Taeyang's Vacation (2)
After checking out several places, I picked a judo dojo nearby with a solid reputation. It wasn't like I planned to train professionally long-term anyway, so the short-term program option was a big plus.
I arrived right on time for my reservation, and there were no students yet—just one woman in a judo uniform. I'd heard this dojo was run by a former pro athlete. It was pretty impressive that someone like her was operating a small place in a quiet neighborhood like ours. If she was a medalist, she could've opened up big in a bustling area.
"Is this your first time with judo?"
"Yeah, first time."
"You mentioned the vacation short-term self-defense program, right?"
We exchanged greetings and followed her as she explained everything.
"Yeah, I want to learn self-defense."
"Usually women sign up a lot, but these days plenty of guys do too."
"Makes sense. The world's pretty chaotic nowadays."
It really was. A world where a yandere could stab me in the gut or kidnap me to a deserted island at any moment—and no one would bat an eye.
She had no way of knowing my thoughts, but the instructor nodded along.
"So, have you done any other sports?"
"I was on the school soccer team for a bit."
"You've got some athleticism then. You'll pick it up quick."
We entered what looked like the office, and I sat on the sofa as she offered.
"The self-defense program's at 10 a.m.—does that work?"
"Yeah, perfect."
I'd be giving up some lie-in time during vacation, but it beat lounging around all afternoon. Plus, scheduling it that early was her way of being considerate. Most short-term classes got pushed to evenings or 9 p.m. because of the lineup, but self-defense? She cleared her morning for it. Can't tell people worried about safety to come at night, after all.
"Got it. But since you're athletic, have you thought about learning judo proper...?"
No sooner had I started thinking that sounded nice than she glanced my way. Her eyes screamed she wanted me as a full member, so I deflected.
"I'm a student, so I've got studying to do."
"Ah, I see~ Not trying to push you or anything. Haha."
After the final rundown, I signed the contract. Until school started, I guess.
"Oh, heads up—my schedule's booked this week. Got plans."
"Trip, huh? Yeah, this time of year folks drop in and out. No problem."
We wrapped up the adjustments, and I was about to sign when the quiet office door burst open with a clunk.
"Hello!! Mister Choi!"
"You're here. But why English? And it's miss for women, dummy."
"Hahaha! Whatever."
A familiar voice hit my ears. I whipped around in shock, pen still in hand. The instructor did the same.
Blonde hair, tanned skin—super familiar. Her eyes locked on me.
"...Huh, noona?"
"Kim Taeyang?"
To make sure I wasn't hallucinating, there was Min Iri in full judo gear. We both stared like, what the hell are you doing here?
"You two know each other?"
The instructor looked between us.
"She's a close noona."
I explained first, and she grinned.
"Oh yeah? I've known Iri forever too, so... small world, huh."
She nodded approvingly at Iri.
"So what's up? Learning judo?"
Iri noona asked, so I held up the paper.
"Nothing better to do, so short-term program. You?"
"Just helping out the instructor sis."
"Skipped track club so much you quit?"
"I didn't quit! She asked for help, so I'm lending a hand!"
"Right. You betrayed them."
"No I didn't!!"
Iri noona yelled, then added,
"Keep it up, and I'll take charge and drill you hard."
"Just here for self-defense. Sucks for you."
"What?"
She snatched my contract and scanned it, her voice dropping low.
"...Taeyang, you in some kinda threat?"
Her face hardened as she stared me down seriously. Honestly? Maybe. But admitting it outright felt weird.
"Better safe than sorry. Gotta protect myself."
"Hmmm... For real? No one's bullying you at school?"
"Nah. And even if, self-defense wouldn't fix that anyway."
"Mm..."
Why was she getting all serious? Guys can learn self-defense too.
"Perfect timing—wanna try a session?"
"Huh?"
The instructor jumped in, lightening the mood.
"You've got a close noona here. Free intro to judo."
Free, my ass. She was just fishing for another recruit. Obvious ploy, but I had time, and I was curious about Iri noona in action.
It was nearing 2 p.m. too—students would start arriving soon.
"Sure, I'll try it."
"Great~ What's your size?"
The beaming instructor handed me a uniform and pointed to the changing room. The second I left with it, she whispered something to Iri noona, arm around her shoulders. Probably scheming to reel me in.
