Love At First Kick

85

I sat down opposite Ajun, waiting for whatever he was going to ask. It feels so frigging uncomfortable trying to look at him when there's a huge camera right behind him, pointed right at my face.

'Miss Min, first off, huge congratulations on winning a gold medal at the world championship.' He smiles brightly. 'How does it feel knowing that you're the best fighter in the entire world?'

'Thank you.' I smile back. 'And it honestly doesn't seem like it. I'm only a winner in my category. There are a lot more people in the same position as me in a lot harder categories. But even if there weren't, it's still not sinking in. It feels more like a dream than a reality.'

'That is way too humble. I would be bragging left and right, picking up fights to show off.'He jokes, making me laugh

'I think we have more than enough of fighting within these walls. I don't need extra ones.'

'Talking of fighting within the walls, how did you prepare for the tournament? Have you done anything special or different from usual? What was the secret to the success?'

'Nothing special, just a lot of work. Both, Coach Yong and Coach Ishijo trained us to near death. It was a lot of hard, hard work. A lot of pain and struggle, but without all of that, we would never get to where we are. And all of the people who trained with me and pushed me further than I ever thought I could go. Their support was just as important.' I could never do it on my own, especially without Jimin. He pushed me and rooted for me the most.

'We just interviewed another champion, your clubmate, Park Jimin, who also won a gold medal. He had told us that you've been the biggest influence on his winning, as you trained with him the hardest. And, he also told us that you're more than a teammate to him. Is that something you can confirm?' When did this turn into a couple's interview?

I mean, it's not like we're hiding it. We posted more than one picture online, so I'm sure it's not that hard to figure out. The national team coach knows as well, so what's there to hide? We're not K-pop idols that we have to keep it a secret.
'Yes, he was telling the truth.' I smile. 'He has supported me the most, just the same. He also beat me up the most. Love hurts sometimes.' I joke, and the TV crew collectively laughs a little

'We heard the same exact words only minutes ago from him. It seems the term 'tough love' is not always a bad thing.' Ajun chuckles

'Not if you don't mind missing a few ribs.' I joke a little. 'But it helps having someone who constantly pushes you to do better and go past your limits. You can't get better otherwise.'

'Those are some great words to share. What would you like to give as advice to those who hope to achieve what you have achieved?'

'I can only speak from experience, but if you want to get out on top, train. Even if you feel like giving up because everything hurts, even if it makes you ill at times and exhaustion seems too much, keep pushing yourself. Push yourself every day until all the pain seems like it's gone. It's impossible to win if you don't put the work in. And do not be afraid to ask for help when you feel like you're stuck. That's a part of growing just the same.'

'Those words would motivate even me to fight.' He chuckles. 'As for your plans for the future, do you have any? Any dreams or hopes that you'd like to achieve?'

'I don't plan much, but I'm hoping to keep my spot on the team for a while, and winning a lot more tournaments.'

'Do you think we will be seeing you in the Olympics one day?'

'Now, that's a dream within a dream, but I believe there is another person who might be a lot closer to achieving it than me.' I smile

'Can we take a guess and assume you're talking about Jimin Park?' Even the cameraman was giggling