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AS PROMISED, TRAINING CAME WITH ITS PERKS—AND ITS CRUELTY... y/n was drenched in sweat, her temples pounding like war drums. The hoodie she had started with lay discarded on the gym floor, leaving her in a simple tank top and leggings, every inch of fabric clinging uncomfortably to her skin. Her breathing was shallow, ribs protesting against the relentless pressure. She felt every bruise, every scrape—a growing map of her determination—or perhaps her defeat.
Kim Da-eun paced in front of them, her sharp eyes dissecting each of the five students like a hawk sizing up prey. With Kreese gone, the dojo was under her sole command, and her iron rule had only grown heavier. Even the other students—boys who had seen the worst of her—seemed tenser than usual. The air buzzed with unspoken competition, an unrelenting pressure that dared anyone to falter.
"This week," Kim began, her voice sharp enough to cut through the din of exhaustion, "we'll be heading to Chiri-san." She paused, letting the name sink in. "The tallest mountain on the mainland. Every one of you—except her"—her gaze stabbed y/n—"has been there before, so you know what to expect... As for you, l/n, know that it will test your endurance, stamina, breathing, and inner peace under the harshest of circumstances."
Y/n's chest tightened at the smirk playing on Kim's lips.
"You'll carry heavy packs filled with water. Nothing else. By the time we descend the next day, the nights will be so cold the water might freeze. If it does, the loser of today's exercise carries two packs." Her cane slammed against the ground with a startling crack!
Y/n knew the jab was aimed squarely at her. Anxiety twisted in her gut, not just about the mountain, but the larger storm brewing at home. Her parents, back from their trip, would soon discover her secret. She had confessed this to her senseis, and Kim had promised to "handle" it—but that promise felt as cold and distant as Chiri-san's peaks.
Sensei's gaze bore into y/n again. "Determination prevails in my dojang. Let's see how much you've got."
She turned sharply, her cane pointing to y/n and Kwon. "Captains... Up!"
Y/n stood, legs trembling slightly from the day's drills. Beside her, Kwon rose effortlessly, his calm demeanor masking the storm she knew was brewing beneath, for she had noticed the fluctuations in his behavior the entire week. Right from skipping the weekend training, to his incomplete homework and bags under his eyes, though she spoke nothing of it, cutting him some slack.
Kim slammed another cane onto the small table between them. This one was wrapped in thorns, each barb gleaming under the harsh fluorescent lights.
"Kwon," Kim growled, gesturing with a flick of her wrist. "Take it." Her gaze slid to y/n, cold and unyielding. "Stop him."
