Page 129 of Bookworm

"What was that all about?" I asked.

"You're going to learn self-defense," he said.

"Oh really?"

"You said you wanted to be more likeHalmeoni."

I nodded. "Yeah…"

"So, I'm going to teach you."

"I don't know."

"I do," he said, staring into my eyes. "You have to be safe. I need to knowyou're safe when I'm not there.Okay, Kent?"

What else could I say but yes?

CHAPTER 20

Marshmallow Bo melted away once we got to The Academy aka the dojo.It was like there was no softness to him at all. He was all business.

"Faster, Kent," he said, forcing me to jog in place.

I couldn't respond—I was too focused on trying to breathe—but I was moving as fast as I could.

"Get those legs moving."

What the heck did he think I was doing? Knitting a sweater?

"Higher knees.You've got to be warm before we start."

"We haven't even started yet?" I gasped.

Bo's lips twitched. "Funny."

"Who's joking?"

"Keep going. Just two more minutes.I'll do it with you."

I groaned.

Trying to distract myself, I took in my surroundings.The Academywas also owned by Mrs. Lee. According to Bo, it was her first entrepreneurial venture, and she'd made it a success.Judging by the number of students I saw kicking, punching, and doing multiple moves I didn't know the names of, Mrs. Lee had a good business going.

Blue mats covered the floors. Mirrors lined most of the walls, presumably so students could watch their reflection suffer.Several classes were going on at once in different parts of the room. The little kids looked like they were having fun. But ugh,sweat was already dripping down my back. Why was working out so hard?

For me, I mentally added.

Bo wasn't struggling.

In fact, when his alarm went off, he looked downright chipper.

"Okay, Kent, good job," he said.

I shook my head.

"Next, I want to see how you move," he said. "Give me four punches, alternating right to left, and a kick."

"I never learned how to do those properly," I said.

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