Chasing Shadows

Chapter Eleven: Balancing Acts

The training room echoed with the dull thud of punches and kicks as Ethan worked through his routine, sweat beading on his forehead. He shifted his weight, launching into a spinning kick that landed with a satisfying smack against the padded dummy. The force of the blow sent it swaying, but before it could right itself, Ethan was already moving again, pivoting into a series of rapid jabs.

“Nice form,” Asher called out from where he stood leaning against the wall, arms crossed. “You’ve gotten faster.”

Ethan grinned, stepping back and lowering his hands. “Guess it’s all the practice with you. I have to keep up somehow, right?”

Asher’s lips curved into a small smile, but his eyes held that familiar look of scrutiny. “True. But don’t forget to focus on your footwork. Speed means nothing if your balance is off.”

“Yes, sensei,” Ethan teased, his voice dripping with exaggerated reverence. He bowed deeply, sweeping his arm out in an exaggerated flourish.

“Smartass,” Asher muttered, though there was a trace of amusement in his tone. “All right, that’s enough for now. Cool down, then hit the showers. I’m starving.”

Ethan wiped the sweat from his brow, catching his breath as he glanced over at his mentor. Asher looked calm and composed as always, but there was something softer in his expression—a hint of pride, maybe. It made Ethan’s chest tighten with a mix of gratitude and something else he couldn’t quite name.

“Hey, Asher?” he said after a moment, his voice a little quieter. “Thanks. For, you know… everything.”

Asher’s gaze softened, and he gave a small nod. “You don’t have to thank me, Ethan. I’m just glad you’re doing well.”

Before the moment could get too serious, Jonah burst through the door, his usual bright grin in place. “Did I hear someone say they’re hungry? ‘Cause I’m pretty sure I heard Asher’s stomach growling from outside.”

Asher rolled his eyes, pushing off the wall. “I don’t know why I let you hang around.”

“Because you love me, obviously.” Jonah winked at Ethan, then turned his attention back to Asher, his grin widening. “Besides, who else is going to keep you entertained?”

Ethan chuckled, the tension from training melting away as he watched the two of them banter. There was something comforting about the dynamic between Asher and Jonah—something easy and familiar. They felt like a family, with Jonah’s lightheartedness balancing out Asher’s serious nature.

“Anyway,” Jonah continued, clapping his hands together. “Lunch is on me today. I found this new place downtown with these killer sandwiches—”

“Let me guess,” Asher interrupted dryly, raising an eyebrow. “It’s one of those overpriced hipster cafes with microgreens and artisanal bread?”

“Hey, don’t knock it until you try it,” Jonah shot back, mock offense coloring his tone. “Besides, it’s good to get you out of your culinary comfort zone once in a while. What’s wrong with trying something new?”

“Nothing,” Asher said evenly. “I just prefer food that actually tastes like food and not a salad wrapped in bread.”

Ethan snorted, shaking his head. “Yeah, because we all know Asher’s idea of fine dining is… what? Plain rice and grilled chicken?”

“Exactly,” Asher said with a straight face. “Nutritionally balanced, easy to prepare, and no unnecessary flavors.”

Jonah groaned, throwing his hands up in exaggerated despair. “See, this is why you’re hopeless! How are you going to woo anyone with meals like that?”