As I always, I would like to give special thanks to my top supporter of my story, SolSparda36. And yeah, I'm pretty sure there a lot of people out there who don't know who half these characters are from Tekken(Mobile). Like I said in the last chapter, I'm having difficulty creating the match-ups between each character, due to not knowing which fights are canon or non-canon.
And Wlyman2009, I'd like thank you for your feedback and the idea you gave me as well. Me and my boyfriend had been discussing your review and we've decided that Jin befriending other characters from the DOA franchise isn't such a bad idea. I just have to figure out which DOA characters I would want him to befriend. My first choices would be Hayabusa and Hayate, but I'll let you guys give your opinion to me. Also, you'd be happy to know that Jin shows up in the next chapter. You guys won't have to wait any longer, I was just waiting for the perfect build up before having him show up for real.
Like I've told other people, I'm not a JinXiao shipper, however I do support it. I've never really been a canon shipper growing up, considering that they've never really interest me all that much to the point where I found them to be a cliche. I've always been more of cross-shipper.
My OTPs are: NatsuXOuterMoka and Jinoka.
Yes, Jin and Honoka's ship name is Jinoka LOL.
At first, I use to ship Hitomi with Jin when I was younger, but now I ship him with Honoka to the max. Let's be honest, there are some people out there who'd wanna see Jin paired up with ANY DOA girl, whether it'd be Christie or Alpha-152 LMAO. I won't lie, I initially thought this story was gonna get shitted on a lot because of who I paired Jin up with. A lot people in the West absolutely despise Honoka with the passion to the point where they want her deleted completely LOL.
One last thing I wanna address before you guys read, someone PM'd me and asked if there's gonna be something going on between Kazuya and Honoka, since they saw her in between Jin and Kazuya in a gif I made on Wattpad. Short answer is...maybe, just maybe.
Anyways, enjoy the story :)
CHAPTER NINE: SMILE
"You make me smile like the sun."
After bonding and sharing their tragic stories over ice cream, both Asuka and Honoka decided to go to the arena for the upcoming match-up as Honoka didn't want to pass up the opportunity to watch it.
The arena was brimming beyond its previous capacity, the atmosphere crackling with excitement. The evening's highlight, the clash that had everyone on the edge of their seats, was about to unfold: the unstoppable Paul Phoenix facing off against the ferocious Kuma.
Honoka's heart pounded with unbridled excitement as she anticipated the thrill of witnessing her favorite fighter, Paul, command the ring in person—an experience she had long dreamed of. The very thought of being present to watch his every masterful move in the electrifying atmosphere sent a shiver of exhilaration coursing through her veins.
High up in the stands, the two friends sat side by side, their eyes fixed on the ring below. Honoka was practically on the edge of her seat, her fists clenched in anticipation. Asuka, ever composed, watched with an analytical gaze, studying each fighter's moves.
"Oh, Asuka. This is gonna be so cool! Paul's got those powerhouse moves, but Kuma's got the whole bear thing going on!" Honoka said energetically.
Asuka nodded in agreement. "True, and Kuma's not your average bear." She then folded her arms. "Heihachi Mishima himself trains him. But Paul's determination is second to none. This will be interesting."
The bell rang, and the match began. Paul, with his signature red gi and towering flat-top hairstyle, started with a barrage of heavy blows, each punch thrown with the intent to end the match quickly. Large and intimidating Kuma responded with roars and swipes, his claws aiming to connect with devastating effect.
As the intense battle raged on, Paul's relentless assault seemed to be paying off as he landed a critical hit that sent Kuma staggering. The crowd roared in approval, sensing the end was near.
Honoka jumped up, cheering loudly. "Go, Paul! You can do it!" she shouted at the top of her lungs. "Show him what you're made of!"
Paul, sensing victory, gathered his strength for a finishing blow. With a mighty yell, he channeled all his energy into a final, earth-shattering Phoenix Smasher. The punch connected and Kuma was knocked out cold.
The arena erupted into cheers as the referee declared Paul the winner. Honoka was ecstatic, clapping and whooping, while Asuka nodded in respect for the display of raw power and tenacity.
