CHAPTER THIRTEEN: CRUSH

"I got a crush on you. I hope you feel the way that I do
I get a rush when I'm with you."

Jin sat in his dimly lit hotel room, the silence enveloping him like a shroud. The city outside was alive with lights and sounds, but none of them reached him. His thoughts were locked onto one person—the crimson-eyed girl. He had never expected to see her again, especially not in the arena after his match.

'So…she's participating in this tournament as well.'

He leaned back in his chair, eyes staring at the ceiling, replaying the moment he saw her again.

The memory of their encounter was still fresh in his mind. He could see her vividly, how she had approached him with that unmistakable smile, her eyes filled with genuine admiration. She had introduced herself and showered him with compliments, her voice soft and sincere. Despite her friendly demeanor and the kindness she showed, Jin made a decision. Instead of returning her greetings or recognizing her presence, he walked past her without a word. His heart felt heavy, weighed down by the burdens of his past that endlessly followed him. It was the only way to protect her from himself. With the devil living inside him each and every day with each breath, the last thing he wanted was for her to get hurt even further. That applied to everyone else he cared deeply about.

Jin couldn't forget the incident in her hotel room. It haunted him, a dark reminder of the curse he carried within—his devil gene. This morning, he had lost control. The devil gene had taken over, its malevolent intentions clear as day. He had nearly choked her to death, his large and strong hand tightening around her neck, her terrified eyes pleading for mercy.

It was in that moment, as he teetered on the edge of losing himself completely, that he saw it—the misty red aura forming around her right hand. It was red and hot, resembling a small flame that flickered with intensity and pulsated with energy. It had jolted him back to reality, forcing the devil within him to retreat. As if by some miracle, she had warded off the darkness that threatened to consume him.

Jin lightly traced his fingers along his wrist. He could still feel the burning sensation from its intense heat as she squeezed her right hand against his skin in an attempt to break free.

His fists clenched at the memory. He had been so close to causing so much bloodshed at that moment. The thought of hurting her, of almost killing her, filled him with a deep sense of shame and regret. He had vowed to keep his distance, to protect others from the darkness within him.

However, there was one question lingering in Jin's mind.

'Who is she?'

He was frustrated that he had one, just ONE encounter with the young girl and knew very little about her. He lost count of how many times she haunted him through his dreams and here she was, appearing before his sight. He rose from where he was seated and sauntered over to the balcony. He closed his eyes in concentration, trying to piece together fragments of the reality he knew. Why her and most of all…why now? Why was she appearing in his life after making her presence known through his dreams?

Needless to say, he knew it had to be fate rather than coincidental. After his bastard grandfather betrayed him, Jin taught himself to trust his instincts before putting his trust in other people. But this…this was different. This felt personal, almost like a message he had yet to decipher.

He had never crossed paths with her in the waking world up until now, yet she seemed to weave herself into the fabric of his existence with a familiarity. Could their paths be destined to align for reasons beyond his understanding?

Was there a hidden connection that he was unaware of with her, and maybe, just maybe, it was the key to keeping the devil inside him at bay? To master the darkness that threatened to overwhelm him?

Perhaps she was more than just a mysterious figure in his dreams.

~Aqua Garden Mall~

Honoka found herself comfortably settled in the heart of the bustling Aqua Garden Mall amidst the lively symphony of voices conversing and people moving about. She sat on a welcoming bench, cherishing each heavenly sip of a perfectly balanced lemon soda, letting the zesty and sweet flavors dance on her tongue. From her vantage point, she observed the vibrant tapestry of shoppers strolling past, each carrying an array of colorful shopping bags, their laughter and chatter blending into the lively atmosphere.

After an unsuccessful and awkward attempt to talk to Jin Kazama, Honoka could still feel her cheeks flushing with humiliation. Her heart was pounding with anxiety, which had surged when she first saw him in the arena. She knew Asuka was probably concerned about her and might be actively searching for her, but Honoka just had to find a quiet corner to be alone with her thoughts. She needed a moment to process the unexpected encounter, gather her composure, and prepare herself before facing anyone else, as the encounter hadn't unfolded the way she had anticipated.

"Why did he ignore me?" she wondered, her brows furrowing slightly. Honoka took another sip of her soda, her mind racing to decipher the enigma that was Jin Kazama. He was a legend, a fighter whose reputation preceded him, and she had always admired his strength and determination. But their brief encounter had left her with more questions than answers.

