There was a beat of silence. Everyone stood still, processing what Max had just said.
Then, like someone hit play on a laugh track, the group burst into laughter, all of them except Rain.
"You... you think you're clever, huh?" Rain snapped. "Think you're funny? I've made up my mind already. We don't need someone like you backing us up!"
He lunged, fist swinging again.
But this time, Max was ready. He watched closely, tracking every movement. Rain was pissed, but even angry, the punch came out smooth, fast, clean. Not quite a jab, not quite a hook. Something in between.
Still, it didn't land.
A blur of motion, and suddenly Rain's fist was frozen in mid-air, caught in Dud's grip, completely engulfed by his hand. Dud held it steady, his strength pushing back with ease, like Rain was just a kid throwing a tantrum.
