I stood there, beside Giwook when Jiwoo and Wooin arrived back. Feeling a bit out of place since Giwook allowed me to sit on the ground, unlike everyone else who needed to stand at attention. At first, I did sit in order to inspect everything around the area, to become familiar with it as well as get a better, if not, great view of Giwook and his...I'm sure you know what I mean. "Since today is our first day. You will spar with one another. Let's see how good you are" he announced. I flinched. Turning to him. Completely forgetting this part of the Manwha as well. If anything, my memory only consisted of the bigger and more important events regarding Jiwoo. Everything minor completely slipped my mind since I tried my best in running away from the awakened ones.
"Uhm, but sir- I have a non-combat power..." the student of smaller stature spoke up. I pursed my lips, feeling sorry for him. The more the plot continues, the better I remember what'll happen. One of them is knowing the kid won't stand a chance. "I get that. But that doesn't mean it's not helpful in combat" I rolled my eyes at his statement. Wondering just what the hell he meant. As a group, of course it'd be helpful but as a single person who has no ability to withstand an attacker, it's not exactly reliable. How bad I wanted to say something to Giwook but, as usual, I can't step out of place and even more so when it comes down to the plot itself. Anything can alter it. I almost altered it back then when Jiwoo was supposed to fight with Jaehyuk but luckily, on the boat, I overheard them talking about the spar. It happened after I left. Thankfully.
"As an awakened one. It's important that you're ready for this kind of situation. You cannot excuse yourself from this" Giwook finished, making the final decision as the boy nervously agreed with a murmur, "yes, sir...". "Who will go first?" This question caused me to scan the students, knowing well who'll step forward first. Kain's red eyes landed on the huge guy walking in front, confidently saying, "I will!" Like he had a chance. We made eye contact for a single second before he turned back to Giwook, ignoring me now. I grimaced. I'm human, so what? Tch. It already pissed me off but also relieved. The more they don't interact with me, the better.
He walked into the center of the arena's circle, an obvious sly smirk on his face. While he was in his own thoughts of trying to stand out and show what he's capable of, I couldn't help but inwardly snicker. "Then who will be his opponent?" Giwook looked through the other students. When no one was willingly stepping forward, Wooin did. Tensing when he walked past me from behind, brushing his hand against mine. Out of reflex, I yanked my hand away, rubbing the tingling part of my skin he grazed. He looked back, making eye contact with me before continuing his way into the arena. I stood there, confused. What the hell was that? Wooin never did something like that in the plot...did he? Did he do that to Jiwoo? I tried thinking hard on it but Jiwoo distracted me when he ran to my side.
"Wow! You're the trainer's assistant! That's amazing Hyung!!" He cheerily spoke, putting his hand in the air for a high five. But he slowly dropped it seeing how I simply stared at his hand, then to him, obviously not going to high five him. "Haha, do you think Wooin will be okay?" Jiwoo strikes up a conversation, looking slightly down at me. I turned back, watching Wooin get into position. "There's a treatment facility inside the academy. So don't worry about getting injured. Begin when you hear the starting sound" Giwook spoke behind us, the beeps starting to countdown to when the spar shall begin.
"Wooin will be more than fine" Jiwoo looked towards the arena as soon as my words came out. A small smile on his face. I peeked towards him, scoffing before continuing to watch the match. Jiwoos smile annoyed me, I only said it so confidently because I know the future. Well, more like read it.
Beep-!
The last beep sounded and the other man activated his ability immediately. I gulped, wondering if I could take the guy on. Since I've always been human and never fought another awakened one before, I could only imagine. My electrokinesis power, I wanted to test it out on another awakened one. I really do. But, clenching my hand while Wooins opponent rushed towards him, I felt my heart beating faster. Biting my bottom lip. Jiwoo glanced my way, closely examining every reaction I had. He felt a little bad thinking I was worried about Wooin when in actuality, I imagined myself in Wooins place, contemplating what I'd do in his situation. "You're dead meat!!!" The young man yelled, about to punch Wooin when a blast exploded right under his chin, sending him flying. In the air, Wooin was far from done as he activated his power enough to send many blasts against the other's body.
