what was that can't hear you over the sound of simply not perceiving that particular factoid?

[Akira has pretty thick skin-- he had to, after attending Shujin amidst an ocean of baseless rumors. if he couldn't take a little playful ribbing, then what right would he have to be as full of cheek as he is?? this kind of dynamic is only fun if it can go both ways!!]

[. . . however. . .]

[. . . certain individuals could be blamed for this, but he also has a bit of a competitive streak. he likes to win!! and this is not winning! though clearly, there is no way he is going to win, here. not that he is ready to admit that]

Ack--

[Kazuya's grip is strong, and Akira instinctively grabs at those arms, prying at them in a (halfhearted, mostly-for-show) attempt to get free]

Are you going to start monologuing at me? Because if you are--

[. . . and then he promptly kicks Kazuya in the shins]