MY PERFECT BODY GUARD CHAPTER FIFTEEN :TENSION FLARES

In the midst of the shooting practice on the field, the trainees stood in a neat line, each wearing earphones and safety glasses, their focused expressions locked onto the circular targets. Meanwhile, Richard and Shun appeared to be engaged in a hushed conversation.

Shun, looking amazed, questioned, "How on earth did you know about metal not expanding and all this nitrogen stuff?" He continued, "You always told me that you were a dummy in class, so how can you know such science stuff?"

Richard responded with a grin, saying, "Well, I just kinda know things. Just because I'm not great in class doesn't mean I don't know practical stuff. My dad was once a soldier, and he taught me a lot about safety measures and handling emergency situations."

Shun expressed, "I'm pretty sure you miss him." 

Richard nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and sadness. "Yeah, I do. Everything I know today is because of him. He was a great man. Too bad I can never be the man he was."

Shun was quick to reassure him, "What!!! Don't say that. If there's anyone with the potential to be great, it's you. You've scaled through every difficulty we've faced, even though you almost died at one point." They both shared a laugh. "Don't mind me. Even though you faced challenges, you kept on going. I wish I had that."

Shun placed a comforting hand on Richard's shoulder, saying, "Please don't ever say that again. You are destined to be great. You're the best among us, you know."

Richard, however, responded with humility, "Hmm, who said so? You seem to have forgotten about Mike. I sometimes envy him; he seems so at ease even though he's a big jerk."

Shun muttered, "Speak of the devil," as Mike approached them, a smirk on his face, gun in his pocket.

"Hey, smart boy," Mike taunted, "you seem like you can't quite get a shot on target. Maybe you're not as great as you think you are," he scoffed.

Richard responded firmly, "I think you should leave. I don't have any time for you."

Mike, undeterred, continued to provoke, "Hey bro, I know you're trying so hard to think you are where you are today, but I'm going to make it clear. No matter how hard you try to feint and come back, you're always going to be a kid. You've got to be realistic with yourself. You're 18, and you think you can make it through?" He laughed mockingly. "So, you're telling me that if I need a bodyguard, it's you I should hire, or should I be looking after you for your mama?" Mike laughed loudly.

Richard, his anger simmering, warned Mike, "I'm going to ask you for the last time, leave. I won't say it again," his hands clenched tightly.

As Mike continued to taunt Richard, he pushed a sensitive button by mentioning Richard's mother. Richard's anger flared, and he warned, "I said, mention my mom again, and you won't like what's gonna happen."

Mike, however, seemed undeterred and continued to provoke, "How can a mom leave her son to come here and get himself killed? Which mom does that?" He moved closer to Richard.

In the heat of the moment, Richard couldn't hold back his rage any longer. He landed a rough blow on Mike's face. The noise around them grew as people gathered, some rooting for Richard and others for Mike.

Suddenly, it seemed like Richard was overwhelmed as Mike began landing multiple blows on him. Just when it looked dire for Richard, Shun rushed in and pushed Mike away. Mike charged at Shun, pushing him in return, escalating the tense situation.

Just as things were about to escalate further, Coach James intercepted the situation. He sternly asked, "What are you guys doing? Aren't you supposed to be on shooting practice?" 

His authoritative voice snapped everyone back to attention, and they quickly returned to their designated shooting lines. Richard and Mike were instructed to go to the staff quarters, where it was clear they would have to address their altercation with the coaching staff.