Extracurricular activities

It was Wednesday, a day when only a few classes were held at Meville High School. The rest of the students engaged in various sports activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and participating in football and basketball clubs. Meville High School didn't prioritize sports that involved fighting.

Things continued in this manner until a suggestion arose regarding the need for students to learn self-defense and protect themselves. Consequently, the Martial Arts Club was founded.

After the establishment of the Martial Arts Club, there was no discernible progress or notable achievements. The participants of the club had never once brought back a medal or award to the school, causing their activities to become limited.

Gradually, the Martial Arts Club became an event that most students were not particularly interested in. However, it was still included in the school's curriculum as a means for students to learn self-defense.

Joshua never once attended the Martial Arts Club, even though his best friend was a member of the karate club. He was never there to cheer for him.

"Joshua, why won't you attend the karate club for once? I assure you, there are strong and skilled karate fighters in the club that you would love to watch."

"Strong and skilled, yet they have never brought in a medal? I'm not interested," Joshua said bluntly.

"Uh! Maybe it's really not our time, and you might as well lecture us with your abundant knowledge... Hehe."

"When you have a sensei? You must be joking," Joshua glared at him. He knew all Sam had said was merely to persuade him to watch their performance. The question he was trying to avoid the most was, "How was our performance?" For some unknown reason, he resented that question. I think that was the main justification he had never attended even once.

"He adjusted his glasses. 'Okay, just once,' he said."

Sure, sure, Sam was feeling on top of the world. Finally, Joshua had agreed to watch their match.

Joshua took his walking stick and made his way to the venue. Upon arrival, a sparring session was about to take place. They both found a seat next to the mat, which was allowed since there were only a few members present.

The two karate fighters stood facing each other and respectfully bowed.

"Begin!" The sensei, Master Jake announced.

John, the first fighter, and Skye, the second fighter, squared off, circling each other with cautious intensity. John launched a sweeping low kick, which Skye easily dodged, countering with a swift knee kick to the midsection.

John grunted, but quickly regained his composure and landed a flurry of blows on his opponents.

Skye blocked them effortlessly, gradually wearing John down with a series of strategic counter-attacks.

Just as John was about to deliver a powerful blow, he heard a faint whisper, one that only he could have possibly perceived. Slightly startled, he glanced over, allowing Skye to seize the opportunity and deliver a strong punch to John's jaw. Staggering from the impact, John rolled away, moving towards Joshua's location.

With a soft, gentle voice, Joshua started pointing out the mistakes he had been observing throughout the fight. "Your left arm is a little low," he advised, "try keeping it higher and aim for his stomach instead." He concluded with a playful wink, indicating that his advice was well-intentioned.

John appeared slightly perplexed as Joshua pointed out his flaws with mere words. However, deep down, he realized that giving Joshua's advice a chance could prove to be worthwhile. In fact, he even considered recruiting Joshua into his team, recognizing his ability to discern the intricacies of an entire match. It was clear to John that Joshua had a keen eye for detail and possessed valuable insights to offer.

John nodded, taken aback by Joshua's perspicacity, and refocused his attention on his fight. Skye, who was observing closely, could sense that something had changed as he momentarily faltered.

John seized the opportunity and propelled himself forward with a forceful combination of front kicks and punches, interspersed with a fierce roundhouse kick that sent Skye soaring across the room.

Skye hit the mat with a loud thud, immobilized and unable to move. John cautiously approached, intending to get closer...

"Stop!" the sensei declared.

John turned towards Joshua, a grateful expression on his face, "Thanks, kid. You really came through for me." Joshua, seeming indifferent, adjusted his glasses before responding, "Well, I only did that because you have talent," he muttered.

"Do you mind joining my team?" he asked with a glint of hope. "This kind of talent isn't something you come by even in a thousand years."

Next was Joshua's response, which shook him off.

"No! I ain't interested... I mean, what's the point?"

"All sorts of thoughts began to flurry through John. 'How could he speak like that? A talent? My urges are pumping out, telling me he is my only means to get to 10th. My dreams... crushed?'"

"Why?…"

"Great job, everyone! John, that was impressive. Skye, great effort; you fought well. Alright, let's wrap up for today."

John turned, only to realize that Joshua had left.

"Captain!" Mark shouted as he got closer. "How was my friend's performance?... He-he."

"Do you know him?" John asked with a perplexed look etched on his face.

"Yes! I'm usually the only friend he has in this entire school," he stated, laughing.

"Well, he was incredibly helpful. Is there any reason why he wouldn't want to join our club?"

"That..." Mark hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided to share. "He is suffering from peripheral artery disease," he said, his tone becoming noticeably somber. He disliked being reminded of the real reason why his friend, who was once so passionate about martial arts, could not perform a single move.

