Sophia sat in front of the mirror, earrings halfway in, eyes lost in thought. The distant laughter of relatives echoed softly through the closed door.
Sophia (thinking): The day has arrived… it's my marriage.
She exhaled deeply.
A knock came at the door.
Sophia: Who's there? I'm getting ready!
Another knock.
Sophia (thinking): Who could it be?
Sophia: Okay, just come in.
The door creaked open. Sophia turned—and saw Anya.
Sophia (smiling): If I'm not wrong… you're Adi's little sister. A… Anya, right?
Anya: Ohh, you know?
Sophia: Of course I know.
They both hugged and sat down on the nearby sofa.
Anya: But I didn't know you also call Brother "Adi", huh?
Anya said it with a smirk. Sophia's face turned pale.
Sophia: I—no—it's not like—
Anya: Now, now, it's okay. Today, you're going to marry him.
They both laughed.
Anya: So, what should I call you now? Sis, Sister-in-law, just Sophia?
Sophia (with a soft smile): Whatever you want.
Anya laughed again.
Anya: If brother were in your place, he would've scolded me.
Sophia: Adi? He does that?
Anya: He just wants excuses to scold me!
Sophia: I didn't know he scolds you that much.
Anya burst into laughter again.
Anya: You really don't get jokes, huh? Sis.
Sophia: You were joking? So… he doesn't?
Anya: He does. But not much nowadays.
Sophia: Let me come home after marriage—he won't scold you ever again.
They laughed once more, this time louder and brighter.
Anya: Sis, we'll really get along, won't we?
Sophia: We will.
Anya: Now I'm wondering… what's brother doing right now?
Sophia: Yeah—
She paused, her expression tightening.
Sophia (thinking): And Rocky…? Where is he? He didn't come? I hope… they don't come across each other.
Backside of the wedding building. No one around. The sharp sun cast long shadows across the empty space. Silence. Just the whisper of the wind.
Adi and Rocky stood straight, eyes locked, tension thick in the air.
Adi: What do you think you'll gain from this?
Rocky: Ah, right—I didn't tell you. How about this? If I win, you back off.
Adi: Confident. But if I win?
Rocky: Then I'll walk away from this whole marriage deal. Fair enough?
Adi: Good. I accept.
Rocky's thoughts:
This bastard thinks he can beat me? I'll break him and make him lick my shoes…
Adi: So, what are the rules?
Rocky let out a low laugh.
Rocky: Fight however you want.
Adi: Oh, I wasn't asking for me. I was asking for you.
Rocky's thoughts:
He's asking for me? Cocky idiot. He has no idea I've fought experts in the streets since I was a kid.
Adi: Whatever you're thinking—just know I won't hold back.
Rocky: You really are full of yourself, huh?
Both stepped forward.
Stared eye to eye.
Took their stance.
Adi raised his elbows, covering his face.
Rocky threw a light jab — Adi took a small step back.
Rocky stepped forward, exhaled hard, and launched an uppercut.
Adi dodged.
Rocky didn't stop — he followed with a right hook.
Adi bent back, ducking it — but then Rocky came in with a sudden knee strike.
Adi's thoughts:
Let me show off a little, brat.
Adi twisted out of the knee, grabbed Rocky's legs — slammed him to the ground.
Adi mounted and rained punches — Rocky tried to shield with his elbows.
Breathing heavy. Struggling.
Adi kept throwing. No pause.
Rocky resisted. Adi backed off.
Rocky kipped up to his feet — blood dripping from his nose, a cough escaping.
Rocky's thoughts:
How? How's he this fast? That takedown — I didn't see it coming. This bastard…
Adi paced slow, calculated steps.
Rocky rushed in, swept Adi's leg — got behind him and locked both of Adi's arms.
But — Adi smashed his elbow into Rocky's gut.
Again.
Blood coughed up, but Rocky didn't let go.
Adi twisted, grabbed Rocky's arms — flipped him overhead — slammed him on the ground.
Before Rocky could breathe —
Adi locked in a sleeper hold, legs wrapped around Rocky's torso like chains.
Rocky's eyes went red. He struggled — but it was futile.
He couldn't move.
Adi's grip was brutal. Perfect form.
His legs crushed Rocky's ribs.
His arms blocked all air.
Rocky's thoughts:
Is this... the end? Am I gonna die? Like this?
I wanted to live... with my sister... I don't want to die... not like this.
His vision blurred.
His body went weak.
Rocky's thoughts:
Why did I do this? For revenge? For embarrassment?
Feels... so damn stupid now.
Just as he was about to lose consciousness —
Adi let go.
He stood up.
Rocky coughed violently.
Breathing heavy. Gasping.
The sun behind Adi blinded him — he couldn't even see him clearly.
Adi (turning his shoulder): Can't breathe? Long inhale... short exhale. It'll help.
Rocky followed the rhythm.
Adi: I won. Not that I didn't expect it.
Adi began to walk away.
Rocky: Wait…
Adi paused. Glanced back over his shoulder.
Adi: Still wanna fight?
Rocky: No... I wanna ask.
Before the fight, you said you wouldn't hold back.
But... you didn't even give 50%, did you?
Adi: You figured, huh.
You weren't bad. But I trained in martial arts through school and college.
While others partied — I spent evenings sweating in the dojo.
Compared to me… you were just an amateur.
Rocky: Yeah... right.
But let me tell you... I didn't tap out.
Adi (with a small smirk): Yeah. You didn't.
He walked off.
Rocky's thoughts:
But I lost. I know… you're not a bad guy. You're not the wrong person for my sister.
My grudge did this. I'm sorry, sis...
Rocky looked up at the sky — eyes burning —
And screamed.
As Adi entered the main gate, he wiped sweat off his brow.
Adi (thinking): Ugh… I'm all sweaty. Gotta shower again and get dressed properly.
His shirt sleeves were rolled up, bloodstains still fresh on the fabric. His hair was messy, skin glistening with sweat.
Karin spotted him first and rushed over, Shin following close behind.
Karin: Adi! What happened? Look at you!
Adi: Yeah, you were right — it's scorching outside.
Shin's eyes dropped to Adi's shirt, eyes widening at the stains.
Shin: Adi… your shirt… is that blood?
Adi: Ah, this? Don't worry. He coughed blood.(He said it like it was nothing.)
Karin: That brat? You did good — I knew you'd beat the hell outta him.
Shin: Wait, Karin—hold on. Adi, what exactly did you do? Don't tell me you—
Adi: Shin, chill. It's not what you think.
At that moment, his mother and Anya walked over.
Mother: Adi! What are you doing standing here like this?
Adi: Just about to get ready, don't worry.
Mother: Tsukiyo just called. She's at the gate and doesn't have the card. Go bring her in.
Adi: She's here? Okay, I'll go get her.
As he turned to head out, a voice called from behind.
Dakeshi: Heyyy Adi! Wait, I'll come with you!
Adi: Dakeshi! Then come on — hurry up.
Adi and Dakeshi head off toward the entrance.