Different

02 - Family.

The cafeteria buzzed with lunchtime chatter, a stark contrast to the icy dread creeping into Hanni's heart. She felt the familiar prickle of unease, the weight of unseen eyes. Ever since Yujin had become her friend, the subtle jabs had escalated into overt acts of aggression. Today, it was worse. Much worse.

A searing pain exploded across her scalp. Hot soup cascaded down her neck, the scalding liquid a burning brand against her skin. She cried out, her vision blurring with tears and pain.

Minji, nearby, simply stared, her expression unreadable, before turning and walking away as if nothing had happened. The world seemed to tilt, the sounds of the cafeteria fading into a muffled roar.

A gust of wind, sharp forceful swept through the cafeteria, brushing away all of the people surrounding Hanni.

Then, a hand reached out, firm and gentle, pulling her to her feet. Minjeong's face, etched with concern, swam into focus. Hanni mumbled her thanks, the words choked with sobs. She couldn't stay.

She quickly went to Kang's mansion and when she entered, she immediately spoke.

"Y-you guys said you can secure my future..." she said weakly, the stain of the hot soup can be seen in her clothes.

"You said you're gonna provide a stable path for me. You said you'll provide my protection...?" She asks, tiredness and pain painted in her voice.

"Is this the protection you were talking about."

The Kang's listened intently, their expressions mirroring her anguish. The silence that followed was heavy, broken only by Hanni's quiet sobs.

Mr. Kang, his face hardening with resolve, finally spoke. "This won't stand," he said, his voice low and steady.

"We won't let them get away with this. And we won't let this happen to you again." He paused, then added,

"Tomorrow morning, we begin your training. We'll take you somewhere secluded, away from prying eyes, where you can learn to harness your own power. You will learn to protect yourself, to defend yourself, and to ensure that no one ever makes you feel as helpless as they did today." His words were a promise, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness.

- Next day.

The car sped away from the city lights, leaving behind the familiar comfort and the unsettling memories of the school cafeteria.

Hanni sat beside Mr. Kang, the cool night air a stark contrast to the burning sensation that still lingered on her neck and shoulders.

The destination was shrouded in secrecy, only adding to the sense of anticipation and trepidation churning within her. She stole glances at Mr. Kang, his profile sharp against the dark landscape, his expression unreadable.

He seemed to sense her apprehension, and a gentle squeeze of his hand reassured her.

Finally, the car pulled up to a secluded clearing nestled deep within a forest. The air was crisp and clean, the scent of pine and damp earth filling her lungs.

A small, rustic cabin stood in the distance, its lights casting a warm glow against the darkness. As they approached, Hanni noticed a subtle energy emanating from the area, a hum that vibrated beneath her feet.

It was different from the mundane energy of the city; it felt... alive.

Mr. Kang stopped before the cabin, turning to face her. "This is where we'll begin," he said, his voice soft but firm. "This place is charged with ancient energy, perfect for honing your abilities. We'll start slowly, focusing on the basics of controlling your inner power, understanding its flow, and learning to channel it effectively. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; that's how we learn." He placed a hand on her shoulder, a reassuring touch that conveyed more than words could express.

The air in the training area crackled with anticipation. Mr. Kang, his movements precise and economical, demonstrated a basic defensive stance, his feet planted firmly, his body poised and alert.

"The first rule of combat," he said, his voice calm yet firm, "is to maintain balance. Your stance is your foundation; without it, you're vulnerable." He moved through a series of fluid motions, blocking and parrying imaginary blows with effortless grace.

Hanni watched intently, her mind absorbing every detail, every subtle shift in weight and position. She mirrored his movements, her initial attempts clumsy and hesitant, but gradually gaining in coordination and precision under his patient guidance.

After several repetitions, Mr. Kang nodded.

"Now," he said, a glint of challenge in his eyes, "let's try a practice spar. Remember what I've shown you. Focus on your balance, your defense, and your timing. Don't try to overpower me; focus on precision and control." He assumed a fighting stance, his eyes watchful, his body radiating controlled power.

The practice spar began, and almost immediately, Hanni found herself struggling.

Mr. Kang's movements were swift and precise; his strikes landed with a force she wasn't yet ready to counter. She was hit several times, each blow a harsh lesson in focus, timing, and agility.

Just as she felt herself faltering, a voice, clear and calm, echoed in her mind-Mrs. Kang, using her telepathy to guide her.

"Block the high strike, then counter with a jab to the ribs!" Hanni reacted instinctively, blocking the descending blow and landing a surprisingly effective counter-punch.

Mr. Kang grunted, clearly surprised by her sudden shift in strategy. "Now, a swift kick to the knee!" Hanni followed the instruction, aiming a precise blow that sent her father stumbling.

He was clearly impressed by her improved agility and responsiveness. Then, the final instruction echoed in her mind: "Kick his boner!"

The instruction, unexpected and slightly embarrassing, momentarily threw her off balance. But her training kicked in, and she focused on the command as a tactical instruction rather than a personal one.

With a burst of unexpected energy, she executed the maneuver perfectly. The strike was unexpected, precise, and landed perfectly.

The spar ended abruptly, not with a dramatic victory, but with a stunned silence followed by a burst of laughter.

Mr. Kang, still doubled over, let out a hearty chuckle, the sound echoing through the training area. "Well played, Hanni," he said, straightening up and wiping a grin from his face.

"I didn't see that last move coming. You've got quite the unorthodox style there." He ruffled her hair, a gesture of affection and pride. Mrs. Kang joined in, her laughter bright and cheerful.

"I told you she'd surprise you," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Hanni couldn't help but laugh along, the tension and anxiety of the spar melting away in the warmth of their shared joy.

As Hanni looked at her parents, their faces relaxed and happy, a profound realization washed over her.

This wasn't just about winning a spar; it was about something much deeper, something far more meaningful. This was what family meant: unconditional love, support, and shared moments of joy and laughter, even in the midst of intense training and unconventional victories.

The unexpected victory, the unconventional tactics, and the shared laughter cemented a powerful bond, transforming a simple training session into a deeply meaningful family experience.

The memory of the cafeteria incident faded, replaced by the warmth of this newfound connection and understanding.

The unconventional victory wasn't just a win in a spar; it was a victory for their family bond.

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Hi again luvies good nightyyyy.