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Bracelets ring somewhere from above, and Jin opens his eyes — Xiao is bending over his face with a barely noticeable expression of concern in the curve of her thin eyebrows. Jin, still not risen from sleep, stares at her with his eyes unfocused.
“You're sleeping in the park again," she says without reproach and sits down on the bench next to him, shaking the dust off with the palm of her hand a couple times before doing so.
Sakura petals fall from the tree Jin's shoulder is leaning against. They swirl, driven by a barely perceptible breeze, carpeting the asphalt that glistens after a light rain.
He shakes a couple off his shoulders and breathes in the moist, sweet air.
“It's nice here," he says. “Quiet and peaceful.”
“That's because everyone's in class, unlike you," Xiao nudges Jin with her elbow without malice. “I took a break, and you're so tired from practicing that you're passing out again.”
“I've already read the topics," Jin says, trying to justify himself for some reason, "sleep will be more useful.”
Being a student of Heihachi Mishima didn't give Jin much advantage — not many people knew about it, but one of the teachers had once wanted to go to the children’s services, worried about the constant bruises and injuries Jin's body was covered with. But judging by how quickly she gave up that idea and never came near Jin again, she was quickly brought up to speed and no one paid much attention to him ever since. He was doing well in his studies, even though he often failed to show up for his last lessons.
Xiao only sighs and huffs at this argument, but after a moment she bucks up again.
“Ah, came near forgetting... Let’s go to the amusement park tomorrow! They opened a new ride there just yesterday! Please, Jin," Xiao says in a singing voice and clenches her fists near her face in a pleading gesture, immediately turning on the cute eyes mode to maximum to win her frowning friend over.
Yet she doesn't have to do either to get Jin to agree. One request, one look is always enough.
Xiao doesn’t need to know that. He has a feeling that he should keep such things to himself.
“Okay," he says after a short silence, as if he's finally agreed to her proposal.
Xiao bobs up and down, her ponytails bouncing.
***
“Jin, I'm here!” exclaims Xiao and waves her hand. She can barely be heard in the crowd, but Jin, as always, recognizes her voice instantly.
In knee-length shorts and a bright yellow top, Xiao looks like a normal schoolgirl, which she is. Almost. If you forget for a second how skilled of a fighter she is.
Jin doesn't forget.
He stops a few steps away from her and nods.
“Thanks for finding time," she says, smiling guiltily. Then looks at him carefully, turns away, and hides her laughter in the palms of her hands.
Jin puts his hands in the pockets of his windbreaker, a little lost.
Xiao decides not to say that the fit of laughter is caused by the very sight of Jin. He looks so cute at this celebration of life in his dark jacket with his deadly serious gaze as an animator in a pink hippo costume and kids with cotton candy in their hands run in the background. But telling him that would spoil the fun.
Xiao coughs and straightens up.
They stand still for half a minute. Jin looks puzzled.
“We're not expecting anyone..." Jin starts wondering, only to be interrupted by a resounding voice from somewhere in the crowd.
“Yoo-hoo! You're here! Kazama, why the long face?”
Jin's expression immediately changes.
The all too familiar redhead of the worst-best rival approaches from behind Xiao's back.
Instead of his usual white dobok, Hwoarang is wearing a purple tank top and fancy black belted jeans. The street style of clothing looks as natural on him as his usual uniform, immediately giving the right impression of the owner's character.
“What are you doing here?” Jin asks uncertainly, yet to decide whether he likes the surprise or not.
“Enjoying myself! Xiao called me," Hwoarang says, folding his arms across his chest in a protective gesture, but not hiding his satisfied grin.
“It'll be more fun together," interjects Xiao, anticipating a heated gripe session, and puts her hands on their shoulders, "Hwoarang agreed to go when he found out you were going too.”
“You didn't have to mention that," mumbles Hwoarang and turns away, still giving a smile, but now a forced one.
“You're finally spicing up your regular fights! There's a whole bunch of competitive arcades and games!” Xiao points to the park gate, "Besides, it's high time we spent some time together outside of training.”
She skips along toward the park gate, winking at Jin before she does so.
“Agree with her on that one," Hwoarang shrugs his shoulders, sharing her position so easily.
Jin didn't know the two of them chummed up with each other that well.
“Leg it, don't sleep," adds Hwoarang, turning around at the motionless figure of his opponent.
Jin hums moodily, but the corner of his lips curls up by itself.
***
“I have an IDEA," suddenly says Hwoarang in a tone that doesn’t hold in store anything Jin can possibly welcome. The ideas that light like bulbs in Hwoarang's brain during their sparring sessions are always pretty extravagant, if not reckless.
