The incessant cheering and the dull sound of impacts paused for a moment. The bell signaling the end of the round rang across the stadium, and Park Seojin returned to his corner, breathing heavily. Sweat-soaked black hair clung to his forehead, and the veins on the back of his hand stood out as he took the towel handed to him by his second.

Seojin, who was catching his breath with his head down, suddenly looked up at the spectator seats. Among the countless unfamiliar faces he had encountered throughout the match, one familiar figure caught his eye.

In that instant, his hand, which was wiping his face with the towel, stopped.

...Huh?

They definitely said they couldn't come today. Claiming they had a schedule, or that they'd just rest comfortably at home. They said that right up until he left.

Seojin narrowed his eyes and checked the stands again. There was no way he was mistaken. A short laugh escaped his lips. It was absurd, yet he was so happy it made his chest tingle.

Even as his second was giving him instructions, his response was a beat late. Seojin pretended to nod while unable to take his eyes off the spot. Then, tilting the corners of his mouth up, he mouthed clearly,

I thought you said you weren't coming?