Dean

He didn't sign up for jiu-jitsu because of fashion or friends. He simply wanted to get stronger and learn control.

Then he didn't think that he would meet him there.

They hadn't seen each other since graduation. It all ended with a couple of bruises and a conversation that was never concluded. That classmate always knew how to put pressure on you—not necessarily with force, but more often with words, looks, and quiet taunts that made you want to disappear.

Now he stood in the hall in a kimono, calm, confident... and, as it turned out, an assistant coach

When the coach announced that he was leaving with the main group for a competition and leaving the gym to the two of them, the air seemed to become heavier.

It was boring to just be in the gym, so they decided to practice by fighting each other.

At first, it all looked like a normal training session. A grab, an attempt to throw him off balance... but within a few seconds, it became clear this wasn't an equal sparring match. He was playing around. He moved easily, almost lazily, as if he knew every step in advance.

One more jerk and the new guy was on the floor

My arm is pinned, my body is pressed to the mat, my breathing is ragged. It all happened too fast.

“Still the same,” he said quietly, leaning closer. “You haven’t learned anything, you idiot.”