The arena lights dimmed slightly as the announcer's voice boomed through the gym.
> "Match 5: Lee Daehyun vs. Cho Minjae!"
The crowd stirred. Minjae was no joke—a regional finalist with a long reach and impeccable defense.
But all eyes were on Daehyun.
The prodigy. The tiger cub. The undefeated.
He stepped onto the mat, his expression unreadable.
---
Minjae smirked. "Gonna be an honor, Daehyun-ssi."
Daehyun didn't respond.
He bounced lightly on his toes, eyes laser-focused, not on Minjae—but on the corner of the gym where Raon and Areum were sitting.
Areum was cheering. For both of them.
But Raon?
He wasn't even looking.
---
The bell rang.
Minjae approached cautiously—keeping his distance, testing with low kicks.
Daehyun struck first.
A snap kick to the ribs—fast, sharp, precise.
Minjae blocked and countered with a spinning kick—Daehyun ducked under it and threw a side kick that clipped Minjae's leg.
The crowd erupted.
"Point, Daehyun!"
---
Second round.
Minjae got smarter—he started baiting Daehyun, drawing him out.
Daehyun bit.
He attacked again—this time, reckless.
Minjae caught his leg mid-kick and spun, slamming Daehyun into the mat.
"Point, Minjae!"
---
Daehyun growled. He stood quickly, wiping the blood from his lip.
"Focus," he muttered. "Focus."
He glanced at Areum again.
Still cheering.
Then at Raon.
Still calm. Still unreadable.
---
Final round.
Daehyun unleashed everything. Punches between kicks. Mixes from other martial styles he'd secretly learned.
Minjae staggered.
Daehyun landed a devastating axe kick.
Minjae collapsed.
The bell rang.
> "Winner: Lee Daehyun!"
---
The crowd cheered, but Daehyun didn't smile.
He looked up at the stands—
Areum was clapping for him.
But Raon?
He was already walking out of the gym.
---
Later, in the locker room, Daehyun sat alone.
His fists still clenched. His jaw tight.
Why… why does it feel like I lost?
---
Final Panel:
Raon in a dark stairwell, leaning against the wall, eyes closed.
> [Target Emotional Deviation: Confirmed
Instability Rate: 31%
Trigger Line Breached]
Raon opened his eyes.
Cold. Calculated.
"Now you'll start breaking yourself for me, Daehyun."
---