*I do not own the Tekken series. :")

Chapter 4 : Confrontation

Hwoarang knew it was time to clear his mind. He needed to decide on what he needs to do with the declared Iron Fist Tournament. He already made sure Xiaoyu won't be allowed to join, thus, even if the event takes place, he won't be worried about her safety. The only name missing from the list was his rival's name, Jin Kazama. For some reasons, he knew wealth alone wouldn't make the other join his battle. He knew he had to give it his all.

That afternoon, he got on his big bike and rushed to Asuka's place, thinking Jin will most likely be there.

"Asuka" he called out, knocking and banging on her door.

"What is your problem, you stupid brat?" she answered, glaring at him.

"Where in the world is Kazama?"

"Well, technically, she's standing right in front of you. Or have you forgotten that I also have the same name?"

"I meant the bastard of a cousin you've got."

"Jin's staying some place else. He didn't tell me where, though."

Hwoarang growled slightly, pissed. He searched high and low, flew throughout the city. He felt the need to talk to Jin. He needed to know what it takes for the other to join the Iron Fist Tournament. A few hours passed till he realized Julia Chang could be hiding Jin. Julia was the silent type. She was a peacemaker; and the last person one could think of hiding any person. He immediately drove all the way to Julia's. He got off, knocked on her door and found what he was looking for the whole time.

"Kazama!" he called out, yelling.

"I expected you a lot sooner." Jin replied, facing the other man.

"Let's cut the chase, Kazama. Why haven't you signed up just yet? Aren't you as eager as I am to fight for victory?"

"You have nothing good to offer me."

"And what exactly do you want?"

"A cure"

"Oh please, you'll die with that curse! Cut the crap already!"

"Then what do you offer me? I don't really want the wealth… You can have all that. I no longer have any interest in that sort."

"What about Xiaoyu?"

This gave Jin a confused look. For Hwoarang to offer anything as a prize only means that it or rather, she is one of his treasures. Jin merely crossed his brows, giving a small sigh.

"Xiaoyu isn't a price, Hwoarang. This isn't a game."

"Are you scared of losing to me that much?"

Jin gave him a serious look before speaking. "I have no intention to bet Xiaoyu under any circumstances."

"Do you like her?" Hwoarang finally asked under his breath. "Are you planning to leave her all over again?"

Jin didn't speak a word, he watched as Hwoarang gritted his teeth in anger.

"Kazama! I am tired of your bullshit, already! Speak up or I swear I'll kill you right here, right now!"

"I see you've developed feelings for her, and I know why."

Hwoarang gazed on his left side as he heard Jin talk. Before he could even reply, Xiaoyu showed up right before them. She had a quizzical look on her face as she tried to figure out what was going on. She had always been innocent and naïve, but this time, she felt as if she knew what was going on between them.

Jin turned to face the girl and gave her a serious look. It was as if he had been swallowed by his own thoughts as he gazed at her. 'Do I like her? This girl with bobbing pigtails who have always chimed my name so merrily… the only person who stayed by my side and chased after my cure instead of her own' he thought to himself. Xiaoyu cocked her head to one side as Hwoarang felt a stab on his chest. He knew Xiaoyu would always choose Jin no matter what happens. He didn't need to ask, even.

"Hwoarang" Xiaoyu called out, "I thought I'd find you here with Jin."

As if his anger melted, he gave her a faint smile and said "Yeah well, I do run after my rivals."

The girl grimaced at the two of them as she held both arms to the guys'. "Let's have dinner together before Miharu starts to scold me!"

'I guess that's the thing about Xiaoyu that Hwoarang fell for; the lightness of her presence. She had always been bubbly and kind. She knew of things and could easily shift the silence into loudness. Ironic, how one girl can change him despite the wall he had been building all these years.' Jin thought to himself as he walked alongside the two. 'Am I the same as him? Did I fall for her just as he did?'

The next morning, Mrs. Law invited Jin to the shop after learning that he was back in Japan. 'I will never forgive you if you don't accept my request of a breakfast with you!' she told him over the phone. Of course, Jin let a small chuckle out as he agreed to the lively woman. And so he made his way out of Julia's house and onto Mrs. Law's noodle shop.

"Good Morning" he greeted upon entering.

"Oh, Jin dear!" she smiled, leaving her tray on a table as she gave him a small hug and a pat.

"It's been a long time" he added.

"Indeed. So how have you been? Tell me, are you also joining the next tournament? Forest has been begging me about this for weeks now!"

"I haven't decided just yet."

"Come, have a seat. I'll get you your noodles and tea."

Mrs. Law went inside the kitchen to get the mentioned food as Jin sat on the nearest chair. He waited for two minutes before the lady showed up. She served him as if he was a customer and flashed a full smile, her eyes seemingly shut.

"So, have you been coping up with your friends lately?" she started.

"I suppose you could say that" he answered. "Though, I don't really have many friends."

"Xiaoyu would've been thrilled to see you!"

"She seemed to be."

"What about Hwoarang?"

"He's not as happy as you think."

"I've always watched the tournaments because of my husband and son. Of course, I have watched most of the battles and have seen most of the players, including you and Hwoarang."

"I don't understand where this is going, Mrs. Law."

"I've noticed the tension between you and have always wondered what is it that you both desired that had clashed? Why and where are you rivals?"

"We both wanted the same title, the same fortune, and the same power."

"He wanted revenge, Jin; revenge for his master, Baek Doo San. You wanted to avenge your mother. Seeing as how your desires got nothing to do with Wealth, I don't see how you could possibly hate each other."

"And what do you suggest it is about, Mrs. Law?"

"I've known Xiaoyu for quite a long time now. She had always been cheerful and pretty, in fact, I once thought of courting her for my own son. But you know Forest, he hate the idea because he's fond of someone else. I believe Hwoarang, over the years; have fallen for the fair maiden. No matter how much he tried to deny it, his actions stated otherwise. Luckily, Xiaoyu was just as dense as this table." She chuckled before continuing, "Now, Jin, what is she to you?"

It took him time to think of the best response. He never really gave it much thought till recently. "Xiaoyu have always been a friend." He started, wondering how he'd know what he feels for her. "She had always been there for me, I guess."

"And so you've always taken him for granted. You see, that's the thing Hwoarang hated about you. You seemed to have undervalued Xiaoyu over the past few years. And what if one day she decides to move on instead of wait for you?"

"I don't know… I would feel incomplete, perhaps."

"And what if she chose to be with Hwoarang when you leave?"

He pictured her with Hwoarang in his mind; them getting married, having kids, living a life peacefully. It made his stomach cringe; a possible strike onto his dense state.

"Hwoarang was brave enough to face the truth, Jin. You've got to do the same thing before you start losing people. All is fair in love and war."

This gave Jin a slight push. No matter how dense he seemed to have been, he noticed Xiaoyu. He knew of her many sacrifices and sufferings because of him. He knew of her affection towards him. He never really undervalued her; he was just too occupied with finding the cure to his devil gene. Realizing what he had been denying most of his teen years, Jin let out a sigh.

"Thank you, Mrs. Law. You've made your point and I am accepting it" he replied as he took his phone out and dialed a number.

"Hwoarang, count me in. Let's do the final battle."