The sun wasn't up yet when Daewon was already reaching the park, panting in the cold morning air as he jogged, each step was crunching against the frost covered path. His legs still felt heavy from yesterday's session, his arms were in massive pain, but he still pushed on and tested his limits, determined that he won't stop.
After a few good minutes of jogging, he took a break to stretch, shaking out his arms and legs. "Alright, let's do this!" he said to himself, Daewon dropped to the ground and got into a push-up position. The first three were smooth and quick, by the tenth one, his arms shook like jelly, he then collapsed on the grass, groaning in pain.
"Still not good enough." he sighed, brushing dirt off his hands and chin.
As he took a moment to breathe, something caught his eye, a man standing in the open space ahead. The man looked older, his movements were smooth and calculated, his arms were flowing like water as he adjusted his stance with careful precision.
Daewon tilted his head curiously. He took a step closer, not realizing that the old man had noticed him until he spoke.
"You know, staring is rude young man." the man said without turning around as he exercised. "Watching quietly, are you?" His voice was steady, yet kind and calm.
Daewon then jumped, flustered, he managed to say. "Oh-uh, I didn't mean to... I was just... uh.... sorry sir!"
The man chuckled softly, lowering his arms and turning to face Daewon. His wrinkled face was calm, and his posture gave off quiet strength.
"You're curious. That's good. Curiosity isn't a crime" he smiled softly. "Curiosity is where learning begins." the man continued to exercise. "So what's on your mind young man?"
Daewon hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. "What... what were you doing?"
"Practicing balance and discipline," the man replied. "Some people call it martial arts. Others call it mindfulness. To me, it's both." He looked at Daewon for a a brief moment and examined him. "You look like someone searching for answers. Am I right?"
Daewon then took a deep breath, unsure how to respond. "I guess... I just want to get stronger."
The old man's smile widened. "Strenght isn't just about muscles, boy. Strength without control is like wind without direction. You need patience. Discipline."
Daewon glared at him, thinking of his unbalanced handstands and failed push-ups. "How do I get that?"
The man gestured Daewon to sit. Surprised and despite his hesitation, he obeyed. The old man then sat into a cross-legged position without effort, his movements were smooth for his age. "True strength begins with patience and control. Without those, you're just gonna end up swinging blindly.
Daewon stared. "Control?"
"Yes. Control of your mind, your breath, and your actions." The man demonstrated a slow inhale and exhale, his chest was rising and falling continuously. "Start by controlling your breathing, it's simple but powerful. Taking a breath calms your mind, it keeps you calm when fear or anger tries to take over. When you master your breathing, you master your body."
Daewon tried to copy the old man's breathing. At first, he struggled to match the calm rhythm the old man had, but slowly, his breathing balanced.
"Good." the main said, nodding in agreement. "Keep practicing that. Strength will come, and you will find it, little by little."
Daewon looked at him and nodded, feeling oddly comforted, a small flame of hope burned in his chest. After a long pause, he managed to ask. "What's your name, sir?"
The old man smiled. "Call me Mr. Hwan, And you. young man?"
Daewon nodded respectfully. "I'm Daewon Kim." he said politely, bowing his head down. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Hwan."
"Likewise, Daewon. I'll see you around. Remember, patience and control."
By the time Daewon reached home, the sun was already fully up, and the smell of breakfast greeted him as soon as he stepped inside. He took his shoes off by the door and headed to the kitchen, his body still sore but feeling lighter than before. His clothes were dirty from the grass and dirt.
In the kitchen, Jinwoo was already seated at the table, scrolling through his phone while munching on cereal. As Daewon entered, Jinwoo looked up from his cereal and smirked.
"Rough morning? Did you wrestle a bear or something?" Jinwoo asked, pointing at the dirt smeared on Daewon's clothes.
"Morning to you too Jinwoo. And no, I was just running outside." Daewon replied in a dull tone, grabbing a glass of water.
"Running? You seem like you're training to join the army or something." Jinwoo teased.
Their mom turned from the stove, her sharp eyes focusing as she looked at Daewon. "You've been getting up early a lot lately." she said. "And you come back home looking like this? What are you exactly doing Daewon? What is going on?"
"Nothing... Just exercising." he said quickly, hoping to avoid further questions.
"Exercising where? In a mud pit?" Jinwoo said, while munching on cereal.
Daewon ignored him, focusing on his breakfast. His mom's face grew more serious as she set a plate of eggs and rice in front of him. "You've also been eating like a horse." she said worried. "Is something going on?"
"Mom I'm fine, really." he insisted, shoving a bite of food into his mouth to end the conversation and avoid more questions.
Jinwoo smirked. "He's definitely hiding something. Maybe he's training to be a ninja."
Daewon rolled his eyes, but the truth was, he didn't know how to explain it. His mind was still drifting back to the park and Mr. Hwan's words.
After breakfast, Daewon took his bag and headed to school. The walk to school was endless, it felt longer than usual, his legs shaking from today's training. Seojun then noticed Daewon and caught up with him near the gate, walking in sync with him.
"You look exhausted man." Seojun said, glaring at him.
"I've been working out." Daewon admitted.
Seojun raised an eyebrow. "Really? Now remember to not overdo it. You'll burn yourself out." he warned him. "Progress takes time."
Daewon nodded, appreciating the advice. "Thanks man" Their conversations were still dry, but he felt like the distance between them was shrinking, little by little.
Later that day, in the hallway, Daewon spotted Joon passing by. His chest tightened suddenly and his heart was beating like crazy. But Joon didn't say anything this time, he just scoffed and walked away.
Daewon then exhaled, relieved that he avoided Joon's attention and wasn't a target... for now.
After school, Daewon dragged his feet home, his bag feeling heavier than usual. The moment he got home, he greeted his mom quickly before heading to his room to change into his workout clothes.
"Daewon!" his mom called from the kitchen "You're heading out again?"
"Just for a run!" he replied, leaving before she could ask more questions.
At the park, Daewon focused on his breathing as he ran, following Mr. Hwan's advice. His steps felt more balanced, his lungs more relaxed. When he reached the tree for his handstand practice, he managed to hold the position for a second longer than before.
It did not look like much, but for Daewon, that was progress.
When he returned home, his clothes were stained with dirt again.
"Daewon!" his mom exclaimed as he walked in the kitchen. "Again? What have you been doing?"
"Just running." he replied casually, grabbing a towel.
"In a swamp?" Jinwoo asked, smirking.
Their mom looked upset. "You've been acting strange lately... eating more, getting up early, coming back like this. Are you hiding something sweetheart?"
Daewon froze for a moment, forcing a smile. "I'm not hiding anything, mom. I'm just trying to stay healthy."
His mom didn't look convinced, but she let it go for now.
That evening, Daewon sat on his bed, and grabbed the book from under his pillow. He then opened it, flipping over the pages until he got to the first lesson: "The way of defense begins with the mind."
He flipped on the next page, his eyes were focused on the second lesson's title: "Control your breathing to control your body."
The words reminded him of Mr. Hwan's advice, his calm movements and balanced breathing. Taking a deep breath, Daewon closed the book, a small smile appearing on his lips.
He wasn't there yet, but for the first time, he was starting to feel like he was on the right path.