Love At First Kick

8

We walked together to the locker rooms, both of us taking our belts off on the way, leaving our doboks hanging. Sometimes I forget how restricting the belt is until I take it off.

'Please, don't hide in the dark again.' I tell him as I'm entering women's room.

'You don't have to tell me twice.' I hear him laugh as he closes the door, entering men's room.

I really like the way he laughs. It's almost infectious. You can't help but smile just hearing him. Sounds almost melodic. Damn this guy is on another level of being perfect.

At least he kept his word and didn't lurk again. He waited by the door for me, waving at me so I could see him. Gotta admit, it made me smile. Not the waving, but the fact he's waiting for me. It's nice not having to close on my own. Or maybe it's because it's him.

'Again, you don't need to wait.' I smile

'Might as well get used to it.' He sighs

'Gentleman, huh?' I joke

'I try.' He smiles brightly

'Okay, okay, let's go.' I gently push him out. He's too dazzling when he smiles like that. I can't look at him for too long.

I locked up, and we walked down to the station together.

'So, how's your foot? It doesn't seem to be as bad as the articles made it sound.' I ask

'Articles?' He raises an eyebrow. He looks like he has no idea what I'm talking about

'Do you even realize how popular you are?' I look at him

'I have no clue what you're going on about.' He still looks puzzled

I sigh, chuckling. "Here.' I showed him the article I read the other day

'Huh? Well, I didn't expect this. And it was only a sprain. I'm still going to compete. Who said this, I wonder.' He mumbles to himself as he reads

I was looking at him, staring at the phone. He was so focused on it. He pouts a bit when he's concentrating. It's cute.

'Well, I don't know who said this, but it's a lie and a half. I'm definitely competing.' He gives me back my phone

'I can't wait to see that. It's gonna be a great fight.' I smile. I've seen him fight before. There is a reason he's so sought after.

'I'll do my best.' He smiles back

'I've seen you fight. You're getting into the team. Just do what you always do.' I tell him

'Are you going for the national team this year as well?' He asks

'I will try. It's tough competition, but I'll do my best.' I exhale. There are some crazy good fighters in my category

'I've seen your fights before as well. There are a few good ones in there, but there is a reason you won every tournament. Honestly, I was surprised you weren't on the team already.' That took me by surprise. I didn't know he knew who I was.
I'm quite known as I've been around for a while, but nowhere near him.

'You've seen me fight? I didn't see this one coming.' I admit

'Before I even started competing, I used to go to watch the tournaments. The first fight of yours I saw was back in 2015. You were just a junior. I remember how the poor girl in the finals got knocked out. For a beginner, it looked insane. I saw it with guys fights often, but rarely in women's sections. You've only gotten better with time.'

I could only stare at him in surprise. I wasn't sure how to react. He looked at me after I went quiet and started giggling.

'Sorry, I didn't mean to sound like a creep. I just meant that you're a great fighter, and it's always a pleasure to watch your fights.' He explains quickly