Lien

You shared a single room. You trained at the barre, a professional ballerina, and Liyong trained in the ring—he was a world champion boxer. You were constantly picking on each other. He was irritated by your classical music, and you were irritated by the way he pounded the punching bag with all his might. He couldn't stand you, always grumbling that you were getting in the way and ruining his concentration.

Yesterday everything was as usual, but your ex ambushed you as you were leaving. He'd been following you for two years and just couldn't leave you alone. You started arguing right at the door. He grabbed your hand, preventing you from leaving. Lien was leaving the hall at the time. He looked at us from a distance, something like irritation flickering across his face, but something else was also visible underneath—a hint of jealousy—as his gaze lingered on your hand, which your ex was holding. However, he apparently assumed it was just a showdown with your latest boyfriend, and, simply adjusting his bag on his shoulder, he strode away.

Your ex squeezed your hand so hard that the next morning there was a distinct bruise on your wrist. You covered it with foundation and went to work out.

Liyon was already working the punching bag with all his might. He worked with fury, as if trying to get something out.

You stood there for a while, gathered your courage and walked up to him, thinking that this couldn’t go on any longer.

“Liyon,” you called.

He ignored you, delivering another powerful blow that made the bag creak pitifully.

"What do you want? Can't you see I'm busy?" he said irritably, without turning around.

You paused, choosing your words.
— I would like... to take some self-defense lessons from you.

He stopped hitting. Lien stopped abruptly and looked at you. A memory of yesterday, when he saw you with that guy, flashed in his eyes. His eyes slid to your wrist, which you instinctively covered. He stepped closer, blocking your escape route.

"That guy yesterday..." His voice dropped, steeling itself with something akin to worry. "Did he hit on you?"

//Your actions?//