"You know, in this world there are fighters and losers. But most of us are just losers pretending to be strong, even when we're already broken inside. It's okay, right? Because from that, the good side of us will find its own way someday."
•
•
•
•
•
"Jaekyung, tonight, same place as usual — how about we celebrate your victory?"
Joo Jaekyung — an MMA fighter whose name skyrocketed after defeating the reigning champion, Rubert Kim, the Blue Dragon, eight months ago. That win made him a new idol, the fresh ruler of the champion's belt.
He finished a bottle of water and gave a short nod. His manager, Han Doyun, grinned widely and slung an armaround his shoulder. Their heights weren't too far apart; together, they looked like close brothers.
"Take the night off from training. Sometimes you need to enjoy yourself too—"
Suddenly, Jaekyung brushed off Han's arm. "There's one thing I hate. You know very well I don't like fooling around with women!" His voice was cold, full of rejection.
For a moment, Han Doyun's face hardened; his jaw tightened. But he quickly replaced it with a friendly look. Raisingboth hands, he forced a smile.
"Alright… alright. I get it. But don't forget — tonight, okay?"
"Hn…"
Jaekyung cleared his throat, then stepped back into the ring, continuing his punches on the sandbag.
Outside the training room, after closing the door, Han's face turned blank — emotionless like stone. He took a short breath and muttered under his breath,
"Just wait. Tonight will be the night of your downfall, Joo Jaekyung."
With swift hands, the blue-haired man pulled out his phone and dialed a number — calling the partner who would carry out his plan that night.
-----
1 A.M
Eclipse Hotel.....
Brugh!
"Ugh… damn it! I told you not to give me alcohol, you idiot!" Jaekyung cursed nonstop at his manager.
Han Doyun let out a long sigh. He had just managed to bring Jaekyung into one of the VIP suites at the hotel, not far from the bar where they'd been having a small victory celebration.
"Come on, a little alcohol won't kill you, right? You're not a kid anymore," Doyun teased, standing with his hands on his hips, watching Jaekyung whose face was already flushed.
Jaekyung looked exhausted. His body felt hot, his head spinning, and one part of him… was already hard, out of control. Damn alcohol — this was exactly why he hated it!
"You're pretending to forget, huh? You know what happens to me when—ahh, fuck!"
Without realizing it, his hand moved lower. The more he touched, the more the heat grew inside him. That wild urge was getting harder to fight.
Han Doyun stared at him with a crooked smile. 'Now the game begins', he thought.
Cklek!
The bathroom door opened. A tall woman stepped out — shoulder-length straight black hair, eyes glowing red, wrapped in a red lingerie that clung perfectly to her curves.
"Is he ready?" she asked.
Han Doyun chuckled, grabbing the recorder from the table.
"He's already lost in his own lust, hahaha. Hurry up — we don't have much time!"
The woman scoffed, then walked closer to the bed where Jaekyung lay half-conscious. She licked her lips slowly, imagining the wild night that was about to start.
Srek…
"Who—ugh… Han, did you bring the painkill—huh, who are you?!"
Even through his hazy vision, Jaekyung could recognize her.
"Choi Minjae… what the—ukhh akhh…"
His voice broke as the woman quickly pulled down the zipper, revealing something that made him jolt in shock.
"Good, Minjae. Do it now!"
Han Doyun readied the camera, recording everything. 'Get ready, Joo Jaekyung. This is my revenge', he thought bitterly.
Minjae smirked, crawling closer to Jaekyung. She was almost close enough to claim him when—
"You… ugh… think you can dominate me that easily, huh?"
Jaekyung's sharp glare made Minjae freeze for a second. Her hands pressed against his chest, trying to resist, but her eyes couldn't escape the intense look in his.
"What do you—aaakhhhh!!!"
-----
A few days later…
After taking a short break from training, Jaekyung returned to Black Fang Gym.
His focus now was preparing for the December match — a rematch against the former champion who had challenged him again.
Tap… Tap… Tap…
"Huh? What's going on here?!"