"Maybe he was just focused on something important," she mused, recalling the intensity in his eyes. "Or maybe he didn't recognize me." The idea stung a bit, but she knew it was possible. After all, she was just one of many fighters in the tournament, and Jin had his own battles to fight, both in and out of the ring.

Why had he ignored her? Was it something she had done? Or was she simply not worth his time?

Honoka sighed softly as she watched a group of teenagers laugh and joke their way past her. "Or maybe... he ignored me…because of what happened between us."

As the words settled in her mind, a clear memory surged forward—a snapshot of Jin's face, contorted with horror and deep self-loathing. It was a look she could never forget, one that seemed to haunt him as much as it haunted her. The way he had stared at his hands that day, as if they were foreign objects, spoke volumes. She could see the inner turmoil in his eyes, the guilt that clung to him like a dark shadow, a constant reminder of the terrible thing he had nearly done to her.

From the moment she stared into his eyes, a prickling sense of unease washed over Honoka as his grip tightened around her throat. It was a gaze that sent icy tendrils of fear curling through her. Those eyes, a fierce and unnerving shade of crimson, shimmered with a disquieting light, as if they were hollow vessels of pure malice, draining away any remnants of humanity and replaced by a sinister darkness that desperately clawed to get out. As she recalled the horrifying transformation, intense black markings emerged like sinister veins across his face and chest, weaving a tapestry of terror that marred his once-familiar features. Each swirling line pulsated with a darkness that threatened to break free, creating a sight so grotesque that it sent an icy shiver spiraling down her spine. In her seventeen years of life, she had never fathomed encountering a visage so chilling; it was akin to an encounter with a character straight out of a nightmare or a horror film. The situation she was plunged into had felt so surreal that it was as if she was living in a horror film of her own.

This would explain perfectly why he avoided her, let alone made eye contact with her, as he walked past her back in the arena. It wasn't indifference or, obviously, anger; it was fear—fear of what he might do, fear of hurting her again.

He was protecting her from himself.

But why? What was he protecting her from exactly?

Lost in her thoughts, Honoka didn't notice a certain lady in red approaching until the woman's voice cut through the noise around her. "Why the long face, sweetie?"

Honoka looked up, startled, and met Anna's curious gaze. The woman's striking appearance and confident demeanor were hard to miss. Anna wasn't just any ordinary passerby; she was known for her own prowess and complex affiliations in the world of fighters.

"Oh, hi, Miss Anna," Honoka said, managing a small smile. "I didn't see you there."

Anna chuckled, her laughter as smooth and polished as the rest of her. "I have a way of sneaking up on people." Despite her hatred for her father, Anna begrudgingly found herself being grateful to him for that. After all, she, alongside her older sister, was a trained killer born into a family full of assassins hailed from the Republic Ireland. "Mind if I sit?"

Anna gracefully took a seat next to her on the bench, her eyes scanning Honoka's expression with a hint of concern. "What's got you so down, dear? You're usually so cheerful."

Honoka hesitated, then sighed, deciding to confide in Anna. "It's just... I tried to talk to Jin Kazama after his match."

Anna's eyes glittered with interest. "Oh? Jin Kazama, you say?" she questioned further, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah," Honoka nodded, taking a sip out of her soda. "I waited for him in the arena, but when he came out, he just walked past me like I wasn't even there." And it really hurt more than Honoka liked to admit to herself.

As the femme fatale observed the girl, a sly smile tugged at the corners of her lips. 'Hmm... it seems like our little flower has a small crush. How cute,' she mused to herself, her words tinged with amusement and intrigue.

Unbeknownst to Anna and Honoka, their interpretations of the situation involving Jin couldn't have been more different. With her assumption that the young schoolgirl had developed a crush on the mysterious fighter, Anna had no idea that Honoka had an entirely separate agenda in mind. Honoka's thoughts were occupied by something entirely unrelated to a simple crush, and she harbored intentions to discuss a matter with Jin that diverged from what Anna had in mind.

