In love with a black belt

Episode 13: The final

The last day of the competition had finally arrived. It was the final lap of the tournament the day that would decide who took home the medals, the trophies, and the scholarships everyone had worked so hard for.

Aria woke up early that morning, her stomach tied in knots. She had trained for this moment for months, and now it was here.

When they arrived at the venue, the air was filled with noise shoes squeaking on the floor, students stretching, coaches calling out instructions. Tristan was already there, standing tall and calm, wearing his black belt proudly. His eyes softened when he saw Aria, but he kept his distance.

When her name was called, she bowed politely and stepped forward. The referee raised his hand and shouted,

“Aka, ao… hajime!”

The match began. She remembered everything Tristan had ever taught her “steady stance,” “control your breathing,” “trust your timing.” She blocked, punched, and kicked with precision.

“Guard up, Aria!” Tristan shouted, his voice filled with passion and belief.

Aria’s energy changed. She fought harder, faster, smarter. She won all the rounds.

Then it was Isabella’s turn. When she won, Tristan laughed with joy, lifted her up, and spun her around proudly. Aria smiled, clapping for her friend. When he put Isabella down, Aria rushed to hug her and kissed her cheek. Tristan joined in for a quick group hug, but without meaning to, his hand rested over Aria’s shoulder, his head brushing against hers. Isabella noticed but pretended she didn’t.

As she looked away, her mind filled with thoughts she couldn’t ignore. Her father had always cared for Aria even sending her small gifts and toiletries through Isabella when she visited the orphanage. But he never wanted Aria to know they were from him. Now, watching them, it all made sense.

Could they have been more than just coach and student? Were they once in love? Maybe they ended it because of Veronica, his fiancée. Isabella remembered how Aria left early on the night of the engagement party. Everything was starting to add up.

She knew her father well he wasn’t the type to use people. If anything, he gave up his own happiness for others. Maybe he truly loved Aria but was forced to move on.

Later, the prize-giving ceremony began. Aria’s team proudly received their gold medals. Their academy’s name Tristan Cross Academy was called out loudly. Cameras flashed, applause filled the hall, and smiles lit the room. Aria also received a gold medal for her individual fight, a big trophy, and £8000 in cash.

She stood there frozen for a moment, overwhelmed. She had never held so much money in her life. For the first time, she felt that her hard work and pain had paid off. Tristan’s eyes watered as he watched her smile. He had tried many times to help her financially, but she always refused.

He hugged the entire team proudly, his heart swelling with joy. Isabella, standing beside him, saw how Aria looked at her father and how he looked back at her. It wasn’t just admiration. It was love.

When the event ended, the team walked out toward their bus, with “Tristan Cross Academy” printed in bold letters on the side. Just as Aria was about to step in, Isabella grabbed her hand.

“Come with us,” she said.

Aria hesitated. “No, I should go with the team.”

“Please,” Isabella insisted.

So she did. She followed her into the car, sitting quietly in the back seat. Tristan was driving, his expression lighting up the moment he noticed Aria.

“Dad, I’m so hungry,” Isabella said cheerfully. “Can we go for pizza?”

He smiled and turned the car toward their favorite pizza place.

At the restaurant, they found a quiet spot near the window. The air smelled of cheese and spices. Isabella scrolled on her phone while waiting for the food. Aria sat stiffly, unsure how to act. Having Isabella there made her nervous.

“I want to use the bathroom,” she said, pretending to head toward the restroom. But really, she just wanted a moment to to observe them from a distance.

It was a classy restaurant filled with quiet, rich-looking people. No one was paying them any attention. Tristan took a deep breath and turned slightly toward Aria. He reached out and gently touched her hand.

“Tristan,” she whispered quickly, “you’re engaged. Please stop. Someone might see us.”

He looked around. “No one’s watching. These people don’t care.”

“You have a woman waiting for you at home,” she said softly.

He sighed. “Did I say I wanted anything from you?”

“Please behave yourself, sir,” she said firmly, pulling her hand away.

He frowned, looking like a scolded child, and turned away. She did the same. They sat in silence for a moment.

Isabella noticed everything and got back. Her heart ached for them both. She started a cheerful conversation, showing Aria funny videos on her phone to lighten the mood. The girls laughed while Tristan ate quietly, lost in his thoughts.

Later, he drove them home. Aria hugged Isabella goodbye and gave Tristan a polite nod before leaving. He watched her walk away, her ponytail swinging, her heart still holding a piece of his.

As he drove home, he smiled faintly. It had been a beautiful day one that began and ended with Aria. He wished it could always be that way.

But the moment he walked through his front door, reality hit him. Veronica ran toward him, screaming with joy, and wrapped her arms around him. He flinched slightly but forced himself to smile. Isabella saw the disgust on his face and the emptiness behind his fake grin.

He excused himself and went straight to his room. Veronica, meanwhile, was busy applying hair dye and face masks while sipping wine. She didn’t even notice him leave.

Downstairs, Jaden sat on the couch, annoyed at Veronica’s loudness. He quietly watched TV with his little sister, Elsie, sitting on his lap.

“Congratulations, Isabella,” he said as she walked past.

She smiled and gave him a high five. Then she went to her room, ignoring Veronica completely.

A few minutes later, Veronica's phone buzzed with a new message. She picked it up and saw the name John. Her heart skipped. She quickly locked her door, sat on her bed, and opened the message.