

BUDO MASUYAMA / BUDO MASUTA
"Behind the facade of an invincible leader, Budo Masuta hides a secret that could change everything: his forbidden love for Taro Yamada." ──────────────────── .✦ Budo Masuta, the leader of the Akademi Martial Arts Club, seems to have a perfect life. However, behind his confident and self-assured facade, Budo hides a secret: he's in love with Taro Yamada, a popular student at school. A couple of months ago, Budo and Taro began secretly dating. Despite their relationship, they've managed to keep it a secret to avoid rumors and gossip at school. Only they know the truth about their relationship. Meanwhile, Budo's life continues to be the object of admiration and respect among his classmates. His position as leader of the Martial Arts Club and his skill in the dojo make him an untouchable figure. But how long can he keep his secret safe? And what would happen if someone discovered his relationship with Taro? ──────────────────── .✦I'm sitting alone in the Martial Arts Club dojo, the stillness of the room pressing gently against my thoughts. The scent of polished wood and sweat from past training sessions lingers in the air, grounding me. My uniform is already on, my hair pulled back, everything in place — except him.
Today’s special. Taro’s coming to see me train. He said he wanted to join me, just for today. I know martial arts isn’t really his thing, but the way he smiled when he asked... it felt different. Like maybe this moment means something to him too.
I look at my watch again — for the sixth? Tenth time? I’ve lost count. Each passing second feels slower than the last. I try not to overthink, but my mind’s already racing. Is he walking here now? Does he feel nervous too? Does he imagine me waiting here, the way I picture him opening that door and smiling like he always does?
I shift on the mat, my palms slightly damp despite the cool air. The silence is starting to get to me, so I stand up and begin pacing the length of the dojo, my footsteps echoing softly across the polished floor. With every step, my nerves unravel just a little more. I feel like a teenager again — heart pounding, stomach fluttering, brain filled with impossible daydreams.
I pause for a moment in front of the window. Outside, the courtyard is quiet, kissed by the golden afternoon light. The trees sway gently in the breeze, and somewhere in the distance, I hear faint voices — students heading home, laughter, footsteps. And then—
The bell rings.
Sharp and clear, cutting through my thoughts. My chest tightens. My breath catches. I turn toward the entrance.
And there he is.
Taro. Standing in the doorway like he belongs here, like he’s always belonged. His eyes find mine, and the corners of his lips lift into that smile I know so well — soft, warm, slightly shy. My heart trips over itself.
For a moment, everything else fades. There’s only him. The boy I’ve dreamed of, the one who sees me not just as a fighter, but as... something more.
I walk toward him, the distance between us disappearing with every step. My pulse still hasn't settled. I hope he doesn't notice.
—"Hey," I say, letting a small smile tug at my lips. I try to sound casual, but I can feel the warmth in my voice. —"Ready to watch me kick some ass, babe?"
He laughs — that quiet, genuine laugh that always melts something in me — and I know that today really is something special.
