4
1151 Words
ELLA
“And remember, one thing that determines how the match flows is how well your balance is.” I explained to the listening crowd.
The eyes on me only added to my confidence and calm. “Lose control of that, and you’ll find yourself faltering before you realize it. Do you get that?”
“Yes!”
I smiled, a small breath leaving me. “In any case, I’ve spoken to the coach about needing new supplies. He says we can expect it anytime from next week.”
“Nice.” Liam pumped his fist.
I chuckled, clapping my hands. “So those on cleaning duty today, don’t make me remind you to stay back.”
I had just about ended my briefing when the club room door slid open. All heads turned to the door just as the BlackMoon heir walked in.
His presence at the meeting spurred a series of murmurs and looks of surprise. One look at him, and you’d never picture him in this type of scene. He was frail, slim…weak.
“No way,” one guy chuckled. “What’s he doing here?”
“Bet he’ll faint at the sight of a punching bag,” another girl chuckled.
“I’ll bet twenty.”
“He’s so skinny…”
Caden ignored most of the comments and continued making his way toward me. I turned to the people laughing and pointing. One glare was enough for them to immediately shut up.
He finally stopped before me. “Hello.”
“You made it.” I smiled.
“I would have been here earlier,” he had a sheepish look on his face. “Our homeroom teacher wanted to address us.”
My smile widened. “And that’s completely fine.”
I turned to the rest of the club members. “Starting today, we have a new member. He’s going to be my personal trainee. Anyone who has a problem with that is going to answer to me.”
I noticed Liam’s frown. But other than that, he said nothing. I soaked in the silence for a couple more seconds.
“Alright,” I clapped my hands. “Let’s begin.”
I sucked in a breath. “A boxer’s stance determines balance, power, and defence.”
I first encouraged him to stand still, then began guiding his body to the right stance. “You want your knees bent slightly, chin tucked. Gotta keep your elbows close to the ribs, too. It’ll protect you from any hooks.”
“Okay,” Caden nodded, trying to get the stance right.
“Never hold your breath when you fight. It’ll make you tire easily,” I explained. “And then your footwork. You have to step…then punch.”
I took a swing at the air. “Keep your steps small and sharp.”
My voice remained firm but gentle as I spoke. I could see him inevitably falling harder than before.
As good as all my explanations were, it still wasn’t easy for him. His legs kept trembling whenever he moved. His punches were too soft. During one particular spar, he almost collapsed.
“Calm down.”
I stepped behind him and began adjusting his wrist from behind. “You move like so.”
Our bodies were dangerously close, and I could barely hear anything over the pounding in my own chest when I became aware of the BlackMoon heir’s lemon scent.
It was…strangely calming.
We trained a bit more before I eventually suggested a water break. Caden looked like he couldn’t be more grateful.
While I chugged down my bottle of water, I noticed his gaze remain on my arms. I’d opted for tape instead of my signature sleeves. It wasn’t bad, but he’d seen small peaks of the bruises.
As soon as I came back to the bench, he spoke. “Can I ask something?”
I smiled. “Sure. Ask away.”
“Those bruises,” he said, and I mentally winced when his expression darkened. “Is…Is everything okay?”
I turned away. “Couple of careless matches. No big deal.”
Caden let out a breath. “If you ever need someone to listen, I will.”
It was subtle at first, but I eventually turned to face him. No one had ever offered me that before. The offer to just listen.
Caden spoke again. “Most people look at me and think only of the power that comes with my family name. It’s not as rosy as they think. Failure’s completely unacceptable, and those loving bonds that make up a family? No one has time for that.”
He sighed. “My father sees me for what I could be. Not what I am now. And as painful as it is, it’s something I’ve forced myself to come to terms with.”
“Wow,” I said, my gaze dropping to my fingers. Then I let out a breath.
“My stepmother,” I started hesitantly, “she despises me more than anything. Thinks I’m a stain on this earth. And my father, he just lets it happen. The beatings, the bullying…everything. I try not to think too hard on it. There’s only so much you can cry about anyway.”
When I raised my eyes to meet Caden’s, my breath nearly hitched. His eyes had darkened, and though it was concealed, I could feel anger radiating off him.
It felt strangely good. To have someone who wasn’t Liam feel anger on my behalf. I felt seen.
Caden sucked in a deep breath, waiting for me to let my guard down. In the faintest moment, he took the chance and swung at me.
The punch connected.
I was momentarily stunned. Then a small smile spread across my face. The whole world seemed to go still.
It felt rare, and oddly genuine. I wanted him to see me smile like that again. Smile at him like that.
“Alright,” I peeled off my gloves. “Let’s call it a day. Great job rookie.”
Caden didn’t hold back his own smile this time. “Thank you.”
I packed up the rest of my gear, preparing to leave the club. With any luck, Selene and Sarah would have gone shopping, so I wouldn’t have to see them.
“No, no. You don’t get it.”
I paused, stopping by the door. It was Liam. And it sounded like he was arguing with someone.
“Are you sure?”
Liam sighed. “I’m telling you. He’s hiding something. I don’t know what, but I don’t trust him.”
I frowned, his words eating at my mind. I was suddenly at a crossroads. On one hand, there was Liam. My brother, and the one person I could call my lifeline.
On the other hand, there was Caden. The boy who was slowly starting to soften my heart.
- Writer
