"Thank you, everyone!" Jason called, his voice smooth and commanding. "Today, I'm here to show you why boxing isn't just a sport—it's an art."
Ali couldn't help but roll his eyes. Beside him, Zahra nudged him with her elbow. "Art, huh? Maybe he's planning to paint the ring with his opponent's sweat."
Farid snickered. "Or his own tears if he messes up."
Despite their jokes, Ali remained silent, his gaze locked on Jason.
---
Jason's demonstration began with shadowboxing, his movements a flawless blend of power and precision. His footwork was light, almost like a dancer's, and each punch he threw seemed to cut through the air with purpose. The crowd watched in awe as he moved to the rhythm of the music playing over the speakers.
He followed with a sparring session against a member of the school's boxing team. The match was more performance than competition, but Jason's skill was undeniable. He dodged punches with ease, countering with swift jabs that left his opponent scrambling.
When Jason landed a perfect uppercut that sent his sparring partner stumbling back, the crowd erupted into applause.
Ali's stomach churned. Watching Jason dominate the ring, he felt like a small, insignificant speck. How could he ever compete with someone like that?
---
The demonstration ended with Jason removing his gloves and addressing the crowd.
"Boxing isn't just about strength," he said, flashing a charismatic smile. "It's about discipline, strategy, and heart. If any of you think you have what it takes, I'm always up for a challenge."
His golden-brown eyes scanned the crowd, lingering on Ali for a moment too long. The corners of Jason's mouth curled into a smirk, almost as if he were issuing a silent dare.
Ali stiffened.
Zahra noticed and leaned closer, whispering, "Don't let him get in your head, Ali. He's just showing off."
Farid nodded. "Yeah, flashy moves don't win fights. Well, maybe they do… but that's not the point."
---
As the crowd began to disperse, Jason approached Ali with the casual stride of someone who knew he was in control of the room.
"Ali, right?" Jason said, his tone deceptively friendly. "Heard you've been hanging around Coach Rahman's gym. That true?"
Ali stood up, his heart pounding but refusing to show weakness. "Yeah. So what?"
Jason chuckled, a sound that was more mocking than amused. "No offense, but you don't exactly look like the boxing type. You sure you're not wasting your time?"
Ali's fists clenched at his sides. "You don't know what I'm capable of."
Jason's smirk widened. "Maybe I don't. But if you're serious about this, you'll have to prove it. The state championship's coming up. Think you can make it that far?"
The challenge hung in the air, unspoken but undeniable. Before Ali could respond, Jason clapped him on the shoulder, his grip firm.
"Good luck," Jason said, his voice dripping with condescension. "You're gonna need it."
---
Ali watched Jason walk away, his confidence unshaken. Every fiber of his being burned with frustration, but before it could consume him, a gentle voice broke through the haze.
"Don't let him get to you."
Ali turned to see Crystall standing nearby, her soft brown eyes filled with quiet encouragement. Her long, wavy hair framed her face as she offered him a small smile.
"I saw you watching the demonstration," she said. "If you want to do this, then do it. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't."
Ali's heart skipped a beat. Crystall rarely spoke to him, and her words felt like a lifeline. He nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thanks, Crystall."
She gave him one last smile before walking away, leaving Ali standing there with a newfound spark of determination.
---
Later that afternoon, Ali sat on the bleachers outside the gym with Zahra and Farid. Zahra was scrolling through her phone, likely planning another sarcastic blog post, while Farid was engrossed in a mobile game.
"You're awfully quiet," Zahra said, glancing at Ali. "Don't tell me Jason actually got to you."
Ali shook his head. "No. He just… made me realize how far I have to go."
Farid looked up from his phone. "Then stop moping and start training. You've got Coach Rahman, right? That guy's a legend. If anyone can help you take Jason down, it's him."
Zahra smirked. "And if all else fails, we can always trip Jason before the match."
Ali chuckled despite himself. "Thanks, guys. I needed that."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the school grounds in a warm, golden glow, Ali stood up.
"I'll show him I'm not a nobody," he muttered, his fists tightening with resolve.
Farid raised an eyebrow. "Did you just say something dramatic? Dude, that's my line!"
Zahra laughed. "Relax, Farid. He's just having his 'main character' moment."
Ali grinned, the fire in his chest burning brighter than ever. Jason might have the skill and the charisma, but Ali had something just as powerful—determination. And he was ready to prove it.
---
The next day ...
The school cafeteria was a cacophony of laughter, clinking trays, and snippets of conversation. Ali sat at his usual table near the back with Zahra and Farid, picking at his nasi lemak. His appetite had been nonexistent since the assembly.
Jason, surrounded by his entourage, sat at the center of the room, effortlessly commanding attention. His laughter boomed above the noise, drawing curious glances from the nearby tables.
"Looks like your nemesis is having a good day," Zahra said, her voice laced with mockery as she gestured toward Jason with her fork.
Ali sighed, sinking lower into his seat. "Can we not talk about him? I'm already regretting life choices as it is."
Farid grinned, popping a potato chip into his mouth. "Come on, man. He's just a guy. Sure, he's good at boxing, has killer looks, and practically oozes confidence, but other than that, he's totally average."
Zahra smirked. "Totally."
Their banter was interrupted by Jason's voice cutting through the cafeteria noise like a knife.
"Hey, Ali!"
The entire room fell silent, heads swiveling toward their table. Ali froze, his cheeks heating as Jason strolled over, his signature smirk firmly in place.
---
Jason leaned casually against the edge of their table, crossing his arms. "So, I heard you've been hanging out at Coach Rahman's gym. That true?"
Ali forced himself to meet Jason's gaze. "Yeah. So what?"
Jason chuckled, his voice dripping with mockery. "I'm just trying to understand. You think you're gonna be a boxer? Compete in the state championship? Man, you'd get knocked out in the first round."
The surrounding students erupted into laughter, and Ali's face burned with humiliation.