NEW - NOIR EXTREME WRESTLING

Hana_Jeong: I have created the private room #HanaAndChen.

Hana_Jeong: I have invited @Chen_Yuefang to join #HanaAndChen.

Hana_Jeong: I sit alone in the NOIR locker room, the noise from the arena now distant and muffled. Slowly, I start taking off my gear, my hands moving without much energy. My body aches everywhere. As I sit there, I finally let it out. Tears roll down my face again. I trained so much… I gave everything I got…I shake my head, staring down at the floor. And I still got pinned…My shoulders slump as I cover my face with my hands. “She’s so much better than me…” I murmur quietly to myself, my voice full of doubt.

Hana_Jeong:

Chen_Yuefang: After signing few autographs of the crowd near the ramp, i make my way back to the backstage with tiredness and happiness in my body. Then i open the door of the NOIR locker room as i look at you sitting with your hands on your head. I can clearly see your frustration, your tears and your emotions. I pause for a second as i think of what to do and then took a deep breath as i slowly make my way in front of your. My hand slowly reaches your shoulder as i look at you. "Thanks for the amazing match, Hana....without you nothing would be possible tonight. The match was close and full of twist and turns. I see a great rival and a great friend in you. And i have to say also that the crowd loves you. They live every move you do, they cheer you at your lows and would also cheer at your highs."

Hana_Jeong: I flinch slightly when I feel your hand on my shoulder. I wasn’t expecting anyone to come in… especially you. I slowly lift my head, my eyes still red from crying. For a moment, I just look at you, surprised by your words. I don’t really know what to say. I wipe my face quickly with the back of my hand, a little embarrassed. “Th… thanks…” I say softly, my voice shy and unsteady. I look down again, shaking my head a little. “You’re just… better than me,” I admit quietly. “You were the better woman.” I moan humbly.

Chen_Yuefang: I hear your words before looking at you, "That's true...today i was the better woman so i won. And that's rivalry all about. I would love to defeat my rival everytime but i also respect you cause you controlled the match throughout the middle part.", I then sit beside you while stretching my body a little, " Hopefully you won't get all sad like a little girl~I am always open for a rematch with my rival and friend."

Hana_Jeong: I listen to you quietly, your words sinking in. I lift my forearm and wipe away the last of my tears, taking a slow breath to calm myself. “Thank you… for your words,” I say softly, still a bit shy, my voice steadier now. I glance at you for a moment, then look down again. “The shower will make me feel better…” I add quietly, trying to compose myself as I start to gather my things.

Chen_Yuefang: "No worries... Wrestling matches can be quite exhausting both physically and mentally...i will also shower now", I say this as i go to my locker getting my towel and clothes which i will be wearing after and make my way towards the shower rooms attached to the locker room with best facilities making sure the wrestlers can make themselves feel better and rested after the match. After closing the doors i start the shower letting the warm water fall on my bare body. I lower my head allowing water to caress my body, the water healing my body as i hum a tune in relaxation, taking my time in the showers.

Hana_Jeong: I walk into the shower area quietly, keeping my eyes down. I step into the shower next to yours and turn on the water. The warm stream runs over me, but it doesn’t feel comforting at first. I wrap my arms around my torso, almost like I’m hugging myself. And I start to sob. Soft at first… then deeper. I stay like that for what feels like forever… just standing there under the water, shaking slightly. The images of the match keep replaying in my head, the moments I thought I had it, the moment I lost everything. I don’t move. Just standing there… letting it out. After a while, I slowly calm down. My breathing steadies. I turn off the water. I grab a towel and wrap it tightly around my body, almost like I need that extra layer of comfort. I step out and sit down on the bench, staring at the floor, still quiet. I notice you’re still in the shower. I quickly start drying myself, moving a bit faster than needed. I don’t want to face you again right now.

Chen_Yuefang: I finally get out of the shower just in time to see you done drying yourself as i also start drying myself. I notice your eyes being a little puffy still and the sniffs i heard while in the shower confirmed that you were crying. I let out a sigh as i dry my hair. "Sooo.....i think there should be no match for the rest of the week for us i guess. I would love to sometimes work out and spar with you in the free time. Maybe go for some shopping if you are free in future", I say this as i also completely dry myself and go towards my clothes so i can wear them.

Hana_Jeong: I freeze for a second when I hear you. I wasn’t expecting that… at all. I look at you, a bit confused, still holding the towel around me. “Hang out…?” I repeat quietly. I hesitate, then speak, still shy and unsure. “I thought… you didn’t like me,” I admit, my voice soft. “I mean… we’re kind of… the only two Asians on the NOIR roster…” I look down for a moment, then back at you. “I didn’t think you’d want to… do stuff together.”

Chen_Yuefang: I let out a silly giggle hearing your words as i look at you like you are fool. "Well, yeah we are asians and this is the reason we should stick together, support each other behind the scenes. Of course what happens in the ring stays in the ring. And why would i hate you! For me you are an equal rival whom i will try to defeat as long as i am alive haha! And a friend too.....", I say this as i get clothed up while talking to you

Hana_Jeong: I lower my gaze, listening to you. Your words stay in my head. I nod slowly, almost to myself. Since I came to the US to follow this dream… I’ve been alone. Just training, traveling, losing, trying again. I haven’t really let anyone get close. I take a small breath and hold the towel tighter for a second. Maybe… I should try. I lift my head a little. “Yeah…” I say quietly, still shy but more sincere now. “Maybe… we can do that.” A shy smile appears in my face.

Hana_Jeong:

Chen_Yuefang: I let out a gentle mile hearing your words. "Great! Here i will give you my phone number. You can call me if you ever want to hang out. Also my car is parked down in the parking lot so, if you want, i can drop you at your home", I say this while slinging the gym bag with my clothes while grabbing the car keys and looking at you for an answer.

Hana_Jeong: I hesitate when you offer the ride, my fingers fidgeting slightly with the edge of the towel. “Oh… you don’t need to…” I say softly, avoiding your eyes for a moment. “Really… I’m going on the subway.” I try to sound polite, like it’s no big deal. But inside… I pause. A ride would actually be nice. Just… to not be alone right away. To stay a bit longer in this moment. No one has really cared like this since I arrived from Korea. I glance at you again, just for a second, then look down quickly, still unsure how to accept something so simple.

Chen_Yuefang: "Going to Subway.....girl, here after such a tiring fight you will go by public transport! Don't be so shy with me...You should try to be bold and fearless. This will help you in ring as well in your life.", I say this as i quickly deny your attempt to decline my offer while grabbing your hand.

Hana_Jeong: I feel your hand grab mine, and this time… I don’t pull away. I just nod quietly and follow you. We walk out together toward the parking lot. The night air feels cooler now, calmer after everything that happened. I get into your car and sit in the passenger seat, still holding my bag close to me. For a moment, I just look down at my hands. I take a small breath, gathering some courage. Then I turn slightly toward you. “Why are you doing this for me?” I ask softly. “I mean… I’m thankful, really… but you don’t need to…” My voice is quiet, but sincere. My eyes lift to meet yours, still unsure, but honest.

Chen_Yuefang: Hearing your words make me smile..."You know...i myself am quite a lonely person...i don't easily make friends and being an Asian in this foreign country can be a bit isolating...i felt that we are quite same so i decided that i should approach you....we should look out for each other, Hana...", I say this as i start the car and exit the parking.

(To be continued)