Ch.72I should get an apology when I wake up.

“Bro, how’s the gym doing these days?”

“Just doing well enough to get by.”

“Huh? Why? Wasn’t it doing incredibly well?”

Gym Director Geumjin felt puzzled by Gym Director Paek Sangha’s response.

This was the gym attended by Kim Donghu, currently the hottest child actor.

He naturally expected it to be so packed that it would be bursting at the seams.

Then suddenly, Gym Director Geumjin remembered what kind of person Paek Sangha was.

“Bro, don’t tell me you haven’t told anyone that Kim Donghu attends your gym?!”

“Hey, the kids will hear you. Keep it down.”

“Are you crazy? Why wouldn’t you tell people about that?!”

In an era where gyms were popping up everywhere,

promotion was the best marketing tool.

Even just making some flyers,

and casually mentioning that Kim Donghu attends would obviously be a huge hit.

Why wouldn’t he do that?

Besides, it wasn’t something he could hide anyway.

Once a few members joined, word would eventually spread that it was Kim Donghu’s gym.

Come to think of it, it’s more surprising that rumors hadn’t spread yet.

“I said keep it down.”

“…Seriously, why are you doing this?”

“It’s not good for the kids when they’re training.”

“Bro, you know principles don’t put food on the table, so why are you like this?”

At Gym Director Geumjin’s words, Gym Director Paek Sangha simply kept his mouth shut.

He knew this difference in perspective could never be bridged.

‘This guy really never changes.’

Gym Director Geumjin found Paek Sangha frustrating.

He had always been this way.

From the time he volunteered to run around trying to instill discipline.

“You’re so true to yourself, so like you.”

Gym Director Paek Sangha operated under strict principles,

and there was no room for compromise.

So, thinking he should make things absolutely clear,

Paek Sangha spoke again.

“Donghu is my disciple, my top student. I’ve been training him since he was young.”

From when Kim Donghu was a snotty elementary school student until now,

it had been about 9 years.

“He’s like a nephew to me, how could I exploit him like that? Besides, he came here to train, not to sell his face, right?”

“I know, I know… but bro, you understand what I’m saying, so why are you like this?”

“My gym is only for people who come to train. It’s not a place for people to come see celebrities.”

“…Seriously, come on.”

Gym Director Geumjin looked at the Chinese character on the front of Paek Sangha’s t-shirt.

武道 (Martial Arts)

Could there be anyone more suited to the word “martial arts” than Gym Director Paek Sangha?

He was truly a martial artist to the bone.

To run a gym, you need to have some business sense.

But he had none of that, just rigid martial arts principles.

That was why Paek Sangha was criticized for being inflexible,

‘He really hasn’t changed.’

And why he was respected by his juniors.

Anyway, that aside.

“Are you sure this is okay? You said Donghu doesn’t have much sparring experience.”

“Right, he’s only sparred with me. He hasn’t done it with peers.”

The conversation quickly moved to the main topic.

They had planned the sparring because the weight class and skill level were somewhat similar.

But seeing them side by side, Gym Director Geumjin suddenly felt worried.

“I’m getting concerned now. This isn’t bragging, really, but our Sansu is pretty good.”

As soon as he heard those words, Gym Director Paek Sangha tried his best to maintain his expression.

“Oh, oh, I-I see…”

Sorry, there’s actually something I didn’t tell you properly.

I lost to Kim Donghu in sparring.

He couldn’t bring himself to say it.

But just as he thought he should say something, even if belatedly.

“Director! I want to spar with that ki—I mean Kim Donghu right now! Right now!”

“Hey, what kind of language is that?”

“That’s not what’s important, I’m saying let me fight Kim Donghu quickly!”

“This kid, seriously.”

Kim Sansu continued with his rough tone.

Gym Director Geumjin was startled and tried to stop him urgently,

but it had already reached Gym Director Paek Sangha’s ears.

‘Did he just try to call our Donghu a punk?’

Even if he’s a punk, he’s my punk, not yours.

Is this kid crazy?

‘Should I show some senior love to a junior for once?’

Just as he was thinking that,

his eyes met with Kim Donghu who was standing behind Kim Sansu.

Nod.

As soon as Kim Donghu’s eyes met with Gym Director Paek Sangha, he nodded without saying a word.

His expression clearly showed there was something going on.

Seeing that, Gym Director Paek Sangha’s face brightened.

“Alright, if he wants it that badly, let’s let them have a match.”

“Eh? Why are you being like this too, bro? They need to warm up first.”

“The kids probably did that already. If he wants it this badly, it would be strange not to start right away.”

“Hmm… should I really prepare then?”

“Yes, hurry up.”

Gym Director Geumjin scratched his head and moved to set things up.

Kim Sansu followed behind Gym Director Geumjin.

Once the two were out of sight, Paek Sangha immediately.

Swish.

Pointed at Kim Sansu with his finger and drew his thumb across his throat.

It was the clearest possible expression of his intentions.

Seeing that, Kim Donghu smiled deeply.

+++++

The setup preparations were completed in an instant.

Wrapping bandages, putting on gloves and headgear.

Listening to the explanation of fouls before sparring,

and pledging to fight fairly.

‘Forget these useless formalities, I just want to fight quickly!’

Thump thump!