Anna's eyes then softened as she listened, and she nodded understandingly. "Ah, I see." As an experienced woman who had encountered similar situations, she recognized the familiar pang of being overlooked by someone she deeply cared about. She remembered when her father coldly and dismissively chose to favor her older sister, Nina, showering her with love and attention while disregarding Anna's feelings. It was a painful experience that brought back the deep-seated insecurities that her father had instilled in her. With a shared understanding of the complexities of such situations, Anna offered Honoka a comforting smile. "Men like Jin can be quite elusive and hard to read. But don't let it get you down."

Honoka looked at her with hope in her eyes. "What should I do, then? How can I get him to notice me?"

Anna smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Well, gaining a man's attention isn't always straightforward, but there are a few things you can do to make yourself more noticeable. First, confidence is the key to gaining their attention. Men are naturally drawn to confident women. So, even if you're feeling unsure, try to project confidence in your actions and words."

Honoka nodded, absorbing the advice. "Okay, confidence. What else?"

"Secondly," Anna continued, "mysteries can be very alluring. You don't have to reveal everything about yourself right away. Leave him wanting to know more. Be intriguing, and don't be too available. It makes them more curious and interested in you."

"Mystery... got it," Honoka repeated, her spirits lifting slightly.

"And lastly," Anna said with a wink, "show genuine interest in him, but don't overdo it. Ask about his interests, his thoughts, and his experiences. Make him feel special, but also let him see that you have your own passions and interests. It's all about balance."

Honoka smiled, feeling a renewed sense of hope. "Thank you, Anna. Your advice means a lot."

Anna patted her on the head, her touch warm and reassuring. "Anytime, dear. Remember, you have a lot to offer, and if Jin can't see that, it's his loss. But with a little effort, I think you'll catch his eye in no time."

Honoka's smile widened, and she took another sip of her lemon soda, feeling a newfound determination. "I'll do my best. Thanks again, Anna."

Anna stood up gracefully, her presence as commanding as ever. "You're welcome, Honoka. And who knows, maybe I'll see you two together next time I pass by." With a playful wink, she added, "Just keep that charm of yours shining brightly; it's hard for anyone to resist."

With a final encouraging smile, Anna walked away, leaving Honoka feeling more confident and ready to face the challenge ahead. The mall's vibrant energy reflected her uplifted mood, and she watched the shoppers with a lighter heart, ready to take on the world. She took another sip of her soda, letting the refreshing drink invigorate her.

As she sat there, Honoka reflected on Anna's advice. Confidence, mystery, and genuine interest were the keys to capturing Jin's attention. She realized she had been too straightforward and perhaps too eager. She needed to show Jin that she was not just another fan but someone with her own unique charm and personality.

Honoka decided to start by working on her confidence. She straightened her posture, reminding herself that she was strong and capable. She had faced many challenges in her life, and this was just another one. She would not let a single setback deter her.

Next, she thought about how she could be more mysterious. She realized that she often wore her heart on her sleeve, making her feelings and intentions all too clear. She would have to learn to be more reserved, to reveal only parts of herself and leave Jin curious about the rest. She would engage him in conversations that piqued his interest but would not overstay her welcome.

Honoka's mind returned to those rare times she had mysteriously tapped into her unknown powers. Her second match against her opponent, Thomas Blake, as she remembered. Although she had little to no memory of what else occurred after blacking out, she had a strong feeling that, without a doubt, there was something she did to awaken this particular ability during the match. All she remembered was being engaged in a tense battle with her opponent and then a strange red light bursting near her face, rendering both her and her opponent unconscious. Since then, Honoka has tried to remember bits and pieces of what happened that night, but the memory remained elusive like a shadow slipping through her fingers. The intensity of that moment still lingered in her mind, a tantalizing mystery she felt compelled to unravel. What had happened? What had triggered that powerful surge within her? The thought both intrigued and frightened her, but it also ignited a spark of determination.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out her name, snapping her out of her reverie. "Honoka! There you are!" It was Asuka, her fellow fighter and friend, weaving her way through the crowd with a smile that could light up even the busiest of places. Her expression softened as she saw Honoka deep in contemplation, a mix of concern and curiosity evident in her eyes. "I've been looking all over for you," she exclaimed, sitting beside her. "What's on your mind?"

Honoka hesitated momentarily, uncertain of how to explain the whirlwind of emotions that had taken hold of her since her encounter with Jin. However, she felt relief wash over her as she realized she could confide in Asuka, who became a dear friend she could trust.