Jaekyung froze. A large crowd of reporters filled the gym's lobby. Up front, Coach Jang and a few other fighters looked tense and uneasy.
One of the reporters turned around, spotting a man in a hoodie and black mask—Jaekyung.
"Jaekyung! Please explain this! Is it true you spent the night with Choi Minjae at the Eclipse Hotel?!"
In an instant, the reporters swarmed around him, shouting and flashing cameras in every direction. The nonstop questions and blinding flashes made his head spin — but the name Choi Minjae in the middle of the chaos made his jaw tighten.
"What the hell do you mean—"
"So it's true you forced yourself on model Choi Minjae? Or… are you two in a relationship?"
"Excuse us, move aside! Jaekyung just arrived!"
Coach Jang and the other fighters quickly stepped in, trying to calm the crowd and push the reporters back.
Jaekyung didn't resist. He followed silently as they guided him through the chaos and into the elevator.
---
Training Room…
"The reporters have been camping here for days," Coach Jang said heavily. "They're asking about a video of you that's gone viral online."
Jaekyung's eyes widened in disbelief.
"A video? What video?!"
Coach Jang sighed, taking out his phone and showing him something on the screen.
Jaekyung hesitated for a moment, then pressed play.
The clip lasted less than two minutes — but it was enough to make his blood boil.
"WHO—WHO DID THIS?!!"
BRAKK!
He slammed the phone to the floor, shattering it into pieces. His chest rose and fell sharply as anger surged through him.
He reached into his pocket, pulled out his own phone, and quickly dialed his manager's number.
"The number you have dialed is not available. Please leave a message after the tone…"
"Damn it! Where the hell is that bastard?!" he roared, nearly crushing the phone in his grip — until Coach Jang stepped in to stop him.
"Han Doyun submitted his resignation letter two days ago," the coach said quietly.
Jaekyung's gaze darkened instantly. "That bastard… I knew it was him!"
"For now, we have to think of a way to control the damage before that video spreads any further," Coach Jang suggested. Jaekyung's career was on the line.
Jaekyung nodded slowly. There was no other choice. He swore he would drag Han Doyun into court and make him pay for everything.
●●●●●
Seoul, November 2...
Tik... tik... A light drizzle fell under the gray evening sky.
Tap... tap... tap...
"Huh? It's only the start of the month and it's already raining again, huh…" a woman grumbled, sounding annoyed.
She wore a purple jacket and held a yellow umbrella in her right hand. Her steps were careful along the wet street, while her left arm hugged a paper bag filled with warm tteokbokki — her favorite snack from Lee ahjumma's food stall after finishing a private math tutoring session in Hannam-dong.
"If only the weather stayed clear... I could've continued Juhi's lesson too, but—ahhh!"
Someone bumped into her shoulder hard enough to make her stumble and fall. The bag of tteokbokki flew from her hand, spilling its contents all over the wet asphalt.
"Hey!!!"
She looked up sharply, her face wrinkled in anger—even though her clothes were already soaked and splashed with muddy rainwater. But that anger froze instantly when her eyes met the face of the person who hit her.
"Where are your eyes, huh?! You've got the body of a truck but can't even watch where you're going—wait… handsome? H-handsome?!?" she squeaked in a shrill voice.
The man actually took a step back, startled.
He was tall—way taller than her—but her voice volume could easily make anyone cover their ears.
"You—"
"Hey, handsome! Want to be my boyfriend? Say yes! Come on, yes please! Oh my gosh, you're even more handsome than my idol bias! Kyaaa~"
The man froze for a moment, then sighed in frustration. "You're... insane, aren't you?"
His sharp gaze swept her up and down quickly before he silently took off his thick jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
"Go home. The rain's going to get heavier."
He was about to walk away when a soft hand suddenly grabbed his wrist.
"My name's Y/N," she said with a bright smile. "Nice to meet you… my future boyfriend."
Thump!
That smile—with a tiny dimple on the left side—made something strange flutter in his chest. He quickly shook his head and jogged away, pretending not to notice the warmth spreading in his heartbeat.
