[one-shot] knockout
[one-shot] knockout
50 b1a4 fic challenge: #20
cnu/gongchan
g | 3157 w
genre: boxing! au
“I just want you to know that this isn’t my fault at all. The only person you should be blaming is yourself,” Geonho chuckled as he continued to kick the other with his soccer cleats, a few points digging into the boy. “It’s your punishment for making me act this way. It’s a pity. I think we could have been great friends,” he continued, voice turning more cynical as he went on. Signaling to his friends to cease their actions, Geonho bent down to face Chansik and scolded, “Gong Chansik, it’s your own fault for acting like you’re better than us. Arrogance will get you nowhere in society.” Lifting himself up, Geonho showed a small smirk before pulling out a bottle of water and pouring it over the crouching boy. “By the way, thanks for that paper in literature class. The old lady’s going to be proud of it.” With that, Geonho tossed the bottle at Chansik before walking out of sight.
Shivering from the chilly air meeting with water droplets on his skin, Chansik pulled his knees into his chest and put his head down. Tears began to stream down his scraped face, the salt stinging his cheeks. If one person had taken the time to warn him, had given him a quick heads up, he wouldn’t have found himself in such a situation.
“Just a bit more, Gong Chansik,” he mumbled into his knees, swallowing the remnants of his pride. Lifting a hand up to wipe away his tears, Chansik continued, “They’ll get tired of you soon enough. Just endure it till then.” Chansik shifted closer towards a streetlight and leaned against it, pulling out a hand-warmer from his coat pocket. The boy gently pressed it against his cheeks and winced at the pain. After the numerous beatings and jeers from his peers, Chansik had come to accept the fact that it probably was his fault they were acting like this. As though he had become brainwashed by his own thoughts, Chansik began blaming himself over petty things, and scolded himself for becoming only a bother to others. Picking himself up from the ground, Chansik grunted at the sharp pain moving throughout his body. He picked up his books and began to trudge his way home. Although the winter weather was stinging his skin, Chansik ignored the pain and turned on his MP3 player. Slowly moving to the beat of the song, the boy walked up the hill to his house, noticing a flyer taped onto the front door. Ripping the paper off the door, Chansik gave the paper a quick glance and questioned, “Boxing lessons?” He shrugged and shoved it into his bag before unlocking the door.
“I’m going to assume you’re all here because you want to become physically fit and strong, am I right?” A loud voice resounded through the studio while the stench of sweat floated in the air. Feeling quite skeptical about the place, Chansik wondered if he should just slip away without anyone noticing. Even though physical sports weren’t really his area of expertise, the boy thought it couldn’t hurt to learn some basic techniques of self-defense. “Well, then you’re not here for the right reasons completely. Boxing isn’t just an access pass to create muscles, it’s also a technique to get in touch with your inner aura,” the man added, receiving questioning stares from the group. Chansik rolled his eyes at the trainer’s words because this sounded like something he would read directly off a pamphlet.
“Inner aura, my ass,” he quietly mumbled, causing a couple of people around him to stifle their laughter.
“I’m sorry, is there something so important that you feel it necessary to interrupt my class?” Chansik lifted his head to find himself looking directly at the trainer, a taller male with his hair tied up. Feeling intimidated by the facial expression on the other’s face, Chansik swallowed his spit and shook his head. “I thought so. But I’m in a generous mood today anyways, so give me 20,” the trainer stated, pairing his statement with a small smirk. Chansik shot a look of disbelief at the other, but he was only pushed to the floor as a response.
“Twenty.”
“One, two, th-,” Chansik huffed out before planting his face into the mat, silently cursing off the trainer in his head.
“Not even three? Must be because you’re not getting in touch with your inner aura,” he mocked, crouching down to meet Chansik at eye level. Chuckling at the boy’s reaction, he continued, “I’m Dongwoo and lucky for you, I’ll be your boxing trainer.”
“When I signed up for boxing, I didn’t think you would literally make me pack boxes,” Chansik muttered, shooting a glare towards Dongwoo. It was the second week in and Chansik found himself currently taping packages for the other.