Jin agrees to almost every one of them anyway. Apparently, this permissiveness doesn't just extend to Xiao (as hard as it is to admit, looking at the troublemaker's proud face).
The stomach does a somersault in anticipation of something horrifyingly stupid. This is definitely a trauma.
They've already ridden five rides, shot at a shooting gallery, and wandered through a house of mirrors, but that doesn't seem to be half of what they are going to do. Jin has been mentally exhausted after the second ride, where Hwoarang and Xiao have been simultaneously yelling in his ears. And while Xiao has been dolphin screaming with fright, Hwoarang have been yelling out of sheer pleasure.
Xiao takes a bite from the Heihachi head-shaped caramel — or rather, the remains of it — and looks at Hwoarang closely.
"The losers will wear this until they win again!" he triumphantly pulls the ugliest headband from the pile of toys on the bench. The one with the deer antlers.
Xiao chuckles, and Jin shakes his head.
"You lost in the last round, so wear it," Jin says.
Xiao laughs even louder, and Hwoarang switches to Korean to swear; Jin can distinguish "shibal" and "jenjangi" quite clearly.
But Hwoarang still puts on the headband, and even Jin can't hold a chuckle. The temporary owner of the extravagant headgear clenches his teeth, blushing with anger, and is already running to choose the next game to get rid of this Crown of Shame.
The victim of his choice is the punching bag machine, which happens to be occupied by a group of teenagers a little older than themselves. Hwoarang walks around those trying to get the high score with such loud laughs and impatience in his eyes that he almost gets into a fight. Barely — because he knows all the angles of provocations, which he then turns into competitions. His ridiculous antlers make him look like a bull that is about to break loose to trample everyone in his path.
Jin pinches away a piece of cotton candy that Xiao manages to buy somewhere along the way, and sits on a bench waiting for the outcome.
It's obvious — Hwoarang is going to smear them all so that a real fight can break out. No one in the crowd of hooting teenagers looks his equal, but Jin still watches intently. Surprise can be expected from anyone.
Xiao sits down next to him and leans over to hug her knees. The cotton candy falls to the floor in almost slo-mo.
"Should we interfere?" she asks, but without enthusiasm in her voice.
"There's no need. He's earning his money," Jin grins.
Hwoarang, meanwhile, decides to resolve the conflict in the obvious way — the weaker one is the loser, who pays the winner in cash. The three teenagers seem to agree, and now each prepares to take turns hitting the machine twice. Hwoarang stands behind, intending to be the last to show what he got.
Jin thinks he understands Hwoarang's plan — neither of them have specified which part of the body should be used, so it's possible to strike with the leg. Jin knows firsthand how heavy his legs are - in serious training he has to wear protection so that Hwoarang doesn't accidentally break his ribs. Jin on his part tries not to hit Hwoarang in the face too hard — his defense is still a bit poor compared to his attacks.
Hwoarang warms up and doesn't hesitate to laugh out loud at his opponents' feeble attempts to gain impressive numbers. The plan works — hand of a second teenager slips and the machine displays a double-digit figure.
Hwoarang approaches leisurely, placing his hands importantly on his belt. He aims and... hits with his hand.
Jin raises his eyebrows.
The machine displays a number slightly weaker than his opponent's best score. The teenagers hoot, and Hwoarang kicks a nearby rock in frustration.
Then goes back in his fighting stance and raises his arms. Shoots a smile too confident for Jin's taste at his friends and gives a thumbs-up.
Now Jin understands. Could've realized it sooner, he thinks and averts his gaze.
Xiao claps her hands and shouts words of encouragement.
Hwoarang's second punch smite on the ears with a loud clatter against the punching bag. The numbers on the display cross the 500... 700... 900 unit mark. They freeze at 921.
Xiao claps again and runs up to high-five the winner.
Five minutes later, Hwoarang takes a seat next to Jin and starts counting his earnings in a businesslike manner. The crowd of teenagers safely retreats, swearing.
"Remember when you taught me that hand punch the other day? I practiced it," Hwoarang says casually after finishing his difficult task. He leans back against the bench and spreads his arms, glowing so brightly Jin felt the need to wear glasses to look at him.
Jin on his part tries to act nonchalant and only hums affirmatively in response.
"My hands were burning like crazy afterward," continues Hwoarang, shaking his gloveless palm in the air. Jin notices the shattered knuckles and bruises all over the back of his hand.
And this is Hwoarang, who, after losing sparring matches, keeps turning away and ignores Jin's attempts to interact? The fact that he doesn't actually turn a deaf ear to Jin's explanations comes as a pleasant surprise.
