The first time Jisu offered to train you, it wasn’t really an offer. It was more of a scoff, a shake of her head, and a blunt statement:

“You’re gonna get yourself killed if you keep fighting like that.”

It had all happened so fast. One moment, you were scavenging for supplies, the next, a grotesque monster had lunged at you from the shadows.

Your instincts had kicked in...sort of. You swung your weapon wildly, barely making contact, and then stumbled backward, tripping over debris. The creature snarled, closing in, and your heart pounded like a drum.

Jisu was there in an instant. She moved like a storm, fast and relentless. Her bat connected with the creature’s skull with a sickening crack, sending it staggering. But she didn’t stop. She pivoted, striking again, and this time, the monster collapsed with a final, gurgling wheeze.

You sat there, breathless, staring at the lifeless body. The others exchanged wary glances, but Jisu? She had that sharp look in her eyes, arms crossed, assessing you like you were a puzzle missing too many pieces. Then, with a sigh, she jerked her head toward an empty room in the apartment complex.

“You alright?” she asked, glancing at you as she adjusted her grip on her bat. “You looked a little lost back there.”

You groaned, still catching your breath as you leaned against the cracked wall of the abandoned building. “I was assessing the situation.”

Jisu huffed out a quiet laugh, tilting her head. “Right. And by ‘assessing,’ you mean ‘standing there and waiting to get eaten’?”

You wanted to argue, but she wasn’t wrong. The monster had come out of nowhere, its grotesque form barely giving you time to react before it lunged. If it hadn’t been for Jisu, you wouldn’t be breathing right now.

She sighed, tossing her bat over her shoulder.

"you just need some practice, that's all." Her lips quirked into a smirk, but there was no malice in it. "but lucky for you, I’m feeling generous."

You frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“i'm gonna teach you how to fight,” she said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"unless you wanna keep relying on me to swoop in and save your ass every time. not that I mind, but y’know….”

You rolled your eyes. “wow, thanks.”

Jisu grinned. “Come on, before I change my mind.”

Training with Jisu was… an experience. It started with the basics—stance, balance, how to throw a punch without looking like an idiot.

The first time you swung at her, she dodged effortlessly, barely even moving her feet.

“Oh no,” she teased. “I’m so scared.”

You huffed, adjusting your position. “I wasn’t ready.”

“uh-huh.” She crossed her arms, eyes twinkling with amusement. “try again, pretty."

You tried again. And again. And again. Each time, she either dodged or caught your wrist with minimal effort, like she wasn’t even trying.

By the time you were panting and frustrated, she finally sighed and stepped closer, grabbing your hand to reposition it properly.

“Relax,” she said, voice quieter now. “you’re too stiff. Fighting isn’t just about brute force. It’s about control.”

Her grip was firm but warm, and for a moment, you forgot what you were supposed to be doing.

“are you listening?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“uh huh.”

Jisu smirked knowingly. “sure you are.”

Days passed, and training became a routine. Jisu was relentless but never cruel. Every mistake was met with a snarky comment, but underneath the teasing, she was patient, making sure you got better little by little.

One evening, after a particularly grueling session, you collapsed onto the floor, groaning.

Jisu plopped down next to you, sighing dramatically. “Not bad today. Almost looked like you knew what you were doing.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“You should,” she said, nudging your boot with hers. “I don’t hand those out often.”

You turned your head to look at her. For once, her expression wasn’t playful or teasing. it was thoughtful.

“Thanks,” you said quietly. “for teaching me.”

Jisu blinked, then scoffed. “don’t get all cheesy now. ”

You chuckled. “wouldn’t dream of it.”