NEW - NOIR EXTREME WRESTLING

Lauren_James: The silence in our loft over the last 48 hours has been louder than the Hammerstein crowd. Every time I heard the rhythmic thump-thump of the laundry machine or the smell of the breakfast you prepared for me, my stomach twisted. You were being the perfect roommate, the perfect provider but the "Hana" part of you was locked behind a wall I couldn't climb. Every "Give me time" felt like a sentence. Tonight, I thought I could wash that guilt away with a win. I thought if I went out there and dominated Blue Eclipse, I’d feel like that "star" again. But the ring is a cruel mirror. Blue didn't play my games. She didn't crumble under my sneers. She wrestled with a grit I wasn't prepared for, and when the three-count hit the mat, it felt like my entire world collapsed. I’m not the "it" girl. I’m just a girl who lost to a no one while the crowd laughed at my downfall. I stumble into the locker room, the neon lights overhead buzzing like a migraine. My gear is torn, my blonde hair is a matted mess of sweat and hairspray, and my ego is in pieces on the floor. I find a deserted bench in the back corner and just... collapse. I let my back slide down the lockers until I’m sitting on the cold floor, my head buried in my knees.

 

 

 

Hana_Jeong: I watched the whole match in the backstage, my hands clenched so tight my knuckles were white. Despite everything the slap, the chair, the cold silence in our kitchen watching you hit the mat made my heart ache. My pride was wounded, but seeing you broken like that made my anger feel small. I find you huddled in the corner. I don't say a word as I approach, clutching the ice bag and the tube of cream for muscular pain. "Shh," I whisper softly as you start to look up, your eyes red and glassy. "I'm going to take care of you." I gently pull you away from the cold wall, guiding you to lean against me instead. I sit down next to you. My fingers are steady as I squeeze a bit of the cream onto my hand and begin to rub it into the base of your neck where the skin is already turning a deep, angry purple. "You took that piledriver like a champion, Lauren," I say, my voice devoid of any of the bitterness from the other night. It’s just us now. "Really... your neck bridge was the only thing that saved you there. Here, put some ice on it now."

 

Lauren_James: I lean my head back into your touch, the cool cream and the warmth of your hands finally breaking the tension I've been carrying since that horrible night. The "bitch" persona is completely gone; I’m just Lauren, and I’m terrified. "Oh my sweet Hana..." I murmur, my voice trembling. I reach out and find your hand, gripping it tightly, my knuckles white as I hold onto you like you're the only thing keeping me from drifting away. The first sob breaks out of me, jagged and ugly. "Thank you," I whisper against the silence of the locker room. "I wasn't ready for this... I thought I was so tough, I thought I could just walk in here and own everyone." I look down at my bruised hands, the reality of the physical pain and the emotional weight of my own cruelty finally crashing down on me. I turn my face toward you, my eyes searching yours, stripped of all the arrogance. "I’m not sure if I’m ready to be a wrestler, Hana," I confess, the words tasting like ash. "What if I'm just a girl who's good at acting mean, but when it comes down to it... I'm just not strong enough?

Hana_Jeong: I let out a soft sigh, my eyes softening as I look down at you. "Well, you needed a reality check to understand you need to train harder," I say, my voice firm but not unkind. "You have no wrestling background, Lauren. You can’t just rely on attitude. You need to work harder than everyone else. But I'm here for you." I slowly get to my feet and stand directly in front of you, towering over you for once. I wait until you look up at me. "And also," I add, a small, playful smile finally tugging at the corners of my mouth, "you’ve been a total bitch lately." The tension in the air thins, replaced by something that feels like home again. I place my hand firmly on your shoulder, grounding you. "Look, there’s no big deal in losing. When I started in Japan, I was the ultimate jobber. Seriously. I lost every single night for months until I became more confident and skillful. You don't build a career on a win streak; you build it on how you get up after a piledriver like that." I squeeze your shoulder. "You're not a coward, and you're not a failure. You're just a rookie like I still am!"

Lauren_James: I stand up slowly, my legs still a bit shaky, and close the distance between us. The locker room around us feels like it’s fading away, leaving only the two of us in this small circle of light. "I'm really sorry, Hana," I say, my voice barely a whisper. I reach out and grab your hands, tracing the callouses from the ring ropes with my thumbs. "I come from a violent world in its own way... I thought that was the only way to survive here. But I was wrong." I look up into your eyes, letting all the walls come down. "You know, when I was laying there defeated on the mat, I wished I could be more like you. I admire you so much. Your skill, your kindness, the passion you give to everything you do... even the way you make my breakfast. You are a beautiful soul in a dark world, and I'm just so happy to have you in my life." I lean in, and for a moment, the world stops. I kiss your lips very softly a silent promise to be better, to be someone worthy of your friendship. Then, I pull you into a tight hug, burying my face in your shoulder.

