The morning air in the training hall smelled of sweat, polish, and determination. Sunlight streamed through the high windows, catching the floating dust motes and making the entire hall feel like a golden arena. Students moved in synchronized chaos, punching, dodging, and sparring under the watchful eyes of the seniors.
Soon Hae's gloves (her rabbit-with-pig-nose gloves) were strapped snugly on her hands, a weight she could feel not just physically, but emotionally. They weren't just protective gear; they were a symbol, a challenge, and a reminder that she had been seen.
Fang Yu leaned against the wall, smirking. "Feeling like a pro yet, clumsy rabbit?"
"Don't remind me," Soon Hae muttered, bouncing lightly on the balls of her feet. "I almost tripped over the bag this morning again."
Bai Cao rolled his eyes, adjusting his stance across the mat. "Focus Gloves or no gloves, today's training is going to be brutal."
Soon Hae nodded, tightening her gloves. She could feel the energy pulsing through her fingers, the design staring back at her like a talisman: the ridiculous little rabbit with its pig nose seemed to wink at her, daring her to rise to the challenge.
Across the hall, Kim Nana's gaze zeroed in on her like a hawk. The moment the gloves appeared, Nana's lips curled into a tight smile, tension simmering just beneath her composed exterior. She wasn't about to let a transfer beginner steal any attention from her and she certainly didn't like Lu Han's silent approval of Soon Hae.
The first round of sparring began, and Soon Hae jumped into the ring with Fang Yu. The gloves felt different, almost alive, amplifying her movements with each swing and block.
"Come on, Rabbit," Fang Yu teased, his jabs coming fast. "Show me what you've got!"
Soon Hae dodged clumsily, then retaliated with a surprisingly precise uppercut. Fang Yu's eyebrows shot up. "Not bad," he admitted, clearly impressed.
Bai Cao observed quietly from the sidelines, noting her improvements. "Better form than yesterday," he murmured. "She's growing fast."
But Nana wasn't impressed by subtle progress. She stormed over to the edge of the ring, voice sharp. "Careful, Soon Hae, You're not as invincible as you think."
Her words only made Soon Hae tighten her grip on the gloves. The rabbit's pig nose seemed almost to challenge her to prove Nana wrong.
Round after round, Soon Hae moved with growing confidence. She still stumbled occasionally, tripped over her own feet, and misjudged distances, but every swing carried a spark of determination that was impossible to ignore.
Lu Han appeared quietly at the sidelines, arms crossed, observing her with the same calm, serious expression that had both intimidated and inspired her in the past. His eyes didn't leave her for a second, and somehow, that made her push harder.
Nana's scowl deepened as she watched. The gloves, ridiculous as they were, seemed to have transformed Soon Hae into someone more than just clumsy. Someone noticeable.
At the end of the training session, Soon Hae was drenched in sweat, her hair plastered to her forehead, but she couldn't hide the triumphant smile tugging at her lips. Fang Yu clapped her on the back. "Not bad for a rabbit."
Bai Cao nodded, handing her a towel. "You're improving faster than I expected."
Nana, however, wasn't finished. She leaned close to Soon Hae, voice low and venomous. "Enjoy it while it lasts. You're on my radar now."
Soon Hae's eyes flicked to Lu Han, who merely watched silently, giving no sign that he noticed Nana's threat. The gloves, resting snugly on her hands, felt heavier now not with fear, but with purpose.
Outside, in the shadows, Nana's gaze lingered on the academy, plotting. The gloves had changed the dynamic, and she wasn't going to let Soon Hae rise without a fight.
Soon everyone was sent cards containing special invitations to Mr Han jae mins birthday celebration. Nana stared at Soon Hae with a deadly smirk.
Soon Hae returns home as usual to chores and the restaurant busy. The thought of going to Lu hans house sent shivers down her spine. She stared at herself in her mirror making victorious boxer poses and ends up laughing while hugging her gift gloves with piggy rabbit.
Later that evening, as Soon Hae rested in her room, she traced the rabbit with a pig nose on her gloves. Her mind replayed the day: the punches, the dodges, Nana's jealousy, and Lu Han's quiet observation. She realized something important: the gloves weren't just about fighting. They were about confidence, about acknowledgment, and about proving that even a clumsy rabbit could leap, stumble, and rise stronger than ever.
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