Kim Sansu banged his gloves together to show off his strength.

‘This kid two years younger than me, boldly saying what? That I’m scared? That kind of nonsense to me?’

Age might not matter as you get older.

But among teenagers, a one-year difference is as high as the sky.

He could never forgive Kim Donghu for casually ignoring that and talking back.

‘This little punk has lost his mind, I’ll stomp him like a dog.’

I’ll show you what it means to get beaten like dust on a rainy day.

Huff huff.

Rough breathing filled the arena.

Ding!

Finally, with the bell sound announcing the start of the round.

Swoosh.

With a light sound of wind.

Whack!

The sound of a whip striking suddenly appeared in the arena.

“…Huh?”

Unlike Kim Sansu who still couldn’t process what had hit him.

‘Holy!’

Seeing that, Gym Director Geumjin forgot his duty as a referee and exclaimed in shock.

‘Did he just do a flicker jab?’

If it had been a clumsy imitation, he wouldn’t have been surprised.

‘It’s perfect.’

It was truly an ideal flicker jab.

If there were a boxing textbook, Kim Donghu’s flicker jab could be used as an example,

it was that perfect.

Long arms, long legs, and the precision of his instantaneous punches.

There was nothing to fault in any of it.

‘Sansu, this guy is incredible. You need to stay calm, really stay calm!’

If he could have been the second, wouldn’t he have said something like this?

But since Gym Director Geumjin’s current role was as referee.

“Are you crazy?!”

Gym Director Geumjin could only helplessly watch as Kim Sansu got excited.

And from that moment on,

Whack! Whack! Whack! Whack!

Hell began.

Kim Sansu trying to approach in an excited state.

And Kim Donghu playing with him, lightly whipping him like a bullfighter.

What was amazing was Kim Donghu’s calmness and footwork.

‘Why is his footwork like that?’

It was so light that even simply describing it as “light” seemed ridiculous.

Funny as it sounds, Gym Director Geumjin unconsciously thought of Muhammad Ali.

As if that legendary boxer had possessed him.

Kim Sansu’s anger-filled fists showed no signs of even reaching Kim Donghu.

“Huff… huff…”

The anger that seemed like it would burn forever subsided in an instant.

It couldn’t be helped.

Not landing a single hit,

and not paying attention to energy conservation due to anger,

Getting tired was the expected outcome.

Glance.

Gym Director Geumjin unconsciously checked the remaining time.

‘Only 30 seconds have passed.’

In that short time, Kim Donghu had perfectly drained Kim Sansu’s stamina.

Not just being good at sports, but a chilling level of calculation.

2 minutes and 30 seconds remaining.

Kim Donghu starts to move in earnest.

But.

Tap, tap, tap tap.

Despite perfectly draining his stamina.

Kim Donghu was still pressuring only with jabs, without any rough movements.

Like a fighter who only knew how to do that.

And such behavior gave Kim Sansu hope.

‘I see, you just practiced one little trick, huh?’

Otherwise, there’s no way I would be this tired.

‘Since jabs aren’t really threatening, I can endure this.’

For now, I’ll take the hits and when my stamina recovers, I’ll look for another opportunity.

Contrary to that thought, Kim Sansu’s body was rapidly getting exhausted.

Like a mouse drowning in water.

Like a beast slowly dying in a swamp.

Like a beast that doesn’t know the noose tightens more the more it struggles.

Kim Donghu’s jabs slowly choked Kim Sansu’s breath.

Tremble tremble.

Huh? I just need to endure, so why are my legs shaking?

Kim Sansu found it strange that his legs were trembling.

Why am I like this because of those jabs that don’t even hurt?

Normal thinking becomes difficult.

As oxygen decreases and breathing becomes unstable, thoughts slow down.

Therefore.

Swoosh.

Seeing the fist approaching in the same way again.

‘It’s slow, this is definitely a counter opportunity!’

Kim Sansu threw his fist slowly.

Kim Donghu, who had been waiting for this moment, instantly dove into Kim Sansu’s body.

And for the first time, Kim Sansu could see Kim Donghu’s face directly.

Chills!

Literally expressionless.

Eyes filled with cold anger.

“S-save me…”

Just before unconsciously crying out for help.

Kim Donghu’s hook directly hit Kim Sansu’s liver.

Not just a simple liver shot,

but a counter liver shot delivered with perfect timing.

Crack!

Regardless of his will, his body bends in the direction of Kim Donghu’s punch.

“Kup…!”

His stomach regurgitates and breathing becomes difficult.

Actually, it was hard to even judge that far.

Because with that one hit.

Thud.

Kim Sansu immediately passed out.

Drip drip drip.

As tension released due to unconsciousness, yellow liquid flowed out.

Looking calmly down at that scene, Kim Donghu,

‘…What have I done!’

Belatedly realized what he had done.

‘I didn’t get an apology.’

I was going to knock him out after hearing an apology.

I’ll have to get an apology when he wakes up.

++++++

A scene of one-sided slaughter.

Gym Director Paek Sangha stared blankly at Kim Donghu who was still breathing calmly.

‘…Did I really raise him?’

I don’t remember teaching him something like that?

After briefly questioning this, Gym Director Paek Sangha came to a clean conclusion.

‘Anyway, he grew up well, so OK.’

Kim Donghu, no problem!