-----
Black Fang MMA Gym, November 10...
Jaekyung's POV
Bugh!! Bugh!!!
"Jaekyung, I came again~!"
I stopped my punches and turned when I heard that squeaky voice. Oh, for crying out loud—this woman again. The one I met the other day, who keeps showing up almost every day, just sitting there waiting for me to finish training, even though I rarely talk to her.
"You really have no shame after getting rejected, huh?!" I snapped. This time, I stepped out of the ring, exhaling sharply when I saw the soft purple lunch bag she was hugging tightly.
"I came here to bring you this…" Y/N said, holding up the bag.
"No! I already ate! And it's past three in the afternoon!" I refused loudly.
"I know~ It's just a light snack, hehe… Come on, let's grab some coffee together!"
I shook my head firmly. This time I was seriously fed up. Y/N was unbelievably stubborn, and I didn't like her at all.
"How many times do I have to say it?! I don't like you, and stop giving me things! Besides, your cooking tastes weird! Are you trying to poison me, huh?!" My voice rose, but I didn't care—as long as it could make this woman stay away for good.
For a moment, I saw Y/N's eyes widen in surprise, but then her chubby cheeks flushed as she giggled softly. Huh… is she insane or what?!
"Alright then… but please take this, okay? I'm sure you'll like it, hehe…"
She held out the lunch bag toward me. I looked away with a harsh sigh, but my hand ended up taking it anyway.
Y/N's face brightened even more. She waved goodbye and left me alone in the training room.
I stared at the bag for a while, wondering what kind of cooking experiment she'd done this time. Yesterday, she brought me herbal boiled chicken that turned out sour because she put way too much pineapple in it. Two days ago, she gave me crab in salty sauce—and I swear, the saltiness tasted straight out of the Red Sea, tch…
Sret!
I unzipped the lunch bag, and the smell of banana hit my nose. Huh? It actually smelled really good… What's inside?
A bit surprised, I found a small box of muffins. Banana muffins, to be exact. Hmm… how did Y/N know I like bananas?
I picked one and took a bite.
"Delicious… really delicious," I muttered as the flavor spread on my tongue. Without another word, I kept eating the muffins while sipping from a small thermos filled with black coffee. I chuckled, remembering how much Y/N loved black coffee.
"Heh… weird woman."
End of Jaekyung's POV
●●●●●
Jamsil Arena, November 18...
Bruagh!!!
"The atmosphere's getting heated tonight, isn't it, Ra Wan? I'm starting to doubt our reigning champion…"
"You're right, Top Wan. Seojong is really pushing Jaekyung to his limits!"
The voices of two commentators boomed through the speakers, amplifying the chaos in the arena. Inside the ring, two tall fighters traded heavy blows, grappling and striking in a relentless clash for dominance.
From the start, Jaekyung's plan was to finish his opponent fast—but Seojong's taunting words had shaken his focus.
Thud!
"Heh, a loser like you doesn't deserve the champion's belt!"
Jaekyung's chest burned with rage. With a single powerful punch, he slammed his fist straight into Seojong's face, sending the man crashing into the ropes. The referee's voice counting down faded from his ears—anger had taken over.
He stormed forward and kicked Seojong's weakened body. The crowd gasped and screamed, but Jaekyung didn't stop. His fists and feet kept striking again and again until his opponent was nothing but a broken mess on the canvas.
"Damn you! Take that back! I'm not a loser!" he roared.
Seojong groaned weakly, lips barely moving as he whispered the word "loser" again.
Jaekyung's headbutt came down in fury—blood splattered across the mat, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Coach Jang and Manager Seo Kang rushed into the ring, pulling the enraged fighter back before he could do any more damage to the unconscious Seojong.
---
Jaekyung's Private Room...
"How many times do I have to tell you?! Control your temper! If you keep this up, Jaekyung, the Federation's warning won't just be words—they'll blacklist you for real!"
