AUTHOR'S NOTE
This chapter marks a turning point. The energy is shifting — not in an explosive way, but in a way that's slow, grounded, and quietly powerful.
"Strength in Small Steps" isn't just about training or bonding — it's about realizing that every member of the group is changing in their own way. The mood is different here. Softer. Realer.
But make no mistake: this is the calm before the storm.After this chapter, the story takes a sharp turn — emotionally, thematically, even genre-wise.So treat this one like the final stretch of sunlight before the shadows start to move.Read it fully. Visualize it.And wait for what comes next.
[Setting the Mood – A Subtle Shift]
The school trip had been more than just a break from routine. It had been a wake-up call.
Daniel's group always thought of themselves as strong in their own way—athletic, fast, competitive. But after everything that happened on the trip, there was a lingering feeling, an unspoken thought that settled in the back of their minds.
Maybe they weren't as prepared as they thought.
It wasn't about fighting. It wasn't about proving something. It was just... a realization.
And it started with Ethan.
[A Small Request – Ethan Takes the First Step]
Late afternoon, the school's practice field. Most students had already cleared out, leaving just a few stragglers kicking a ball around. The sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the field.
Rowan sat on the bleachers, hands in his pockets, watching. He wasn't the type to mingle much. Even after the trip, even after the group had fully accepted him, he still felt like he was just there.
That's when Ethan walked up.
"Yo," Ethan said, plopping down next to him.
Rowan raised a brow. "yeah."
There was a brief silence before Ethan leaned back, looking up at the sky.
"So… you're good at this kind of stuff, huh?"
Rowan blinked. "What stuff?"
"You know…" Ethan waved his hand vaguely. "That whole fight thing. You don't just react, you actually know how to move, how to hit. It's different."
Rowan didn't respond immediately. He wasn't sure where this was going.
Ethan exhaled through his nose. "I was thinking. Maybe you could teach me something? Just some small stuff—like movement, dodging, how to take a hit better. Nothing crazy."
Rowan studied him for a second. Ethan wasn't joking, but he also wasn't desperate. He wasn't trying to become a 'fighter' overnight. He was just… curious.
Rowan leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. "You don't need that for soccer."
Ethan smirked. "Maybe not. But you ever get into a collision mid-game? Balance, reaction speed, body control—it all helps. Figured learning from you wouldn't hurt."
Rowan exhaled, then nodded slightly. "Alright. I can show you a few things."
Ethan grinned. "Bet."
[The Others Catch On – Strength, Not Fighting]
What started as Ethan just asking for tips turned into something more.
Ryan saw them messing around one afternoon—Ethan trying to dodge Rowan's slow, controlled strikes while keeping his balance. It was a test of footwork more than anything.
"Hey, what are you guys doing?" Ryan asked, leaning on the fence.
Ethan wiped sweat off his forehead. "Learning how not to get hit."
Ryan scoffed. "You're actually letting him hit you?"
Rowan shrugged. "It's slow. Controlled. If he moves right, he won't get hit at all."
Ryan clicked his tongue, intrigued. "Tch… Might not be a bad idea. You mind if I join?"
One by one, the others started picking up interest. It wasn't about fighting—it was about movement, awareness, control. Even Zach got involved, though he made it clear that he wasn't planning on taking hits like Ethan.
"Bro, I'd rather not get punched in the face for fun," Zach muttered, but he still ended up working on footwork drills.
It was casual. Not a hardcore training regimen, just something they did on the side.
Daniel noticed it. And he didn't like it.
[Daniel's Dilemma – A Distance Forms]
At first, he ignored it. It wasn't like they were suddenly trying to become fighters. They were just messing around.
But the more he saw them practicing—saw them trying to get better, even in small ways—the more something nagged at him.
Were they… doing this because of him?
Because he was the one stepping into this world?
Because they didn't want to be left behind?
He didn't like that.
One afternoon, as the group was wrapping up their little 'practice' session, Logan noticed Daniel leaning against the fence, watching.
"Hey, Daniel, you wanna join?" Logan called out, tossing a ball up and catching it.
Daniel just shook his head. "Nah. I'm good."
He turned and walked off before they could say anything else.
[A Small Shift – Finals Study Session Approaches]
Despite the subtle tension forming, life went on.
Finals were around the corner, which meant the group started meeting up to study. Sarah, Lena, and Nina joined in too, making it feel different from their usual hangouts.
Rowan, despite being the newest addition, was naturally part of it now.
"Alright, focus up," Sarah said, flipping through her notes. "I am not carrying your asses through this exam."
Owen groaned. "Man, this is worse than getting punched."
"Then maybe you should've taken more hits and less naps," Nina teased.
Daniel was quieter than usual during the session. He still joked around, still laughed, but something felt off.
Ethan noticed.
After the study session wrapped up, Ethan caught up to Daniel as they left the cafe.
"You good?" he asked.
Daniel shoved his hands in his pockets. "Yeah. Why?"
Ethan tilted his head. "Dunno. You've been kinda… distant. Something on your mind?"
Daniel hesitated. He could've just shrugged it off, made a joke. But instead, he sighed.
"You guys doing all that training stuff…" He exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "You're not doing it for me, right?"
Ethan raised a brow. "Huh?"
Daniel looked away. "I mean, you're not just doing it because I'm stepping into all this. I don't want you guys feeling like you have to keep up with me or some shit."
Ethan blinked, then let out a laugh.
"Dude. We're doing it because it's fun. And yeah, maybe the trip made us think a bit, but it's not like we're trying to be fighters. It's just… something new, y'know? Something to challenge ourselves."
Daniel stayed quiet for a moment before finally cracking a small grin.
"Tch… If you say so."
Ethan smirked. "Relax, Dan. We're not trying to be you."
Daniel chuckled. "Good. You wouldn't stand a chance."
Ethan nudged him. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever, man."
As they walked down the street, the weight Daniel had been carrying felt just a little lighter.
They weren't doing this to chase him. They were just growing in their own way.
And for the first time in a while… that didn't feel so bad.