Bada's body ached more than ever. Bruises covered her ribs, her arms, and her face, making each movement a struggle. Her friends begged her to rest, to go home, to take care of herself, but she ignored them all. The thought of Saeles alone inside that house, enduring another brutal training session, was unbearable.
She limped toward the house again, each step sending jolts of pain through her body. Her hands trembled as she clutched her bag, her knuckles raw from pressing against her ribs.
Hiding behind the same lamppost, Bada peered through the window. Saeles's shadow moved with deadly precision, fists striking the bag, shoulders tense, sweat dripping from her forehead. Bada's chest ached, but she pressed closer to the fence.
"I… I'll stay… I don't care if she hates me… I'll protect her… I'll never leave…" she whispered. Her voice broke with tears.
She didn't notice the slight creak of the floorboards behind her—the moment Saeles stepped outside.