[74] "New experiences and stronger ties"

As the days go by, Subin's presence in the group becomes more and more noticeable and friendships begin to emerge. As they get to know each other, they discover common interests and share experiences together, which allows them to strengthen their bonds of friendship.

....

[Shinhwa]

In the Shinhwa president's office, Jiyoung was sitting while Jiwoo and Inhyuk stared at her.

"We want you to join the Awakened Academy as an independent Awakened One with Shinhwa's sponsorship," Inhyuk said.

"The Awakened Academy?" repeated Jiwoo, confused.

"Yes, it's a place where young Awakened Ones from different groups meet, and it would be a great experience for you, since you've never had contact with other Awakened Ones your age besides us," Inhyuk explained.

"I don't know, this is all very sudden," Jiwoo replied, hesitantly.

"If you don't want to go, you don't have to, Jiwoo. Do whatever you want," said Jiyonug.

"But I think it's a good opportunity for you. You will be able to experience what it's like to live as an Awakened One and eventually get involved with other groups in this country," Jiyoung added.

"Take your time to think about it and let us know," Jiyoung concluded.

"Thank you very much for the invitation. It must not be easy for Shinhwa to sponsor me. I'll think about it when I get home," Jiwoo said with a grateful smile.

Jiyoung blushed while Inhyuk smiled.

....

[Jiwoo's house]

Jiwoo arrived home and saw Kayden doing push-ups while Ares was training in the corner shadowing.

She approached them, feeling a little nervous but determined to ask her question.

"I want to ask them something and get their opinion on it," Jiwoo said, catching their attention.

Kayden and Ares stopped what they were doing and turned to look at her. "Go ahead," Kayden replied.

Jiwoo speaks up and explains the situation.

"Did Jiyoung call you to participate in the new awakened academy?" Kayden asked, waiting for confirmation.

"Yes, he did," Jiwoo replied.

"It could be a great experience for you," Ares added.

"That's what Jiyoung and Inhyuk told me too," Jiwoo replied.

"That's true, it will do you good to be among the awakened. There are some very peculiar people among the awakened and you could learn a lot over there," Kayden said thoughtfully.

"Maybe you can even kick some ass," Ares added with a grin.

Jiwoo looked surprised and asked. "Why?"

Kayden looked at Jiwoo seriously and explained. "In our world, power is very important and to become stronger you have to fight. In that new institution you will most likely face other awakened of your own age to prove your worth, which will benefit you quite a bit."

"For someone your age, it's hard to find other awakened people your age. Even we have to constantly look for awakened who want to fight, but in that academy you will have to fight no matter what to prove your power," Ares added.

Kayden smiled and said. "That's normal. We are very strong and the others are afraid of us".

Ares and Kayden smiled devilishly and then looked at Jiwoo's sad face.

"Jiwoo you are beginning to understand that the world of the awakened is very different from that of normal humans. In our world, power is everything," Ares explained.

"But you don't have to worry. We will be here to protect you. You just need to worry about the awakened of your age and enjoy the path you choose," Ares added.

"And remember, you are the one who chooses what to do. We don't interfere and will follow your own path," Kayden said.

Jiwoo smiled warmly and Kayden and Ares smiled back.

....

[A few hours later]

After Jiyoung will inform the other two Shinhwa boys that they would be going to the academy, two individuals entered Jiwoo's house and searched it, looking for personal information and investigating the house completely.

Ares and Kayden, who were nearby, noticed the suspicious activity and decided to analyze the situation before intervening, after a moment they quickly subdued the two intruders.

When Jiwoo returned home, he found two unconscious men on the ground.

After conversing with Ares and Kayden, he decided to call Inhyuk to resolve the matter.

After a thorough investigation, it was discovered that the men were Shinhwa members.

Jiyoung and Inhyuk visited Chairman Lee and warned him about what happened and gave him a warning.

Then, Jiyoung and Inhyuk went to Jiwoo's house and formally apologized for the mistake. However, Jiwoo assured them not to worry and thanked them especially for their help all this time, making Jiyoung blush and Inhyuk smiled warmly.

....

[Shinhwa, next day]

At the training center Jiwoo and Jaehyuk face each other, while Jiyoung, Inhyuk and Boyoung watch them from behind.

Boyoung looks at the two and thinks uncertainly. 'I was surprised that he had such a close relationship with the president, Mr. Inhyuk and Jisuk... I didn't think he would accept, I assumed he would hide behind them, he has a very dosil attitude and fell for Jaehyuk's game.'

Kayden and Ares, meanwhile, enjoyed some hidden popcorn, visualizing the upcoming showdown.

Inhyuk says to Jiyoung. "We have to be careful that Jaehyuk doesn't get hurt."

Boyoung listens and thinks to himself. 'That Jaehyuk doesn't get hurt too much?'

"I hope we have a good fight," Jiwoo says bowing with an innocent smile.

"Don't play dumb, I know very well are your intentions and I'll make you reveal them," Jaehyuk replies angrily.

"On signal, they begin," announces Inhyuk.

The signal sounds and in a millisecond, thousands of thoughts run through Jiwoo's mind. Jaehyuk is a member of Shinhwa and from what he told me, Jiyoung, depending on the importance of the member, has a strength control in Shinhwa. Therefore, I can assume that he has wind powers and he doesn't know anything about my powers, in this battle, I am at an advantage.

'Should I attack first,' Jiwoo thinks, but then he sees Jaehyuk, with an arrogant face, throws a powerful gust of wind neglecting his guard.

Jiwoo disappears and appears behind Jaehyuk, connecting a powerful blow to his face.

Jaehyuk tries to react, but Jiwoo quickly strikes his body several times, releasing in each hit a minimal electric shock, barely perceptible to the eye.

Finally, he finishes his combination of blows with a kick, knocking Jaehyuk out and leaving him unconscious on the ground.

Jiyoung, Jisuk and Ingyuk smile while Boyoung is shocked by what she just witnessed.

On the other hand, Kayden and Ares laugh and enjoy their popcorn.

....

1095 Words.

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