"Just... thinking about the tournament and some of the fighters," Honoka replied, attempting to keep her tone light while masking her earlier embarrassment. She forced a smile, hoping it would convey a sense of normalcy. "You know how it is, right?"

Asuka raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced by Honoka's casual demeanor. "Okay, Honoka! Spill it. I know something's up. You can tell me." Her voice was gentle but firm, encouraging her friend to open up more.

With a deep breath, Honoka decided to share the truth. "Well, I tried to talk to Jin Kazama earlier, and he... he kind of ignored me." The words tumbled out of her mouth, her heart racing as she confessed her feelings of disappointment to her friend.

Asuka's expression shifted from curiosity to realization, raising an eyebrow. "So that's your excuse for ditching me, huh?" she stated, her voice low enough for herself to hear. It was all a ploy to meet the one and only Jin Kazama and nothing else. Not that the Osokan girl could blame the girl anyway. "When you said you needed to use the bathroom, it was just an excuse to go see him, wasn't it?"

Honoka laughed nervously and sheepishly scratched the back of her head. "Ehehe. I didn't mean to lie. I just … I really wanted to talk to him." Just as those words entered her ears, Asuka's lips curled into a smirk, and she shot Honoka with a sly expression, which confused the salmon-haired girl. "W-What…why are you looking at me like that?"

"Ah, I get it now." started Asuka.

"Get it? Get what?" Honoka repeated, tilting her head to the side. She grew a little anxious and skeptical from how the brunette stared and suspected her. Anxiety and skepticism didn't mesh well together. "What is it, Asuka? You're makin' me feel weird here!"

Asuka chuckled softly, nudging Honoka's shoulder. "Sounds to me like someone has a crush."

Heat immediately rushed to Honoka's cheeks, the blush unmistakable. "WHAT?! N-No, no, no, no, no! It's not like that!" she stammered, looking away to hide her embarrassment. What shocked her was that her heart was beating a little faster than usual.

"Uh-huh, sure," Asuka teased, her smirk growing wider. "That little blush on your face doesn't fool me, Honoka. It's definitely a crush."

"It's not a crush!" she protested, the blush deepening to a rosy red.

"Oh, yeah?" Asuka questioned, amusement playing in her voice. "Then why's your face all red?" she teased, pointing to Honoka's beat red face.

"It's…it's the soda! Y-Yeah, it's definitely the soda!" Honoka stammered, holding up her drink as if it could shield her embarrassment. "Too much fizz, you know?"

Asuka laughed heartily, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Suuure. Suure. Whatever you say, Honoka."

Honoka huffed, trying to maintain her composure, but her embarrassment was all too evident. She took another sip of her soda, focusing on the refreshing taste, hoping it could cool her flustered state. Strangely, however, her mind was being tugged onto something else—something someone did that caught her off guard and left her confused.

Jin.

'I don't get it.' Her mind drifted back to the rare and wholesome moment when Jin held her in his arms. 'Why…why did he hug me so randomly like that?' She could still feel the ghostly feeling of his head resting on her chest and pulling her closer to his body. Luckily enough, Honoka was able to get a glimpse of his face while ensnared in his soft embrace.

His expression was masked with pure peace for a while before it devilishly shifted, his eyes turning red and those strange markings appearing on his face.

'Just like in my nightmare…' Honoka mused.

Before Honoka could think about it some more, Xiaoyu appeared, bouncing over with her usual bright energy. "Hey, you two! How's it going?" she greeted, her smile infectious. "Guess what I heard from Hwoarang?"

Honoka stared up at the pig-tailed girl, curiosity evident in her face. "Um…that he got a new bike?" she guessed with a sheepish smile. It would make sense, considering that those biker thugs nearly wrecked his bike.

Xiaoyu let out a soft, melodic laugh that filled the room. As she observed Honoka, it suddenly became clear to her why Hwoarang was so captivated by this spirited girl. Honoka's delightful air-headedness, that playful charm mixed with innocent naiveté, brought a vibrant energy to their interactions. It was a quality Xiaoyu had never realized she craved in her life. Every lighthearted moment with Honoka shimmered with an unexpected joy, and Xiaoyu found herself appreciating the way this carefree personality added a refreshing sparkle to her world. "No, not that, silly. He told me about your date at the bowling alley."

