Chapter 4: New Bonds and Renewal

The morning starts off in the usual way, with sunlight streaming through my curtains. I stretch, a small smile on my lips. "Zack Lee... I beat him." A certain pride rises in me, but nothing too arrogant. After all, it was just a fight, and I'm still far from being as strong as Ryo Narushima. "But I'm making progress."

I jump out of bed, grabbing my training clothes before heading to the gym. There's no better way to start the day. A bit of strength training, a bit of karate... It's become a routine.

I get ready, my headphones securely in place. I scroll through my playlist before stopping on "TKKF - [41 shitemasu]." As soon as the beat starts, I feel the energy surge through me. The beats hit, and I start my movements with enthusiasm. Punches, kicks, everything flows almost without thought. Each movement is smooth and natural.

"It's getting easier and easier." I focus on my karate techniques, hitting harder and harder. "It's probably thanks to the model, but whatever. As long as I'm getting stronger, that's all that matters."

The fast pace of the music drives me further. I speed up, my punches become more precise. My legs fly through the air. It's like I feel a new strength with every move. But I don't dwell on it. "Just a good workout."

School resumes its usual pace. Everything seems normal. Well, as normal as it can be. I still feel sore from the fight with Zack, but I feel good. As I arrive, I run into Jay and Vasco, two guys I often see in the hallways. Jay is more reserved, while Vasco is bursting with energy.

"Hey, Ian! How's it going?" Vasco calls out to me with a big grin.

I nod, smiling a little. "Good, how about you?"

"Always great! I'm training later, want to join?"

I think about my own training and how I want to make progress on my own for now. "Maybe another time, Vasco."

Jay doesn't say much, but he gives me a polite nod. He and I haven't really talked much, but he seems cool.

As I walk down the hallway, I think back to Zack. "He's probably still mad..." Yesterday's fight wasn't supposed to happen that way. He attacked me because of a misunderstanding with Mira. I'm not even interested in her, but Zack is so protective that he saw me as a threat.

Suddenly, I spot him at the end of the hallway, near his group of friends. He's glaring at me, eyebrows furrowed. "Alright, Ian, time to clear this up."

I walk towards him. As soon as he sees me coming, he straightens up, ready for another round. "Again?" I sigh inwardly but keep my cool.

"Zack." He looks at me defiantly, like he's expecting me to say something stupid.

"I'll be clear," I say calmly but firmly. "I'm not interested in Mira. What happened the other day was a misunderstanding. I'm just talking to her. That's it."

Zack stares at me for what feels like an eternity, his face unreadable. Then, slowly, his expression softens a little. "Really? You sure?"

I nod. "Yeah. Not my style."

He seems to hesitate but finally sighs. "Okay, I believe you. But if you get close to her again, we'll talk."

"No problem," I reply, relieved that things are finally clear.

After school, I head back to the gym. The day has been pretty quiet after clearing things up with Zack. There was some tension, but at least the misunderstanding is resolved.

I put on "ZEQUIN - BABYLONE" in my headphones and pick up where I left off this morning. My movements are even faster, more precise. Every punch cracks the air, every kick hits with new force. I'm not even thinking about what I'm doing anymore. My body moves naturally, like all of this has been part of me forever.

"I'm at 8% of the model... I can feel it." But to me, it's just a number. I feel like I'm getting better, and that's all that matters.

I strike with all my strength, imagining I'm facing an invisible opponent. Sweat drips down my face, but I don't care. "I'm getting stronger."