The morning sun filtered through the academy's large training hall, casting long beams across the polished wooden floor. The faint scent of sweat and liniment hung in the air, a constant reminder of the rigorous drills that awaited every student. Soon Hae tightened her gloves nervously, her eyes flicking to the other students warming up. Today's session was a group sparring exercise a test designed not just for skill, but for composure under pressure.
Kim Nana was already there, her posture flawless, shadowboxing with precise, almost predatory grace. She glanced up and spotted Soon Hae, her expression unreadable but her eyes narrowing ever so slightly. Soon Hae felt a prick of tension coil in her stomach. The memory of yesterday's ointment incident made her shoulders stiffen, and she reminded herself to stay focused.
"Alright, everyone," Coach kang's voice rang out, cutting through the hall. "Pair up. Today, you'll spar in rotating teams. This isn't just about hitting or dodging it's about reading your opponent, anticipating their moves, and maintaining composure."
Soon Hae exhaled shakily and glanced around for a partner. Fang Yu waved her over, grinning mischievously. "Looks like it's you and me first, clumsy rabbit. Don't fall over too fast."
"I'll try not to," Soon Hae muttered, rolling her shoulders. They moved to the center of the floor, and Coach Kang blew his whistle to start the round.
The first few minutes were a blur of dodges, feints, and awkward jabs. Soon Hae stumbled more than once, Fang Yu teasing her with every misstep, but she could feel her muscles slowly remembering the training, responding more efficiently. Sweat slicked her hair to her forehead, but she kept her eyes on him, learning the rhythm, waiting for the right moment.
"Good," Fang Yu said mid round, ducking one of her clumsy hooks. "You're getting better… slowly."
Before Soon Hae could respond, Coach kang's whistle blew again, signaling the next rotation. Her heart sank as she noticed her next opponent Kim Nana. Nana's presence seemed to draw the air in the room tighter; her calm, controlled movements radiated both authority and confidence. She extended her gloves toward Soon Hae, and that slight gesture alone sent a shiver of nerves down her spine.
"You'll need to focus," Nana said softly, her tone almost taunting. "I don't like laziness or hesitation."
The bell rang, and the sparring began. Nana moved like liquid steel, each punch calculated, precise, almost too fast to follow. Soon Hae's first few attempts to counter were clumsy, leaving her off-balance and vulnerable. She ducked under a jab only to trip on her own foot, spinning and almost hitting the floor. Nana's eyes flicked briefly to her, not with cruelty, but with sharp analytical observation.
Soon Hae gritted her teeth and forced herself to center, inhaling deeply. She remembered Coach kang's words about composure, Fang Yu's encouragement about persistence, and the quiet strength Bai Cao had shown her. She forced her mind to calm and let her body react instinctively.
For a few moments, she managed a sequence block, dodge, counter. Nana barely adjusted, her movements smooth and unflinching, yet the slight surprise in her eyes as Soon Hae landed a clean jab was enough to make Soon Hae's heart leap.
The sparring session ended with Nana effortlessly landing a controlled strike that sent Soon Hae staggering back, but the instructor called it a fair match. "Not bad for a beginner," Coach kang remarked, his voice carrying approval. "You've got potential, Soon Hae. Keep pushing."
Nana's gaze lingered on Soon Hae, her lips pressing into a thin line. She said nothing, but the tension in her shoulders betrayed her annoyance. Soon Hae noticed Fang Yu and Bai Cao rushing over, their faces lighting up. "See?" Fang Yu said. "You survived without face-planting!"
Bai Cao nodded calmly. "And you even landed a few hits. That counts for something. Don't let her intimidation get to you."
Soon Hae allowed herself a small smile, but she couldn't shake the feeling of eyes burning into her back. Kim Nana had not spoken a word, yet the silent message was clear: don't get too comfortable, beginner.
As the day went on, every movement Soon Hae made seemed to be under Nana's League. She pushed herself harder, sparring with others, practicing footwork, and repeating combinations until her arms ached and her legs trembled. But every time Nana's gaze found her, it was as if a silent challenge was issued.
By evening, the training hall emptied slowly. Soon Hae slumped against the wall, exhausted, sweat dripping from her hair. Fang Yu clapped her shoulder with a smirk. "You're officially less clumsy than yesterday. Progress!"
Bai Cao handed her a towel, his calm smile reassuring. "You're learning faster than you think. And don't underestimate the power of persistence."
Soon Hae's thoughts drifted back to Nana. She had felt Nana's silent challenge not as a threat, but as motivation a benchmark of what she could achieve if she kept pushing herself. And as she sat there, catching her breath, she made a quiet promise to herself: I'll prove I belong here. Not just as a beginner, not just as a clumsy rabbit, but as someone who can stand beside the best.
Outside, the night sky spread over the academy, quiet and vast. The stars glimmered faintly, mirroring the determination burning in Soon Hae's chest. The tension with Nana would not go away, but she had learned something invaluable today: fear and frustration could be transformed into drive, and even a clumsy rabbit could take steps toward becoming a fighter worthy of respect.
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