Honoka perked up in realization, her thoughts about Jin momentarily forgotten. "Oh, that! We ended up beating some bad guys. It was a blast!" she rambled with a huge smile. "Hwoarang was so cool taking on half those bikers."

"So, what do you think about him, Honoka?" Xiaoyu asked, her gaze focusing intently on the salmon-haired girl.

"Hmm? About Hwoarang?" she questioned as if looking for confirmation.

"Mm-hm." nodded Xiaoyu, her black pigtails bobbing a little. "Hwoarang has talked about you a lot this morning." Unknown to Honoka, Xiaoyu had a small plan formed in her head to push the salmon-haired girl toward the brash biker.

Honoka crossed her legs, her full attention grabbed by the Chinese martial artist. "Really? What did he say?"

"Well, in his own words, he says you're cute and badass," Xiaoyu responded.

"How nice of him, but he's better than I am. He took on more guys than I did. However, they seemed to have more of a grudge against him than me." pondered Honoka.

"That shouldn't matter when both of you took on an entire gang and by yourselves, even."

Although both Hwoarang and Honoka bravely confronted the entire gang, the dynamics of the situation revealed that Honoka faced far more perilous moments than Hwoarang. Her lighter frame made her particularly vulnerable in the chaotic fray; it wouldn't take much for an adrenaline-fueled assailant to single her out and toss her aside like a ragdoll. Each time she found herself in a tight spot, the danger felt all too real, as the vibrant energy of the fight surged around her.

However, just when it seemed like things might take a turn for the worse, Hwoarang would materialize out of nowhere, launching himself into action with a fierce determination. He always knew when Honoka was in trouble, and with remarkable speed and strength, he would intercept the would-be attacker. His swift retaliation not only showcased his fighting prowess but also reinforced their unspoken bond: Hwoarang was there to ensure that those who underestimated Honoka would face severe consequences for their actions. Together, they fought not just as allies but as a formidable team, each watching the other's back in the midst of chaos.

"The bike ride before the bowling alley was fun. Everything was a blur then the cops started chasing us." Honoka recalled.

"Cops!?" Xiaoyu and Asuka exclaimed.

"Yeah, they did show up but Hwoarang lost them easily in the traffic. I never experienced anything like that before other than the action movies I watched growing up."

Xiaoyu let out a chuckle. "Sounds kinda dramatic to me. You must have felt like you were in a movie yourself!" A mischievous glint filled her eyes, satisfied that she had managed to get Honoka to talk about her date with the taekwondo fighter. Now it was time to set her plan into motion. "So, what now? Are you gonna keep hanging out with him? Maybe go on more "adventures" on his bike together?"

"Hmm..." hummed Honoka, tapping her chin in thought. Last night, she didn't exactly refuse when he suggested they'd hang out again. From what Xiaoyu told her, Hwoarang seemed open to spending more time together, and she couldn't deny it. She enjoyed his company. His brash confidence and carefree attitude brought out a side of her she never knew existed—a more adventurous and daring version of herself. "I dunno. I mean, last night, he did say that we should do it again sometime. As far as another date...well, at least I think so."

Xiaoyu's smile broadened even more. Perfect. Everything was going as she hoped. "I'd say go for it."

Taken aback by the sudden answer, Honoka stared at Xiaoyu in question. "Huh...?"

"You should give him a chance!" Xiaoyu suggested, beaming from ear to ear. "It's pretty obvious that he likes you and you guys would be so cute together!"

Honoka felt her heart flutter at the thought. "You really think so?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yeah, I do!" Xiaoyu insisted, her enthusiasm infectious. "You should give him a chance. Besides, he seems to enjoy your company a lot. Think about how much you would have being with him. Adventures on his bike, late-night talks…maybe even some romantic moments."

With an answer in her head, Honoka parted her lips to respond, but immediately stopped herself. "Err…I…uh…I dunno about this." she said, bashfully rubbing her head. "I'm not sure I'd be a very good girlfriend for him."

Asuka and Xaioyu exchanged confused glances before shifting their attention back to their friend. "Huh? Why wouldn't you be? You're incredibly sweet. Yeah, you can be a bit of a pea-brain sometimes, but that's part of your charm."

