Fight For You

Chapter 7: Training Hard and Growing Strong

The sun poured through the gym's large windows, casting a warm glow over the training area. Ling stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her gloves, the reflection staring back at her filled with determination. She had spent the past few days pouring every ounce of her energy into her training, determined to prove herself in the ring and shake off the lingering effects of Mint's kiss. The memory of that moment still tugged at her, but now, the anger had transformed into motivation.

Orm arrived shortly after, her ponytail swinging as she entered the gym, clad in a fitted sports top and shorts. She looked energized, ready to tackle the day's training. "Ready to get your ass kicked?" she teased, flashing Ling a playful smile.

Ling smirked, her competitive spirit igniting. "You wish! I'm here to show you just how tough I can be." She stepped forward, the tension between them palpable, the air charged with a mix of playful rivalry and shared ambition.

As they began their warm-up routine, Ling felt a spark in the air, her heart racing as she caught Orm glancing at her. There was something intoxicating about the way Orm moved, her body exuding strength and grace. Ling's breath quickened, and a mischievous thought crossed her mind.

"Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to show me what you've got?" Ling said, her voice laced with flirtation as she stepped closer to Orm, her gaze locked onto hers. "I might need a little motivation to push through today's training."

Orm raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Oh really? Is that what you need?" she replied, her tone playful yet challenging.

With a playful shove, Ling grinned and took a few steps back. "Maybe a little demonstration would help. You know, to inspire me."

Their banter ignited a fire in the room, and as they moved to the center of the mat, Ling couldn't resist leaning in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Just remember, I'm here to learn from the best."

Orm's eyes sparkled with mischief. "And you think you can handle that?" she teased, their faces inches apart. The tension crackled between them, and Ling could feel her heart racing.

"Why don't you show me?" Ling challenged, her breath catching as she felt Orm's warmth enveloping her.

They began their sparring, the physical intensity amplifying the electricity in the air. With each punch and kick, Ling felt herself falling deeper into their playful competition, the thrill of the match blending with her growing attraction to Orm.

"Nice combo!" Orm exclaimed, dodging a punch before landing a quick jab to Ling's side. "You've really been working on your speed!"

"Thanks! But you're still too quick for me," Ling admitted, breathing heavily as she continued to press on. "Let's see if I can catch you off guard next time."

As they fought, Ling couldn't resist throwing in some light-hearted teasing. "You know, for someone who claims to be my trainer, you're not making it easy for me to concentrate." She winked, pushing off the mat to regain her footing.

Orm laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Maybe that's the point." She lunged forward, landing a solid punch to Ling's side. The impact stung, but the playful exchange only fueled Ling's determination.

With a sudden surge of energy, Ling launched a series of punches, each one aimed with precision, but Orm countered effortlessly, her movements like a dance, fluid and graceful. The intensity of the training session pushed Ling to her limits, but she relished every moment, the thrill of the challenge igniting a fire within her.

After several rounds of sparring, they finally took a break, both panting and sweating but beaming with satisfaction. Ling leaned against the wall, wiping her brow, her heart still racing from the adrenaline. Orm joined her, the camaraderie between them solidifying further with each shared moment.

"Okay, let's talk strategy," Orm said, her tone serious as they caught their breath. "Mint is going to come at you hard. You need to anticipate her moves. She's a show-off, and that's her biggest weakness. If you can outsmart her, you'll have the upper hand."

Ling nodded, absorbing Orm's words. "I know she'll try to throw me off my game, but I can't let her. I've got to stay focused. No distractions."

Orm studied her, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Distracted? What if I gave you something to keep your mind off the fight? Something like..." She paused, a glint of mischief in her eyes, before leaning in closer, her lips brushing against Ling's ear. "A kiss?"

The unexpected intimacy sent a thrill through Ling. "Maybe that would help," she replied, her voice dropping to a husky whisper.

Before she could second-guess herself, Ling closed the distance between them, her lips crashing against Orm's in a passionate kiss. The world around them faded away as the heat of the moment engulfed them. Orm responded instantly, deepening the kiss, their bodies pressing closer together.

Ling felt exhilarated as the kiss turned into a heated make-out session, the intensity of their training spilling over into something much more personal. The gym was alive with their energy, and for that brief moment, nothing else mattered.

As they finally pulled apart, both breathless, Ling grinned, her heart racing. "Wow, that was definitely a distraction."

Orm chuckled, her cheeks flushed. "Not what I was expecting, but I'm not complaining."

They both fell into a comfortable silence, the weight of their shared kiss lingering in the air, electrifying their connection. Orm's expression softened, her playful demeanor momentarily giving way to something more sincere. "Hey, Ling?" she began, her tone serious. "Have you thought about what you want to do after the tournament? I mean, beyond just beating Mint."

Ling turned to Orm, considering the question. "Honestly, I've been so focused on the match that I haven't thought much further. But I want to make a name for myself in the fighting world. I want to show everyone that I'm not just some rich girl playing at being a fighter."

"I get that," Orm replied, her expression softening. "You're more than that, Ling. You have the talent and the heart. Just don't forget to have fun along the way. Fighting isn't everything; it's about the journey too."

Ling appreciated Orm's insight, the wisdom in her words resonating deeply. "You're right. I can't let the pressure consume me. I need to remember why I started fighting in the first place."

They resumed training, the rhythm of their movements echoing the unbreakable bond they were forming—a partnership forged in shared ambition and mutual respect. Each punch and kick they executed brought them closer, not just as fighters but as friends, as teammates.

After hours of intense training, they finally called it a day, collapsing onto the gym mats in exhaustion. Ling lay back, staring at the ceiling, the sweat glistening on her forehead. Orm turned to her, propping herself up on her elbow, a look of contemplation on her face.

"Let's do this," Ling declared, a fierce determination blazing in her eyes. "I'm ready to show Mint exactly what I'm made of."

Orm grinned, her excitement matching Ling's. "And I'll be right there with you, cheering you on every step of the way."

With renewed energy, they left the gym, the world outside bustling with life, the night full of possibilities. Ling's heart raced with anticipation for the upcoming match, but more than that, she felt a sense of purpose, an unbreakable bond with Orm that would see her through the challenges ahead.