SONG RECOMMENDATION: EXPERIENCED MANY BATTLES- By Vasaria Project
The next day, after juggling her university classes and a part-time job, Stella stepped into the defense academy, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. She was dressed comfortably in a white crop hoodie that hugged her figure just right and a pair of black gym pants that allowed for easy movement. As she placed her bag in the locker, the familiar scent of sweat and determination filled the air, a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.
Upon entering the office, she was taken aback to find Ethan leaning casually against the desk, a friendly smile spreading across his face. But it was the presence of Simon that sent her heart racing. He leaned nonchalantly on the table, arms crossed, his gaze piercing yet playful.
"Hey, Stella! Simon is going to be your personal trainer, starting today," Ethan announced, enthusiasm brimming in his voice.
Stella's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You said you had more than ten personal trainers, but you didn't mention him," she retorted, a hint of unease lacing her words. She felt a familiar tug of tension at the thought of working closely with Simon, especially after the incident just a few days prior when he had nearly destroyed a guy's face during a fight.
"Uh, I'm sorry about that," Ethan said, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly. "But none of the others are available right now. I really am sorry."
Stella sighed, feeling the weight of her predicament settle on her shoulders. "Fine," she conceded, her resolve crumbling under the pressure of the situation.
"Then let's start," Simon said, his tone shifting to that of a commanding presence. "Follow me." His voice was smooth, and she felt a strange mix of fear and attraction as she trailed behind him.
As they walked, Simon led her through the dimly lit corridors of the academy, the echoes of footsteps reverberating off the walls. Stella couldn't shake the feeling that their proximity was dangerous, and yet, she couldn't deny the thrill of being close to him.
He brought her to the boxing center, a spacious room filled with heavy bags, gloves, and a ring that seemed to pulse with energy. Stella looked around, her heart sinking slightly. "I signed up for defense, not boxing," she said, crossing her arms in defiance.
"I know," Simon replied, a smirk playing on his lips. "But I prefer the boxing center. So every day, you'll come here." His confidence radiated, and she found it infuriating.
"Why is there no one here?" she asked, glancing around the empty space, feeling a strange sense of unease.
"The boxing center is closed from 8:30 to 10:30 for maintenance," Simon explained, his voice casual, as if he had all the time in the world.
Stella felt a pang of disappointment mixed with anxiety. The empty space felt daunting, and the thought of facing Simon alone was intimidating. "So we're going to do this everyday?" she asked, trying to mask her nerves.
"Looks like it," he replied, turning to face her fully. The dark glint in his eyes made her heart race, and she couldn't help but wonder if this was going to be more than just a training session.
"Great," she muttered, rolling her eyes. "What do you have planned?"
"Today, we'll only do the basics and check your posture," Simon said, crossing his arms over his chest as he surveyed her stance. There was a hint of seriousness in his tone that made Stella instantly alert.
"Posture?" she echoed, raising an eyebrow. "I thought we were going to do some actual fighting moves today."
Simon chuckled, shaking his head. "Not yet. Proper form is crucial if you want to avoid injuries later on. Besides, how can you defend yourself if you're not standing tall?"
Stella rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile. "You sound like a mom," she shot back, trying to keep the mood light despite the tension lingering in the air.
"Good," Simon replied, his voice smooth as he stepped closer. "That means I'm doing my job right. Now, let's see how you stand."
He gestured for her to take her position. Stella straightened her back, trying to project confidence despite her growing nerves. Simon moved around her, assessing her stance with a critical eye.
"Feet shoulder-width apart," he instructed, and she adjusted her stance accordingly. "Bend your knees slightly. Keep your chin up and your shoulders back."
Stella tried to follow his commands, but it felt awkward. "This feels ridiculous," she muttered, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.
"Ridiculous? Or necessary?" Simon countered, his voice steady. "Trust me, if you want to be quick on your feet, you have to find balance in your stance. It's all about your foundation."
She bit her lip, fighting the urge to argue further. "Fine, I'll try," she conceded, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
"Good. Now, when I say 'go,' I want you to throw a punch," Simon instructed, stepping back to give her space. "Focus on your form, not the power. We'll build from there."
"Okay," Stella replied, feeling a rush of adrenaline at the thought.
"Go!" he commanded.
Stella threw a punch, feeling her body move with a surprising fluidity. Simon nodded, a hint of approval in his expression. "Not bad! But remember to pivot on your back foot. It'll give you more power and balance."
She nodded, taking his feedback to heart. Despite her initial reluctance, she could feel a spark of excitement building within her. "Let's do it again," she said, determination flooding her voice.
Simon smirked. "That's the spirit. We'll get you where you need to be in no time."
The next whole week, Simon focused entirely on teaching Stella the basics. Every day was a repetition of stances, footwork, and throwing punches with precision. By Saturday, they had just finished another session, and Stella was panting, hands resting on her knees as she caught her breath.
"You're only making me stand around, throw a few punches, and do these basic exercises," she complained, frustration edging into her voice. "When will I learn the real stuff? The actual defense moves?"
Simon leaned against the ropes of the boxing ring, his expression calm and unbothered by her impatience. "Next week," he said, wiping sweat from his brow with a towel. "You have to get a hang of the basics first."
Stella frowned, straightening her posture. "But I've been practicing all week! "
Simon shook his head, his gaze locking onto hers. "Not yet. The basics are more important than you think. If your foundation isn't solid, it'll fall apart when you're in a real fight."
She crossed her arms, still unsatisfied with his response. "It just feels like I'm not progressing fast enough. What if I don't learn in time?"
He stepped closer, his tone softening but still firm. "You will. Trust me, Stella, everyone wants to rush to the flashy stuff. But the real strength comes from mastering the fundamentals. You won't realize how important they are until you need them."
Stella let out a deep sigh, recognizing the truth in his words but still feeling the weight of her impatience. "Fine," she muttered, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand. "I'll trust the process."
Simon nodded, a rare smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Good. Now rest up this weekend. Next week, we'll see how much you've really learned."