The Trouble With Two Seasons

Chapter 1 : Practice Fights

He narrowly missed her fist and jumped back to attain his ground.

His perfectly shaped brows arched up as he grabbed her extended arm and yanked her closer towards himself.

Unceremoniously, she delivered a kick to his left knee.

He winced in discomfort, sweeping her off her feet. She landed on the tatami mat and he fell after her.

He flipped them over, a luminous glint in his eyes, like he was planning something.

For a moment, their gazes entwined, sparking warmth. The soft beat of her heart echoed through his ears. His pounded softly against his ribcage. Their heartbeats synchronized evenly.

Just like that, she threw a punch at him with her free arm and it gave him more reason to pin her to the ground, firmly.

"Yame!" The bulky looking sensei ordered, moving on to the next match.

"I win again." He quietly announced, his fresh breath fanning against her hot face.

Slowly he released his grip on her.

"Fuck you Miller!" She cussed placing her hands on his chest and roughly shoving him away. He landed on his bum as she picked herself up from the mat.

Her Nike joggers fit her waist perfectly and her washboard flat tummy showed as her cropped tee rose up her chest.

"I won't go easy on you next time, you can bet on it." He teased looking up at her.

She rolled her eyes, then walked towards the duffle bags which lay dejectedly on the floor and grabbed her towel, wiping off the sweat from her radiant face.

Grabbing two bottles of water, she tossed one to the boy on the floor and uncapped the other herself. She thrust it into her mouth and gulped from it.
The boy mumbled a thank you.

"Your technique was powerful and precise Miller, I can see a significant improvement in it, but I'd suggest you pick on someone your own size next time." The Sensei critiqued, offering a hand to help Grayer Miller up.

"Yes, Sensei! Thank you Sensei!" Grayer nodded as Summer watched.

"Miss Wells, your stance was too narrow. It makes you vulnerable to take downs." The Sensei corrected. Summer's face fell slightly.

"I'm helping her with defense." Grayer chipped in, Summer shot him a grateful smile.

The Sensei nodded in understanding and patted Summer lightly at the back. "You've got this!" He encouraged, turning his attention to the other matches ongoing.

Summer ran her fingers through her velvety brown hair and pulled it back into its messy top knot. Then, she flung her duffle bag over her shoulder. Grayer grabbed his, holding it limply by its straps.

"Yo, Miller!" A voice boomed from the other end of the Dojo. It sent both heads turning sharply in that direction.

St.Williams hurried over, flinging his arm around Summer's neck. He seemed too cheerful for someone who had just finished an hour and a half of intensive cardio.

Summer narrowed her eyes at him.

"Hey, Nugget." He greeted her.

"What do you want, dude?" She asked derisively.

"There's this party downtown that  Miller and I are gracing with our presence. I mean you're welcome to tagalong, but we know you obviously won't want to..."

"Just get to it!" Summer cut him short.

St. Williams scratched his head, "Right. So I was originally supposed to babysit Katie this evening but I got the dates mixed up. Can you fill in for me until I'm back?"