“I’d like to think of it as an extracurricular activity. Something that helps you and me both,” Dongwoo grinned, throwing another roll of tape. Ignoring the other’s glares, Dongwoo continued, “This helps you get in touch with your inner aura of patience. You’re too lazy and impatient and that’s not going to get you anywhere when you step foot into the ring.” Swinging his arms slowly as if to emphasize the idea of patience, Dongwoo threw a pair of boxing gloves towards the other. “That’s enough for now, let’s test you out on the ring,” he stated. Placing a foot into the ring, Dongwoo swung a quick jab towards Chansik, laughing when he flinched.
“When I become a really amazing boxer, you’re going to regret that you threw a punch at me,” he muttered, glaring at Dongwoo.
“Don’t you think you should learn how to box first before you go off on your ideas like that?” He chuckled as Chansik continuously glared at him.
“Are you ready?” Dongwoo asked, placing a mouth guard into the younger male’s mouth. Nodding his reply, Chansik hopped from left to right and looked at his opponent. “Alright then. Concentrate on his moves and get an advantage over him,” Dongwoo cautioned, massaging the other’s shoulders. Pulling the robe off of Chansik, he gave the boy a quick pat and continued, “Go get them.” Chansik stepped towards his opponent and gave a slight bow out of respect.
“Ready?” The referee blew his whistle as the audience began to chant the boxers’ names. While his opponent constantly tried to swing in a punch or two, Chansik carefully analyzed his every move. Once he was confident in his opponent’s moves, Chansik threw a punch, directly hitting his opponent. Grinning as he gained a point, Chansik looked towards Dongwoo as if wanting a sign of approval and felt his confidence rise when the other gave him a slight smile.
“Congratulations, Gong Chansik. You won your first competition, but don’t get too cocky. There’s still much more to cover since you’re still just an amateur,” Dongwoo stated, ruffling Chansik’s hair with his hand.
“When people congratulate others on their accomplishments, they don’t usually call them amateurs,” Chansik muttered while trying to fix his hair.
“Think of it as a unique compliment, something only you would get,” replied the older male. Dongwoo continued, “By the way, take this as a gift. They’re the gloves from my first winning match too.” The younger boy caught the gloves, but cringed once he noticed how torn it was.
“Should I be thanking you or should you be thanking me for getting rid of your trash?” He questioned, throwing him a look of disbelief.
“Hey, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, no?” Dongwoo chuckled, messing up Chansik’s hair again. Shaking his head to throw the other’s hand off, Chansik silently thanked Dongwoo as he held the gloves close to him.
Grinning to himself as he recalled the day’s earlier events, Chansik placed his earphones into his ears and walked towards the bus station. Once he reached the stop, he pulled out his boxing gloves and held them closely to his chest, shutting his eyes to the music. ”Oh, who’s this?” A mocking tone interrupted Chansik’s thoughts, causing him to turn around. “Haven’t seen you around in a while, Chansik,” the cynical voice of Geonho resounded through Chansik’s ears. Chansik tensed up visibly as the other wrapped his arm around his shoulders. “It’s been awhile since I got to release my stress. This is great, I was just about to get another drink in, but why pay when I can relieve my stress for free? Get up,” Geonho commanded, tugging Chansik by the collar. However, the other boy resisted and pulled himself out of Geonho’s hold. Tilting his head in a curious manner, Geonho questioned, “Are you actually defying me, Gong Chansik? I see that my short hiatus has caused you to forget your place, but you’re never in a position to turn away from me,” he added sharply.
“Don’t fucking touch me,” Chansik spat out, pulling the other’s arm off his shoulders. The expression on Geonho’s face visibly showed his shock, but it quickly changed into a smirk.
