The sun was bright that afternoon, and Linda felt glad to be training with her friends at the local gym. It was a small place they had discovered together, where they could practice without anyone stopping them.
Every strike Linda threw sent heat racing through her muscles. Sweat trickled down her temple, but she refused to slow down. The burn in her body only reminded her how much she wanted to grow stronger. When Sophia finally called time, her cheerful voice broke through the sound of fists and feet hitting mats.
"Alright, that's enough for today," Sophia said, fanning herself. Then her grin widened. "How about we celebrate? There's that new restaurant near school—I heard their food is amazing. Come on, we deserve a treat."
Linda and Alex shared a quick smile. Sophia's excitement was hard to resist.
Linda smiled faintly but shook her head. "You two go ahead. I'll catch up later. There's this one move I want to perfect."
"Don't take forever," Sophia warned playfully as she grabbed Alex's arm and headed for the door.
Left alone, Linda drew a deep breath and focused. Her body moved, determination burning in her eyes. She repeated the move again and again until her strikes felt right. When she finally landed it clean, a rush of pride filled her chest.
What Linda didn't notice was the tall figure standing by the doorway—Mr. Kwon. His sharp eyes followed her every move. For a moment, he doubted his judgement on her, as if he saw more in her than he never wanted to admit. He turned and walked away without a word.
Linda, unaware, felt a glow of satisfaction. With her spirits lifted, she grabbed her bag and hurried to meet her friends.
The warm aroma of freshly cooked food greeted her the moment she stepped into the restaurant. Her stomach growled, telling of her hunger. Sophia and Alex were already seated, laughing and chatting . Linda joined them, and soon the food was served.
As they were eating, Sophia leaned forward, eyes twinkling with mischief. "You know… I've been getting a lot of attention from rich guys lately."
Linda rolled her eyes. "Here we go again."
Alex dropped his chopsticks with a dramatic clatter and puffed out his chest. "What about me? I'm hot and rich enough, right? Shouldn't you be impressed?"
Sophia tossed a napkin at him. "You're hot-headed, that's what you are." Making Linda to burst laugh.
Sophia, turned to Linda"So… Linda. I have be planning to ask you have a boyfriend?"
Linda almost choked on her drink, her cheeks flushing pink. "No, I don't," she admitted. laughing.
Alex's eyes widened dramatically. "You're kidding me! Right? Do you know how many guy here could like to date a pretty black girl like you?"
Linda shook her head quickly. "That's not true. Korean guys don't even like Black girls that much."
Alex leaned closer, his grin mischievous as he said. "You're selling yourself short. You're smart, beautiful, and tougher than most people I know. Any guy would be lucky to have you."
Sophia leaned in slightly staring at her as she said "That's the truth, Linda. You just don't see ."
Linda's eyes dropped to the table, her fingers brushing at the tip of her glass.
As she smiled faintly.
Alex leaned back with a smirk glint. "Actually, I know this Korean guy who's so obsessed with Black girls, he's learning African languages just to impress them."
Linda and Sophia burst out laughing, their laughter echoing through the restaurant.
"That's ridiculous!" Linda said, as she continues to laugh.
"Hey," Alex shrugged, "Love knows no boundaries. Who knows? Maybe he'll become the first K-pop star singing in African languages."
His jokes only makes their laugher grew louder.
When they finally stopped laughing.
Sophia asked with excitement, have you guys heard of the Friday's party?"
Alex's grin widened. "Yeah, it's going to be huge! Everyone will be there."
Linda blinked. "Party? What party?"
Sophia leaned across the table, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. "It's going to be amazing. I've already got a perfect dress to rock it.
Alex smirked and said "I will dance with every girl that cross my part."
Linda frowned slightly, uncertain. "I don't know. I'm not really into parties."
Sophia clasped her hands in mock pleading. "Oh, come on, Linda! Please? You'll have fun, I promise."
While Alex leaned in with a grin, waggling his brows. "And who knows—you might even meet your true love there. Maybe someone bold enough to propose on the spot. Or a very rich guy " Sophia interjected.
Linda giggled despite herself. "You two are impossible."
But they wouldn't stop pressing, until she sighed in defeat. "Fine. I'll go."
"yes!" Sophia cheered, clapping her hands. "We'll pick you up at six sharp."
Linda shook her head. "No need. I'll just ride my bike, just send me the address.
Alex stare at her strangely, and asked who rode bike to party?"
Sophia groaned. "Yeah, that's not exactly… glamorous."
Linda stuck out her lower lip in a fake pout. "I'm an independent, bike-riding woman, thank you very much."
After the meal, Alex paid the bill, and they stepped into the cool evening air. Linda climbed onto her bike, the wind already tugging at her hair. She waved goodbye as she ride off.
"She's something else," Alex said, watching her with a grin.
Sophia nodded softly. "And that's exactly why we love her right?" She asked rhetorically. they continue chatting as they walk away.
As Linda got home,she parked her bike, and steped inside. After freshening up, she settled on her bed, she picked up a novel. Just then, her phone buzzed. Seeing the name on the screen, she smiled.
"Hey, Dad!" she answered sweetly.
"Hey, sweetie. How's the new school treating you?" Mr. Lee's voice was warm and lovely.
Linda relaxed against her pillows, telling him about her classes and her new friends. He listened, asking gentle questions, his concern clear in every word.
"Can I talk to Mom?" Linda asked after a while.
"Of course," he said softly, handing the phone over.
Her mother's gentle voice filled her ear, soon followed by the excited chatter of Jack and Emily. Linda laughed as they tried to talk over each other, sharing their little adventures. For a few minutes, she felt wrapped in the warmth of family despite the distance.
When Mr. Lee came back on the line, his tone was serious but tender. "Sweetie, just remember—stay focused. Balance fun with your goals. And don't forget, if you ever need us, we're just a call away."
Emotion swelled in Linda's chest, her eyes stinging just a little. "I know, Dad. Thank you… for always being there."
"Always," he said simply. "We love you."
When the call ended, Linda set the phone gently on her nightstand. Snuggling beneath her blanket, she let the smile linger on her lips. Outside, the night hummed softly, and soon sleep pulled her into peace, her heart warm and full of love.