Then he fell, with a thump. Defeated as Wooin stood there, unscathed. This left the other students in shock. Their strongest of the unaffiliated students was taken down so easily? By none other than an outcast? A revelation and yet, frightening. "Yes!" Jiwoo threw his arms in the air as a cheer for Wooin, while I let out the breath I held in, both relieved the plot is still well on its track and the fact I kept my itching power at bay. Wooin turned around, walking back towards the putter arena to stand in line again. But since Jiwoo stood beside me, he walked over to us first. "Wow Wooin! That was amazing!" Jiwoo recited, word for word, his line. He stayed silent, accepting the praise with lightly flushed cheeks. "Wooin, I think your really strong!" Jiwoo couldn't stop complimenting him. Even though he witnessed first had Wooins power and experience matches that of Jisuk.
I grimaced. Wondering why I thought of that beasty Jisuk all of a sudden. My eyes moved from them to behind, where the other unaffiliated students stared at Wooin, flabbergasted still. I smirked, feeling pride for him. If it wasn't the fact I wanted to keep away, I would've parade around about Wooin and Jiwoo by now but, alas, my pride is nothing of that sort. Keeping myself concealed and safe. That's my goal.
"Hm..?" But I flinched when a shadow basically covered me. Looking up, Kains red eyes caught that of Wooins obsidian eyes. He kept still, as if waiting for something. I backed away, trying to think what he wanted since the guy never really spoke unless he wanted to. "Uhm..." I looked towards Giwook who observed everything carefully. Including me. I flushed at this. "G-good job..." I stuttered, reaching out and patted Wooins shoulder once before turning back and standing at Giwooks side. Jiwoo paused seeing this, noticing Wooin stiffening up at the physical contact. A slight smile on his face. "Hehe" he couldn't help but laugh.
"Wooin was brought by the Union, right?" Giwook turned to me, listening for an answer but got a single nod from me. "I see. Wooins quite the talent" I nodded again, staying quiet. "Urge-" but my sprilling mind focused once more hearing the defeated opponent sit up, obviously confused and angered by the sudden loss. The other students started whispering, Jeongsu was his name. I overheard it as well. "Dammit" he grunted, barely standing up. "What are you doing there stil!?! Get back in line!!!" Although I knew Giwook was going to yell, I still ended up jumping and covering my ears. He's hot but he'll bust my ear drums at this rate. "Mr,Jang please give me another chance!!" But Jeongsu had other plans, desperate to re-establish his reputation.
"What?" Giwooks voice went an octave lower, indicating he's treading on thin ice now after saying such a ridiculous thing. "This isn't just a spar but a test, right!? I didn't get to show you what I really got so please just give me one more chance!" I glanced between the teacher and student, quite interested in this interaction even if I knew how it ended. "Even if I wanted to. You're in no condition to be tested" he said. "I'm alright! I can do it!" Jeongsu still stubbornly answered. But it fell silent after a moment. When there was no response from Giwook like in the comic, I turned to check what was wrong when I tensed under his gaze. At first, I was confused. Why is he looking at me? What does he want? At least give me a warning!! Then it hit me. He's leaving the final decision to me. Since he isn't the only one going to teach the kids, he's respecting my input as well. Knowing this only made my heart flutter for the man again.
I nodded my head, watching as Giwook blinked, looking away with a sigh. "Alright, a second chance wouldn't be given in other cases but since it's a test, I'll make an exception" he stated, "thank you sir!" Jeongsu bowed deeply to him. "Who's next?" Giwook simply asked, turning back to the students. Many looked deep in thought, probably wanting to fight him because he's injured but knowing he's still strong, made them hesitant. I also glanced at all of them, wishing I had a mind reading ability so I could at least hear their inner monologue like thoughts. It felt weird only hearing the external voices when I'm so used to the internal descriptions in the Manwha too.
But as no one stepped up again, Giwooks eyes scanned them before landing on Jiwoo. "Jiwoo Seo, you go!" He demanded. "Me!?" He seemed a bit surprised, both because he was picked and because Giwook actually knew his name. "Okay..." he unenthusiastically responded, turning to me with a worried look before entering the arena. Tilting my head, I kept wondering why Wooin and Jiwoo acted differently yet exactly like in the comic. Let alone trying to figure out if its legal. "Uhm...are you really okay?" The soft cinnamon roll Jiwoo worriedly asked, seeing the injuries all over Jeongsus body. "Just shut up and bring it on" he clenched his jaw, getting into his fighting stance. Annoyed by Jiwoos continuous troubled look.
