Chapter 10: Pedaling Forward

(A/N: Yay! Finished finals finally for the final forward finale of the first fit of fire! I don't know what that means actually. Going to go back to writing everyday hopefully, though somedays I will be busy,.)

Chapter 10: Pedaling Forward

Mr. Choi and Minkyu hopped into Mr. Choi's trusty old car, which emitted a few coughs before finally coming to life. With the radio playing a catchy tune, they embarked on their journey to the prestigious biking academy.

As they cruised along the scenic roads, Minkyu couldn't help but admire the picturesque landscapes and charming villages they passed by. The air was crisp, and the anticipation bubbled within him like carbonation in a freshly opened soda can.

"Mr. Choi, what can I expect at this biking academy?" Minkyu asked, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Mr. Choi grinned mischievously. "Ah, my young protégé, you're in for a wild ride. The biking academy is like a boot camp for cycling enthusiasts. They'll push you to your limits, train your body and mind, and mold you into a cycling dynamo."

Arriving at the academy, they were greeted by a sea of colorful jerseys and determined faces. Bicycles whizzed past like streaks of lightning, their riders showcasing impressive skills and speed.

Minkyu's eyes widened as he took in the bustling atmosphere. "Wow, this place is buzzing with energy! It's like a cycling carnival."

Mr. Choi chuckled. "That's right, Minkyu. The academy is a melting pot of talent, with cyclists from all over the world converging here to hone their skills. It's a playground for those with a passion for the pedal."

They made their way to the registration desk, where a man greeted them. Sporting a thick Scandinavian accent, he exuded an aura of authority mixed with a quirky sense of humor.

"Well hello there!" He spoke in English, "If it isn't my old friend! How have you been doing shortstack?"

The man towered above Minkyu and his mentor, standing at about 6'5, while Mr. Choi was 5'10. Minkyu himself was only 5 feet tall, though he was 10 years old. (sorry non-americans, but I don't want to convert. we're using ft, in, miles)

Mr. Choi barely reacted to the insult, and merely smiled. "I've been doing amazing Erik, though I can't imagine the same for you. You look a bit aged since I last saw you, did you gain a few pounds? Oh wait, my apologies, you were always this fat. I must have forgotten."

Minkyu stared at Mr. Choi in shock, while inwardly laughing his heart out.

The giant's face fell, and his smile was replaced with a glare. The two men stared at each other for a moment, before bursting out laughing.

"It's good to see you old friend!"

"Likewise!"

"And who is this dashing young gentleman?" He gestured toward Minkyu.

"This is-"

"Why you must be Minkyu! I've heard so much about you!" Mr. Choi glared at his friend, who had interrupted him.

"Well Minkyu," Mr. Choi said, "meet Coach Erik, an old friend of mine and one of the finest cycling coaches you'll ever come across. I can guarantee his teaching skills, as well as guarantee that he is a bumbling old fool that you should never respect."

"Bah! Don't listen to this grandpa!" The man, now Coach Erik, said. "I'm the head coach at this academy! And fun fact, this academy is the best of its kind in the world! You'll get top of the line education, treatment, and most of all, connections! It's like the Harvard of cycling schools." The coach laughed, "So don't listen to this demented bastard!" and he smacked Mr. Choi at the back of his head.

"HEY!"

But the Coach was staring at Minkyu, and extended a hand, his grip firm and confident. "Pleasure to meet you, Minkyu. I've heard great things about your potential. Welcome to the academy, where we mold the future champions of the cycling world."

Minkyu returned the handshake, a spark of excitement igniting within him. "Thank you, Coach Erik. I'm thrilled to be here and ready to give my all."

Mr. Choi was trying to strangle the coach, but his neck was too meaty to get wrapped in a chokehold.

Coach Erik's eyes gleamed with a mix of curiosity and determination. "Mr. Choi speaks highly of your skills, but I'm here to see for myself. We have a rigorous training program that will push you to your limits. Are you up for the challenge?"

Minkyu's grin widened. "Coach, I'm not just up for the challenge; I'm ready to pedal circles around it!"

Coach Erik chuckled, a twinkle in his eye. "I like your spirit, Minkyu. Let's see if it matches your performance on the road. But before we dive into training, let's take a quick tour of our state-of-the-art facilities."

As they strolled through the academy, Coach Erik pointed out the various training zones—a simulated mountain course for endurance, a wind tunnel for aerodynamics, and a high-tech indoor velodrome for track cycling. The academy was a cyclist's paradise, a playground for honing their skills.

Minkyu's eyes widened with wonder as he absorbed the sights and sounds. "This place is incredible, Coach Erik! It's like a cyclist's dream come true."

Coach Erik chuckled. "Indeed, Minkyu. We spare no expense in providing our athletes with the best resources. But remember, it's not just about the fancy equipment; it's about the passion, dedication, and sweat you put into every ride."

Minkyu nodded, his determination unwavering. "I understand, Coach. I'm ready to give it my all and push my limits."

Coach Erik's gaze softened, his voice filled with conviction. "That's the spirit, Minkyu. With the right mindset and the drive to improve, there's no limit to what you can achieve."

As the tour continued, Minkyu could help but notice the other young students around him. Minkyu had transferred into the school during the middle of the year, and it was into a higher grade level.

Minkyu observed the other young cyclists in the facility, most of them a couple of years older than him. He couldn't help but notice their skills, which, although impressive, were many levels below his own. His mind raced with thoughts as he watched them tackle the various training exercises.

Rather than feeling superior or judgmental, Minkyu approached their performances with a thoughtful and contemplative mindset. He saw the potential in each rider, the areas where they could improve and fine-tune their techniques.

As he watched a girl maneuvering through a tight corner, he couldn't help but notice her slight hesitation, causing her to lose precious seconds. Minkyu pondered on the importance of confidence and taking calculated risks, knowing that even the slightest hesitation could affect the outcome of a race.

Another cyclist caught his attention as he struggled with his pedal stroke, appearing slightly unbalanced on the bike. Minkyu's analytical mind dissected the mechanics of the rider's technique, silently offering suggestions for improvement—smooth and fluid pedal strokes, a more stable body position, and precise weight distribution.

Minkyu's observations weren't meant to belittle or undermine his fellow cyclists. Instead, they stemmed from a genuine desire to see everyone reach their full potential. He understood that cycling was a sport of constant growth, where even the most skilled riders could benefit from subtle adjustments and refinements.

Among the sea of young cyclists, Minkyu's keen eyes caught sight of a group of white students a few years older than him. Their presence commanded attention, not just due to their age, but their remarkable skill on the bike. They moved with a fluidity and precision that mirrored Minkyu's own capabilities, their techniques honed to near perfection. Well, he said they, but it was really only just one. The group itself was skilled, more so than the rest of the bunch he could see, but they were still just children. However one of the teens, who appeared to be the center of the group, was a cut above, standing at a level just below Minkyu. He was blonde, with blue eyes, and a charming smile. He looked quite good-looking for his age, but there was something in his eyes that showed something different, something beyond the surface level.

Minkyu felt compelled to approach him.

Minkyu's curiosity overpowered his initial hesitation, and he decided to approach the young rider.

With a warm smile, Minkyu stepped forward and extended his hand in greeting. "Hey there," he said, his voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. "I couldn't help but notice your exceptional skills out there. I'm Minkyu Kim. It's a pleasure to meet you."

The blonde boy returned the smile, accepting Minkyu's handshake. "I'm Owen Knight," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of confidence.

And with those simple introductions, the path to an unexpected friendship was forged.