The train finally halted at the next station after authorities received reports of a serious incident in one of the carriages. Security personnel were quickly deployed, while I struggled to keep the subdued attacker pinned to the floor.
For someone like me, with no real combat skills, it was an exhausting fight. During the scuffle, I could only defend myself, dodging attack after attack until a stroke of luck allowed me to take him down.
"Did that guy fight the criminal alone?"
Voices of passengers outside the train echoed as the doors opened. Security officers entered, helping me up from atop the unconscious assailant.
"You'll need medical attention. Please come with us for treatment," one officer said, while his colleague hauled the criminal away.
My eyes searched for Jia in the crowd, but she wasn't in sight.
"We also need a statement from you as a witness," the officer added.
"Understood."
As I was about to step forward, my gaze fell on a neatly dressed man who had used his phone during the earlier hostage situation. His formal suit was slightly wrinkled, thin-framed glasses cracked, and shiny parted hair reminded me of a certain nerdy Remy.
"I can't believe you called your honey instead of reporting this to authorities," I muttered cynically.
"Excuse me, may I borrow your phone for a moment?"
I furrowed my brow, expecting a response, but he seemed indifferent.
"I need to call my wife. She must be very worried," he repeated, his voice desperate.
Seeing the panic in his eyes, I couldn't refuse. I handed him my phone.
"I called my wife because I didn't know the emergency number. I never expected to be in a situation like this. Sorry for troubling you." The man spoke politely.
I wondered if he always relied entirely on his wife for everything. Wouldn't it have been easier to ask someone else for the emergency number?
He walked off to make the call, and I remained still, letting my thoughts drift.
"Ian!"
I turned and saw Jia running toward me, her face full of concern—a natural reaction after everything we'd just experienced.
"You're hurt," she said, her voice trembling as she reached me.
I touched my lip, noticing the soreness from earlier during the fight when I'd accidentally bitten it. "I'm fine," I replied, then shifted my gaze to her. "How about you?"
"I'm fine too. Once we were separated, I ran to the front of the carriage and reported the incident to the authorities. Luckily, the train was almost at the station, so they acted quickly."
"Thank you, Jia," I said, smiling at her initiative.
Her eyes widened before she looked down, shy. "I should be the one thanking you. You saved me from that criminal. I can't imagine what would've happened if you weren't there. And… I'm sorry for what happened between us earlier."
"I've already forgotten. What matters is that you're safe. I was worried because I couldn't protect you properly."
For a moment, we just stared at each other, as if the world around us had frozen. But reality couldn't be ignored, Jia had rejected my feelings.
"Jia, I want to—"
Before I could continue, someone tapped me on the back. I turned, annoyed.
"Here's your phone. Thanks for lending it," said the man who had borrowed it earlier.
I took it back, then looked at Jia again, ready to resume our conversation. But before a word could pass, two teenage girls approached eagerly.
"Wow! You're amazing! How did you fight that criminal? Punches or a flurry of kicks?"
"I… I don't know what you're talking about."
"We want a photo with you! You must have amazing abs too!"
"Abs?"
"Show us!"
I hurriedly pulled down my shirt. "You should focus on school, not this stuff."
Quickly, I guided Jia away from the crowd. After giving my statement to authorities, I insisted on escorting her home. Though she initially resisted, I felt the need to ensure her safety.
"Let's stop here," Jia said, halting our steps. "If we go further, Minjae will see you."
I had nearly forgotten about Minjae. We'd arranged to meet far from campus so he wouldn't know. Time had flown by today.
"A lot happened today," she said. "Even though we argued, I really enjoyed being with you. Thank you, Ian."
She looked nervous as she added, "What else should I say?"
"Jia."
"Yes?"
"Can we meet again?"
Jia giggled. "Of course. We're in the same university, after all."
"I mean, like today. We could go out on weekends, visit fun places together."
Her face reddened, but she nodded. "All right."
Her short answer made my heart race. My hope grew stronger.
I clenched my fists, preparing to confess what I had kept inside for so long. "And, Jia, I really like you. I have to tell you."
Jia paused for a moment. "Ian, actually I—"
"I don't want an answer now," I interrupted quickly. "Let me fight first. I'll defeat Minjae, and when the time comes, you can give me your answer."