"I'll be back!" I yelled as my aunt's voice dissipated into the background. The cool, breezy air of the evening wrapped around me as I stepped outside.
Youn was right, not the being picked on part, but I needed to build up my stamina if I wanted to keep up with the class. The training yesterday was refreshing, but it would be much better if I had my strength back.
I hopped onto the road, warming up my body with some light jumping jacks. Somehow, my ankle seemed to be holding on these past few days despite the vigorous exercises. It still hurts, of course, but I've learnt to endure it.
Whether it hinders recovery, that's another story.
I started jogging slowly, following the same road that led up to the training centre. The distance might be short, but I haven't got a chance to explore other routes yet, so it's better to be safe than sorry.
I picked up the pace, letting my injured foot get used to my weight. The road ahead was deserted, being lit up by only a hue of orange rays as the sun set a distance away from me. The summer wind engulfed my whole body as it swept the already formed beads of sweat from my limbs, cooling me off further.
Houses flash past me as I looked into the distance, admiring the pinkish blanket that draped over the sky. For a few seconds, I felt like I've gone through a memory wipe as my thoughts were drained out of my mind.
Forget everything, this moment was spectacular.
But a whole unpleasant domino effect started taking place as my unstable breathing soon caught up with me. I started to slow down, my thighs feeling the ache as my steps got heavier, causing a sharp pain to wheeze up my ankle.
Eventually, I came to a stop, panting heavily with my hands on my hips. Thankfully, I stopped at the perfect place.
To my right, a beautiful beach was in sight, the sound of the waves crashing easing my mind. Okay, I've only been here a couple of days, but how did I not notice this paradise right next to the training centre?
"I guess I can take a break here," I huffed, taking a step onto the white sand. I trudged forward, my shoes sinking an inch into the soft blanket as I fixated my gaze onto the scene in front of me.
The sky was now lavender, with pink streaks streaming across the wide canvas. Sadly, the big ball of fire was blocked by the rows of clouds that aligned the sky. What a pity.
The sea breeze blew against my face as I closed my eyes, taking in the fresh sea air. I was starting to sink in my own thoughts again, but a weird crunching noise drove me away. I turned towards the source of the sound.
A humanly figure was seen trudging down the shores a few metres away from me, and I hate to say it but, it didn't take me a second to recognise him.
"Aish, why am I seeing him everywhere," I muttered to myself and pivoted on my heels, planning to head back immediately. He just ruined my somewhat paradise moment.
"Don't pretend you didn't see me," his voice echoed and I stopped in my tracks. I could see him looking at me from the corner of my eyes, but decided to continue heading up the beach.
"You're ignoring me?" Donghyuck's snarky reply hit the core of my eardrums, "You're gonna get in trouble for that."
Hold it in, Yoojin.
"What do you want?" I snarled impatiently, finally turning around and meeting his face. "I don't want to be associated with you."
Amidst my attempt to shake him off, he seemed to be satisfied with my answer. He crossed his arms and laughed, walking towards me with great strides. I don't know why, but I got a little scared.
"Is this what your previous club taught you? To be rude to your seniors?" He scoffed, towering over me with that arrogant face of his. I took in a deep breath and heaved it out slowly.
"Senior? We're the same belt level," I refuted, but he didn't back down.
"You have no proof for that," he continued without missing a beat, eyeing me up and down yet again. Gosh, it's like he had a whole ass script in his head, he's unbeatable.
But two can play at that game.
"Why? Are you afraid I'll surpass you or something?" I taunted, trying to hit the bruise.
"Nice try, newbie, you can never surpass me," he replied nonchalantly, unfazed by my previous comment. Alright, I had enough of this.
"Fine, if you're just gonna talk down to me, I'm leaving." I plucked my sunken feet out from the sand and climbed back up the shore, which now felt like a mountain.
"Geez, you have such a weak mentality," he muttered and I whipped around immediately.
"What?"
He looked at me brazenly, the corner of his lips pulling up into a smirk. Great, I got caught in his trap again.
"If you take such a light remark so seriously, what happens when someone criticises you?" He questioned. I blinked twice, my heart starting to race inexplicably. What is he trying to get?
"It's weird," he continued as I remained silent. "No one has entered our club mid-belt, so why are you the first?"
He raised his eyebrows as if catching onto something interesting. "You didn't come here because of a change of heart, so what is the real reason?"
Sadly, that something was insignificant.
"Does it bother you that much that I've joined?" I mocked, dismissing his useless deductions. I don't know what he's trying to dig out, but I'm definitely not telling him anything, nor anyone.
"Just saying, there's a reason why our club is called Yeoljeong, because you need passion to succeed."
Those were the last words I heard before he headed in the opposite direction. What does he know anyway? And what's this thing about passion?
Right, he's just trying to tick me off in every way possible, just ignore him.
---
I plopped onto my bed, not caring about my sweaty bottom leaving a wet stain on my bedsheet. That Donghyuck guy really got all my energy drained from my body, I barely made it home with much exhaustion.
I gazed mindlessly at my unpacked luggage, with clothes and items still packed neatly in it like Tetris blocks. A voice rang repeatedly in my mind.
Especially without a uniform.
You have no proof of that.
Great, I used to be able to tune out other's meaningless opinions, but now I've got his stupid words bombarding my brain.
I sighed. It's easy to ignore the scrutiny, but what I can't stand is the fact that he keeps rubbing the absence of a uniform in my face. I know I shouldn't dwell on it, but there's an urge in me that wants to fight back.
Childishly.
A buzz on my phone startled me and I picked it up, giving me an idea. I immediately scrolled through my contacts and tapped on my brother's number.
The ringtone chimed for a while before a voice on the other hand answered.
"I didn't think you'll call this fast. Do you miss me already?"
I ignored his gut-churning remark and got straight to the point.
"Hyojin, can you do me a favour?" I piped up, "Can you send me the box full of equipment under my table?"
"Box?" The sound of ruffling could be heard in the background, before a long silence took over.
"Wait, isn't this your Taekwondo gear?" He asked, scepticism rising in his voice, "Don't tell me you're going back after running away for the same reason?"
"Don't question, just do it. Thanks!" I hung up before he could refuse my request.
I'm not worried at all. With a brother like Hyojin, any inconvenience wouldn't stop him from helping his sister out, even if he's reluctant.
"I can't believe I'm letting his words make my decisions," I sighed, pulling out a clean set of clothes from my luggage. I didn't want to stoop this low, but he left me no choice.
"Lee Donghyuck? Who does he think he is?"
---
Legend:
Yeoljeong - means 'passion' in Korean.