"ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!"
"Oh, so fiery! I love when a girl—"
Neil didn't finish. Because in the next instant, Natasha stepped forward, clenched her left fist, and — WHAM!
Her punch drove straight into Neil's stomach with the force of a thunderbolt.
"GAAAAAH—!" Neil doubled over, saliva flying as he fell to his knees. His face contorted in agony, eyes wide and tearful.
Every disciple gasped. Even Shaumin winced. Sabastian muttered, "Ouch… that sounded painful."
Shaun just sighed. "Yup… I saw that coming."
He knew better than anyone — Natasha might be sweet most of the time, but when she's angry? She's scarier than a Level Five Thunder Beast.
Hands on her hips, Natasha glared down at the groaning Neil. "Now listen up, you idiot!" she snapped, her voice crackling with fury. "There is absolutely no way I like a guy like you! Got that? None! Zero!"
Neil groaned weakly. "But… our destiny… my flower—"
"Shut up!" Natasha snapped. "And for the record, I already have someone I like!"
She pointed directly at Shaun, who nearly choked on his rice ball.
"His name is Shaun Thunderhawk! I'm going to marry him someday — not some delusional, self-proclaimed prince like you!"
The courtyard exploded with noise — gasps, whispers, and muffled laughter.
Shaun's face turned red as he waved his hands. "N-Natasha! You didn't have to say that in front of everyone!"
But the damage was done. Neil froze, trembling dramatically, then lifted his tear-streaked face to the sky and wailed:
"SO THAT MEANS… I'VE BEEN REJECTED ALREADY!?"
The cry echoed across the courtyard like a tragic opera. Nishio, who'd been watching from the sidelines with folded arms, walked up, smirking. He patted Neil's shoulder.
"Well, that's what happens when you don't listen, genius."
Neil whimpered. "You could've stopped her…"
"I would've," Nishio said dryly, "but I don't like being electrocuted."
The disciples burst into laughter again. Natasha huffed and crossed her arms, still glaring at Neil. Shaun tried to calm her down, but she only responded by gripping his hand tightly — possessively.
Neil, still on his knees, looked up at them with glassy eyes. "My heart… it's shattered… like my ribs…"
"Good," Natasha said sharply. "Now stay that way for a while."
Shaumin chuckled. "Well… that's one way to end lunch. Lucky me, I dodged that cannonball on that day."
Sabastian nodded. "Yup. And probably the last time Neil eats in peace."
The bell rang soon after, signaling the end of lunch.
Neil stayed kneeling for a while, clutching his stomach and whispering mournfully,
"Rejected… on my first day…"
**********
Days passed at Silver Heaven Academy, and with each sunrise came another disaster named Neil Winsome.
Every attempt he made to impress Natasha ended the same way — with him lying flat on the ground, bruised, bandaged, or electrocuted.
Whether it was bringing her flowers (that turned out to be poisonous), composing a "love poem" (that made no sense), or trying to carry her books (and dropping them down the stairs), his efforts only earned him rejection after rejection.
And today was no different. Neil sat slumped under the shade of a courtyard tree, staring gloomily at the sky. A butterfly landed on his head — and flew away again, probably realizing it wasn't safe to stay.
A shadow fell over him. Nishio stood there, arms crossed, expression as unimpressed as ever.
"What's with that miserable face?" Nishio asked dryly. "Did you finally realize how hopeless you are?"
Neil sighed dramatically. "You won't understand, buddy. Love hurts."
"I told you not to call me that."
Neil ignored him. "Tell me, Nishio — how can I win Natasha's heart?"
Nishio groaned. "You can't."
"But there must be a way!" Neil cried, gripping his shoulders like a desperate man.
Nishio smacked his hands off. "Don't touch me. Listen — if you actually want advice, here it is: my father once said that those who truly love someone are ready to challenge anything in their path… But."
He emphasized, "that kind of love is already shown by Natasha for Shaun. So stop being delusional and find another girl before you destroy what's left of your spine."
Neil blinked, then smiled — completely missing the point. "You're right! I must challenge anything in my path!"
Nishio face palmed. "That's… not what I—"
But Neil was already running off.
**********
That evening, just outside the academy gates, Shaun stood with Natasha, Sabastian, and Shaumin, all staring at Neil — who stood opposite them, striking a heroic pose with a wooden practice sword.
"Shaun Thunderhawk!" Neil declared dramatically, pointing at him. "I challenge you to a duel over Natasha's love!"
Everyone froze.
"What?" Natasha shouted, electricity crackling in her fists.
Shaun rubbed his temples. "Neil… this isn't necessary."
"Silence, rival!" Neil proclaimed proudly. "Whoever hits the ground first shall claim the title of Natasha's beloved! Prepare yourself!"
Before Shaun could even respond, Neil charged forward, yelling, "For love and gloryyyy—!"
He tripped over a pebble. WHAM! Face first into the dirt. The group stared in stunned silence.
"...Is he dead?" Shaumin whispered.
"No," Sabastian replied, pinching his nose. "Just his pride."
Shaun took a few steps forward, concern flickering across his face. "Neil, are you okay, my friend?"
Neil slowly lifted his head, spitting out grass. "You're strong, Shaun… too strong. I admit defeat… for now."
Shaun blinked. "I didn't even move."
Neil stood shakily, clutching his stomach. "All great rivals must test their strength one day! Until then, I'll train hard and become worthy of Natasha's love! Farewell, my friend!"
He hobbled away into the sunset — limping, humming heroically, and leaving everyone in speechless disbelief.
Nishio, who had arrived just in time to witness the aftermath, sighed deeply. "I have officially witnessed the birth of the dumbest love triangle in academy history."
Shaumin laughed. "You mean love disaster."
Nishio rubbed his forehead and muttered, "Oh heavens… how did I even get stuck with this dumb guy?"
Shaumin raised his hand like a sports announcer and said loudly,
"And thus, let this duel be recorded in the history of Silver Heaven Academy — the shortest duel ever fought! Total duration: five seconds! Congratulations, Shaun, on your flawless victory! How do you feel?"
Shaun sighed. "I don't know. I don't even feel like I won anything. Honestly, I don't even know what to call this."
Natasha groaned, rubbing her temples. "A suicidal defeat by an airhead sounds about right. Unbelievable…"
Shaun scratched the back of his head, watching Neil disappear down the path. "Well… at least he's got spirit?"
Nishio muttered, "Yeah. Spirit, and zero brain cells."
And thus, Neil Winsome's first love duel ended — not in glory, but in dust, bruises, and hopeless determination. As he limped away, Neil raised his fist to the sky and declared,
"I, Neil Winsome, shall one day defeat my rival and win Natasha's heart! Even if it takes… a thousand falls!"
The wind blew. Somewhere, fate sighed.
**********