The beeping countdown started up. Jiwoo got into his fighting stance as well, taking up the boxer position. Noticing, Jeongsu looked relieved as he felt confident as a fellow close combatant himself. Planning to knock Jiwoo on his ass and impress Giwook Jang. Then the last beep hit, Jeongsu activated his ability, running straight at Jiwoo and swung his fist. Jiwoo watched it get close before dodging easily. Leaning back just enough to feel the rushing air graze his nose. Suddenly, Jiwoo was no longer in front of Jeongsu, appearing behind him and throwing punches at his back. This left Jeongsu in slight surprise before stepping to the side, trying to hit Jiwoo with the back of his hand but Jiwoo ducked so quickly, he couldn't react once the boy used his body to throw an uppercut against his chin. "Argh-" Jeongsu stumbled, wobbling a bit in place from the attack. "You basterd..." then Jeongsu jumped straight back up, swinging as many punches as he could just to have Jiwoo disappear and reappear in the spaces where his fists weren't at.
Jiwoo continued to strike at his body. His injuries and all. Even if his punches held no actual power behind them.
"Wow, he's really fast" the other students awed at Jiwoos combative ability. I peeked towards everyone, including Giwook since I knew well Jiwoo was not using all his power but rather saving some of it to stay in pace with Jeongsu. All so he can gain a better sense of fighting as instructed by Kayden. The spar continued for a few more seconds, witnessing Jiwoo attack him relentlessly and mainly targeting his legs to wear him out. I smirked a little, my pride increasing even if it wasn't for me. I couldn't help but feel proud of Jiwoo and how far he's come and how much further he's going to be. It's like, I can personally be there for him. Stay at his side to make sure he's safe and all. But...my smile dropped. Looking at Jeongsu. I let out a sigh.
I patted my lips to tell Giwook I was going to the bathroom for a quick moment just to pause, seeing his eyes already on me again. "Sir?" I questioned, tilting my head. Why are they always looking at me whenever I'm about to talk to them? I got the chills. Except since it's Giwook, I immediately went straight back to being flustered.
He squinted his eyes, looking back at Jiwoo and Jeongsus spar. When he observed them, he moved to me in order to ask something only to halt everything seeing my, or Kains smile. A smile so genuine and soft, it rendered him speechless. He looked where my eyes were at as I smiled in such a way just to see Jiwoo as the cause. When he looked back, he noticed his eyes on Jeongsu, frowning. Then a troubled look took over as he turned, catching Giwook staring. Confused.
He sighed. Getting the wrong idea that I was starting to become uncomfortable with the spar or worried for the opponent since Jiwoo is clearly showcasing a pending win. "That's enough!" He shouted, stopping the spar. Jiwoo sighed in relief, making his way to the line where Wooin stood. "Mr.Jang, I can still-" Jeongsu tried to convince him again when Giwook cut him off, sternly speaking. "If I give you more time, do you think the outcome will change?" Jeongsu lowered his head at that. Balling his hands into fists. Defeated and ashamed of himself as well as anxious. Jiwoo looked towards Wooin, giving him a thumbs up. Jiwoo smiled. As expected, the next person Jiwoo looked for was me, making eye contact. I took a deep breath. Debating if I should ignore him or praise him. But I'll do neither. Instead, I'll acknowledge his win with a small nod and tiny smile. Keeping behind a line I wish to stay behind.
But even that was satisfying for Jiwoo when his face brightened up, flushing up in embarrassment but felt great. He won. He won for the first time with his own power. How could he not feel great? Even I, who wasn't even apart of this sparring, felt happy for both Wooin and Jiwoo.
My boys are growing.
"Kain" I gasped, realizing what I thought when Giwook called to me. My boys? 'My boys!!?' "Yes?" I asked, looking at Giwook. "I wanted to talk with you after the testing spar. It's regarding Taeyoung" I blinked. Turning to look at the shy kid who's ability regarded analysis. "Alright. I'll stay behind then" I said, earning a little nod from Giwook when he turned back to the students.
I wonder what Giwook wants to talk about Taeyoung for...perhaps...no, it'll be unbelievable for a 'non awakener' to teach an awakened one. He wouldn't ask that much of me haha...would he?
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A/n: 🧍♀️lol this arc finna take forever fr 🫠
Kain when he knew Jeongsu was boutta get his ass handed to him:
Also Kain overthinking everything Giwook is saying to him: