Okabe feels the shock travel through his own skull, his legs trembling from the exchange. But the sight of Wakabayashi dropping steadies him.
He grits his teeth, forcing his body to hold, refusing to give in to the wobble in his limbs as he stands over him.
For a brief second, he stares down at Wakabayashi. His thighs still shake from the impact, but his eyes burn sharp and focused, clearer than at any moment earlier tonight. There is no wildness in his expression, only conviction.
The referee dives between them, one arm extended toward Okabe while the other gestures downward.
"Down! Neutral corner. Now."
Okabe exhales once. "Your rank might be far above mine," he says.
He then pivots away and walks toward the neutral corner.
"But you have no idea what kind of monster I have to face every single week back at the gym."
He says it without looking back, voice low but steady. Wakabayashi hears every word, and the anger gnaws at him more than the pain.
