45: Jiwoo Versus Shinji

•~•~•~•~•~•~•

After handing his orange cat to Wooin, Jiwoo and Shinji faced each other in the same facility.

As the timer started, the light-cream-haired teen told his opponent, "Please don't go easy on me, Shinji!"

"Yeah, yeah, I won't."

-Beeeepp!!!-

Jiwoo dashed toward Shinji at a great speed, but the latter stretched his body backward, dodging cartoonishly.

'He was able to dodge my attack!' shouted Jiwoo inwardly.

'He's as fast as Duke..!' the raven-haired teen said silently, in fake shock.

'... if Duke was a child, that is.' he continued with a smirk.

The light-cream-haired teen sent a barrage of punches toward Shinji, but it was all dodged.

This went on for a full minute until Jiwoo took a step back to catch his breath.

...

"That bastard's totally toying with Jiwoo," Jisuk commented angrily.

"That kid..." Seongha sighed.

Subin crossed her arms, and said, "Of course! There's no way that newbie can touch Oppa."

'Well, as expected. There is no way Jiwoo stands a chance against that brat. At least, not right now.' said an orange cat inwardly, a shit-eating grin plastered on his face.

...

"Why are you not attacking me?" Jiwoo asked.

"Well, I wouldn't want to hurt you..." he replied.

"I told you before! Please don't go easy on me!" the teen shouted.

Shinji turned to the expressionless Jiyoung with a look that said, 'I'll make it up to you.'

"Alright then! Get ready to dodge, cinnamon bun!" the raven-haired teen yelled with a smile.

He raised both of his hands dramatically. After a second, Shinji pointed his hands toward Jiwoo, who was sweating nervously.

Expecting something grand, all of them were extremely disappointed when only a block of ice was formed.

"Pfft." Shinji giggled, while Jiwoo just laughed awkwardly.

"Come on, Oppa! Be serious!" Subin shouted.

"Ahem- Fine," he said, his tone finally serious, the aura around him changing.

Jiwoo was about to attack Shinji, but stopped once he felt the cold air that started enveloping the facility. He calmed himself and dashed to Shinji at full speed, intending to use his remaining speed to at least be able to hit him.

Thinking his punch would connect with Shinji, the light-cream-haired teen panicked once he felt a cold surface touch his knuckle.

However, a small surge of electricity was released from his fist, slightly cracking the ice.

'Hmm, did he use it knowingly, or is it unintentional?...' Shinji wondered, seeing the electricity, but he just shrugged and continued with his attack.

It seemed as if all the cold air was directed toward Jiwoo. In just a second, his body was covered in ice, restricting his movements.

...

"Tch. Fucking monster." Jisuk grunted, while Seongha just looked tired at Shinji's antics.

...

Feeling no cold air, and seeing Jiwoo incapacitated, Inhyuk had no choice but to announce Shinji's win.

"Boop!" Shinji voiced out, poking the restrained Jiwoo's nose.

"Better luck next time, Jiwoo. However, don't be a training-crazed maniac now." the teen added while swirling his hand, melting the ice.

But, before walking away, Shinji whispered something else in the light-cream-haired teen's ear.

...

"You completely demolished him! Aren't you worried that he'll be discouraged now?" Subin exclaimed with crossed arms.

"Of course not," he answered with a sure smile.

"Shinji! The next time we fight, I'm going to land a hit on you!" Jiwoo shouted with a smile, his face full of conviction.

"Yep, I'll wait for that day, then," Shinji said with a wave, heading toward the exit.

On his way, he whispered in Jiyoung's ear, "I kept my promise. Anyway, I'll see you in our practice~."

She gave a tired sigh, but her mouth was slightly smiling. Once she heard the door close, she announced in a stern voice, "It's all over now, right? Then, clean up before you leave. Jisuk, clean up your popcorn on the floor."

"... Yes, ma'am..."

...

By the time they went out, the sun was nowhere to be seen, replaced by the white, gleaming moon.

As a black car was speeding through the streets...

"What's up with that guy?... He has no idea how scary this world can be," asked Subin, leaning back in her car seat.

"Aww, is someone worried for the lil' protege~?" Shinji asked in a teasing tone, looking at her from over his shoulder.

"Shut up, dumbass," she grumbled silently, but in an angry tone.

Seongha then spoke, "He and the Professor used to be Wanderers, just to let you know. There were many groups that were interested in his research, so the two were always on the run without any proper shelter."

"I know that, but that's not going to cut it in the Awakened World." she replied.

"Yeah... But, did you know that he was recently kidnapped, and was tortured by the Klein Brothers?" Shinji chimed in.

"What...? So, he inevitably got drawn into that mess?" Subin asked in surprise.

"Yes, that's why I'm sure that the kid knows better than anyone else how tough it is to be alone, without a group," Seongha told her.

Subin was silent about Wooin after that...

...

In a big house...

"I'll see you guys tomorrow!" a light-cream-haired teen sent off two other teenagers.

Closing the door, the teen heard someone speak, "You did horribly in that fight."

"I know... Plus, I think Shinji knows something about you..." Jiwoo answered with an uneasy smile.

"It was bound to happen. If he doesn't tell anyone, I won't do anything to him." Kayden responded, approaching a metal bar and performing some pull-ups.

"Anyway, considering who you were up to... You were still horrible. I would have beaten that kid if I was your age." the orange cat said with a proud smile.

"Really?! Ah, as expected of Mr. Kayden!"

"Stop praising my greatness! We have some training to do so that you don't embarrass yourself next time. Let's go!" Kayden shouted out.

"Yes, sir!" Jiwoo yelled in response.

*****

What did you think of the chapter?