Mio and Eizan entered the dojo behind the garden. It was dark inside Eizan had to flip on the lights. Mio looked around in surprise. “It’s basically an empty room.”

Eizan giggled “Yup. Did you think it would be special?”

“Well…”

“This room is special to me though. When I was young my father and grandfather used to train me here. I spent many hours drenched in blood and sweat in this room. I remember all the intense training like it was yesterday. My grandfather was harsh but fair. He would beat the snot out of me every day. But after training was over, he was all smiles. He would always feed me a piece of hard candy after practice. I found out after he passed that he kept a bowl of candy here just for me. He died when I was ten, it was really hard. But after that my father and I would still come here every day for training. He would even bring special instructors in every few months. I learned kickboxing, jujitsu, boxing, kendo, and karate here.”

“It sounds like it was a lot of work.”

Eizan laughed “It was. My father always said I had a talent for martial arts. He always said I lacked the passion for it though. He said I don’t have the heart to harm people.”

“I could see that.”

Eizan looked at her strangely “Really, I never understood why he would say that. I always felt I could hurt someone if necessary.”

Mio kissed him on the cheek. “It’s that, if necessary, part that he was talking about. I’ve known you long enough to know you wouldn’t harm someone without reason. You would even try to avoid it if you could.”

Eizan laughed ‘I don’t seem to be doing a good job of avoiding fights.”

Mio giggled “Have you actually hurt anyone since you came to our school?”

Eizan sighed “I broke someone’s nose.”

Mio put I finger on her chin and thought for a second. “Oh yeah. I forgot about that. I heard one of Murata’s friends say something like that the day I saved you.”

Eizan burst out laughing “Y-you think you saved me that day?”

Mio tilted her head “Didn’t I?”

Eizan giggled “I was planning to kick the crap out of them. I didn’t actually expect you to stop them.”

“What? But I thought that’s why you had Ome come get us.”

Eizan shook his head “Nah, I just wanted you to find out what he was doing. I had no clue you would intervene. I honestly thought you would be too scared to do anything.” He flicked her in the forehead.

She started rubbing her head “What was that for?”

He giggled “You really surprised me that day. Try not to jump in the middle of peoples fights, it’s dangerous.”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

She puffed out her cheeks “I saved you and your just too stubborn to admit it.”

Eizan smiled mischievously “Why don’t we try something.”

She got a curious look on her face “Try what?” Eizan started walking over to a wall with a rack of bamboo kendo swords. He picked one up and handed it to her. She gave him a funny look. “What do you want me to do with this?”

“Try and hit me with it.”

“I can’t do that. What if you get hurt?”

Eizan laughed softly “I think I’ll be fine. Unless you trained with a sword for years, I think I’ll be fine.”

“B-but.”

“No buts, just swing the sword at me.”

Mio sighed “Fine but if you get hurt, I’m not responsible for it.”

Eizan smiled. “Oh, please. You’ve never practiced, I’ll be fine.”

Mio just shook her head at his response. “Alright, here I come.” Eizan smiled and thought “How cute a warning before her attack.” Mio swung the sword at him.

Eizan dodged easily. “Come on you can do better than that.” Mio got a stern look on her face. She started to swing the sword at him wildly one swing after another. But to Eizan, every single one of her swings was basically telegraphed. Mio started breathing heavily. She swung the sword with all her might one last time. But this time to her surprise Eizan burst towards her with incredible speed. The next thing she knew he was holding her hand that was holding the sword. He was looking her directly in the eyes from an a few centimeters away. Her eyes widened in shock. He planted a kiss on her lips and the heat rose in her face. “That’s thanks for saving me princess.”

She puffed out her cheeks. “You really are better at this than I thought you would be.”

Eizan smiled “Kissing or martial arts?”

Mio blushed and frowned “Martial arts.” Eizan smiled and took the sword from her hand. He proceeded towards the wall to hang up the sword. Mio was thinking “It’s actually both.”

Just then from the door to the dojo. “I’m glad to see your still training.” Both of their backs straightened. Eizan turned to see his father entering the room. “But I don’t think this is the appropriate place to be making out with your girlfriend.” Itsuki had a wry smile on his face when he said that.

Eizan laughed “Your probably right about the last part.”

Mio was blushing in embarrassment. She turned to bow and greet Itsuki. “Nice to see you again Mr. Hashimoto.”

Itsuki laughed “That’s very polite of you Mrs. Sakurai but can you just call me Itsuki.”

Mio smiled “I will. Feel free to call me Mio.”

Itsuki turned and looked towards Eizan. “You have met quite the good girl my son. I hope you aren’t causing her any problems.”

Eizan tried to act innocent “Who me? I would never.”

Itsuki sighed “Your martial arts still seems to be passable, but you could use acting lessons.” Mio giggled. He looked back at her “If he ever causes you problems feel free to call me. I will make sure to straighten him out.”

Mio smiled at him “I will definitely do that.”

Eizan was looking at her like she was a traitor.

Itsuki laughed “My beautiful wife finished dinner a few minutes ago. Why don’t you two come eat.” He turned and walked towards the exit. Right when he got to the door he turned and looked towards Eizan. “Come here early tomorrow. I want to test you myself.” Eizan gulped. Itsuki left and they both looked at each other and started laughing.

Eizan looked at her “I think you got me in trouble.”

She laughed “You get yourself in trouble.”

Eizan approached her. He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “No, I’m sure you’re the cause of most of my problems lately.” She blushed. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

She hit him in the chest softly “Your father said no kissing in here.”

Eizan giggled “I never was good at following the rules.”

She puffed out her cheeks “I noticed.”

He grabbed her hand. “Let’s go. The food will get cold if we wait much longer.”