However, as the excitement died down, it became clear that the victory had begun to take its toll on Paul. He swayed on his feet, exhaustion etched across his face. He tried to raise his fists triumphally but ultimately stumbled, his body reaching its limit.
Honoka watched from the edge of the crowd, anxiously knitting her brow as she leaned further over the railing, her hands gripping the cold metal tightly.
Honoka's hands flew to her mouth, her eyes widening with fear as her favorite fighter crumpled to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut. "Oh my god," she gasped, a feverish edge to her voice, "He just... he just went down like a sack of potatoes." She swallowed hard, fighting back the surge of fear for her favorite fighter, the one whose posters plastered the walls of her room along with Kasumi's back home. Biting her lip, she murmured a fervent prayer, barely audible above the commotion. "Please, let him be okay. He has to be okay." Her voice was a desperate whisper, a mantra for the fighter to rise again.
Asuka watched as the medical team rushed to Paul's aid, helping him out of the ring. "Don't worry, he's fine. He just pushed himself too hard, that's all." Asuka reassured Honoka. There was a hint of sympathy lingering in her voice. "It's not just about winning the match, but being able to continue the fight. He's got spirit, though."
Honoka's anxiety dissolved, replaced by a wave of relief. Before she could voice her thoughts, the announcer's solemn, respectful timbre, carried by the PA system, echoed through the arena. "Ladies and gentlemen, after that incredible match, Paul Phoenix has unfortunately withdrawn from the tournament due to exhaustion. Let's give him a round of applause for his outstanding performance today!"
The crowd, initially shocked, begins to clap, a chorus of applause rising for the fallen warrior who gave his all in the ring. Honoka stood up and joined in the applause, a look of mixed admiration and disappointment on her face.
"Aw, man. That's too bad." Honoka said with a disappointed shake of her head. "I was really hoping to test my skills against him. It's disappointing that he had to drop out because he went all out. But I guess it shows how determined he is. I hope he's feeling better soon."
"Yeah, it's a bummer. He was really giving it his all out there," Asuka agreed, nodding in understanding. "But hey, at least he showed us what he's made of. I'm sure he'll bounce back stronger next time."
Honoka sighed, her eyes still fixed on the medical team attending to Paul. "I hope so. It just sucks to see someone with so much passion for fighting have to bow out like this. I was really looking forward to the challenge of facing him in the tournament."
Asuka placed a comforting hand on Honoka's shoulder. "I get it. It's okay to feel disappointed. Paul is a tough guy, though. I'm sure he'll come back even more fired up after this."
Honoka's expression softened as she looked at Asuka. "You're right. He's not the type to stay down for long. I'll definitely be cheering for him when he's back in action."
Asuka smiled reassuringly. "That's the spirit! And who knows, maybe you'll get your match with him next time around. It'll be worth the wait, trust me."
After the match concluded, Paul emerged as the victor, only to withdraw from the tournament, drained from the overwhelming exertion. Seeking respite, Asuka and Honoka ventured out for a leisurely stroll in the park, craving the tranquility of open spaces.
The park hummed with joy and laughter. Side by side, they traded tales of their youthful escapades. Each shared memory smoothed away the tension that had once lingered between them as they laughed over the foolish antics of their younger selves...
"..so there I was, barely ten, standing in front of the whole judo club, absolutely convinced that I'd found some kind of ancient, secret technique from a movie that would let me beat them all." Asuka began, her smile betraying affection for her past self.
Honoka stopped in her tracks, her gaze wide with a mixture of incredulity and delight. A grin tugged at her lips, and she couldn't hold back her response. "No way! The judo club?" She sputtered between giggles, picturing the scene. "As in, the ENTIRE dojo full of bruisers twice your size?"
"Yep, every single one of them!" Asuka declared, nodding emphatically. The corners of her eyes crinkled with the vivid recall of her youthful audacity.
An eager grin crossed Honoka's features as she leaned in, the evening light dancing in her eyes. "You always had guts, Asuka! So, did you end up as the undefeated dojo champion?"
Asuka's laughter subsided into a warm chuckle at the girl's deep curiosity. "No, not exactly." the brunette said, shaking her head. "I challenged the top student, and he, humoring me, accepted and well…let's just say it took him about five seconds to flip me onto the mat. And then the next student in line took their turn, and the next. Each of them showed me that there was no replacing hard work and actual experience with wishful thinking."
