Half-Blood | NCT DREAM

Chapter 4

"Since you're older than the others, it doesn't really make sense for you to be training with the children." Taeyong said, leading Haerin away from the others.

Haerin was already feeling exhausted and it was just the beginning of the day. She was not expecting to have to run five laps in order to eat breakfast and was seriously considering walking them with Jaemin tomorrow.

"We're going to pair you with one of the head counsellors so they can get you caught up." Taeyong said as they stopped in front of one of the boys already slashing at a dummy with his sword.

It was Jeno.

Haerin had woke up to Jeno's scream as he stubbed his toe and was not looking forward to training with him, especially not privately.

"Hey Jeno, remember what we talked about yesterday?" Taeyong asked, grabbing Jeno's attention. Jeno stopped fighting, turning towards them.

"Yup, you wanted me to teach Haerin the basics and try to get her caught up as fast as possible." Jeno said, giving the two of them a wide eye smile.

How is this the same boy that woke me up this morning?

"Exactly. I'll leave Haerin in you hands then." Taeyong said, giving them both a small smile before leaving.

"Let's get started." Jeno said, once Taeyong was gone. Haerin gulped. She was not ready for this training whatsoever.

Jeno passed her the sword and Haerin was sure that she would have dropped it on her toes if Jeno wasn't there to help her. Jeno stood behind her, arms on either side to guide Haerin where to place her hands.

"Hold it like this. It keeps your wrists flexible but not awkward so you won't cramp." Jeno said, hands on top of hers. His breath was hot on her neck, the close proximity making it hard for her to focus.

Jeno must have noticed how tense she was as he decided to back up, standing beside her instead.

"Geez, your hands are freezing." Jeno joked but looking at how he rubbed his hands, Haerin wasn't sure if he was actually joking. Jeno demonstrated how to move the sword.

"Let's start with something simple. Swing the sword like this, forming an 'x.'" Jeno instructed.

"Like this?" Haerin said, following his moves.

"Yes, exactly. Very good."

Jeno continued training Haerin like that for the next few hours, and by the end, according to Jeno, Haerin had learned more than most kids did by the end of a year. But, he could be lying and just being nice.

Haerin wiped the sweat off her forehead with the back of her hand. "This is exhausting."

Jeno chuckled. "I know. Let's take a break, go get some water."

Haerin moved to the side where her water bottle was. As she unscrewed the cap, she couldn't help but watch the campers training on the field.

It seems as though Mark was teaching a group of young children a sword fighting lesson, similar to the one Jeno had taught her. Mark was demonstrating the skill, moving swiftly with the sword in his hands.

"He's good, isn't he?" Jeno said, also taking a sip from his bottle. Haerin nodded her head.

"I wonder how long you have to train to fight like that." Haerin said. Jeno only smiled.

"If you're like me, then even ten years won't be enough. Mark is just a natural, according to Taeyong and the other trainers, he's been fighting like that since the day he walked in. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous." Jeno admitted.