After cleaning up and filling his stomach with snacks from the kitchen, Ji Hoon decided to relax in the living room. He wore an oversized t-shirt and shorts, truly reflecting his lazy self when he was at home.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Ji Hoon frowned. "Who's here this early in the morning?" he muttered as he dragged his feet to the door.
When he opened the door, he was surprised to see Soo Jin standing there, wearing a neat school uniform. Her face looked a little tense.
"You're not going to school?" Soo Jin asked without preamble.
Ji Hoon scratched his head that wasn't itchy. "Uh, I... well, I'm a bit lazy today," he replied with an awkward smile.
Soo Jin rolled her eyes. "Ji Hoon, do you realize there's a sports practice exam today?"
Ji Hoon immediately gasped. "Practical exam? Today? Oh my!" He hurriedly entered the house, leaving the door open.
Soo Jin let out a long sigh. She stepped inside, seeing Ji Hoon's slightly messy house. The sofa cushions were scattered, and there were snack wrappers on the living room table.
"Ji Hoon, are you living or surviving?" Soo Jin comments while tidying up some things in the living room.
From inside the room, Ji Hoon yelled, "Hey, don't touch my stuff! I know where everything is!"
Soo Jin just shook her head with a small smile. Not long after, Ji Hoon came out with an unironed gym uniform, disheveled hair, and a panicked expression on his face.
"I need five more minutes," he said, trying to put on his socks while standing up, but almost falling over.
Soo Jin chuckled. "You're like a child, Ji Hoon. Hurry up, I don't want to be late waiting for you."
When Ji Hoon finally finished getting ready, they walked to school together. On the way, Ji Hoon suddenly turned to Soo Jin. "Hey, why did you bother to pick me up? Are you worried that I won't pass the exam?"
Soo Jin glanced at him sharply. "No, I'm not. I just don't want my classmates to set a record as failing students due to absenteeism."
Ji Hoon burst out laughing. "Ah, Soo Jin, you're really considerate. But I know you secretly care about me."
"Shut up, Ji Hoon," Soo Jin retorted, but the blush on her cheeks was slightly visible.
They continued on their way while joking lightly, Ji Hoon felt that the day started off more cheerful than usual, even though he knew the sports practice exam would be a big challenge.
Upon arrival at the school, the atmosphere was already quite lively. Students are gathered at the sports field to prepare for the practical exam. Ji Hoon and Soo Jin walked into the crowd with casual steps, but Ji Hoon's face looked increasingly tense.
"Ji Hoon, you haven't even warmed up. Are you sure you can do it?" Soo Jin asked, looking at him worriedly.
Ji Hoon tried to act confident. "Take it easy. This body is like a machine. One move and it's good to go." He raised his chin proudly, but Soo Jin could only roll her eyes.
When Ji Hoon's turn comes, the gym teacher tells him to do a series of movements: push-ups, sit-ups, and short sprints. Ji Hoon moves forward with steady steps, but after only five push-ups, his breathing is already labored.
"Gosh, Ji Hoon, are you an athlete or an old lady?" one of their friends, Min Jae, commented from the sidelines. A small laugh was heard from some of the students.
"Shut up, Min Jae!" Ji Hoon retorted as he tried to increase the speed of his push-ups, even though his movements were starting to falter.
Soo Jin, who was watching from the sidelines, could only shake her head while holding back a smile. She knows Ji Hoon is actually stronger than that, but his lazy habits often make him look weak.
When the running session starts, Ji Hoon forces himself to run as hard as he can. He made it across the finish line, but immediately flopped onto the grass gasping for air. "I... need... an ambulance..." he mumbles while clutching his chest.
Soo Jin approached with a bottle of water in hand. "Drink this, you don't want to faint in front of everyone, do you?"
Ji Hoon took the bottle limply. "Soo Jin, I know you're secretly worried about me," he said with a mischievous smile between his heavy breaths.
Soo Jin sighed. "I just don't want you to bother others if you faint," she replied, though there was a slight smile on her lips.
After the exam was over, Ji Hoon sat on the long bench at the edge of the field while holding his aching legs. "Soo Jin, you have to admit, I'm still cool, right? Even with this condition," he said while pointing at himself.
Soo Jin just looked at him with a flat expression. "You're cool... in your own way. But if you practiced more, maybe you could do better."
Ji Hoon chuckled. "Hey, that's enough of a compliment from you. Thank you, Soo Jin."
Although it was a tiring day, Ji Hoon felt a little more energized. Soo Jin might nag him a lot, but her presence always made Ji Hoon feel more motivated-though he wouldn't admit it directly.
After the exam is over, Soo Jin and Ji Hoon walk to the cafeteria. Ji Hoon was still holding his sore leg while complaining.
"Ouch, Soo Jin, you have no idea how hard that exam was. I feel like a war veteran who just came back from battle," Ji Hoon said with a dramatic face.
Soo Jin rolled her eyes. "Stop exaggerating, Ji Hoon. You're just lazy in practicing. That's why you're struggling."
