James chose to ignore the stupefied look on Mao's face. He didn't have much time to consider it as the oaf Mao hadn't gone after was heading straight for him. James jumped back a step so he was out of oaf number one's blind swinging range and even managed to duck out of the way of the first of the punches thrown at him. The first fist missed his face, but the second hit him solidly in the side, earning a grunt as he stumbled. James had been staying out of trouble, and he'd forgotten how much taking a punch actually hurt.
But he wasn't going down without a fight, and his own fists retaliated, much to the bully's surprise. He might not have gotten his nose, but it was still a beautiful shot to the cheek, so good that James let out a curse as his hand throbbed painfully.