The second swing was wider.
Nia blocked it with her forearm.
Two years of recreational boxing training surfaced before thought.
Chin down.
Eyes open.
Move.
Do not stay directly in front.
She stepped sideways.
Dylan turned.
He attacked again.
Only then did Nia counter.
One short strike pushed him backward.
She stopped immediately.
Dylan did not.
He rushed forward.
Nia slipped outside another punch and shoved him away.
A table behind him shook.
Students scattered from the aisle.
Claire shouted that Nia had hit Dylan.
Nia stared at her in disbelief.
“He attacked me!”
Claire moved forward.
Nia raised one hand.
“Stay back.”
Claire did not.
She grabbed toward Nia’s hoodie.
Nia pulled free.
“Claire, stop.”
Claire swung.
Nia blocked.
The same girl who had destroyed the model was now trying to strike her less than thirty seconds later.
Nia redirected the arm and shoved Claire backward.
Claire stumbled to one knee.
Nia stepped away.
Dylan returned.
He swung from the side.
Nia saw the red sleeve before she saw his fist.
She ducked.
Dylan’s momentum carried him past her.
Nia pushed him forward, creating space.
He spun around.
Claire stood again.
The two approached from different angles.
Phones were everywhere now.
Nia heard people shouting that teachers were coming.
Still, neither stopped.
Dylan moved first.
Nia blocked.
Claire reached from the side.
Nia twisted free.
Dylan rushed again.
A short counter sent him stumbling toward the floor.