Seo Kang's voice was sharp, his face a mix of anger and exhaustion. This was Jaekyung's first fight after a two-month suspension due to the previous scandal.
Jaekyung's glare was cold and sharp, his body trembling with restrained fury.
"I don't pay you to lecture me, damn it! I don't care! Anyone who insults me—I'll crush them!"
He stood abruptly, yanked on his black cap, and stormed toward the door.
"Jae—Jaekyung, wait!"
Seo Kang's shout fell on deaf ears. Jaekyung's head pounded violently, pain and rage colliding inside him.
Ting!
Tap… tap… tap…
"Huh? Jaekyung? Where are you going? Hey—"
As the elevator doors opened, Jaekyung shot Y/N a piercing, icy look. He didn't want to see anyone right now.
"Shut up. Don't bother me, damn it."
Y/N froze for a moment, swallowing hard—but still, she slipped into the elevator before the doors closed.
"You—"
Jaekyung glared from beneath his cap, fury simmering. But Y/N didn't back down.
Crash!!!
"Kyaahh!! Hey—"
Jaekyung's fist slammed into the mirror wall, shattering it to pieces. Shards rained onto the floor.
"I told you not to bother me! Are you deaf?!" he roared, his eyes bloodshot and burning with uncontrollable anger.
Gulp
Y/N could tell—this wasn't the calm, collected Jaekyung she knew. He was completely consumed by rage.
"Jae… calm down," she said softly but firmly, her gaze steady and unafraid.
"WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, TELLING ME TO CALM DOWN?! YOU—YOU'RE JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE OUT THERE! YOU SAW WHAT HAPPENED TONIGHT, DIDN'T YOU?! ANSWER ME—"
"YES, I SAW EVERYTHING!!!"
Y/N's shout echoed through the small elevator, cutting through his rage. She took a deep breath, pushing him hard in the chest.
"You blame everyone for your pain, Jaekyung! Don't you think that's a little selfish?!"
Jaekyung's eyes widened, but Y/N didn't flinch.
"You got hurt by one or two people, and now you treat the whole world like it's your enemy. Why? Are you that afraid of being called a loser?!"
"You don't know anything about my past! Stop pretending you understand—"
"I do know about it! You were betrayed by your own manager—your closest friend, weren't you?!"
Jaekyung froze. The memories from four months ago still haunted him. The scandal video might've been deleted, but the shame and fear of being looked down on still lingered deep inside.
"Running from your problems won't heal you, Jaekyung! The more you run, the deeper the wound gets!"
Y/N's voice trembled slightly, but her words struck like arrows. Her fists were clenched, her breath steady, eyes locked onto his.
You know, in this world there are fighters and losers. But most of us are just losers pretending to be strong, even when we're already broken inside. It's okay, right? Because from that, the good side of us will find its own way someday."
Her words made Jaekyung look up again. Her voice was calm now—warm, soothing—and her eyes carried a quiet strength that made his chest tighten.
Thump… Thump… Thump…
"You don't have to be perfect. Just be yourself. That's more than enough. Let people think what they want."
Gently, Y/N reached for his hand—blood still dripping from his knuckles. She pulled out a handkerchief from her pocket and carefully wiped the wound clean.
"Let's go to my place. We need to treat this. It's so bad."
Jaekyung snorted quietly at her pleading look.
"You'll have to take responsibility for this too."
He took off his black cap and placed it on her head. The bruise along her chin and under her eye was visible now.
"Of course, Mr. Fighter… let's go, hehe…"
The two stepped out of the elevator—without realizing, their fingers intertwined naturally.
The pounding in their chests marked the quiet beginning of something new.
●●●●●
"The Federation is still giving you one last chance, Jaekyung. This is it... I hope you don't ruin it."
Those words echoed in Jaekyung's mind that night. December 4th — the night of reckoning.
Just like before, Jamsil Arena was packed. Thousands of eyes fixed on the ring — the battlefield of two great champions.
Rubert Kim, the Blue Dragon, came with one goal: revenge. He couldn't stand the thought of losing his title to the man who once defeated him so easily.
