Cote: Elite in Action

SS: Honami - Facing the Inner Mirror

"Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional." — Buddha

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I watched the vibrant field and the buzz of the crowd, my mind couldn't help but drift back to those intense days of preparation under Kayden's firm direction. He had always been the natural leader of our class: proactive, determined, with a clear vision that few could match. So, it was no surprise when he took on the role of physical trainer. His clarity on what we needed to succeed was unmatched, and his determination drove us all toward the goal.

I remembered every training session as a constant challenge. Kayden pushed us beyond our limits, demanding the best from each of us. There was no room for unnecessary breaks or complacency. His training was relentless and exhaustive. Every muscle in my body ached at the end of the day, and every breath felt like a battle against my own body. But giving up wasn't an option; we couldn't afford to falter.

"This will all be worth it," I kept repeating to myself as I forced myself to keep going, to give more than I thought I was capable of. Kayden's presence, always confident and assured, was the spark that kept us moving, driving us to surpass our limits. Now, standing on the field, about to face what we had prepared for so long, I felt a mix of pride and nervousness. We had worked hard and with dedication, and I knew we were ready to give our best.

As we headed toward the sports field, I couldn't help but look at Kayden. His expression, as always, was calm and serene, as if nothing could disturb him. This gave me a slight sense of reassurance, although a persistent knot remained in my stomach. Was he excited? Nervous, like me? It was hard to read him just from his face, so I decided to ask him.

During our conversation, his response didn't surprise me. Despite my own nerves, his calmness gave me a small boost of confidence. Kayden always had that ability to see things practically, almost unflinchingly, and I found myself trusting his words more and more.

I confessed my nerves, something I don't usually do easily. I felt I could be honest with him, knowing he wouldn't judge me. As expected, Kayden gave me simple but reassuring advice, straightforward, as he always did. His words, though brief, made me feel accompanied and understood.

As I continued listening to him, one question persisted in my mind. Over the past month, he had been the one working the hardest, pushing us all to the limit. I worried about how he really felt on this big day. Was he okay with everything he was about to face? With all the expectations our class had placed on him?

I asked him the question, perhaps awkwardly, but he answered simply, almost as if the idea of failing wasn't on his mind. I admired him for that. To me, Kayden had not only become a reliable leader but also someone I could trust completely.

His presence gave me a sense of security that I couldn't fully explain. I knew that, no matter what happened, as long as he was with us, we would be okay.

Our conversation was interrupted by Mako-chan, one of my best friends. Whenever we were together, especially in Kayden's company, I felt completely at ease; her energy and laughter were contagious, and time flew by. However, despite how much I valued our friendship, I never quite got used to the intimacy that Mako-chan and Kayden seemed to share.

When Mako-chan suddenly appeared from behind Kayden and hugged him, I thought it was one of those playful jokes we used to share. But what started as a gesture of friendship soon became awkward. Seeing how Mako-chan not only hugged him but also touched his body with overwhelming familiarity while praising his muscles, I felt a deep discomfort. It was as if a knot formed in my stomach and my chest burned with jealousy. I wondered how she could do this so naturally, without showing the slightest sign of embarrassment. If I were in her place, I would feel completely exposed and embarrassed.