—————
I stepped out in the awkward judo gi. Self-defense was gym clothes only, so I hadn't expected this.
"Iri noona~"
"Yo, you're here."
She eyed me up, checking my collar subtly like she cared.
"Not bad."
"Think I couldn't handle it?"
"Still acting like a kid."
"Don't wanna hear that from a guy who can't tell mister from miss."
"What'd you say?"
Iri noona bristled, but the instructor's presence saved me from violence.
"You two are close, huh. Mind if I drop formalities too...?"
"Nah, fine."
"Cool. Me and Iri go way back—practically friends. Call me noona outside."
"Got it."
"Haeryeong unnie, can I teach him?"
Iri noona thumbed at me. Revenge vibes strong.
"Iri noona, he's a total newbie. Needs a pro."
"Hm... Think it'll be fine?"
"Huh?"
Wait, instructor? Free trial or not, this okay?
"Iri's great at teaching. She's got fans begging for lessons—rare chance. Lucky you."
"Hear that? Noona'll teach you real good~"
Her smile made me flinch. Spooked, I blurted,
"Stick to track."
"Oh yeah? I'll start with ippon seoi-nage."
"Iri, go easy on the beginner."
Students flooded in soon after. This little dojo filled right up.
"Hi!! Iri unnie!!"
"Unnie!! Long time!!"
"Iri unnie, looking cool today!"
"Iri unnie... can you check my form?"
Weirdly, more middle school girls than boys. Iri noona's girl fans were no joke.
"Uh oh, what now? Got a friend's kid today."
As the instructor said, girls swarming for lessons got the polite no, with me as exhibit A. Their faces soured, then they glared daggers.
Who're you to hog our unnie? Pure jealousy beams.
"Noona, I'm good—help them."
Iri noona smiled maturely.
"Nah. Today, noona's all yours."
Was she doing this on purpose? The stares burned hotter.
"Alright, let's begin, everyone."
The instructor called, and they lined up reluctantly.
—————
Iri noona said she'd focus on me, but she was helping the instructor too. Alternating students, and as a trial, I mostly watched.
"Like this."
I didn't know judo, so it felt fresh—but fun to watch.
"With our trial student today, we'll do randori."
Everyone perked up. Not for fighting themselves.
"We get to see Iri unnie in action?"
"Been missing it—she just teaches lately."
"Ugh~ When she tossed those big guys like nothing... heart eyes."
Made sense with her freak strength. Few months back, she lifted me for a photo at the amusement park. Yeah.
Now I got how she pulled it off. Students lined the walls, clearing space.
The instructor sparred a veteran-looking high school guy first. She flipped him in a blink. Whoa... badass!
First live matches for me—super entertaining. Then suddenly,
"Taeyang, wanna give it a shot?"
"Huh?"
Caught off guard, I stood. But I knew zilch—cool?
"Beginner, so fall practice first. I'll..."
"Haeryeong unnie! I'll do it!"
Iri noona shot her hand up, ditching her cool girl-crush vibe for stubborn mode.
"Huh?... Fine, you've handled newbies. But gentle."
And so, I faced Iri noona in the dojo.
"I'll go easy~ Don't freak."
She teased, so I fired back.
"So why betray track?"
"Not betrayal!!"
"Fine, mum's the word to the team."
"You little!"
"Haha, ready? Really go easy?"
Randori started.
Thud—
"........."
Why's the ceiling spinning? We just began.
No real pain. But lying there, the instructor rushed over worried.
"Taeyang, you okay?"
"Huh? Yeah."
Not too hurt. Knew ukemi basics.
"Kyaa~ Iri unnie's so cool!!"
"Way too fast though."
"All talk, got wrecked."
Girls cheered Iri noona nonstop.
"Noona go too hard? You good?"
Her smug grin—revenge achieved, probably felt great.
"T-Tae... Taeyang, good job."
Instructor seemed deflated. Wanted to hook the trial kid, but Iri ended it quick. Figured I'd hit a wall before trying anything.
"Instructor."
"Yeah? Hurt?"
"Can I go another round with noona?"
"Huh?"
No way I'd end defeated. Iri noona's smirk was too punchable. Tough win? Sure. But pissed—couldn't quit like this.