Now, they faced each other again.
From the very start, the match had been tight — and now, it was getting fiercer.
Bugh! Bugh!
"Tch, that same punch again? You fight like a kid! Are you even taking this seriously?!" Rubert barked, mocking.
Several blows landed beneath Jaekyung's chin. His jaw was numb, but his gaze stayed sharp — cold and calculated. He knew Rubert's weak spot, and one by one, his strikes began to find it.
Duaaak!
A sharp spinning kick hit Rubert's right leg.
A hiss of pain escaped his mouth as his body staggered and fell to the mat. Without hesitation, Jaekyung leapt forward, locking Rubert's neck, pressing down his shoulders and waist with raw force.
"Hey! Ughh— are you trying to kill me?!"
Rubert shouted hoarsely, struggling to break free. But the pain in his leg made it impossible.
"Aaarghhh!!!"
The referee rushed in, watching closely.
One second… two… no resistance.
4... 3... 2... 1...
"JOO JAEKYUNG WINS BY K.O.!!!"
The crowd erupted.
Jamsil Arena shook from the roar of thousands calling his name.
Jaekyung released his grip, panting heavily, sweat dripping down his face — but a faint smile appeared on his lips.
For the first time in so long... he felt free.
Drap! Drap! Drap!
"Jaekyung!"
That voice — high-pitched, familiar, yet somehow so warm tonight.
He turned, and before he could react, a small figure had already thrown herself into his arms.
Hug
Instinctively, he caught her, wrapping her in his broad embrace.
The girl looked up at him with a bright, proud grin.
"Hahaha! You did it, Jaekyung!" she cheered, her eyes sparkling.
Jaekyung nodded slightly, still catching his breath. But when he saw Y/N's smile, something in his chest softened.
Amid the cheers and flashing lights, Y/N looked up — her face flushed, eyes steady.
"Jaekyung oppa…" she said clearly.
"Let's date!"
Jaekyung froze. His eyes widened — then a small smirk appeared. A faint blush crept onto his usually stern face.
"Huh, that woman is such a handful!" he muttered under his breath. Then, in a low but firm tone, "Fine. From this moment on, we're dating, Y/N."
Before Y/N could respond—
Cup
A deep, warm kiss landed on her lips.
The cameras zoomed in, and the crowd exploded into screams.
Y/N stiffened for a second — then smiled into the kiss, her hands clutching Jaekyung's chest where his heart still raced wildly.
"Jaekyung… I love you," she whispered softly, between the rhythm of their hearts and the thunderous applause surrounding
....
"You… ugh… think you can dominate me that easily, huh?"
What do you—AAAKHHHHHHHH!!!"
Jaekyung suddenly lurched forward — and without warning, his stomach gave up. He threw up right under Minjae's chin, dripping all the way down to her chest.
Jaekyung was never good with alcohol. From earlier, he'd already felt his stomach churning in protest.
"EWWW!! THAT'S SO GROSS!!!"
Minjae shrieked and jumped off Jaekyung's body in panic. The smell hit her nose instantly, making her flail around the hotel suite floor like a fish out of water.
"Stop it, Minjae! Just clean up already! God, it stinks!" Han Doyun pinched his nose, face twisted between disgust and suppressed laughter.
"No way! I'm never doing this again! Ugh—so disgusting! So freaking gross!!"
Still yelling, Minjae dashed into the bathroom. A few minutes later, she emerged wearing a big jacket over herself, face red and full of irritation.
"I'm done! Don't ever drag me into this again, Han Doyun! And if you dare post that disgusting video, I'll expose every dirty secret you've got!"
"Hey, you can't just—" Doyun tried to retort, but Minjae was already storming out, cursing under her breath.
Tap! Tap! Tap!
Her heels clacked furiously against the floor before—
SLAM!
The door shut with a loud bang.
"Cch! Damn it, Choi Minjae! Get back here!!" Doyun shouted, waving the air in front of his nose in frustration.
...
The End