"Oh god-! We're here!! I'm sorry for keeping Wooin away from class for so long. He walked me to the building and I sorta forgot to tell him to go back to class-" I pretended to pant out of exhaustion from running to the gym with Wooin and Jiwoo following close behind. Using any excuse I could come up with at the top of my head for Wooins absence. "Ah-" but I flinched, noticing Giwooks' changed demeanor as he glared at me. "You may be an instructor's assistant but that doesn't allow you to be the cause of a student's tardiness to class" he strictly spoke. Immediately, Wooin stepped up to retort Giwooks statement when I grabbed his arm, stopping him from saying a thing. "Yes. It won't happen again Mr.Jang" I calmly bowed towards him, apologizing for my rash behavior as Wooin furrowed his brows, not liking how I'm in trouble on his behalf when he chose to stay and wait in the first place.
"It's not Kains fau-" I squeezed his arm. "It's fine. Giwook can't punish me harshly anyway" i smiled lightly to Wooin, assuring him it's really okay as I moved away, jogging towards Giwook. "You can talk to me after class. You need to test them right now" I said. Giwook squinted his eyes, a look of slight surprise. "What?" I asked. "How did you know? That I was going to text Jiwoo and Wooin?" Fuck. "It's not too hard to assume. You asked for only them and they're at the top of their class so" I shrugged. Once again coming up with some bullshit reasoning to evade Giwooks suspension. "...alright. Go sit over there" he gestured to the seats. I nodded, glancing at both Wooin and Jiwoo who stood at attention, ready for whatever Giwook will instruct next as I smiled a bit, mouthing a quick "Goodluck" before running off to the side. Excited to watch how it'll play out.
Giwook thought about his conversation with Inhyuk and Seongha in the halls after I had left. Them so confident in both Wooin and Jiwoos abilities, leaving him to believe they're just as good but very skeptical until he experiences it himself. His eyes looked between the two, stopping on Wooin. "Wooin, stand in front of me" he said. "Yes sir" Wooin immediately obeyed, following command. "I heard about you from Seongha. I want to see for myself how strong you are. Attack me" i couldn't help but smirk. To hear this exact scene play out in front of me is amazing.
BOOM!!
I flinched, feeling the absolute impact of Wooins sudden attack on Giwook. The wind hit my face for a split second as my eyes widened. Although i've seen Jisuk and Jiwoo as well as Jisuk and Wooins spar personal and up close, it still shocked me with just how scary yet amazing awakened one's powers truly are. It also reminded me of the power I have. Knowing I can destroy a cliff if I wanted to. But even that drains my power entirely. Still...looking down at my hand, I wondered.
I wondered how Giwook would take my lightning had I hit him with it. Just once.
The room stayed silent for a moment as Giwook had to process Wooins immediate attack. "Now, with something stronger" he said. Closely watching Wooins every move and flicker of power starting to surge throughout his body. This also made me antsy. At first, I so desperately wanted to hide mine. For the sudden change of worlds and shoved into a body that isn't mine. But now, every time I see powers being used. It makes me itch to use mine. I'm a novice, still very new to awakened powers but also very eager to learn and become stronger, strong enough to protect myself. But not strong enough to gain enemy's or challengers. "But then again...with 'my father', I'm bound to always have enemies" I sighed, thinking about Kains dad.
BAMM!!
I flinched, snapping out of my thoughts as Wooin threw a more condensed ball of his power at Giwook. Leaving him in a defensive position, although not completely, he still had his hands up to protect his face. That alone showed just how strong Wooins powers are. This made Giwook grin. This also made me grin. Absolutely proud of Wooin. "Should I make it stronger?" Wooin couldn't help but ask. Seeing Giwook unscathed was a new feeling entirely. "So competitive" I chuckled, also understanding how he felt. Remembering I used to always do my best to beat my hyung up as much as possible because he looked so relaxed despite me using every ounce of strength to make him break a sweat. But as always. It was all for naught. Hyung was just too great.
"No, that's enough" Giwook said, patting his shoulder off. Wooin bowed, walking back in line as Giwook called Jiwoo over next. Once Wooin turned, I waved to get his attention. Wooin looked straight at me, a bit confused until I gave him two thumbs up, mouthing a "great job!" Leaving Wooin with a light smile and small bit of blush on his cheeks. He felt good receiving such praise.
