Love At First Kick

13

'You came.' His voice was soft

'Why wouldn't I? You did ask me to meet you.' I say

'I'm usually here in the evening if I'm not in the gym. It's relaxing. I just felt like I didn't want to be alone.' He says

'You can call me anytime.' I smile at him

'Are you hungry?' He asks

'A bit. You?'

He nods. 'Let's have some dinner. Anything you're in the mood for?' He asks

'Ramen.'

'I don't even remember the last time I ate it.' He chuckles. 'I'm constantly having to be careful about what I eat.' He sighs

'Do you struggle with it a lot?' I ask as we're walking slowly towards the town

'I gain weight easily, but it's a torture to lose it. I have to almost starve before every tournament. Doesn't do anything for my strength.' He sighs

Some people just can't help it. Everyone's body is different. Some people can't lose weight even if they starve, while others can't gain any even if they eat like an elephant.

'I'm positive you would KO your entire category even if you didn't eat for a week.' I nudge him a bit, joking

'Just how good do you think I am?' He looks at me

'Is this a Q for Q?'

'Can be. But I'm just curious.' He shrugs

'I think you're insanely good. Great. Amazing. Best fighter I've seen in a long time. You're gonna have some great times ahead. I have no doubt.' I smile brightly

His eyes widen in surprise. 'You definitely think too highly of me.'

'There is a reason everyone fears you. You're incredible.' I keep telling him

'I'm sorry. I know it can be annoying. I'm just used to my father telling me I'm shit all the time.' He spoke very quietly. I could barely hear him

'Jimin.' I put my hands on either side of his face, stopping him in his tracks. 'I know he's your father, but he's a piece of shit. You are great. No one can take that away from you. It's your talent and hard work that brought you to where you are. No matter what he says, I'll keep telling you that you're amazing. From this day on, I'll be your biggest fan.'

He didn't take his eyes off mine once the entire time. He was listening to every word I said to him. 'I never had a fan before.' He smiles

'You have many. But I'll be the biggest one.' I smile, letting go of his face

'Can I ask you the question that I wanted to ask before?' He asks

'Of course.' I nod

'Why did you stop me from kissing you?' Oh. I did not see that one coming.

'Sorry. I didn't expect this question.' I chuckle nervously.
'You've been honest with me, so I will be honest with you.'

'Please.' He says

'Because I like you.' I can't believe I just said it out loud. My heart is pounding away in my head. I feel like I'm sweating even though it's only 7 degrees outside.

He is just as surprised. He didn't expect this either by the looks of it. His lips are lightly parted. I can see the fog his breaths create as he breathes out.

'That makes no sense.' He finally says

'What, that I like you?' I ask

'No. If you like me, shouldn't you want it, not run away?' I get why he is confused. He is absolutely right.