“Little Gong Chansik thinks he’s all mighty strong now. What are those boxing gloves?” Geonho asked, pulling the gloves out of Chansik’s embrace. Widening his eyes, Chansik threw himself at the boy and knocked him to the floor. Flinging a punch at Geonho, Chansik pulled the gloves out of his hands. Feeling the rage in him build up, Chansik slipped on the gloves and continued to swing at the other.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Dongwoo yelled, running towards Chansik and pulling him off of Geonho. Spitting onto the floor, the younger boy turned to face Dongwoo, only to see anger and disappointment written across his face. “Is this why you wanted to learn boxing? To use it for violence?” Each word dug into Chansik’s heart because this was Shin Dongwoo, his teacher, his role model. Dongwoo looked towards the younger boy only to notice the pair of gloves on his hands. “Is this what winning means to you? Taking advantage of others and beating them till you feel powerful?” Dongwoo asked, disappointment dripping in his voice. Chansik tried to explain to Dongwoo that he wasn’t using boxing skills as a form of violence, but everything only led to one obvious solution. Shoving Chansik aside, the older male lifted Geonho up from the floor, wrapping an arm over his shoulder.
“Hyung, I’m sorry,” Chansik apologized, trying to hold back the feeling of guilt that was moving around his stomach.
Letting out a deep breath, Dongwoo stared directly at Chansik and replied, “No, you shouldn’t be sorry. I should be the one apologizing. I’m sorry for thinking it was possible to teach the true idea of boxing to an immature boy like you.” The words pierced through Chansik, freezing him in his spot as Dongwoo slipped Geonho into a taxi. As he was about to close the door, Dongwoo faced the younger boy and continued, “I don’t know whether I’m more disappointed that you used something I love as a form of violence or that you used something you love as a form of violence.” Directing the taxi driver towards a hospital, Dongwoo closed the door. Chansik watched the taxi pass by him while he remained fixed to his spot. Allowing his eyelids to slide closed, the boy tried to bite back hot tears threatening to pour over.
“How is this any different from before?” He questioned, quietly laughing at the ironic situation. Ignoring the stare he was receiving from a passerby on the street, Chansik added, “You’re alone on the street alone, you feel pathetic, and you’re blaming yourself again. How is this any different?” Frustration swirled around his words as he clenched his fists. “This is the same exact thing,” he whispered, allowing more tears to glide down his face.
This is the same exact thing, but why does it seem to hurt more?
Chansik had returned to the studio each and every day, but his trainer was trying to avoid him or didn’t appear at all. It had almost been five weeks, and Chansik was just about to quit visiting when he noticed a light turned on in the office. Feeling his hopes build up, he walked towards the light to see Dongwoo packing trophies into a box. Startled at the emptiness of the room, Chansik looked to the other for an answer, but only received silence.
“Hyung, are you going somewhere?” He quietly asked, voice coming out raspier than he had planned. Dongwoo froze, visibly conflicted in front of Chansik. “Is this because of the fight? Hyung, please don’t blame yourself over that, it’s not your fault,” Chansik added on desperately. Letting out a quiet sigh, Dongwoo turned to face the younger boy and gripped him by the shoulders.
“Chansik, this isn’t about the fight. The kid’s fine, so it’s really nothing to be troubled over, but I’m sorry for not coming to the studio for such a long time,” he replied.
“Oh, is he? Then why are you packing?” Chansik questioned, feeling nervous at what the other’s reply may be. The unsettling expression on Dongwoo’s face caused the younger boy’s stomach to churn in anxiety.
“Even in a beautiful bouquet of roses, there could be a thorn that destroys the beauty of it all. What I’m trying to say is that boxing isn’t always such a great thing,” Dongwoo murmured, hands sliding off of Chansik’s shoulders. Bringing in a puff of breath, he continued, “I’m going to be going to the States. I’m not sure when I’ll be coming back, but I’m sure I will.” Chansik widened his eyes at the other’s words as he tried quickly to search for an explanation. “Did I ever tell you why I quit boxing? A couple of years ago, I received pretty bad damage on my head in one of my fights and tore a couple of the nerve networks in my brain,” Dongwoo explained, watching tears forming in the corners of Chansik's eyes. Wiping the tears out of the younger boy’s eyes, he continued, “I thought I would be alright since I’ve been functioning fine for a while, but it’s been acting up again. This time I need to get better medical help, so I’m heading to America.”