"Attack me as much as you want. Don't go easy on me like your friends" Giwook told Jiwoo. "Yes sir" he said. Moving quickly, appearing at Giwooks side then throwing a punch just to have the man block it. "I'm sure that isn't the fastest you can go. I'm fine so please use all you got" he instructed. I bit my lip out of anticipation. Getting off my seat and leaning in the railing just to get a better and closer look at Jiwoos next moves after yelling "yes,sir!". Right away, Jiwoo seemingly disappeared, then my mouth er agape. Seeing Giwook flinch after Jiwoo landed a blow at his side. It continued like this. Not just with Giwooks side but all over his body in selective vital parts to weaken the enemy. All I could feel was the breeze Jiwoo made with his speed and the sound of his fists hitting Giwooks hard muscles. My smile never faded when he threw one last hard punch towards Giwooks face who barely blocked it. He jumped back, making distance between them in a fighting position while Giwook remained in awe of this find.
Wooin is strong. But so is Jiwoo. They both have great potential, just as much as any other awakened one in the world. And...maybe I could have been too. If I reveal myself, declare me an unaffiliated awakened one, join them, and help them win an extra round at the spar. Now that would be even more amazing.
"But I shouldn't get ahead of myself..." I sighed, feeling a bit down after imagining the impossible. "I have my own goals" I told myself again. No matter how close I become with Jiwoo, Wooin, and anyone else. I must survive. I need to stay alive. No matter what.
"You're dismissed" Giwook said, watching the two remain in place. "What are you-" he was about to ask why they were still there when I came running down the bleachers, laughing as I ran to Giwooks side, waving them off. "It's alright. I'm going to have a talk with Mr.Jang today, so go on ahead" both Jiwoo and Wooin then said their goodbyes, leaving, although hesitat after the tension between me and Giwook when we first arrived. "Those kids seem to listen to you more than me" Giwook commented, rubbing his arms that took quite the hits from the kids. "Of course. I'm around their age after all" I said, reaching over and massaging his arms. He paused, staying quiet as I did so, not exactly knowing what he should do before he felt my hand's actually relieving his strained muscles easily.
"Where did you learn how to massage?" He asked. "From my hy-" I stopped. "My father. The awakened ones he trained were always in rough shape so I decided to learn how to massage in order to release some tension from their bodies. Although it's not a big help, it's something" lying. I'm lying again. In reality, I learned to message because of hyung. Always coming back with apperent aches from whatever he does so late. Up until now, fathers training sessions I assumed. Since then, I'd always massage hyungs body to help him sleep better at night as well as move around more swiftly. He said it helps a lot. So seeing Giwook with tensed arms, I subconsciously started easing his muscles.
"There, that should be good" I moved away from him. "...I'm sorry for keeping Wooin from class today. After having that discussion with the principal...I was shaken up. Wooin helped me calm down and relax again, so" I pursed my lips, ashamed of myself for being so selfish when Giwook placed a hand in my shoulder. "It's alright. I could tell you were a bit upset after the meeting. It was just...a bit disappointing" I blinked, looking up at him. Confused. "Disappointing?" I asked. "Yes. At the very least, I thought you saw me as a friend" he said. "Of course I do! But...you're also my superior" I commented, immediately answering him after. He smiled, lifting up his hand, ruffling Kains red hair, feeling just how soft it actually is. "That's true. Maybe I was expecting too much after you left. Thinking you'd come to me first" My eyes widened. He thought I'd find comfort in him first?
"Oh...well...uh..." speechless. I was speechless at Giwooks words. Compared to when we first met, there's no doubt we had grown closer in some aspect but I didn't know whether we were close enough to find any comfort in one another. Hence why I wanted to just keep it to myself.
"Just get some rest now. I'm sure Seongik Han will come finding you again later. Have the rest of the day off" with that, Giwook left me in the gym with my own thoughts. I had a little heart warming moment with Wooin on the beach but after leaning Giwook truly sees me as a friend, I couldn't help but feel elevated in a way I never thought I would. It felt like my crush confessed to me and yet, didn't. I'm not sure how to describe it but, I can sure say one thing.
I had the best sleep that night. The first time without nightmares nor suffocation, just a good nights rest.
...
The next day. The instructor trio broke the news to the unaffiliated students. About sparring with the affiliated students. Obviously they became distressed, knowing well they have no chance as I could only feel just as sad. Not because they're fighting trained kids since birth but because they showed absolutely no hope for winning. It kind of pissed me off. But I also understood. They know the gap between their abilities. "Whoooo" I let out a breath after they made the kids start their newly intense training. Feeling bad that I'm not also up there running my ass off. Especially since I'm a fellow unawakened one. Just made me feel unproductive as I sat in the ground with the three top 20 members standing behind me, conversing.