Trying and failing to hold back her amusement, Honoka clapped a hand over her mouth, her shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter. "Oh, Asuka," she choked out between giggles, "...that's both terrible and hilarious! You must've been so embarrassed!"
Asuka smiled ruefully and snorted. "Of course I was. But more than that, I was determined. After each fall, I got back up, ready to try again. It was a lesson in perseverance, one that I've carried with me ever since."
Honoka let out a contented sigh, the warmth of companionship enveloping her. "That's so like you, Asuka. Always learning, always pushing forward." Despite their relatively short acquaintance, Honoka could almost feel the echoes of a lifelong friendship with the Osoka schoolgirl resonating within her. A gentle smile spread across her face. "I had my own share of silly childhood ambitions, you know."
"Oh, really?" Asuka crossed her arms with an intrigued expression aimed at Honoka, who nodded in response. "Alright, Honoka, let's hear it."
With a thoughtful inhale that seemed to inflate her with nostalgia, Honoka allowed a vivid recollection to wash over her, her gaze unfocused as she immersed herself in the past. Her eyes shimmered with the innocence of yesteryears as she began to weave the tale of her childhood aspirations, ready to share a piece of her heart with Asuka.
"Well, I was absolutely fascinated with superheroes as a kid. I mean, who wasn't? But I didn't just want to watch them or read about them—I wanted to be one. So, I decided that I would develop my own superpowers."
Asuka raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her face. "Whoa. And how did the young and almighty Honoka plan to accomplish that?"
"Wel, I thought it was all about willpower and imagination. So, I focused all my energy on trying to become invisible. I'd stand in front of the mirror, willing myself to disappear, convinced that if I just concentrated hard enough, I'd fade from view." explained Honoka, grinning sheepishly
Asuka tried to stifle a laugh, but ultimately failed at doing so. Honoka was too cute and it really showed. "Aww. That's so adorable, Honoka. Did anyone have the heart to tell you it wasn't quite working?"
Honoka nodded, her laughter mingling with Asuka's. "Yeah. My grandma watched me for an entire week, standing there, squinting at the mirror. Finally, she sat me down and explained that some things, no matter how much we want them, just aren't possible. But she also told me that the determination to make the impossible happen was a superpower all on its own."
Unexpectedly, just as Honoka finished explaining, she started experiencing vivid flashbacks. Vivid bits and pieces of that very night…when her life was nearly stripped away from her by her attacker flashed themselves in her head.
The burning hot sensation and the red misty energy engulfing her hand flashed in her head. Honoka couldn't comprehend what or how she did it. What caused her hand to ignite so brightly in the dark hour of the night? Of course, she didn't forget that time it had happened back at the last DEAD OR ALIVE tournament.
What was it?
What did she do to cause that reaction in her body?
Better question.
How did she do it, to begin with?
Honoka was so entranced in her thoughts that she barely looked where she was going. A soft force collided with her body, causing her to lose her balance and returning her to reality.
Asuka immediately went to Honoka's side and helped her to her feet. "Honoka! Are you alright?"
Standing up, Honoka gave a nod. "Y-Yeah…I'm fine," she said, dusting herself off. Immediately wanting to apologize to whomever she bumped into, the pink-haired girl looked ahead and reached her hand out to the stranger. "I'm so sorry! I was so caught up in the conversation with my friend I wasn't looking where I was going... Are you okay, Miss?"
The girl sat up, rubbing her head with a slight grimace. She looked at Honoka, her irritation fading as quickly as it appeared, replaced by a soft smile.
"I'm fine, don't worry about it. Accidents happen." She said with a smile. The girl gratefully accepted the offered hand, standing up and brushing the grass off her clothes.
Honoka examined the girl standing before her. She looked no more than nearly around her age and was wearing an A-line, pink, sleeveless dress with yellow and white chrysanthemums on one side, purple bloomers with white linings underneath her dress, matching pink hairbands and thick bracelets with a yellow glow. She also wore pink shoes with black linings and glowing yellow stripes on the front and back.
Her dark locks were tied into two pigtails, allowing her to show off her youthful face. Just from looking at her pigtails, Honoka immediately recognized who she was.
"Wait, I know you! You're Ling Xiaoyu from the third King of Iron Fist Tournament!"
Xiaoyu was surprised, but pleased at the recognition nonetheless. "Yes, that's me and you're…"
Honoka blinked in confusion before realizing she had forgotten to introduce herself. "O-Oh! My name's Honoka and this Asuka." she introduced, pointing to herself and the brunette. "I've watched all your matches and I just wanna say that I love your fighting style. It's so graceful and fluid."
Although taken aback, Xiaoyu merely smiled. "Thanks. That means a lot to me." She said, flattered. "It's all about practice and dedication."
"It's very unique." complimented Honoka. "I've never seen your style before. What's it called?"
"It's a mix of Baguazhang and Piguaquan," Xiaoyu answered, a sense of pride and confidence washing over her. "They're traditional Chinese martial arts. How about you guys? What styles have you studied?" she inquired, looking between Honoka and Asuka.
With a notable grin, Asuka folded her arms. "Well, I'm proud to say that I practice in the amazing and traditional Kazama Style. Has been in the family for generations and don't plan on changing it anytime soon."
"And I like to mix and match different techniques that I learn from watching other fighters and from my own training." Honoka chimed in excitedly. "There's so much to learn from every style! Speaking of which, would you be willing to show me some of your moves, Xiaoyu? Maybe we could have a friendly match right here in the park?"
"A friendly match?" Xiaoyu reiterated questioningly. She was taken aback by the sudden proposal but considered accepting it. Besides, she could use a little sparring match to warm her up for the tournament. "Well, I suppose it could be fun. But we have to be careful not to get too carried away. We don't want to cause a scene."
Honoka clapped her hands in delight. "Okay, got it!"
Xiaoyu can't help but smile at her enthusiasm. The three walked over to a more open area, ensuring enough space for their friendly exhibition. A small crowd began to form, sensing something interesting was about to take place. Honoka and Xiaoyu took their positions, facing each other with a look of mutual respect.
"This should be fun." Asuka stepped to the side, giving the two space in the clearing. She took on the role of spectator and referee, her arms crossed as she watched with interest. "Alright, you guys. Just try to keep it friendly, okay? Ready when you are."
Honoka and Xiaoyu exchanged a respectful bow, their eyes locked in silent camaraderie. With a nod, they settled into their stances, the air between them charged with anticipation. Honoka's feet began to shift in slow, deliberate circles, mirroring Xiaoyu's graceful dance as they both searched for an undefended space.
"You won't find it easy," Honoka taunted gently, the corner of her mouth lifting in a playful smirk.
"We'll see," Xiaoyu responded with a twinkle in her eye, launching the first strike—a cascade of swift, flowing blows aimed to probe the sturdiness of Honoka's guard.
Honoka absorbed the barrage with a sharp intake of breath, then burst forward. "My turn!" she declared, her voice a battle cry. She infused each movement with a fiery passion and unleashed a whirlwind of punches and kicks. "This one's for you!" she shouted, weaving a move she'd adopted from a fighter she admired into her relentless assault. Her unpredictable combination of self-taught and borrowed techniques was as surprising as it was powerful—a chaotic dance born from her heart.
Amidst the storm, Xiaoyu glided with the serene grace of a veteran. "Like the wind," she murmured, her body twirling and dipping with a fluid ease that transformed the fight into a performance. Each evasion was poetry in motion, a testament to her mastery of Baguazhang, as she effortlessly channeled the art of war into a visual symphony.
Their audience roared with delight, swept up in the clash of Honoka's fierce determination against Xiaoyu's refined artistry. The contrast was a captivating display of spirit and skill.
But experience, it seemed, was a subtle tide turning in Xiaoyu's favor. "I'm starting to read you, Honoka," she whispered with sly confidence, her maneuvers growing sharper with every minute passed. With deft elegance, she wove through the incoming barrage to land her flurry of graceful yet firm touches. Each hit was a lesson, teaching without wounding.
Finally, with a tender flick to Honoka's shoulder, Xiaoyu concluded their balletic battle. "It seems," she said with a gentle laugh, "the dance is done for now." Honoka, though winded, let out a laugh of her own, pride and admiration shining in her eyes as they embraced the closure of their match with the warmth of their enduring friendship.
The audience around them erupted into applause, their appreciation echoing throughout the park. Honoka stepped back, her eyes bright with excitement rather than disappointment. She clapped for Xiaoyu, admiration clear in her voice. "That was awesome, Xiaoyu! You're incredibly strong, and you move like water—so cool! I definitely need to train more if I'm going to catch up to you!"
Xiaoyu's face lit up with a friendly smile, her respect for Honoka evident as she replied, "Thank you. But you have an amazing spirit, Honoka. Your power and passion are inspiring. It was an honor to spar with you today. I'm sure you'll become even way stronger."
Honoka reached out to Xiaoyu with a congratulatory handshake, which Xiaoyu accepted with gratitude. Their amicable display exemplified the deep connection between rivals and the sheer delight in celebrating their mutual fervor for martial arts.
"Well, if it isn't my two favorite ladies!" sounded a voice that was filled with cockiness mixed in with amusement. "Xiao, looking as radiant as ever. And Honoka, as adorable and fierce as the day is long."
The three ladies' gazes followed in the direction of the voice and spotted Hwoarang sauntering over to them, his hands stuffed in his pockets.
Xiaoyu turned to Hwoarang, her face lighting up with recognition and a friendly smile.
Asuka, on the other hand, groaned inwardly, clearly bothered by his presence. 'Ugh, not him again.'
"Hwoarang! What a surprise!" Xiaoyu happily greeted her longtime friend. "How have you been?"
With a cocky grin, Hwoarang folded his arms and leaned back, an aura of confidence radiating from him. "Oh, I'm always on top of the world when I'm around charming company. Speaking of which," He let the words hang, then shifted his gaze, locking eyes with Honoka. "Honoka, you lookin' forward to being my personal cheerleader at my next match? I could use a good luck charm when I take on Steve."
Honoka's giggle rippled through the air, a clear sign of her delight in the playful suggestion. It sparkled in her eyes, a glimmer of flattery from the unexpected attention.
Xiaoyu observed the exchange, her gaze softening. There was something undeniably charming about witnessing Hwoarang, usually a not-so-nice person, clearly smitten by his seemingly newfound crush. The adorable scene unfolded, a rare glimpse into the tender side of a rugged spirit—a side that Honoka, it seemed, had effortlessly brought to light.
Asuka, however, wasn't buying the act or the charm. She crossed her arms and fixed Hwoarang with a skeptical gaze. "Right, Hwoarang. Because what you need most is another cheerleader."
Hwoarang's eyes danced with mischief as the corner of his mouth curled into a quick, sly smirk. He caught Asuka's gaze, a silent but unmistakable acknowledgment of her playful jab, yet his confidence remained unshaken—a testament to their familiar banter. "I can never have too many. But come on, what do you say, Honoka? You'd look great with pom-poms."
"I'm not sure I'd be the best cheerleader, but I'll definitely come to watch you fight!" teased Honoka.
Xiaoyu eyed Hwoarang with a knowing look. The fact that Hwoarang was still the same hot-headed, arrogant, and impulsive taekwondo fighter she had met back in the third tournament was a sheer comfort to her. Ever since someone, whom she considered dear to her disappeared and Heihachi's death, things drastically changed. "Better remember, Hwoarang, this isn't a game. You might be all jokes now, but Steve Fox is no one to take lightly."
Hwoarang's cocky smirk wavered, giving way to a look of sincere contemplation. He acknowledged Xiaoyu's viewpoint with a solemn nod, the recognition of his adversary's prowess sparking in his gaze. "You've got a point, Xiao. No underestimating him," he conceded. His voice lowered, edged with a playful undertone. "But there's no harm in having a little fun before the serious stuff, right?"
Honoka watches the exchange with a mix of amusement and admiration for the dynamic between Hwoarang and Xiaoyu.
"Fun or not, just make sure your fighting is as good as your flirting," Asuka remarked with a smirk.
"Tch. Clearly, you haven't been payin' attention, princess. I always deliver." With an impish wink, Hwoarang coaxed a burst of laughter from Xiaoyu and Honoka while Asuka only offered an exasperated eye roll in response. Flashing a playful salute, brimming with roguish charm, Hwoarang turned on his heel. Yet, his gaze held Honoka's in a silent exchange, heavy with unspoken words, just a heartbeat longer than necessary before he sauntered off into the unknown.
The air was thick with the tension of an imminent battle. In the front row, Honoka, Asuka, and Xiaoyu sat side by side, their eyes fixed on the ring where Hwoarang and Steve were warming up, bouncing on the balls of their feet, ready for their match.
Hwoarang, with his fiery red hair and traditional dobok, threw a few high kicks into the air, a smirk playing on his lips. Steve Fox, the British boxer with his blond hair cropped close, shadow boxed with precision, his blue eyes gleaming with confidence.
"Hope your gloves are on tight, Steve." Hwoarang taunted with a cocky grin. "It'd be a shame if they flew off after my first kick."
Steve circled around his friend, yet opponent in the ring with a smirk. "Just focus on your footwork, mate. Wouldn't want you to trip over your own feet, don't we?"
The air crackled with competitive tension as the two fighters allowed themselves a shared moment of laughter. Their rivalry, marked by camaraderie as much as by the drive to best each other, had become a captivating spectacle to behold. Yet, for Hwoarang, this friendly battle of skills with Steve paled in comparison to the electrifying and deep-seated contention he shared with a certain raven-haired demon, a rivalry that was far more than just a game—it was a dance with destiny.
They bumped fists in a show of sportsmanship before retreating to their corners.
As the match began, tension built among the spectators. Honoka gripped the edge of her seat, her eyes wide with excitement, while Asuka leaned over to her, a look of disbelief on her face.
"Hey, Honoka? You're not seriously thinkin' about going on a date with that loser, are you?" the brunette asked, skepticism playing at her emotions.
"Yeah, why?" Honoka asked, gingerly tilting her head to the side. "Why wouldn't I go out with him? He DID win the bet, after all. It would only be unfair if I went back on it."
"I know, know, but I mean, look at him, showing off like he's the king of the ring with those flashy kicks. It's really annoying."
Honoka turned to Asuka, an amused smile on her face, and then went back to the fight in the ring. "Well, I think he's kind of cool in his own way." She was not offended by Asuka's blunt assessment of Hwoarang. "Besides, he's not as bad as you make him out to be, Asuka. I'm curious to see if there's more to him than just his kicks and his bike."
"I still think you could do MUCH better than this guy. Trust me," Asuka muttered in slight irritation.
Xiaoyu, with a glimmer in her eye and a mischievous lilt to her voice, couldn't help but interject upon catching the drift of the conversation. Her giggle danced through the air, light and teasing. "Oh, come on, Asuka," she teased with a knowing smirk. "I think they could be cute together and besides, everyone deserves a chance."
A guttural groan clawed its way up Asuka's throat, threatening to spill into a gag as the mental picture of her friend, Honoka, hand in hand with Hwoarang, materialized into a couple's portrait she wished she could unsee. The very notion of them as an item twisted her insides with an unsettling blend of disbelief and dismay. "Ugh…you're both hopeless romantics, ya know that?"
The match continued, with both fighters landing and taking hits, neither willing to give ground. The crowd was on its feet, the excitement building to a crescendo.
Steve ducked and weaved, his boxing footwork keeping him out of harm's way, as he countered with a series of jabs that forced Hwoarang to retreat.
The British boxer pressed the advantage, closing the distance to nullify Hwoarang's range. He unleashed a flurry of body shots, each one thudding against Hwoarang's ribs. But Hwoarang was resilient, spinning away from the barrage and using his superior reach to land a spinning hook kick that grazed Steve's temple.
The fighters separated, circling each other warily. Hwoarang feinted a low kick, then switched levels for a high roundhouse. Steve, anticipating the move, sidestepped and countered with a devastating uppercut, but Hwoarang was quick, leaning back just in time to let the punch whistle past his chin.
The match was a back-and-forth display of skill and strategy, with neither fighter able to gain a decisive upper hand. Hwoarang's acrobatic kicks clashed with Steve's precise boxing combinations, each man earning the crowd's respect—and his opponent—with every blow exchanged.
Both fighters showed signs of fatigue as the final round approached, but their spirits remained unbroken. Hwoarang, spotting an opening, feinted a jab and then launched into a tornado kick, a risky move that left no room for mistakes. Steve, caught off guard, attempted to block, but the kick's power was too great—it connected solidly with his chest, sending him stumbling back against the ropes.
The referee jumps in, starting the count as Steve struggles to find his footing. He makes it to his knees, then to his feet, just as the count reaches eight. But it's clear that Hwoarang's last kick has taken its toll—the British boxer is dazed, his legs unsteady.
With a nod from the referee, the match resumes, but it's only a matter of seconds before Hwoarang lands another quick, sharp kick to Steve's midsection, folding him over.
The crowd gasped, then erupted as the referee stepped in to count Steve out.
The bell rang, signaling the end of the match. The referee raised Hwoarang's hand in victory. However, the taekwondo fighter didn't bask in the glory alone. Instead, he turned to Steve, who was pushing himself up off the mat and offered a hand to help him stand. With a nod to the referee, Steve accepted with a wry smile and Hwoarang lifted Steve's arm into the air alongside his own.
The gesture silenced the crowd for a moment before a new wave of applause broke out, louder and more appreciative than before. It was a salute to the sportsmanship and honor displayed by both warriors.
Asuka's eyebrows raised in a mix of surprise and a burgeoning respect. She had pegged the brash taekwondo fighter as an arrogant, hot-headed child in a gi who sneered at the idea of respect for anyone but himself. Yet there he was, embodying the essence of sportsmanship with a gesture that challenged all of her assumptions. As the applause rippled around her, Asuka entertained a thought that was as unsettling as it was new – perhaps she had been entirely wrong about him.
"Well, I've gotta admit, that was pretty decent of him," she commented, a hint of respect in her tone.
"See? What I tell ya, Asuka? Hwoarang's not just a show-off. He's a true martial artist." Honoka beamed proudly.
Xiaoyu clapped, impressed by Hwoarang's maturity. "That's the spirit of a true fighter—respect for your opponent."
Hwoarang, catching his breath, looked up to the stands, his eyes scanning for one particular little person. His gaze found Honoka's and he beamed at her, winking mischievously, the thrill of victory shining in his eyes.
Asuka rolled her eyes at the gesture. "Oh, brother. Could he be more of a show-off?"
Flattered, Honoka smiled back at Hwoarang and waved at him. "He's just... excited. It's nice to see him happy."
Xiaoyu silently observed the interaction between Hwoarang and Honoka. 'I wonder…' mused Chinese martial artist as she glanced between the two. '…if he actually likes her.'
Xiaoyu racked her brain, scouring for reasons why Hwoarang could be drawn to Honoka. It wasn't just Honoka's effervescent charm or innocence that mirrored that of a child; there was a tenderness about her, a sweetness that seemed to permeate the air around her. But then there was also the undeniable allure of her curvaceous silhouette, her generous curves that seemed to defy gravity itself — a tantalizing bonus beyond her cheery disposition. Indeed, Honoka's bewitching figure might very well be the silent siren call beckoning Hwoarang, much like half of the male population at Mishima Polytechnic, who would undoubtedly go to great lengths for a mere glimpse of her in a state of undress.
Just after their playful spar, Hwoarang had made no secret of his affection, showering Honoka with flirtatious banter, his words lost on her naive ears. Yet, Xiaoyu's perceptive eyes caught the unmistakable warmth of his smile — one reserved only for Honoka when he emerged victorious over Steve. It was no run-of-the-mill grin: it was brimming with sincerity, something Xiaoyu had never seen from Hwoarang in the year she had known him. It was a smile untouched by the inclination for combat, affirming something far deeper.
A conspiratorial smirk crept across Xiaoyu's lips, hidden from view. She had a plan — a gambit laced with uncertainty, yet the potential rewards justify the risks.
'Time for me to play cupid.'
Oh, boy. If only Xiaoyu knew what fate had in store for Honoka and Hwoarang for real is feeling Honoka real hard, isn't he? ;)