Jin doesn't let a chuckle break out so not to break this tenuous truce. But given Hwoarang's temper, it won't last long, 'cause he is always ready not only to swing his legs, but also to compete in verbal duels. Despite the endless fights, their arguments do not bear ill will in reality. Both of them often do not mean what they say to each other in a heat of the argument. Jin doesn't even want to respond to the jokes at first — it's no use, since Hwoarang takes silence for a green light and provokes him more. Looking at how pleased and happy he looks after a successful teasing, Jin decides to go on the counteroffensive.
"That was a good punch," says Jin. "But now I'll show you what a great punch looks like."
Hwoarang opens his mouth in surprise at this statement, then laughs, raising his fist. "Come on, Kazama, go all out!" — he shouts with a chuckle deliberately loud, and Jin regrets the momentary bravery that Hwoarang has infected him with. He pulls his hood tighter, trying to hide the awkwardness written on his face. Xiaoyu, who has returned with a new bag of cotton candy and immediately joins in the cheers of support, doesn't help the situation, but only attracts unnecessary attention.
But that doesn't stop Jin from throwing a precise straight punch. Just by looking at it, one can quickly understand — to be hit with one of these can be deadly. Hwoarang and Xiao quickly run up to see the score, and it impresses both of them: 942. Hwoarang unconsciously whistles.
"Impressive," says Hwoarang. He keeps his gaze fixed on Jin until Jin stares back into his eyes. They look at each other for a few seconds, but Hwoarang's gaze is too direct, too burning for Jin, so he quickly looks away. He's not used to someone looking at him with such... Respect? Admiration?
"But I thought you'd make it to 950," adds Hwoarang.
Jin pulls his hood up with a jerk, once again losing faith in anything sacred for Hwoarang.
"I want to try it too!" announces Xiao ringingly and hands Jin a cotton candy. He finally calms down and nods. Hwoarang inserts the coin.
Xiao's punch is solid, but not even close to her friends' stats. She lets out a disappointed sigh. Jin and Hwoarang team up to cheer Xiao up, but she waves it off and only smiles, not needing any comforting words at all. "I'll beat you when I'm older," she says confidently, and Jin and Hwoarang exchange glances, amused that there might be a third contestant in their rivalry.
Hwoarang, tired of walking with the horns on his head, suggests a bumper car ride. Predictably, he chooses the most extravagant looking one. Jin agrees to one round, because more is dangerous to health. The health of the people around them.
Because once Hwoarang hits the gas, everything and everyone catches hell.
Jin apologizes softly when he accidentally hits slow drivers particularly hard, and after a couple of apologies he's already a lap behind; Hwoarang hits scared drivers of all ages and drifts around corners without batting an eyelid; he wins effortlessly.
Jin is almost concerned about the safety of pedestrians on the roads Hwoarang will be driving on when he buys the motorcycle that he's been dreaming about.
Xiao gets the silver. She high-fives Hwoarang with both hands and sticks her tongue out at Jin.
With an important face, Hwoarang places headband with antlers on Jin's head like a crown while Jin apologizes to the old man, who nearly got a heart attack by their driving. Hwoarang avoids this fate by jabbering away in Korean and successfully pretending to be a confused foreigner.
After a couple rounds of bull riding (Jin lost), killing zombies in VR (Jin lost again) and throwing a ball into a basket (Jin won), the trio set out to explore the local cafes for hearty food.
After selecting the main courses, Hwoarang examines Jin from head to toe and asks the waiter to bring "one depresso for my friend." Jin rolls his eyes for what seems like the sixth time that day.
"These jokes stopped being funny a week after we met," says Jin, sinking into the hard red armchair across from Hwoarang. Xiao bridges to his right.
"I'll stop with them as soon as you fix that face."
"Have you seen yours? It gives away absolutely everything you're thinking of."
"Haaaa?! Is that a bad thing?!"
"Yes. It's easy for the enemy to know what you're up to. They can anticipate your kicks judging by the moves of your eyebrows alone five seconds before you realize it.
"Something like this has never happened, you lousy seer!"
"That's because you fight with scum."
"Guys, what are we ordering?" Xiao asks, twirling the menu in her hands. She's used to their squabbles and smiles reassuringly at the customers who cast disapproving glances at the arguing teens.
Xiao examines the ceiling dotted with a scattering of small star-shaped lamps, and the azure-colored walls backlit by wooden shelves. She waves the menu as if it is a fan and suddenly snaps her fingers, pleased with the sudden idea.
"Xiao, wait. Not all my opponents are scum! You're the one who can barely keep up with my kicks!"
Xiao calls the waiter, who is already standing nearby, but is hesitant to come closer. These two definitely won’t bury the hatchet any time soon. She decides to order according to her taste. If they are not to like something, they only have each other to blame!
