s mother, Masari Misako, greeted them at the door with a big smile.

  Masari: “Kouchu! You’re home! I invited a guest for dinner tonight. We’re having a special dinner with Marcy and her family.”

  Kouchu’s face went pale. He froze in his tracks.

  Kouchu: (under his breath) “No way…”

  Kisho Misako (father): (cheerfully) “It’ll be nice to have some guests! It’ll be good for you to socialize a little more, Kouchu.”

  Gina Misako (sister): “It’s been ages since we had a nice family dinner, right? I’m excited!”

  Kazumi Misako (brother): (grinning) “I bet you’re not the only one who’s excited, Kouchu.”

  Kouchu forced a smile, trying not to look too irritated. The thought of sitting across from his sworn rival, Marcy, at the dinner table filled him with dread. His competitive spirit had flared once again, and he didn’t know how to act around her in a setting like this.

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  Marcy: (arriving at the front door with a small bag of food in hand) “Hey, Kouchu. Nice to see you again…” (her tone is a little too casual for Kouchu’s liking)

  Kouchu: (gritting his teeth, muttering under his breath) “Yeah, great…”

  Marcy: “I brought a little dessert for everyone… I hope you’re not too mad at me for showing up.” (her tone is more playful than apologetic)

  Kouchu: (thinking to himself) “Why would she even be here? She doesn’t have to be here!”

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  As they all sat down to dinner, Kouchu tried to avoid making eye contact with Marcy. He could feel her gaze on him, but he refused to engage. The tension was thick in the air, and the rest of his family seemed to sense it.

  Masari: “Kouchu, why don’t you try talking to Marcy? You two are both such strong Crystal Brawlers. It would be nice to see you two get along.”

  Kouchu’s expression soured. His fists clenched under the table.

  Kouchu: (grumbling) “I don’t think we’re ever going to get along.”

  Kisho: (chuckling softly) “Come on, Kouchu. Don’t be like that. You two are both incredible fighters. It’ll be nice to see some camaraderie.”

  ?

  Kouchu excused himself from the table, pretending he needed fresh air.

  Kouchu: (muttering as he walked out the door) “I need to get out of here…”

  He walked into the yard, hoping for some peace and quiet, but his escape was short-lived.

  Dustin: (appearing out of nowhere, practically pushing Kouchu back inside) “Not so fast, Kouchu! You’re not getting away that easy!”

  Kouchu: (shocked) “Dustin, what are you doing here?”

  Dustin: “Your mom told me you were avoiding the dinner. You’re coming with me. We’re going to Marcy’s house next.”

  Kouchu froze, eyes wide with disbelief. He tried to resist, but Dustin wasn’t having it. With an arm around his shoulders, Dustin ushered Kouchu down the street.

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  At Marcy’s house, the tension remained. Her parents were kind enough but clueless about the rivalry between their daughter and Kouchu. The two Crystal Brawlers sat across from each other, glaring. Despite their best efforts to keep the peace, neither one was particularly interested in small talk.

  Marcy’s Mother: “So, are you two good friends? You look like you get along.”

  Kouchu: (with a forced smile) “Oh, sure. We’re really good friends. Best friends forever.”

  Marcy’s Father: “That’s wonderful! You’re both so talented. I heard you’ve had some exciting battles recently. How about you, Kouchu?”

  Kouchu’s frustration bubbled over.

  Kouchu: “I… don’t know how to put this, but Marcy here has delinquent tendencies. She’s always causing trouble. Just look at her Marukas—those thugs she hangs out with. She’s dangerous. Do you really want her around your family?”

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  At the mention of the Marukas, Marcy’s parents exchanged a look of confusion, unsure of what to make of Kouchu’s accusations. Marcy’s face twisted into a scowl.

  Marcy’s Mother: (disbelieving) “Oh, come on. She’s just a kid. I’m sure she’s not that bad, right?”

  Marcy’s Father: “We all have our moments. She’s been a good girl at home.”

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  Kouchu stood up abruptly, frustration mounting. He tried to explain further, but Marcy interrupted.

  Marcy: (smirking) “Don’t mind him. He’s just jealous. I’m not the bad guy here.”

  Before Kouchu could protest, he heard Marcy’s parents laughing it off, completely ignoring the weight of his concerns.

  Kouchu: (gritting his teeth, shaking his head) “This is pointless.”

  Marcy’s Father: “We’re all just trying to have a nice dinner here. Let’s not fight.”

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  Kouchu had enough. He stood, excusing himself and making his way to the door.

  Kouchu: (muttering to himself as he walked out) “I can’t do this anymore…”

  As he returned to his own home, he could feel his frustration melting into exhaustion. He entered his house and collapsed onto the couch. His parents, who had seen his exit from Marcy’s house, simply shrugged.

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  Masari: “Don’t worry about it, Kouchu. You’ll get along eventually. We just want you to be happy.”

  Kouchu: (sighing, lying down) “I just… I need a break from all of this.”

  As he closed his eyes and drifted into a fitful sleep, Kouchu couldn’t help but think about the growing distance between him and Marcy, the weight of the rivalry, and whether things would ever change.

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  To be continued…