“Are you definite that you’ll come back fine?” Chansik asked, voice shaking violently as he choked on his tears.
Dongwoo cracked a slight smile and nodded before looking down at the younger boy. “I never told you how proud of you I was. I thought your little child brain would take it as a sign to become arrogant,” he chuckled, lifting the other’s head up, his cold fingers contrasting with Chansik’s warm skin. “I’m actually surprised you made it this far. Thought a scrawny boy like you would have quit as soon as you stepped foot into the ring,” Dongwoo joked. Crinkling his eyes to make a larger smile, Dongwoo slid his hands onto Chansik’s shoulders and forced the other to look him directly in the eye. Chansik’s eyes started to waver greatly, tears emphasizing their shaking motion. Returning to his serious expression, Dongwoo continued, “You have potential, Gong Chansik. Don’t waste it on such a trivial matter.” Dongwoo moved one of his hands to the top of the younger boy’s head and playfully ruffled his hair. Grinning at Chansik’s quick nods, he added, “There’s this quote that I always liked living by when I was a pint like you. ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’ It’s something Muhammad Ali said.” Dongwoo pulled out a pair of boxing gloves from his bag and placed them around Chansik’s neck. “So go out there and make me proud, alright? Show them what you’re made of, show them the champion I know of,” he added. After pulling the other into a short embrace, Dongwoo picked up his duffel bags and headed out of the studio.
“Make me proud, Gong Chansik.”
“The young boxer, Gong Chansik, takes home the trophy for this year’s tournament as well! How long did you prepare for this year’s tournament?” The announcer excitedly asked as the camera turned to face Chansik.
“I’m always preparing for a good competition. There’s really no set amount of time for me,” he answered while wiping the sweat off of his forehead. “Boxing is just a passion for me, and it’s how I express myself,” Chansik continued.
“I see, well, is there anyone that inspired you to take on such a challenge?” The announcer questioned, giving Chansik a few minutes to collect his thoughts. Chansik gave a slight grin and pulled the microphone closer to his mouth.
“There’s this really strict trainer I used to have. I can safely say this now, but he was really the biggest pain of my life. This trainer used to make me box his packages and threw rolls of tape at me if I didn't do it properly,” Chansik replied, laughing along with the crowd. Looking straight into the camera, he continued, “But I’m really thankful for him. I wasn’t always the strongest of people, but he shaped me up physically and mentally.”
“Maybe you want to toss in a word or two for him? He might watch this later,” the announcer replied, urging Chansik to continue on. Chansik bit his lips before smiling towards the camera.
“I’m not sure if you’ll be able to watch this, but are you proud of me? All that training you put me through has finally made something out of me. I never got to tell you this personally, but thanks. Thanks so much for everything.”
Dongwoo leaned forward to turn off the television and craned his neck to look behind him. “How is our nation going to function with its national boxer being this much of a sap?” He questioned, laughing as Chansik threw a sock at him.
“I’ll have you know that the ladies like it when I get in touch with my sentimental side,” Chansik replied.
“Oh, is that right? My apologies,” the older male answered in a mocking tone. Throwing the sock back at the other, Dongwoo walked towards the kitchen. “It’s empty again? Why don’t you ever fill this thing up? You know, being a boxer doesn’t give you the right to be an ass and take away my eating privileges,” Dongwoo complained, opting for a cup of milk. Chansik responded with a quiet chuckle as he turned to face the other.
When I was at my lowest, tattered from the way people treated me, you helped me reach inside and bring out what was hidden beneath. Thanks so much for everything.
“Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even.” - Muhammad Ali
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finished 1/50 for the b1a4 fic challenge!! hehe, hope to write more in the future since i really need to improve my writing :c thank you to my princesseu angi for beta ;u; ((luv u b2st ♥♥)) angi is my fav angi angi angi angigngigAWJIGNaGI (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
something has been recently making me create scenarios with cnu in it IDK but yes comments are appreciated ♥ and geonho is oc b/c can't have a b1a4 member beating up gongchan u no it