"They seem confused," Inhyuk pointed out. "They'll have to get over it," Giwook commented. Watching them closely. "Or they'll fall behind" with those last words, I turned to see Giwook keeping and eye on them. He's obviously nervous for them as well. Their his students after all. "They'll do their best like their teacher said to" all three of them looked down at me. "So don't worry" I smiled, making eye contact with Giwook who's tensed shoulders seemed to relax a bit after my comment. He nodded, going back to watching as I did the same. "What-" Inhyuk whispered to himself, looking at me then to Giwook, astonished at what he just saw. Knowing something had changed. He doesn't know what but he could feel it. The change of atmosphere between me and Giwook. He glanced at Seongha, wanting to ask if he felt it too just to see him gazing right at me. Then becoming confused when Seongha looked away, a bit smily as well.
"Whatever" Inhyuk huffed, brushing it aside.
Then, training continued. Inhyuk gave pointers. Seongha did combat to train them. And Giwook monitored their force control. While I sat there, observing it all. Figuring out the kid's strengths and weaknesses as well as their ways to improve their abilities or strategies.
"This is insane..." and after skipping a few lunches with them, I was finally able to eat with Jiwoo again. Listening over their worried conversation and complaints about the harsher training. "Aren't you two taking it a little too easy? Those affiliated kids were trained with the support of their groups since they were little. And those here are the best of the best" they commented after noticing Wooin and Jiwoo looking a bit lax about the whole affiliated vs unaffiliated spar. I glanced at them as well, nibbling on my rice. Remaining quiet. The other students got used to me after a while and now act as if I'm not there. Something in absolute okay with. I hate talking anyways. "I know. But there's nothing I can do about that. All I can do is try my best and that's it" Jiwoo responded. "Hey we all know that!" I glanced at the blonde girl, sighing.
"...I'm also nervous" Jiwoo started. "...and a little scared too. But I was much more terrified when I was worried to death that people might find out about my power and harm my family" this made the others go quiet. I blinked, taking another scoop the rice. Understanding completely. But this also made me realize just how hard my hyung had it. After father passed away, hyung remained the last awakened one alive in our world. Any supposed comrade was his enemy trying to kill him and his family. But if the world found out about his power, it could very well turn against him as well. Unlike Jiwoo who's in the world of awakened ones that can help and accept his power, my hyung was fighting alone in the shadow of solitude and war. Nothing my hyung has been through will ever be easy.
Now I know. This just made it a solidified goal. Surviving for him, if not myself. I have to always remind myself of this. Survive. Survive. Survive. Live. But...would hyung like myself isolate away from everyone just to "survive"? Jeez. Now I'm second guessing everything I do. "But now, I don't need to worry about those things anymore" I looked up at Jiwoo. "And have all of you guys by my side. Getting ready for the match" I nodded my head. Picking up my last piece of meat, eating it when I saw a pair of chopsticks place another meat on my plate. I looked over, seeing Wooin move away and pick up another meat, eating that one himself. I smiled, taking the meat and eating it as well.
Then, the whole table now had a lighter mood to it as I picked up my tray, saying goodbye to everything the leaving to my room where Kemono slept on the couch, not even moving anymore when he heard the door open and close. He's now adapted to the new environment. "Jeez" I sat at the couch he slept on, petting his head. Telling him everything that went through my mind today. Praying and hoping those damn animal mind readers never come near him. If I can't even talk to Kemono about my day, I have no idea how I'd be able to cope. After all, my life as Sehyun no longer exists. And yet I wish to always talk about it with my friends, at least Kemono, Raon, on and hong as well as that big black intimidating softie. MIR May be my second worst enemy right after Awakened Ones. "Kemono" I sighed. "I don't know how much longer I have to keep up this act" I closed my eyes, falling asleep as well heading Kemono snoring beside me.
The spar is just around the corner...
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A/n: it's getting closer yallll I SWEARRRR although imma say a lil spoiler- Kain won't reveal his powers during these spars 💀 he will reveal them but not yet lol. I had sooo many ideas of when, where, how and I think I made it final? Although it's a bit 🧍♀️ you'll know lol. Like literally he wasn't gonna reveal his powers until 150 chapters later (most likely) but that's wayyyy too long of a wait LMFAO so I changed it from the original plan. Just a tiny little bit lol. 👀 I can't wait omfg PLZZZZ
Kain and Giwook this whole chapter:
Kain when he tried to win against his hyung in a spar: