Chapter 18:From Board to Barbell

I look up at my opponent.

His forehead is drenched in sweat.

His clenched hand and fixed pupils betray a desperate resolve not to lose.

But between Changmo Shin and Yunsul Kim, Jia Lee’s master, lies an unbridgeable chasm.

It’s a subtle difference, but the game is decided. A few moves remain to tie it up, but both he and I know I won’t slip.

His trembling hand soon drops the stone weakly.

“You… what are you?”

Yunsul Kim asks, his eyes filled with confusion.

“Thank you for the game.”

Feeling no need to answer, I bow lightly and stand.

“…Wait. Seoa, was it? I’m sorry. Please accept my apology.”

Yunsul Kim suddenly lowers his stance, trying to hold me back.

“…I’m sorry too for being rude. Since we’ve settled our differences, I’ll take care of Jia unnie as promised.”

“Yes, yes! Of course. It was a deal. As an apology, can I ask one favor? It’s good for you too.”

His sudden change in attitude feels off.

“A favor?”

“You’re bound to make it big. Do you have a dojo?”

“No, not yet.”

“Perfect. Could you just register at our dojo? You don’t have to come, but you’re welcome anytime. With your skill, you’re aiming for pro, right? Your talent’s flawless, but going alone is tough… tournament prep and all…”

Yunsul Kim tries to sweet-talk me. I tune out halfway, but his point is clear: he wants to use my name.

Losing with a two-stone handicap, he sees a business opportunity rather than shame.

No competitive spirit, no pride in his Go.

Can this be called a pro?

I don’t judge his life’s goals. They’re just different from mine.

But shouldn’t someone who struggled to earn the pro title have some pride or sense of duty?

To him, Go is just a tool for profit.

I’m not angry.

Just disappointed.

Especially knowing he’s not the only pro who takes Go lightly.

“Thanks, but I’ll pass. I wish your business well. Let’s go, Jia unnie…”

Maybe Jia was just a tool to him, not a cherished student. I cut him off and take Jia’s hand.

“Huh? Oh! Thanks for everything, Master! I’ll call you!”

Before Yunsul Kim can respond, Jia grabs my hand tightly and bolts out of the dojo.

“Phew…”

Rushing down the stairs leaves me breathless.

Reflecting calmly, I feel guilty for meddling too much in Jia’s affairs.

What’s done can’t be undone, and I’m ready to take responsibility. But it all happened without Jia’s consent.

“Sorry. I stuck my nose in and caused this…”

“It’s fine! I feel relieved! Plus, you said you’d take responsibility, right?”

“Yes, that’s true, but… won’t your parents worry if you suddenly quit the dojo?”

“Well, I’ll get a little scolded. They wouldn’t kick out their lovely daughter… hehe.”

Jia waves it off, but her shadowed eyes show worry and unease.

“…I’m sorry.”

Bowing my head is the best I can do now.

Jia’s phone alarm rings. The display shows 5:00 p.m.

She seems to have a schedule.

“Sorry about today. Call me anytime…”

“Seoa, wanna come with me?”

She interrupts my farewell.

“Huh? Where?”

“After failing to go pro repeatedly, I wondered if it’s a stamina issue… so I started going to the gym last year! I skip a lot, but since I’m free today, I thought I’d go!”

Jia flexes her arm, explaining. That must be why her physique stands out for her age.

“Me, at a gym?”

Stamina is crucial in Go. Some pros play tennis or soccer. But the gym is a new idea.

“Yeah! You’re super strong, but you seem frail for your age! You lost to Pilgyu Park, 9-dan, because of stamina, right? If you’re free, come try it with me!”

“…Okay.”

It’s not late enough for Grandpa to worry. I nod, caught off guard.

Unaware of the hell awaiting me.

“Hello, Coach!”

“Jia! Long time no see. Who’s the kid… a foreign cousin?”

Upbeat music fills the gym. A muscular man, likely the coach, greets Jia.

“No! She’s a friend. And my Go teacher from today!”

“…Go teacher?”

He looks puzzled.

“She’s Seoa Ryu, a hot topic in the Go world! Search her, and you’ll find tons of articles.”

“Let’s see… Seoa Ryu…”

He pulls out an early-model smartphone, likely cutting-edge for now.

“Defeated Japan’s rising star Asana Hozumi! Matched Pilgyu Park, 9-dan! Go’s brightest beauty prospect! A fairy-tale Go prodigy… The national little sister candidate setting the Go world ablaze!”

“Ah! Don’t read it out loud!”

I desperately cover his phone screen, embarrassed by the cringeworthy headlines.

“Jia, you brought a celebrity! Love you! I’ll give you and the new member five free PT sessions!”

The bald coach flashes a shiny grin, thumbs up.

“Wow! Thanks! She’s super precious, so take good care of her today!”

“Come, Seoa Ryu, member? Fill out your info later. Since it’s your first day, let’s start with a light test.”

“I haven’t said I’m joining…”

“No worries! Just do what you can. It’s to check your basic fitness, no pressure. Change first.”

Ignoring my protests, the bald coach hands me clothes and a towel, pushing me into the locker room.

Women’s locker room.

It’s empty, but Jia will come in soon, so I hurriedly change and leave.

I don’t want to be a creep ogling a kid’s underwear.

“You’re quick, member! Let’s start with push-ups. You’ve done them at school, right?”

This body has no memory of it. I’m not athletic, and the last time was probably a military fitness test.

“Ughhh…”

I try one. My scrawny arms can’t support even this light body and collapse.

Zero.

I knew I was weak, but this feels humiliatingly human.

“It’s okay! Lots of women can’t do one! Try with your knees down.”

His comfort doesn’t heal my shattered pride.

“…Okay.”

Knees down should be easier. I get into position.

“Ugh, pfft.”

One. I kiss the floor again.

“Good effort!”

The coach looks at me with pity, like I’m a sad creature.

“Let’s try squats. It’s your first time, so don’t worry about form. Follow me as best you can.”

Squats. I know them, but I doubt this pathetic body can do them.

“Ugh! Ack! Hah!”

Five squats, and I’m gasping, legs trembling. I feel pathetic—imagine a third party’s view.

“Good job, member. Let’s stop the test here.”

The coach’s eyes burn intensely for some reason.

“Sorry.”

“No need to apologize, Seoa Ryu, member. Don’t like playing outside much?”

With no friends due to my mental age and no desire to run around playgrounds, I’ve spent most of my time reading. My poor physical ability is no surprise.

“Yeah… kinda…”

“I’ll make you healthy, just follow me! Write down your parents’ number later—I’ll fight them if I have to, to make you strong!”

The coach grabs a tiny pink dumbbell, shouting passionately, his muscles bulging. Too late to escape?

“Seoa, fighting!”

Jia, hanging from a pull-up bar with a towel, grins mischievously.