08/11/2025
𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗘: 𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗛𝗜
After what seemed like an eternity of charged silence, Axel finally spoke, his voice low but steady. "I want to learn Taekwondo then. Teach me."
Sarah and Hemal stared at him, genuine surprise plastered across their faces. Sarah was the first to recover, her expression shifting to skepticism. "You sure, Axel? The last time we told you to try, you refused. Remember? You said fighting was 'primitive.'"
Axel rose from the low wall and walked over, settling himself firmly on the bench seat between them. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I'm sure this time," he stated, the reluctance gone, replaced by a grim determination. "School isn't the only place I'm being bullied, and what Hemal said was right. I'm a man, and I should act like one not like some target practice. I'm sorry, Hemal. I know you dislike any of us being weak, and I've been giving you too much to worry about."
Hemal’s taut shoulders relaxed immediately. She reached out and patted his shoulder firmly, a slight smile touching her lips. "Don't say that, Ax. I'm sorry I yelled at you. I was just venting the anger that should be for Hardin onto you. It won't happen again. So, we'll take you to a teacher then. His name is Master Chi."
Axel’s brow furrowed. "Master what?"
Sarah let out a small, exasperated sigh and gave Axel a mock-serious look. "Master Chi. He is our teacher, Ax. The one who got us our black belts."
Axel placed his hand on his hip, the picture of stylish exasperation. "I don’t get you guys. Both of you have black belts in Taekwondo. Why can’t you just teach me?"
Hemal sighed, running a hand through her short hair, and gave Axel an honest, pragmatic reply. "Look, you can't expect us to drop our studies, our college applications, and our training schedule to give you the time and focus a beginner needs. And besides," she paused, meeting his gaze, "you know you wouldn't concentrate if we were teaching you. You'd be too busy messing around."
Axel grimaced, knowing she was right. "But don't worry," Hemal quickly added, softening her tone. "We've got your back. He's not really a harsh teacher, just... traditional."
Axel finally gave up, the desperation for change winning over his reluctance. "Okay, fine. Since I'm desperate, introduce me to this... 'Master Chi' of yours."
Hemal instantly brightened, packing her backpack with a briskness that suggested she was eager to start. "Let's go then."
They left the familiar quiet of the rooftop and headed for the school gate. As they reached the curb, Hemal spoke up, "Let's just take the bus, guys. It's faster than walking all the way home just to drive back out." They all agreed, walking the short distance to the bus stop near the school. After a brief wait, the commuter bus arrived.
The ride was quiet, filled with the usual after-school fatigue, but Axel felt a nervous energy buzzing beneath his skin. This decision was huge, a complete reversal of his usual avoidance tactics.
In no time, they arrived at Hemal’s house. They entered and found Hemal’s mom, Mrs. Kwon, at the stove, already preparing lunch. Though she was technically a stepmother, there was none of the malice or coldness often tagged to step-parents in children's stories. Mrs. Kwon was the complete opposite warm, supportive, and kind.
Hemal greeted her with a genuine hug while Sarah and Axel bowed politely. "How was school today, guys? Hope no troubles? I'm preparing lunch already, so you all go freshen up and be back downstairs to eat," Mrs. Jasmine said, smiling brightly.
Sarah and Axel followed Hemal upstairs. Hemal's room was their sanctuary a norm since they had been friends since elementary school, often having sleepovers to coordinate their study and training sessions. They dropped their heavy bags, changed out of their uniforms and into casual clothes, and threw their school clothes into the wash-and-dry machine a stress-free luxury they all appreciated.
Once they were back downstairs, lunch was served. They ate quickly, the food a welcome comfort, and efficiently did the dishes afterward. Hemal then approached her mom.
"Mom, we're off to Master Chi's class."
Mrs. Kwon looked up from a book she had picked up. "But I thought you and Sarah graduated from his class years ago?"
Hemal nodded. "We did, Mom. But we're taking Axel there. He said he finally wants to learn Taekwondo."
Mrs. Kwon turned to Axel, her expression softening with concern. "Oh, Axel dear, I wish you good luck. Remember, don't be hard on yourself, and make sure you sustain no injury, okay?"
Axel bowed deeply, a flicker of appreciation for her kindness warming him. "Yes, Mom. Thank you."
Mrs. Kwon then faced the three of them. "You all be careful, and don't come home late. You know what dinner time is." They assured her they would be home early, grabbed what they needed, and left.
Back at the bus stop, the ride this time felt shorter, fueled by their purpose. They disembarked near a modern, functional building that housed the local Taekwondo studio. As they stepped onto the Dojang's training ground, the air changed it was thick with the rhythmic slap of feet, grunts of effort, and the smell of sweat and clean floor mats. A large group of students in crisp white uniforms were mid-session.
Hemal quickly asked one of the older students where Master Chi was. They pointed toward a private office tucked into the corner.
The three friends walked over and knocked lightly. "Come in," a deep, controlled voice commanded.
They entered the spartan office. Behind a heavy wooden desk sat a man who looked younger than Axel expected, but whose eyes held a profound depth. Master Chi. He wore a traditional black and white Taekwondo uniform, and his posture was perfectly straight.
Immediately upon entering, all three bowed low and respectfully.
Master Chi gave a slight, acknowledging nod. "If it weren't for my best students, Hemal and Sarah, I might not have interrupted my work. Please, take a seat."
They sat down, and Hemal spoke, respectful and clear. "Thank you, Master. How have you been?"
Master Chi smiled a genuine, warm expression that eased Axel’s tension slightly. "Good as always. Is this a new student?" he asked, his gaze settling keenly on Axel.
Sarah was the one who replied. "Yes, Master. He’s our friend who wants to learn, so we brought him over to you. He's serious this time."
Master Chi looked at Axel, the intensity returning to his eyes. "How old are you?"
Axel answered, his breath catching slightly. "I’m 17, sir."
Master Chi’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Sir?"
Axel cleared his throat, correcting himself instantly. "Master, I mean. Apologies."
Master Chi returned his attention to Hemal and Sarah, his expression unreadable. "Does he have any basic training? Even rudimentary understanding of stance or movement?"
Sarah and Hemal nodded politely. "We've gone over the very basics, Master. Stances, how to pivot just enough to start safely," Hemal confirmed.
Master Chi leaned back in his chair, tapping the desk once with a thoughtful finger. "Good. Tell him to start tomorrow. I will train him personally for his foundational period, since it's you two bringing him in."
Hemal bowed her head again, relief and gratitude coloring her tone. "Thank you, Master. That means a great deal to us."
They all stood and bowed once more before leaving the office. They quickly headed out, feeling the rush of relief and success.
Back on the bus heading toward Hemal's house, Sarah broke the silence, bumping Axel’s shoulder playfully. "You see, Axel? We told you he's nice. And getting him to train you personally? That's huge!"
Axel nodded, giving a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm not sure about 'nice,' but I have to admit he's... imposing. But I have to do this."
Hemal took off the simple silver neck chain she always wore and joined the conversation, her voice full of confidence. "It's going to be easy since we taught you the basics, and you are going to be perfect in no time since he is the one teaching you. He is very good, and he is always impressed by his students' hard work. Just give him everything you have, Ax."
The bus continued, taking Axel one step closer to a new, uncertain path. He knew the bullying wasn't going to stop overnight, but for the first time in a long time, he felt like he had been given a weapon, and now he just needed to learn how to wield it.