"It's not that, it's just..." Honoka trailed. Her gaze drifted to the ground, her voice barely above a whisper as she confessed, "I never really had a boyfriend..." The idea of having a boyfriend never crossed her mind. Unlike most typical teenage girls who fantasize about conveniently crossing paths with the "perfect guy" and living the fairy tale romance, Honoka never pondered much about love and romance in her life. She had overheard how a lot of female students, as well as her "clique," would gossip about the boys they liked, gushing over their crushes and the dreamy dates they hoped to have one day. Their conversations accompanying swooning and giggling wouldn't be too hard to miss, considering how loud they could get, whether it'd be in the bathroom, the girls' locker room, or the hallways.

Honoka, however, didn't care enough to delve into conversations about dating and crushes. They never exactly catch her interest or curiosity one bit. When she became a teenager, she had become so carefree to even harbor the slightest thought of having a love life of her own, heavily indulging in her hobbies along with rigorous training to become a strong and fierce martial artist. It all felt like a distant fantasy she never bothered to reach for.

Both Asuka and Xaioyu were momentarily silent, processing the confession. Then, Asuka shrugged and allowed a chuckle to release from her throat. "Hey, join the club. I've never had one either."

Honoka blinked in surprise, her cheeks still flushed from the earlier conversation. "Wha...are you serious?"

"Yeah, really." affirmed Asuka with a nod with a slight smirk.

"But you're so pretty, confident and strong! I thought you would have had plenty of guys asking you out." Honoka said with genuine surprise. "You even got big boobs like me."

Now, it was Asuka's turn to blush furiously as she covered her bust with her arms, her embarrassment evident as she quickly shot back, "That doesn't mean anything, and you know it! It ain't all about looks!" Xiaoyu giggled at her reaction, earning her a glare from the latter. "And what about you? You snagged any dates with anybody yet?" she asked Xiaoyu with a playful glint in her eye, eager to shift the focus away from her own embarrassment.

Xiaoyu shrugged with a lopsided smile. "I'm in the same boat as you guys." Not for long, though. Determined to have her plan succeed, she would stop at nothing to ensure Hwoarang and Honoka found their way to each other. "I never had a boyfriend either."

Honoka felt a wave of relief wash over her at their admissions. She smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Well...that makes me feel a little better that I'm not alone in this," she admitted with a shy smile, grateful to share this moment with people she had found friends with. It was comforting to know that she wasn't alone in her experiences and that they shared similar uncertainties. The feeling kind of took the pressure off. "But still, I find it hard to believe that someone like you would be single, Asuka. I thought you'd have plenty of guys lined up to ask you out. You seem so outgoing and a lot of fun to hang out with and your breasts-"

"Don't you go getting start back on that!" Asuka interjected with a growl, making Honoka recoil a little, a small laugh leaving her mouth.

Xaioyu snorted at the idea of any guy approaching Asuka for a date, her laughter ringing out like a bell. "Pfft...! Please, she'd probably scare them all away before they even get the chance to ask her out. I can just picture it now: Asuka, the fierce Osaka fighter, scaring all her dates away with her most powerful technique: the infamous death stare!" she finished dramatically as she mimicked the brunette's fierce expression, making Honoka cover her mouth to stifle her laugh.

As the pressure to contain her laughter grew stronger, she finally decided to let it burst forth, overflowing like a dam that had finally succumbed to the relentless tide. The image of the brash fighter sprang to her mind, striking a dramatic pose that commanded attention. She imagined her fierce gaze, eyes narrowed into slits that radiated a menacing challenge, making even the bravest souls think twice. Potential boyfriends would catch just a glimpse of her formidable presence, and before they could muster any courage, they would turn on their heels and scurry away like frightened mice fleeing a hawk. It was a comical scene, highlighting not just her power but also the humor in her larger-than-life persona.

While Xiaoyu and Honoka were lost in their laughter, Asuka crossed her arms and threw them a glare filled with hate that only made them laugh harder. "Very funny you guys," she muttered as she tried to maintain her composure.

"Oh, come one, Asuka! You gotta admit that it would be hilarious!" Honoka exclaimed, her laughter still bubbling over. "Imagine the look on their faces when you unleash the "death stare."" she dramatically finished in the exact same manner as Xiaoyu did a few seconds earlier.

