Bearing his shoulder pain, Jory continued watching the competition with Nancy. The following matches were full of surprises and excitement. It was even more intense than Jory’s match.
Even Jory himself had to admit that every contestant was very skilled. Before long, it was almost Nancy’s turn. That was the first time she was so nervous in a competition.
Her palms were sweating. Jory noticed Nancy became quieter as it was nearing her turn. Thinking that she must be nervous, he wrapped an arm around her in a bid to calm her down.
“Don’t be afraid. I’m here for you!” His domineering proclamation was a contrast from his child-like appearance. Nancy broke free from his arm and got back to bickering with Jory as usual. “Me? Afraid? Hah! I’m just worried my competition would drag on, causing the crowd to miss their lunch and tea time.”
Jory raised his hands in surrender. “Fine, fine, fine. Whatever you say. I wish you break a new record.”
Nancy patted his head earnestly. “Hmm. That’s right. You’re pretty smart.”
Nancy’s opponent was a fierce-looking woman. One look at her, and Nancy knew that the woman was not one to be messed with.
That woman seemed to be taking the competition more seriously as compared to Nancy. She didn’t let out a single smile from the moment she entered the sparring arena until they bowed to each other. Nancy was there because Taekwondo was her interest—unlike the others, who were eager to get the provincial certificate of qualification for them to advance to a higher level of competition.
Seconds before the match was about to begin, millions of thoughts were still running through Nancy’s head. Why the hell am I having all these thoughts when the competition is about to begin! Perhaps, it’s my way of relieving my anxiety.
Instinctively, she looked towards the direction of the audience seat, where Jory was sitting. He immediately reassured her with an OK hand gesture when he saw Nancy looking at him.
Jory can do it. So why can’t I do the same?
Meanwhile, the girl who sat next to Nancy just now returned to her seat with a glass in her hand. Surprised by Jory’s presence, it took the girl some time before she could react. “Excuse me? Were you the senior from the first match?”
As Jory was focused on Nancy, he didn’t even realize that the girl was talking to him. Therefore, he did not give her any response.
The girl didn’t feel awkward at all and took her seat. Jory only noticed there was someone beside him when she sat down. The girl murmured to herself, “You both indeed make a good pair. She was looking at you in the same way just now.”
Her words snapped Jory back to his senses. Finally, he came to a realization that someone was talking to him. He responded numbly, “Are you talking to me?”
The girl burst out laughing. “Do you see anyone else around?”
Jory then looked around and realized their surrounding was almost empty. Most of the contestants had already gone back with their group of friends and relatives after the competition. Therefore, the number of audiences was reducing rapidly.
Those who remained were either waiting for their turn, or they were Taekwondo enthusiasts.
“I don’t remember seeing you just now. Aren’t you one of the contestants today?” Jory folded his hands on his thigh. “Are you a Taekwondo enthusiast?”
