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SHEATH YOUR BLADE.

Akira stood in the training room, her gaze fixed on the blade in her palm. She had practiced for hours, her muscles aching but stubborn.

She found the rhythm of the room to be both alleviating and challenging, as it was filled with the faint echo of her motions and the subtle hum of the lights overhead.

Her Vice-captain and superior, Soshiro Hoshina, had grown to admire the passion that burned within her despite her humble exterior.

Hoshina entered the room with his usual confident stride, his blades resting easily at his side. He watched Akira for a moment, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips. There was no doubting that she was good.

Her motions were accurate and her concentration steadfast. However, he had decided to challenge her today.

"Officer Zora," he called out, his voice cutting through the silence. She turned to face him, her expression respectful but wary. "How about a sparring match?"

Akira nodded, her eyes brightening at the prospect. Sparring with Hoshina was always an opportunity to learn, to push her limits. "Sure, Vice-captain" she replied, her voice steady.

Hoshina's smile widened. "Let's make it interesting. The winner gets to make the loser do whatever they want."

Akira hesitated for a moment, considering the stakes. But then she nodded again, her determination solidifying. "Agreed."

They took their positions, blades at the ready. For a moment, there was only silence, the tension building between them. Then, with a swift movement, Hoshina attacked.

Akira met his blade with her own, the clash of metal ringing through the room. She moved with grace and precision, her blade a blur as she blocked and countered each of Hoshina's strikes.

Hoshina was impressed. Akira's skills had improved significantly since they had started training together. She was faster and more agile, her movements almost a dance. But he was not going to make it easy for her. He pushed harder, his strikes coming faster, more unpredictable.

Akira's breath came in quick, controlled bursts. She could feel the strain in her muscles, the burn of exertion. But she didn't back down.

She met each of Hoshina's strikes with determination, her blade moving almost instinctively. She could feel herself getting tired, her movements slowing slightly. But she pushed through.

Then, with a sudden, swift movement, Hoshina disarmed her. Her blade clattered to the floor, and she found herself staring up at him, his blade pointed at her throat. She was breathing hard, her heart pounding in her chest. But there was a look of satisfaction in her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips.

For a split second, Hoshina's concentration wavered, captivated by that smile. It was all the opening Akira needed. With a swift kick, she knocked his blade from his grasp. It flew through the air, landing with a metallic thud a few feet away.

Seizing the moment, Akira rolled to her feet and launched herself at Hoshina. Her hands moved with lightning speed, grabbing his wrist and twisting, using his momentum against him. Hoshina stumbled, and before he could regain his balance, Akira's knee came up, aiming for his midsection. He blocked the blow with his arm, but the force sent him reeling back.

Akira pressed her advantage, her movements a blur of precision and power. She drove him back, step by step until he was on the defensive. Hoshina couldn't help but be impressed by her tenacity. She was relentless, her strikes precise and calculated.

Just as he thought she would tire, Akira performed a feint, her body shifting direction at the last second. Hoshina, caught off guard, overcommitted to his block, and Akira used the opportunity to sweep his legs out from under him.

He hit the ground with a grunt, and before he could react, Akira was on top of him, her knee pressing into his chest and her hands pinning his wrists to the floor.

They were both breathing hard, their faces inches apart. Akira's eyes were alight with triumph, her smile wide and genuine.

"I guess that means I win," she said, her voice breathless but filled with satisfaction.

Hoshina looked up at her, a slow smile spreading across his face. "I suppose it does," he conceded, his tone warm and proud. She released him and stood, offering him a hand to help him up. Hoshina took it, and as he rose to his feet.

Her mind raced with the possibilities of what she could ask from Hoshina. But before she could decide, her stomach growled loudly, betraying her hunger.

Hoshina chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "Sounds like someone's hungry. How about I treat you to lunch as your prize?"

Akira stumbled, a mix of embarrassment and relief washing over her. She had been so focused on the fight that she had forgotten about dinner. "Fine, but you're paying," she replied, trying to maintain her composure.

"Deal," Hoshina agreed, enjoying the light-hearted banter. "Let's finish up here and head out."

————

After their training session, the duo changed out of their uniforms and into casual attire. Hoshina opted for a simple outfit – a fitted black shirt and jeans – while Akira chose a comfortable ensemble of a loose blouse and shorts. They agreed on Korean barbecue, a cuisine both enjoyed.

"You look nice," he said, his gaze warm and appreciative.

"Thanks," she replied, feeling the same heat of embarrassment creeping up her neck again. "You too."

The afternoon sun bathed the city in a warm glow as they made their way to the restaurant. The tantalizing aroma of grilling meat greeted them as they entered, and they were quickly seated at a cozy corner table.

Hoshina took charge of the grill, expertly handling the tongs and placing various cuts of meat on the hot plate. The sizzling sounds and the smell of cooking meat made Akira's mouth water. She watched him with a mix of admiration and curiosity.

"You're pretty good at this," she remarked, trying to make conversation.

Hoshina flashed her a confident smile. "Years of practice. Plus, it's one of my favorite things to do on off days."

As they cooked and ate, their conversation flowed naturally. She found herself opening up to him, sharing stories of her own, and enjoying the easy camaraderie that had developed between them.

At one point, Hoshina noticed Akira struggling with a particularly stubborn piece of meat. He reached over, his hand brushing hers as he took the tongs from her grip. "Here, let me help," he said, his tone gentle.

Akira felt a flutter in her chest at the contact, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Thanks," she mumbled, embarrassed by her reaction.

Hoshina's eyes softened as he expertly flipped the meat. "No problem. It's always more fun to cook together." As the meal progressed, Akira found herself relaxing more and more.

She appreciated Hoshina's company, his easygoing nature, and the way he made her feel comfortable. She realized that their dynamic, both in training and outside of it, was something she valued deeply.

When they finished eating, they leaned back in their seats, feeling satisfied and content. Hoshina glanced at Akira, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "So, what do you want me to do now? You won the bet, after all."

Akira thought for a moment, her mind racing with possibilities. She could ask for something silly or trivial, but she decided to go with her heart. "I want you to keep training with me," she said, her voice sincere. "I want to get better, and I know I can learn a lot from you."

Hoshina's smile was warm and genuine. "I'd be honored, Akira. Let's make a deal – we'll keep pushing each other to be the best we can be."