Hansel’s fist landed against Sam’s cheek with a dull thud. Just as he was about to throw another punch, Sam grabbed his collar and yanked him forward with enough force to topple him.

Taking advantage of the moment, Sam stepped back to distance himself. He winced as he rubbed his sore cheekbone. “Hansel, what the hell is wrong with you?”

“I’m aiming for you!”

Sam scoffed. Seeing Hansel’s teeth clenched and his eyes ablaze with fury, he quickly glanced in the direction Hansel was charging from. At that instant, he finally realized what had sparked his anger.

With bloodshot eyes burning with anger, Hansel raised his fist again.

Sam taunted, “What’s the matter? Can’t handle it? This is just the beginning, and there are countless rounds to come. Do you plan to throw punches every time you see me?”

He added, “It won’t change anything. Do you think hitting me will stop anything from happening?”

Hansel’s chest heaved. Sam would have dropped dead a thousand times over if looks could kill.

But then, as if a thought had suddenly struck him, Hansel calmed down and asked, “Did Miranda agree to be with you?”

Sam’s smile faded.

Hansel smirked. “Looks like she hasn’t. Back then, you couldn’t win her over. What makes you think you can now?"

“At least I had her once. You, on the other hand, tiptoe around her like you’re afraid to touch her. What’s there to be proud of, Sam?"

“Do you really think someone else’s old shoes would fit you? Are you so desperate you can’t buy your own, or are you just collecting everyone else’s hand-me-downs?”

Sam’s smile faded. He lunged forward and grabbed Hansel by the collar. “Say that again, if you dare!”

“Isn’t that the truth?”

“You can say whatever you want about me, and I’ll roll with it, but don’t you dare insult her. She spent six years of her life loving and caring for you.”

Hansel allowed Sam to grip his collar. A mocking smile spread across his lips. “Just admit that you’re jealous. You’re envious that I spent six entire years with her.”

“Jealous? Please. Why would I envy a scum who had her for six years and still couldn’t keep her?”

Sam’s gaze hardened as he spoke, and each word was laced with intent. “I pity her for having wasted her love on such a pitiful excuse for a man.”

With that, he raised his fist and slammed it into Hansel’s nose. “This punch was for Miranda.”

Another blow landed squarely on Hansel’s cheekbone. “And this one’s for me.”

“Sam, you’re digging your own grave.” Hansel was no pushover, and he quickly retaliated.

Under the dim glow of the streetlight in a secluded alley, two sharply dressed men exchanged furious blows with punches and kicks flying in a heated brawl. Their foreheads, lips, and cheeks bore the marks of their fight.

“Damn it! I knew something was going to happen!” Calvin exclaimed.

Zach swallowed hard. “Are they trying to kill each other?”

He rushed in to grab one man while Calvin pulled the other and forced them apart.

“Hans, Sam, cool it!” Calvin urged. “Fighting won’t solve anything!”

“I’m going to take him down today!” Hansel shouted.

“No need to resolve anything. I just need to deal with this scum!” Sam shot back.

“Who are you calling scum? You’re the real scum, obsessing over your best friend’s girlfriend!”

“Who’s your girlfriend? She hasn’t been yours for a long time!”

“Whether she is or isn’t isn’t for you to decide!”

Just as the fight was about to reignite, Zach interjected, “Miranda, you showed up at the right time…”

Hansel and Sam froze. Their bodies tensed upon hearing that.