Asuka rolled her eyes, aggravation flickering as she watched their amusement unfold. "Yeah, yeah, go ahead. Laugh it up. You guys better be lucky I have a good sense of humor," she replied, her annoyance quickly fading as she couldn't help but crack a smile at their antics. "I get it, though. Maybe I do have a bit of a fierce reputation," she conceded with a shrug. "A bit" was a bit of an understatement, given that she was the daughter of a dojo owner that taught the Kazama Style Traditional Martial Arts and was known as a "Gang Mediator" in her hometown. "It's not always easy to find someone who can keep up with me. Most guys back off when they realize I can kick their ass. Turns out being a strong fighter can be intimidating for some guys. They see me as more of a competition than a potential girlfriend that's for sure." Her tone was light, but Honoka could detect an underlying hint of disappointment. "But honestly, I'm just waiting for someone who can handle me, you know? Someone who sees me for who I really am, not just a fighter."

"Aww, don't worry, Asuka," she replied earnestly, her voice softening. "I'm sure you'll find someone that'll see past all that and appreciate you for who you are—reputation and all. Any guy would be lucky to have you as their girlfriend. Trust me."

As Asuka took in Honoka's words, her expression softened. A hint of gratitude shined in her eyes as she absorbed the genuine compliment from her friend. She was so sweet. "Thanks, Honoka. That means a lot comin' from you."

"Anytime," beamed Honoka as she gave her a wink.

The Gang Mediator's smile widened and for a moment, the three friends shared a comfortable silence, appreciating the bond they had formed.

After a brief pause, Xaioyu decided to break the silence. "So, what now, Honoka? Are you going to take a leap of faith and give Hwoarang a chance? You know, like try to explore a connection you two have?"

The question hung in the air, laden with anticipation, as Honoka considered her options carefully.

"Umm...Maybe," she replied, a small smile creeping onto her lips as she considered the idea. Her uncertainty still lingered nevertheless. "I dunno. Dating and all…it's all so new to me. What if I do something that'll mess things up?"

"That's okay," Xaioyu reassured her with an encouraging smile. "Everyone feels nervous about dating at first. It's normal. What's important is being yourself and letting things flow naturally."

"Letting things flow naturally?" Honoka reiterated, tilting her head to the side in wonder.

Xaioyu nodded in response. "Yeah. You won't know what could happen unless you take that first step. Just be who you are and try not to overthink it. If you guys have a connection, it'll develop on its own. Just take it one step at a time."

Honoka felt a slight flutter in her chest at the thought. "One step at a time," she repeated, savoring the phrase. It felt manageable, less overwhelming. She could navigate this new territory without feeling completely lost. "Alright! I'll give it a shot," she declared cheerfully as she made a fist, much to Xaioyu's delight.

'Plan one...successful.' thought Xaioyu as she smiled in satisfaction at how her plan was falling into place. Now for her next plan, she needed to set up the perfect opportunity for Hwoarang and Honoka to meet again to spend more time together enough for a second date.

Before formulating her scheme further, Asuka chimed in with a teasing grin. "And if it doesn't work out between you guys, you can always go for the next best thing on your list." she said, playfully jabbing her friend.

Honoka blinked, becoming a little confused at Asuka's statement, her brow furrowing slightly. "Next best thing? What do you mean by that?" she asked, tilting her head in curiosity.

Asuka leaned back, a mischievous glint in her eye and a smirk plastered on her face. "I'm saying if bad boy here doesn't turn out to be your Prince Charming, you can always try your luck with someone else on your list. Like, say, Jin Kazama?" she winked.

Upon hearing Jin's name ring in her ears, Xaioyu's smile instantly disappeared, and she shot the two girls a fiery glare that could set the very air ablaze. But her glare was mainly aimed at Honoka, who was now blushing furiously at the suggestion.

STRIKE ONE.

Honoka felt her heart skip a beat at the mention of Jin's name. To complicate matters further, she couldn't understand why the thought of him made it beat faster. "W-What?! No way! I—" she stammered, her words tripping over themselves as her mind raced. I mean, he's super cool and all, but I don't like him like that!"

"Oh, come on! I wasn't born yesterday!" Asuka countered with a smirk. She enjoyed the reaction she had managed to provoke from Honoka. "You obviously got the hots for him if your face is red like a neon sign. I saw the way you looked at him during his match."

