A Small Resolve, Sibling Date
Afternoon had rolled around after my little date with my sisters. I was at the gym, helping folks with their workouts. All around me, people were training to build the strength to protect themselves. The guy I was spotting right now was a company man who'd gotten into MMA pretty late in life.
A guy in his thirties trying MMA. No real talent, but plenty of grit.
In fact, grit matters a surprising amount in fighting sports. Talent and instincts can be honed later, but grit and effort? Those are innate. Plus, even with talent, one wrong hit in a fight and you're out cold.
But this guy...
No tattoos. Average build, drenched in sweat from conditioning drills end to end across the gym. Full sprints, back and forth. Twenty laps in a minute was passing.
Most folks can't even hit ten.
If they fell short, it was back to square one. Rushing messed up their breathing and form—that's why they failed. But this guy nailed it.
"Huff... huuuh... ugh."
"Breathe slow. In through the nose, out through the mouth."
"Haaah... hek... yes... haaah."
"Good job."
I handed him a water bottle. He managed a weak smile.
"Whew, thanks."
"Don't forget how this feels today."
"Thanks. Praise from a genius—feels good."
"I'm no genius."
I chuckled and stood. Anyway, time to wrap up? I knocked on the office door and went in. Had something to discuss.
The gym owner was propped up at his desk, phone on its stand, smirking.
"Whoa, skinny-pimple squad! Big bro fighter's here!"
What kinda line was that? I paused. What was he up to? Secretly running a YouTube channel or something?
He turned, saw me, and freaked.
"Uh, uhh!"
"Coach, whatcha doing?"
He pocketed the phone, scratched his head, and grinned awkwardly.
"What's up? Sit first. Haha!"
"Sure."
I sat, and he broached the topic carefully. Guess he had something cooking.
"I've seen fighters starting YouTube channels for promo lately."
"Ah."
"Wanted to teach some self-defense moves there. But it's tougher than I thought."
"Just need personality."
"Personality?"
"Yeah, like wearing an animal mask."
He looked shocked at my suggestion. I just shrugged. Differentiation wasn't rocket science—solid basics, memorable content, killer visuals.
"There's this channel I knew, guy wore a black beanie inside out. Not active anymore."
"Oh yeah, I know 'em. Real pros."
"You could try that, Coach."
"Yeah, yeah. So what's bringing you here?"
"Wanna do fighting for real. Starting light, of course."
He stared blankly for a sec, like he'd just seen the gym crumble under a missile strike. Then he shot up.
"Y-you serious?!"
"Yeah, but don't freak."
"Finally! Uhahaha, finally! Hooow!"
"Meow, I'm serious—calm down."
"Anyway, good call. Can't waste that talent. No way!"
He pulled out some papers he'd been fiddling with forever. Looked like he'd been waiting for this day. Checked the calendar, tilted his head.
Something wrong?
"Ahh, timing's tricky."
"Why?"
"Right in the off-season. No amateur/general tournaments. Not even daily ones. MMA100 qualifiers ended yesterday."
"Ah."
That explained his rush. He'd been trying to get me in somehow. Looked gutted, like it was his own fight. Finally, a talented kid steps up, and he can't help.
Something clicked—he whipped out his phone.
"R-right! There's something similar!"
"What?"
"Remember Seung-hee's zombie contest?"
"Yeah. She sparked a revolution."
"Similar one's coming. Zombie rep's setting up a newbie contest. Wanna join?"
"Sure."
"No worries! I'll handle it all. I'll let you know if you make it!"
Surprisingly smooth. Dude had been waiting forever. I smirked and stood.
Hope it works out.
"Cool, I'll wait."
"Yeah! Uhahaha, smart move!"
I headed out, sighed, prepped to go home. Kept picturing the coach's thrilled face—like it was his big day.
Can't help the guy.
Off to the house.
Noon the next day. Finished lunch and hit Hongdae with Romi. Weekend crowds made it buzzing extra.
Romi pouted.
The reason? "Ugh, so many people."
"What'd you expect? It's Hongdae."
"Shoulda picked somewhere else."
"Hate crowds, but this is manageable."
Weekend Hongdae was people-hell, but it had its vibe.
"You say that... Oh, there it is!"
Spotted a subculture merch spot. Into Animate we went. Already packed. I grabbed Romi's hand.
"Heehee, boyfriend mode activated?"
"Damn right. You're mine."
"Tch, fine. You're mine too."
She grinned, and we dove in. A few cosplayers dotted around. Kinda surprised me.
Whoa, all hotties.