“…Therefore, being overconfident during a fight is a very bad strategy!” continues Jin. He and Hwoarang were butting heads and gripping the table that might as well collapse in the next round of their debate.
“Why is this OVERconfidence if I am completely sure that I will win? What's the big deal?” asks Hwoarang, almost growling.
“Guys,” Xiao interjects again, but this time her friendly voice is accompanied by two loud blows on the backs of the troublemakers.
Jin and Hwoarang groan in unison, and while Hwoarang rubs his back and hisses like a kicked cat, Jin bows his head.
“Sorry. I got carried away and let my emotions take over.” Jin folds his hands on his knees and takes a deep breath, trying to return himself to the channel of equanimity.
“Maybe you can praise each other for once instead of arguing?” Xiao asks, patting Jin on the shoulder encouragingly.
“Hmm...” Jin frowns. “ While very few can fight with suffocating pressure and frenzy, with complete dedication, Hwoarang does this better than anyone I've ever dealt with. But…”
“No ‘buts!’ immediately interrupts Xiao and claps her hands. “That was a great compliment! Hwoarang, it's your turn.”
Hwoarang looks out the window onto the street with his arms crossed behind his head for a few more seconds before looking back at Xiao and Jin. He fidgets and glances at them, but remains silent.
“Hwoarang!” repeats Xiao urgently, sticking out her lower lip offendedly.
The red-head clicks his tongue in displeasure and crosses his hands over his chest.
“No one has ever managed to fend off my attacks effectively for this long, without bending under the pressure, like Jin,” he squeezes out the words with a frown.
Jin goes deeper into his meditation, and Hwoarang stubbornly looks out the window again.
“You are both red.” Xiao says and laughs. ‘You need to have a compliment battle!”
“NO!” both teenagers bark in unison.
‘Okay... Then compliment me too!” Xiao states bluntly. She straightens her ponytails in anticipation.
“I AM FIRST!” Hwoarang blurts out before Jin can even open his mouth. “Your speed is something! Instead of blocking with your hands, you manage to maneuver between blows!”
“And you don’t get tired,” adds Jin, nodding. “You don’t lose sight of the enemy.’
“You exhaust the enemy and hit in the gap!”
“Ahhhh, thank you!” Xiao covers her cheeks with her palms. “Now we are all red!”
The waiter brings the order and places it in the center of the table.
Hwoarang and Jin let out a long “Eh?” and turn to Xiao, all glowing with anticipation.
“Giant ice cream...?” asks Hwoarang doubtfully. He gets up and examines the edible mountain, reminiscent of a small Fuji, in search of something else – maybe the main dishes are hidden behind it?...
“Yes!” says Xiao with delight in her voice and hands her friends huge spoons.
***
After completing two rounds of arm wrestling and conquering one mountain of ice cream, the trio leaves the cafe in excellent spirits.
Hwoarang stretches his wrists and grunts. Xiao sneezes. Jin immediately takes off his windbreaker and puts it on Xiao's shoulders.
“Hey, wait, you have ice cream on your nose,” says Hwoarang and starts rummaging about his pockets, trying to find a napkin or something that can replace it.
“So? Is it clear now?” asks Xiao and tries to erase the mark with her fingers, but only smears the sweetness further.
“You wait! Gimme a sec...” not finding anything suitable, Hwoarang begins to rub the trace of ice cream with the sleeve of Jin’s windbreaker. “Hold still or I’ll poke ya eye out!”
Jin smiles, momentarily forgetting that the hood that usually covers half his face is not on. How did they even become friends? A street bully, a 16-year-old sunny girl and him, an orphan obsessed with revenge.
The sunset melts on the horizon, covering the area around with an orange blanket, and the Ferris wheel looks like a spider's web spread across the sky.
Jin looks at his friends and tries to etch this scene into his memory. Time stops for a moment, and Jin doesn’t want it to go on again. Right now he feels happier than he ever was in his life. He closes his eyes.
***
“Sir, all preparations have been completed.”
Jin nods, opening his eyes to a flickering lamp that dimly illuminates a hastily furnished office with cracked walls. The scent of dampness and gunpowder finally snaps Jin back to the ugly reality.
Dozens of important papers scattered on the table fly apart as soon as the door opens, letting in cold, snowy waves of air inside. He steps right on the sheets , looking at the steel-colored sky.
He still remembers that sunset. That scene from a past life when he could afford to have friends and feel that everything would be fine.
Jin regrets that this picture is still alive in his memory. Without it, everything would have been much easier. Yet the ghost of a normal life continues to follow on his heels, as if trying to stop him from making the greatest mistake of his life.
Today his past will burn along with the lives of thousands of innocent people around the world.
Jin salutes hundreds of his soldiers with blood red eyes. This is a one-way road.