He couldn't afford to undergo surgery due to his parents' limited financial means. Joshua had been enduring this condition for years, yet he never gave up on his determination to continue expanding his knowledge of martial arts.

"Do not ask him to join the team again. Your request might jeopardize the opportunity that he might have, and I wouldn't want him to be remembered solely for his predicament," he said with a stern look. "Having Joshua simply watch our match is the greatest blessing we could ever hope for."

"Hmm, I see," John said after noticing the seriousness radiating from Mark's face.

"That seems to be the reason he appears so blank. He was completely unreadable; his expression felt otherworldly."

…

Joshua walked slowly and carefully down the hallway, gripping the wall tightly. It wasn't that he was afraid of tripping; rather, he was fearful of the aftereffects, especially since the doctor had warned him of the potentially severe consequences for his leg.

Three intimidating individuals approached John, their rough appearance and demeanor unmistakable. "Hey, watch where you're going, slowpoke," they taunted.

Joshua looked at them and responded, "Sorry, I didn't see you there." He spoke in a measured tone, attempting to diffuse the situation and avoid any potential trouble.

"That's right, you never see anything," he laughed, "always tripping over your own feet." The tone of his laughter implied a teasing, light-hearted banter rather than any malice.

Joshua ignored the comment and, feeling a sense of urgency, began ascending the stairs hastily while still grasping onto the wall. However, before he could make his escape, the guy abruptly grabbed Joshua's arm, forcefully pinning him against the wall. His tone turned confrontational as he challenged Joshua, "You think simply walking away from me would solve the problem?"

As Joshua winced in pain, he mustered the strength to speak through his discomfort. Softly, he pleaded with the guy, "Please... let me go."

"What are you going to do if I don't? Cry your way down to the principal's office? You know they won't protect you forever."

"I don't care about that, I just don't want any trouble," he insisted.

"Too bad, you got it anyway," he said, tossing him around.

Joshua struggled to keep his balance. "Please stop!" he pleaded.

"Now, thinking, we seem to have something to discuss," the guy said. Immediately, the once-pleading Joshua changed as he glared down at him. "Do I know you from somewhere before?" he asked with a serious, stern tone.

The guy was momentarily freaked out, but quickly regained his composure. "Would you take a look at this dude right here?" he exclaimed. "He doesn't even know the situation he's in and yet dares to act cocky."

Joshua remained unfazed. "You have yet to answer my question," he reminded him, adjusting his glasses.

Another one of the guys gritted his teeth, clearly ready to deliver a powerful blow to Joshua's face. However, he was immediately restrained by someone else.

Joshua took a moment to assess the situation before calmly remarking, "Bad posture. You can't even throw a mere punch correctly. Even a gangster should maintain a great form."

"Aren't you getting ahead of yourself here?" Joshua replied calmly, his voice laced with a hint of concern. "I was actually hoping we could find a peaceful resolution to this situation, but now it seems like you've changed your mind. Let's think about this for a moment before resorting to violence."

Suddenly, a teacher's voice interrupted the tense atmosphere. "Hey! What are you guys doing, obstructing passage down the stairs?" she shouted sternly as she approached them.

Startled by the teacher's presence, the instigator quickly tried to diffuse the situation. "Nothing," the instigator mumbled, his hand still nervously running through his hair.

The teacher's voice held a note of impatience as she instructed them to disperse. "Disperse! I would rather not see anyone standing idle on the stairs," she said firmly, sending them a stern glare.

Feeling the tension rise, the guy placed his hand on Joshua's shoulder, whispering in a threatening tone, "Let not our paths cross again, or else... you'll experience a trauma greater than your leg."

Joshua took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure. "Just let me be..." he responded quietly. He added silently to himself, "If it weren't for my injured legs, it wouldn't take more than a minute to show you guys what I'm capable of."

Joshua made his way to class, found his seat, and began working on his assignment. Suddenly, Mark rushed up to him, a cheerful expression on his face. "Joshua, thanks for coming today. I felt pleased having you by my side," he chuckled.

"No problem," Joshua replied, smiling in return. "So, John is your captain, right?" he asked, wanting to confirm.

"Yes, he is. What about him?" Mark inquired, curious.

"I must say, he possesses a natural sixth sense that is essential for a skilled martial artist. However, it seems like he lacks proper training," Joshua shared his observation.

Mark nodded in agreement. "I've always believed that we are the best in our team. And, well, I can't stand Skye and his arrogant behavior. Unfortunately, there's not much we can do about it unless you join the team," he chuckled, suggesting an alternative with a playful tone.

"Dream on!" Joshua playfully retorted to Mark's suggestion.

After finishing his assignment, Joshua said goodbye to Mark and made his way home. On his way, he couldn't resist stealing a quick glance at Morgan, a subtle display of his interest.