The Accidental Star

BOOT CAMP

JI CHANG WOOK

" Run! " I cried out.

It was Anne's cue to sprint down the long alley. I ran after her few seconds after she did and watched as she jumped over an extra large tin drum effortlessly. She landed gracefully on the other side and broke out into another run once she regained composure.

I tore my eyes off her as I neared the same drum. I quickly jumped over it and landed steadily. I looked up and saw Anne slid underneath an armored car. She made it out in 3 seconds or less. She made it look easy. I increased my speed and did what I saw her do. My execution wasn't as flawless. I have to give her credit for that smooth glide. She was halfway up the building's steps when I finally caught sight of her again. I took it two at a time not taking my eyes off her back. I was trying to gain speed but the 15 second lead time that I gave her paved the way for a victorious head start.

She quickly disappeared once she reached the 10th floor landing. I took a sharp right once I've reached the top and saw her backed away from the edge of the unfinished floor trying to gain momentum. Before I could reach her, she ran swiftly and took a big leap off the building. I tried to catch my breath as I watch her dive into the air. There was no time to lose. I took a few steps back and when I was ready, i ran towards the end of the concrete floor and jumped.

I was falling fast and I felt the wind slamming against my body. I was suspended in air for a few seconds and just as I expected, something broke my fall.

I caught my breath as I hit the safety net. And when I did, I heard joyful applause and cheering. When I finally stopped bouncing, I didn't make any attempt to move and just laid there face up squinting at the glaring sun.

That was one hell of a training!

" You were awesome! "

I turned my head slowly to where the voice came from trying to catch my breath and calm my pounding heart.

I saw Anne bending over, her palms on her knees, catching her breath like I was doing. Her talent manager, Riwa Young, a middle aged Singaporean was wildly fanning her with a folder.

Anne looked pretty beat. I couldn't blame her. We've been training for twelve hours today. I was pretty exhausted and that last stretch just sucked the energy out of me.

Anne slightly lifted her head as she wiped her forehead with one arm. She looked at my direction and then, our eyes met.

I was embarrassed for getting caught. I can feel my face growing hot but I couldn't tear my eyes off her. So instead, I smiled at her approvingly.

She grinned back at me and I continued smiling at her like an idiot until Riwa finally called her attention. I watched Riwa wiped beads of sweat on her arms and neck while Anne gulped down the bottle of water Riwa thrusted on her hand.

" Beautiful, smart and totally badass," Alex Uy, the assistant training coach, commented as he hung his arms on the net and followed my gaze. " This one's different. Don't you think? "

I quickly tore my eyes away from Anne's camp.

" Sure, " I grunted and tried to sit up.

" I made a bet with Juk-yoo, you know, " Alex went on as he extended his hand to help me out of the net.

I took the towel one of the training crew handed me and wiped my face with it. "What bet? "

" It was stupid really, " Alex chuckled as he took a bottle of water from the catering staff that was going around.

He opened the cap with one twist. " He said Anne couldn't do the stunts. Predicted she would give up one week into training and have her stunt double do all the hard work."