Ages hard to peg. Honestly stunned. Past the glass doors: figures, photocard, acrylics. Orgel music boxes—top quality.
"Whoaaa!"
Romi's eyes sparkled like stars as she browsed. Didn't know she was into this. She suggested it, but she was more hyped. Adorbs.
Cute's all that matters. Classic Romi.
Hand-in-hand, we wandered. Plenty of otakus—pro-level vibes. Then it hit me.
Lotsa couples here too?
Split solo-couple. Romi pointed around.
"Whoa, so pretty! No way, that's the student council prez from Cobalt Archive, right?!"
"Something like that?"
"Yeah, she betrays you later! Nickname's 'Rebel Heroine'!"
"What kinda game even is that."
Weird games everywhere. Romi smiled, pure joy—looked great.
Something popped into her head; she turned.
"Oh yeah, cafe event nearby."
"What?"
"Cosplay cafe! Heehee, pics were cute."
"Yeah? You're cuter."
"Ugh, sudden!"
She blushed, looked away—then leaned into my chest. We strolled like that. Nearby solos shot us glares.
"Damn, jealous. Couple influencers ruining the spot."
"Solo heaven, couple hell."
"Girl's stunning."
"When do I get a girl like that? Gonna cast a spell."
Shoulders squared. Hot sis-girlfriend by my side—anywhere, anytime.
Arm around her waist, we kept going. Mid-browse, I brought it up.
"Gonna do fighting for real."
"Huh? For real? Heart said yes?"
"Yeah. Signing up for a contest or whatever. No guarantees."
"Those go viral on YouTube sometimes."
"Probably."
"My man's awesome!"
She blushed, tiptoed, stroked my hair. Soft, warm touch. Her faint scent hit me.
"Kinda heavy, but hot! Heehee."
"Thanks."
Ears burned. Solos' stares sharpened—like goblins ready to slit throats.
Grabbed her hand.
"Whatcha wanna buy? My treat?"
"Nah. Most pricey anyway. No limited stuff."
"Yeah?"
"Wanna drink something first."
"Cool, out to a cafe nearby."
Left Animate. Bumped cosplayers snapping pics—they spotted us, whispered.
"Couple, whoa."
"Guy's hot."
"His girl? Jealous."
"Those shoulders—wanna hug."
I just smiled. Romi puffed beside me.
Heading to a cafe, she scoffed.
"Grinning ear-to-ear."
"Sudden? Why?"
"Big-titty girls chatting you up feels good? Huh?"
"Could be props."
Heard from Seung-hee back when she cosplayed—boob enhancers exist. Romi cooled off.
"Hmph, good judgment. Pass!"
Scoffed, strode ahead. I followed, chuckling.
Into the cafe, ordered drinks, shared shortcake. Tasty. Pricey though.
"Fun?"
"Yeah, didn't expect this much. For a loser bro♥"
"Glad. Let's come often."
"Hmph, well. Just being with you's nice anyway."
Always shy. Not fully honest. But glimpses like this? Romi was too lovable.
Eyed the shortcake, pointed.
"Huh, Romi. What's this?"
"What. Cake."
"Nah, black spot here?"
"Eh? Messed up? Where?"
Leaned in, eyes focused. I kissed her—lips over hers as she puckered.
"Mmph? Mmmph♥"
Shoulders steady, slipped my tongue in. Hers timidly met it. Teased, and it coiled like a snake.
Classic little devil.
Romi's tongue—naughty.
Deep, sloppy kiss, sharing saliva. Felt eternal. Time frozen. Savored tongues, breathed into each other.
Pulled back—saliva strung like a web between.
Brrring! Bell rang. Drinks ready.
"Ahem."
"Hah, total perv. Hmph♥"
"I'll grab 'em."
"Whatever."
Fetched coffee from counter. Aroma hit. Romi arms-crossed, glaring—then smirked. Killer cute.
"Still my man. Eyes only for me."
"Duh. Idiot."
Of course, girlfriends might multiply later. Gotta claim Dad's first. Stepmom? Stepsis? Who cares. Conquer 'em.
"But you'll eye sis or Mom too, right?"
"Hm?"
Spine chilled. Sneak attack outta nowhere. Romi knew I'd flinch—grinned like it.
"Don't care. Play with them. No blood ties anyway."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Confident I'm always top girl in your heart."
Stunned. Romi, you're strong. Thought she just acted tough—nah, legit.
"Strong one, you."
"Duh, whose girl am I."
Yeah, I trust you too, Romi. She stuck out her tongue, smiled. Heart pounded wild—bones rattling.
"My girl, where next after drinks?"
"Well..."
Romi's mouth opened.