Ji Hoon held his chest as if hurt. "You really have no sympathy, do you? I'm a victim, you know?"
"A victim of your own laziness," Soo Jin replied in a flat tone, but her lips wore a faint smile.
They reached the cafeteria and ordered food. Ji Hoon chooses spicy ramen, while Soo Jin orders a simple sandwich. As they sat down, Ji Hoon started sipping his hot ramen.
"Ah, this food is like medicine. All my pain is instantly gone," he says with a satisfied tone.
Soo Jin watched Ji Hoon eat with vigor, then commented, "I don't know how you can eat that much spicy ramen without crying."
Ji Hoon smiled smugly. "That's because I'm strong. Unlike you who only ate a small sandwich."
"At least I don't complain about sore feet all the time," Soo Jin quickly retorted.
They continue to joke while eating, until suddenly Ji Hoon's cell phone vibrates. He opened the message and let out a long sigh.
"Who?" Soo Jin asked, taking a bite of her sandwich.
"The boxing coach," Ji Hoon replied with a gloomy face. "He reminded me about today's training. Looks like he hasn't forgiven me for skipping last week."
Soo Jin stared at Ji Hoon with a sharp gaze. "You deserve to be scolded. If you continue like this, you won't be ready for your match."
Ji Hoon sighed again. "Yes, yes. I know. But sometimes I wish I could live like a normal person, without pressure from my coach, parents, or anyone else."
Soo Jin paused for a moment, then said softly, "But you can't run away from your responsibilities, Ji Hoon. Being strong isn't just about being physical, it's also about how you deal with that pressure."
Ji Hoon was silent, looking at Soo Jin who was speaking seriously. For a moment, he felt that she was more mature than he was. "You're right, Soo Jin," he said finally. "Sometimes I forget how wise you are."
Soo Jin smiled a little. "Have you finished your meal? You still have time to practice, right?"
Ji Hoon nodded, then got up from his chair. "Alright, I'll be going. If I lose the match, you'll have to bear the shame because you're my friend."
Soo Jin chuckled. "I'm sure you won't lose, Ji Hoon. Don't let me down."
With renewed vigor, Ji Hoon left the cafeteria. Although he often felt lazy and depressed, Soo Jin's words encouraged him to keep going. Without realizing it, Soo Jin was one of the reasons why he wanted to be better.
After practice, Ji Hoon returned home with a body that felt like it had been hit by a hammer. His coach was really unforgiving today. However, in the midst of his exhaustion, he felt a little proud that he made it through all the challenges without giving up.
Arriving home, Ji Hoon went straight to the kitchen to get some cold water. However, as soon as he opened the fridge, he realized something strange. All of his favorite foods were missing.
"Auntie! Auntie!" Ji Hoon called while holding the refrigerator door.
His household aunt appeared from the living room with a mop in hand. "What's wrong, Young Master?"
"Why is all my food gone? Where's my fried chicken and ice cream?" asked Ji Hoon in a slightly panicked tone.
Auntie sighed. "I threw them away this morning, Young Master. The food was nearing its expiration date."
Ji Hoon immediately fell to the floor, clutching his head like he had lost his most prized possession. "Auntie, how could you do this to me? I just went through a hard workout, and this is my reward?"
Auntie just chuckled. "Young Master, I've replaced it with healthy food. There's a salad on the table."
"Salad?" Ji Hoon looked up with a surprised face. "I'm not a rabbit, Auntie! I need energy, not leaves!"
Auntie ignored him and went back to the living room, leaving Ji Hoon still lamenting his fate. He finally picked up a cold water bottle and sat on the sofa, trying to calm down.
However, hunger began to overcome him. Ji Hoon opens his cell phone and starts looking for the number of the nearest fast food restaurant. But before he can order, his phone rings. Soo Jin's name appeared on the screen.
"Why are you calling at this time of night?" asked Ji Hoon as he picked up the call.
"I wanted to make sure you were home from practice," Soo Jin replied from the other end.
Ji Hoon smiled slightly. "Of course I'm home. But I'm starving. Auntie threw away all my food and replaced it with salad. Can you believe it? Salad!"
Soo Jin chuckled. "That's good. You really need to eat healthy food. I guess your aunt cares about your health more than you do."
Ji Hoon let out a long sigh. "You're the same way. Why does everyone around me like to torment me?"
"You do need to be watched," Soo Jin retorted with a laugh. "Okay, I just wanted to make sure you were okay. Good night, Ji Hoon."
"Good night, Soo Jin," Ji Hoon replied before hanging up. Although he was complaining, his heart warmed at Soo Jin's concern.
Reluctantly, Ji Hoon finally walks to the dining table and eats the salad his aunt prepared. "It's all for the sake of the game," he muttered as he chewed on the lettuce leaves. "Just wait, Soo Jin. I'll prove that I can win."
Despite all his complaints, Ji Hoon knew that there were people who cared about him, and that encouraged him to keep fighting.