August. Graduation over. Finally free from textbooks, but not from nervousness.
This is the diary of Annu, an ordinary girl who finds herself stepping into an extraordinary new chapter-joining a martial arts class where everything feels new and awkward.
Protective mom? ✔️
New classmates (including tall boys she was definitely not ready for)? ✔️
Small talks, hidden smiles, panic modes, and tiny victories? ✔️✔️✔️
Between starting her Master's, learning kihon, and trying not to overthink every "hi" and every glance, Annu writes it all down-the anxieties, the laughs, the little crushes she refuses to admit, and the courage it takes to keep going.
Because this isn't just about karate practice.
It's about first steps, new bonds, and finding herself.
Welcome to Annu's Dojo Diary. 🥋✨
Brando Hallward is stuck on a transatlantic flight with his ex when he meets the suave Daxten Lowe. Maybe his luck is about to change.
*****
Arriving desperately late for his flight, Brando Hallward discovers it's delayed but still manages to make a fool of himself in front of his ex. His luck changes when he scores a dinner with the suave Daxten Lowe. The two bond before climbing onto the same flight, where they continue their flirtation through the planes onboard messaging system. Brando is nervous, but soon Daxten brings him up to the first class lounge where their romance begins to blossom. However, dangerous blocks of turbulence rock the plane, causing injuries throughout it. Plus, Brando's ex is becoming increasingly jealous. Something is wrong, both with the plane and with Brando's life, but will these moments with Daxten be enough to make everything alright?
[[2018 Watty Award Winner]]
[[word count: 70,000-80,000 words]]