"That's not true!" Honoka protested, though the heat rising in her cheeks betrayed her. "I was just surprised, that's all!" Surprised that he was partaking in this tournament like her.

"Surprise, huh?" Asuka quipped with a raised eyebrow, her tone dripping with playful skepticism. "Tch. Sure, let's go with that. But I know what I saw out there, Honoka. That look in your eyes was DEFINITELY more than just surprise."

Honoka felt a surge of frustration mixed with embarrassment, followed by confusion as she struggled to find a retort. "I just…I admire him, okay? He seems like a great fighter and I respect that. It doesn't mean I like like him! I could never go for someone like him. He…he seems too serious and besides, he just entirely ignored me like I was a ghost last time I tried to-"

Before she could finish, Xiaoyu's expression darkened, her cheerful demeanor replaced with fiery intensity. "Jin is off the table!" she snapped, startling both Honoka and Asuka.

Asuka blinked, confused by the sudden outburst. "Whoa! What's with the attitude?"

Xaioyu crossed her arms, glaring at the brunette. "Jin isn't someone you can just throw on a list like he's some backup option! He's...he's not the romantic type and WAY too serious for someone like Honoka, anyway. He wouldn't even know what to do with her."

Honoka tilted her head, confused. "Serious? What do you mean by that?"

Xiaoyu sighed, trying to calm herself down. "What I'm saying is that you and Jin won't work." And hopefully for her own sake, not ever. "You're just so sweet and bubbly, Honoka. Jin's...well, he's Jin. Super serious, broody, and honestly, way too intense. Plus, no offense, but you're kind of a ditz sometimes."

"H-Hey!" Honoka pouted, puffing out her cheeks. "I'm not a ditz! I'm just... a little naive about things and easily distracted, that's all!" she defended.

Asuka raised an eyebrow at Xiaoyu, her lips curling into an amused smile with a little touch of smugness. "Uh-oh. Sounds like you're a little too invested in Jin's love life. Do I detect a little jealousy here?"

Xaioyu's eyes widened in disbelief as she quickly shook her head, her cheeks flushing slightly, "What?! No! It's not like that at all! I'm trying to be realistic here!" she cried, her voice raising in a pitch that betrayed her flustered state as she waved her hands in denial, determined to steer the conversation away from her own feelings and back to Honoka's budding romance. "I just want what's best for Honoka..." In actuality, however, she was conveniently doing what was best for herself as well. It was a selfish act, but she chose not to look at it that way. She'd like to think of it as being a generous act rather than a selfish one. "...and I think she's better off with someone like Hwoarang. He's more her speed."

The tension lingered in the air for a moment before Honoka, ever the optimist, offered a bright smile. "Well, I don't really know Jin well enough to say that I like him in that way. I don't wanna miss out on Hwoarang's bike rides, anyway. They're way too fun to give up."

"Good," Xiaoyu said, her expression softening. "But just remember, Honoka, don't get too carried away. Yeah, Hwoarang is charming, but he can also be a bit reckless. You need to stay on your toes."

Honoka nodded. "I will! I promise I'll be careful."

Xaioyu let out a strained laugh, though inside, her thoughts were a whirlwind of disbelief and concern. Jin and Honoka? No way. The very idea seemed preposterous to her. It seemed utterly impossible—like a scene pulled from some far-fetched fantasy novel. She could not fathom how or why they would be drawn to each other. The very idea ignited a fierce determination within her. She couldn't allow it to happen—not if she could help it.

'The sooner I can get these two together, the better,'

Two birds with one stone. It just needs to be bigger...

TO BE CONTINUED...

My husband once asked me why I ship Jin with Honoka so much, stating that they had nothing in common and I listed the reasons why:

1. They're both good people born w/ bad powers

2. They both have antagonistic dads

3. Both have dysfunctional families

4. Both have blood relation to major characters

5. Both apologetic attackers

6. Jin didn't know who his father was up until Tekken 4. Honoka is still unaware who her father his.

7. Both were raised by their grandparents. Jin was partially raised and trained by Heihachi, while Honoka was raised by her grandmother all her life.

8. Mr. and Ms. Fanservice.

I would come up with more reasons why I ship them, but unfortunately I really can't. LMAO.