## Chapter 28: After the
Ayjin sat at the far edge of the changing room bench, sweat dripping into the collar of his shirt. His breath came in short, shaky bursts as he flexed his hands, feeling the sting where Ashen's blade had nicked him.
The violin melody was gone from his earbuds, but its echo lingered along his nerves. Not calming, but pushing — an edge that made him want to move, to stand and try again.
A young event attendant approached, hesitating before speaking.
"You alright?" The guy's voice was tentative, like he wasn't sure if Ayjin needed comfort or privacy. "That… was a tough match."
Ayjin shrugged, forcing a small laugh. "Yeah. He got me good. I thought I had him figured out for a second, but…" He shook his head, glancing down at his own hands. "He fights like he's waiting for me to catch up."
The attendant nodded. "Looked brutal, but you didn't quit. Most would've just stayed down after that first hit."
Ayjin rubbed the cut on his coat, wincing. "I almost did. But… I just needed to feel like I was actually in the fight, you know?"
He paused. Something about the air felt sharper, more honest.
"I get it," the attendant replied. "Sometimes the right kind of music pulls you up when nothing else works."
Ayjin smiled, more genuine this time. "Yeah. I wouldn't have lasted another round without it. For a minute, it was like everything slowed down — I could see his moves, I could react. Didn't matter how strong he was, I just… kept going."
The attendant checked the time, gave Ayjin a quick pat on the shoulder. "Well, you earned some respect out there. Rest up, alright?"
Ayjin nodded. "Thanks, man."
After the attendant left, Ayjin leaned back, staring at the ceiling.
*He didn't beat me because I was weak.*
*He beat me because that's what real strength looks like.*
For the first time, losing felt like the start of something real.
He exhaled, quietly. "Next time… I want to last longer than a song."
***