I slipped my phone into my pocket and stepped out of the women's restroom. How could I forget my first training session with Mina? Becoming the strongest was my top priority, and my carelessness had only made things worse.
As soon as I stepped out, Soojin was there, her expression dark. She clearly didn't approve of my actions, her sharp gaze leaving no doubt.
"You should have listened to my warning," she said coldly. "Anyway, I just want to give you this."
Soojin handed me a piece of paper. Curious, I unfolded it and saw a string of numbers, seemingly someone's phone number. My first thought, whose number is this?
"Jia asked me to give you her number."
I froze, staring at the paper in disbelief. "J-Jia? This is Jia's number?!"
"Lower your voice, idiot!" Soojin hissed, quickly covering my mouth and dragging me to a quiet corner. Her irritation was evident.
But right now, my mind was consumed with Jia—the gentle, fragile girl who had even cried when trapped in a dangerous situation. My desire to protect her grew stronger, though ironically, I was far too weak to do anything.
Suddenly, Soojin pushed me until I was cornered against a wall, trapping me with her presence. My eyes widened at the intensity of her charisma. I felt small standing before her.
"You want Minjae to attack you again, huh?!" she barked, glaring at me.
I froze, unsure how to respond. If she was talking about my reckless behavior, I couldn't deny my mistake.
"Beaten up, but still not learned! And now you're sneaking off with Jia? Have you lost your mind? If I were you, I'd go as far away as possible, even leave this campus and live a normal life."
Soojin sneered, then continued, "You want to defeat Minjae? Look at your skinny body! You can't even protect yourself. Don't dream too high, especially about Jia!"
She turned, frustration radiating from the way she swept her hair back. "You're pathetic," she muttered before walking away.
I remained silent for a long time after that. Soojin's words echoed in my head. Was I really that pathetic?
***
Was I really that pathetic?
The question haunted me all the way home. When I arrived, I didn't enter immediately. I stood in front of Grandma's house, staring at it nostalgically. I used to be someone dependable here, feeling like no problem was too big to solve. But out there, the real world demanded more than I had.
A sudden wave of longing for Grandma hit me. If only she were still here, maybe she'd give me advice and I wouldn't feel so lost.
"CAS—PI—ANNN!"
A familiar voice called my name, but before I could turn, a kick landed squarely on my back, sending me flying through the air and crashing to the ground. Pain shot through my entire body.
"What the—? Why did you kick me?!"
"That's your punishment," Mina replied seriously. "For making me wait so long."
"Punishment?" I groaned, struggling to get up, my back still throbbing.
I continued grimacing, unable to suppress the pain.
"Are you okay?" Mina asked, her tone softer now, concerned.
"Are you serious? Do you think I'm okay after being attacked like that? I can barely even walk straight!"
Mina folded her arms, chin slightly raised. "That's your fault. You were late. Of course, your coach has to punish you, to keep you disciplined."
"You don't even feel guilty for kicking me? Incredible. You're thick-skinned, huh?"
"Th-thick-skinned?"
I noticed Mina's face turn red suddenly. "Your face is blushing just because I said you're 'thick-skinned'? Thick-skinned means shameless. Don't you know?"
"Meaning?"
"Yes. You're shameless!"
Mina looked offended and ready to strike again. "I'll slap you until you hit the wall!"
"Then we won't train for a while to recover. Do you want that to happen?"
Mina's expression turned annoyed. She huffed, and I couldn't help but smile. There was something amusing about her. How could a seemingly innocent girl be a black belt holder?
"Don't act like I'm the one who needs this training more," she grumbled.
I didn't reply. I slowly sat on the porch, rubbing my sore waist.
Mina glanced at me for a moment, then muttered, "I thought you said 'thick-skinned' because you thought my makeup was too heavy."
I raised an eyebrow, realizing Mina was wearing makeup. Why would she bother dressing up just to train me, knowing she'd sweat it off anyway?
"You… don't like me, right?"
Her question made Mina pause, then she burst into loud laughter. From her reaction, I knew my assumption was completely wrong. I felt relieved, my thoughts had only been on Jia all along.
Mina's laughter suddenly stopped, and she said seriously, "Actually… yes, I like you."
I stared at her in shock. "Ehh? What? You like me?"
Mina laughed again. "Hahaha, look at your face! Did you really believe that? I was joking! The type of guy I like is strong, smart, and rich. You? You have none of that."
"I'm not interested in being your ideal type either," I replied irritably.
Talking with Mina only heightened my unease, as if it underscored just how weak I was. I decided to leave, distancing myself from her, who only worsened my mood.
"Where are you going?" Mina asked, a hint of confusion in her gaze.
"I need a rest after being kicked by my own coach."
"All right. Besides, I can't train you today either. I have a date waiting. Rest well, Ian!" she said cheerfully.
I chose not to respond. I hadn't realized Mina already had a boyfriend. She was beautiful, charming—it wasn't surprising. But that was none of my business.
Once in my room, I collapsed onto the bed, letting my body sink in. A million thoughts crowded my mind, leaving no space to breathe. Amid all the chaos, my mind returned to the slip of paper in my pocket.
I pulled it out slowly, looking at the number on it with a warm feeling. It felt like a dream, I had finally gotten the number of the campus's top girl, the girl I had secretly admired for so long.
Without hesitation, I saved the number in my contacts and immediately sent a message. My heart raced, waiting for a reply that seemed to take forever.
Not long after, a message appeared on the screen. I froze, my brow furrowing in confusion. Disappointment and anger washed over me. Soojin had just played a trick on me!