บท 2: An Unexpected Call
My time at university was mostly uneventful so far. Boring, in fact. Erik and the others were the only things that brightened my days. Even though we had been hanging out for several days now, I still couldn't get rid of my social anxiety when I was with them. And I soon figured out why, when we went to Samantha's house for the first time.
My mouth was agape as I stared like a tourist at the massive mansion and rich décor. I knew Erik was rich, but it only then struck me that his friends were also rich. I was the odd one out – my family had little savings and what we had was spent on our training hall and new disciples.
I couldn't help but feel… out of place. These were rich people with bright futures. They weren't like me who only barely met the standards of my family. They had loving parents and, well, everything they could dream of.
That's why the day after I finally figured this out, I walked home. Or, well, I tried to.
The weather was fairly nice – the wind helped lessen the heat. Summer was almost here, which meant I had to work harder. I was going to have less and less time to spend with others starting next month. As soon as university went on break, my training was only going to intensify. As I walked along the pavement with these thoughts spinning in my head, I heard the screeching of tyres as a familiar car almost hit the pavement.
"The hell!" I shouted as I jumped back, ready to fight. Only then did I notice the driver – Erik.
"The hell to you! I was searching for you everywhere on campus." Erik shouted back. Stunned, I just wordlessly stared at him. "What on earth are you even waiting for man? Get in, you're making me block the road."
I hurried over and got in without thinking. As soon as I closed the door, he started driving. "Say, Kai, what was with that pose just now?" He suddenly asked with a grin. "You looked like you watched too many kung-fu movies."
"I thought someone was trying to mug me!" I shouted as blood rushed to my face. "You looked like you watched too many racing movies!" My attempt at a comeback was pitiful at best, but Erik laughed, nonetheless.
"Yeah, not my best moment." He seemed lost in though for a moment. "So, why did you leave? I thought we'd hang out with Vincent till dinner."
I showed a bitter smile. "I have a few things I need to take care of today. I was actually heading home, then I have to go to the training hall." I couldn't just say that I felt out of place. While my words were an excuse, they were also the truth.
"Let me drop you off then." Erik said as we approached an intersection. I nodded and thanked him. It would be rude to reject his offer and I didn't really want to walk all the way to the house under this heat anyways. I quickly told him the address and we headed there.
"Why are you living so far away? Your home isn't close to the training hall or the campus." He glanced at me with a curious expression.
"The landlady is an old family friend." I explained after a moment's hesitation. I had never met her before I came to the city, but my family knew her well. "She's letting me rent a room and helps with dinner from time to time."
Erik's expression showed confusion for a moment, before returning to his usual cheerful self. "I see. Makes sense I suppose." He said as we slowed down. "We're here." He clearly wanted to say something more, but I quickly cut him off as I saw the old lady open the door. "There she is! Thanks Erik, I owe you one. See you tomorrow." I bolted towards the house, leaving the confused Erik sitting in his car alone.
"Good afternoon Mrs. Carrie." I said kindly as I approached her. I took a small box out of my backpack and gave it to her. "I bought your medicine. Is there anything else you need?"
"No, no. Thank you Kai. You're such a good kid, such a kind kid…" She mumbled as she headed inside. I stood there for a short while, with a smile that turned into a huge grin. "Crafty old woman…" I whispered before I left the house. She had fooled me the first time she did that. She was good at acting like a helpless old woman. Yet, she was smarter and more autonomous than most people I'd met.
When I stepped on the pavement, I glanced at the spot Erik had parked his car moments ago. It was gone, and so was he. I felt a little relieved. As if waiting for me to leave, my phone rang as I walked to the training hall. I hesitated as I saw the name on the screen. "Hello mother."
"Kai," Her cold tone was the same as ever. "How are you?"
"I'm fine. I'm headed to the training hall. How about you and dad?"
"Your father is just fine, as am I. I already told you, there is no need for you to worry about us. Simply focus on your studies and training."
"I know. I am." I quietly said.
"Your sister asked me to relay a message. She wishes you good luck with your upcoming exams. She also wished you a happy birthday and apologised for not getting you a present." I flinched. I had forgotten about that – today was my birthday.
"Please tell her, simply remembering it is more than enough and thank her in my stead." I smiled; my sister was thoughtful as always.
"I will. Kai," My mother's tone shifted. Her harsh voice reminded me of not so pleasant times. "You haven't forgotten your promise, have you?"
My smile disappeared as my lips formed a thin line. "No. Of course not." I quietly answered. How could I? "I'm at the training hall, I should go. Please take care mother. Send my regards to dad as well." I ended the call and leaned my back against the wall of a tall building that was certainly not the training hall. I had done it again. I lied to avoid talking to her for too long. After a short moment of rest, I checked the time and hurried off to the training hall. Whether it was my birthday or not didn't really matter – I wasn't going to skip the practice I so desperately needed.
I passed by the huge mansions and rich houses, with my head filled with such thoughts. As I approached the training hall, I could already hear the sound of metal hitting metal. I took a deep breath to clear my head, then opened the door and headed inside.
I quickly changed into proper clothing for practice, then headed to where my teacher was waiting. The inside of the large hall was empty, save for a couple of students and my teacher. As I approached, she smiled and stepped away from the wall she was leaning her back against.
"You're early, Kai. And you seem upset." She said. She had no weapons in hand. That could only mean she was going to train me in hand to hand combat today. An area I was sorely lacking practice in.
"I'm fine," I said with a fake smile as she approached me. "I don't think I'll be fine after practice though." I tilted my head as I watched her movements. She was tense – more than usual. "Are you… annoyed, by chance?"
"I am, actually." She grinned, right before making the first strike.
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