´
The tournament came to a close in a mix of euphoria and exhaustion. Amid cheers, the final matches gave way to a solemn ceremony, organized in the central arena, which had been transformed into a true stage for the occasion.
The sun was beginning to set, tinting the sky with shades of orange. A red carpet had been rolled out. The packed stands surrounded the podium, and cameras broadcast the awards ceremony live on the big screens throughout the complex.
Dario Fiammetti stepped onto the stage, dressed in a flawless dark suit. He walked forward slowly, took a breath, then lifted the microphone:
— Ladies and gentlemen… What an incredible week!
The crowd erupted in applause.
— You've all shown great sportsmanship, discipline, and above all, respect. But, as in every competition, some stood out brilliantly.
He turned to an assistant who handed him a tablet. He scrolled through it, then announced:
— Third place: Group 12, led by the tireless Kaito!
Cheers burst out from one area of the stands. The five members of the group climbed onto the stage, receiving their medals and a loud ovation.
— Second place… Group 4!
Another wave of applause. And finally…
— And in first place, with an overwhelming lead in physical, tactical, team, and combat events… Group 17!
There was a split second of silence, followed by an explosion of cheers. Reiko, Yuji, Elian, Zoe… all climbed up, out of breath and smiling. But every eye in the stadium was on Ehito.
He walked up the podium steps slowly, expressionless, almost detached. Yet his name echoed through the stands. Some began chanting:
— Ehito! Ehito!
Fiammetti approached him with a sincere smile and shook his hand.
— I think you've left your mark on this tournament forever, young man.
Ehito simply nodded.
With the medal around his neck, he looked briefly at the crowd. His eyes met Lia's, down below. She was smiling softly, proud.
**
An hour later, the tournament's excitement had faded. The halls of the complex were nearly empty, and fatigue was setting in.
Ehito and Lia, after collecting their things, boarded the hotel shuttle.
— That was incredible, she said, watching the city pass by the window. You really gave it your all.
— It was necessary.
She looked at him, then let out a small laugh.
— You could at least pretend to be happy. You destroyed everyone out there.
— The tournament's over. Time to focus on what's next.
**
Back at the hotel, they took the time to shower and change. Ehito, in a dark shirt, and Lia, in a simple yet elegant dress, left their suite for a well-deserved dinner.
They chose a high-end restaurant a few blocks away. Dim lighting, spaced-out tables, a view of the lit-up city. They sat at a terrace table, surrounded by a few calm guests.
The waiter came quickly. They ordered refined dishes, light wine for Lia, sparkling water for Ehito.
— Are you planning to enter more competitions? she asked.
— Not necessarily. But if I have to, I will.
— You could make a career out of this, you know. Coach, strategist, even pro athlete.
— Maybe. But I have other goals.
They talked quietly… until the mood was broken by loud voices.
— Hey, isn't that the champ over there? said a young man approaching their table.
There were three of them. Well-dressed, over-perfumed. And behind them… two familiar faces: two of the rich boys from the group Ehito had humiliated during the tournament.
— Had a good time with your little win, huh? one of them mocked.
Lia frowned. Ehito slowly turned to face them.
— We'd like to finish our dinner.
— Oh come on, we just want to chat. Chill out. You two a couple? one of them asked, eyes wandering shamelessly over Lia.
— Get lost, she said coldly.
One of them placed his hand on the table. Too close.
Ehito stood up.
— I'll only say this once.
He hadn't raised his voice. But his gaze was enough to make two of them back away.
The third, more provocative, reached toward Lia.
— You sure you want to spend your night with this ice-cold guy? Don't you want a real—
His hand never made it.
In a flash, Ehito grabbed his wrist, twisted it just enough to make him gasp in pain, then shoved him back. The guy stumbled, nearly falling.
The others froze. The waiter stepped forward.
— Is there a problem?
— No, Ehito replied. They were just leaving.
The three guys backed off, mumbling curses. Lia sat back down, a little tense. Ehito, calm as ever, returned to his seat.
— Are you okay? he asked.
She stared at him for a moment, then smiled.
— Thank you.
— They weren't even worth standing up for.
They resumed their dinner. And for a long moment, silence reigned. A pleasant silence. The kind shared after the storm.
— Maybe this tournament wasn't such a bad idea after all, Lia said quietly.
Ehito raised an eyebrow, amused.
— We'll see… what the next one brings.
They returned to their meal, this time without any more interruptions. The main course arrived: a delicately spiced fillet of fish, served with creamy risotto. Lia took a bite and closed her eyes, savoring the flavors.
"You have to try this," she said, pointing to her plate.
Ehito leaned slightly forward, took a small piece with his fork, and gave a quiet nod after tasting it.
"Good choice," he admitted.
Their conversation picked up again, lighter this time. They talked about the city, about other students they had met during the tournament, and even some funny personal anecdotes they hadn't shared before. Lia laughed more than usual, visibly relaxed, as if the tension of the past days had finally melted away.
"You know," she began, "I think I really enjoyed this tournament. Not just because we won. But because… I saw another side of you."
Ehito looked at her in silence, waiting.
"You've always been a little distant, mysterious—even with me. But during the fights, when you protected that girl, or even now… you were just… yourself."
He stayed silent for a few seconds.
"And you've stayed the same. Just more confident. You hold your own now. Even without me."
A small smile passed between them. No more words were needed.
The waiter returned with dessert: an assortment of sweets—tiramisu, chocolate mousse, and fruit sorbet.
"Let's celebrate?" Lia offered, raising her glass.
Ehito raised his, more out of habit than excitement. But deep down, he appreciated the moment. A moment of peace. Of normalcy.
"To victory," he said softly.
"No. To us," she corrected.
And they toasted, under the warm lights of the terrace, as night gently settled over the city.