 

Hana_Jeong: I can’t help but give you that little smile as our lips part, feeling the last of the tension finally dissolve. I don't let go of your hands; instead, I squeeze them tight, grounding us both. "I like you a lot, Lauren," I say softly, looking you right in the eye. "I really do believe you have a good heart. When you’re just you, not that 'heiress' character, not the person trying to survive your old world, you’re actually incredibly funny. and an amazing woman" I brush a stray, sweaty strand of blonde hair from your face, my touch lingering. "And don't worry about the wrestling. I’ll help you. I’m here for you. After all, we’re a tag team now, right?" I let out a genuine laugh, the sound bright against the dingy locker room walls. "Even though I’ve literally never competed in a tag match in my life... I guess we'll figure it out together." I step back a bit, glancing at the weekend schedule posted on the wall. "Since we aren't wrestling this weekend in the main show, I have an idea. I propose a ladies’ night. Just us. What do you think?"

Lauren_James: "Hell yeah, Hana! I deserve that!" I practically jump up, the pain in my neck forgotten for a split second. A real, genuine grin spreads across my face the kind that doesn't care about camera angles or "the brand." "Let's go to K-Town! I want to have a blast of a night with you, girl. I want all the BBQ, all the soju, and I am definitely making you dance and drink with me until the sun comes up. I might be a jobber in the ring, but I’m a main-eventer at clubbing!" I grab my gym bag, tossing my ruined gear inside with zero care and get wrapped in a towel ready for shower.

 

 

 

Hana_Jeong: I can’t help but laugh at your energy. It’s the first time in days I’ve felt the weight truly lift off my shoulders. "K-Town it is," I say, already feeling a spark of excitement. We head into the heart of Manhattan, the neon signs of 32nd Street glowing like a fever dream against the night sky. I lead you away from the main drag, turning into a narrow, cramped side street where the buildings lean in close and the air is thick with the scent of charcoal and toasted sesame oil. We find a tiny, basement-level BBQ joint. The windows are steamed up, and the muffled sound of K-Pop and clinking glasses drifts out every time the door opens. As we step inside, the warmth hits us instantly. "I love this place," I whisper, a genuine sense of peace washing over me. "They are very nice people from my district in Seoul, the food is delicious and it feels like home. We slide into a wooden booth, the table dominated by a built-in circular grill. I immediately start arranging the banchan the little side dishes of kimchi, pickled radish, and sprouts with practiced ease.."I’m going to order the galbi and some peach soju. I'll even show you the proper way to wrap the meat in the perilla leaves, though I have a feeling you’re just going to dive right in." I reach across and give your hand a quick, playful squeeze. "I’m really happy you’re here with me, Lauren. I needed this 'home' feeling more than I realized."

Lauren_James: I lean back in the booth, the heat from the grill turning my cheeks a soft pink that has nothing to do with the wrestling ring. I take a sip of the peach soju, letting the sweetness cut through the spice of the kimchi, and I just watch you. "It's my first time in a place like this, but I can totally understand why you like it," I say, looking around at the bustling, cramped room. To be honest, Hana, I’d never have come here with my old friends. We were all about the 'exclusive' rooftops and the places where you have to know someone at the door. But sitting here with you... I’m having an awesome moment. I watch the way you interact with the stafflaughing, bowing slightly, speaking in rapid-fire Korean that sounds like music for me. It’s clear they adore you. You aren't just "Hana the wrestler" here; you’re also a daughter of this community. You look genuinely happy and that's beautiful. I leanimy chin on my hand as I watch you expertly flip the galbi on the grill. "I love the way you explain every dish, teaching me the words... even if my pronunciation is probably a disaster." I take a bite of the meat you wrapped for me, the flavors exploding in a way that makes me close my eyes for a second. "The food is incredibly amazing". I've never had a friend like you before. Someone who... I don't know, who radiates this kind of kindness and tenderness. It’s contagious. I reach across the table, dodging the sizzling grill to look you right in the eyes, my voice losing its playful edge for a moment of pure sincerity. "Can you teach me how to ask another bottle of soju?"

 

 

Hana_Jeong: I can’t help but giggle at your sudden enthusiasm for the language or maybe it’s the first bottle of soju talking! I lean in close across the table, the grill sizzling between us, and hold up one finger to help you practice. "Okay, it's easy! Just say: 소주 한 병 주세요!" I write it down for you on a napkin in both scripts: Soju han-byeong juseyo! I catch the eye of the restaurant owner, a sweet older woman we call Eonni, and wave her over. I give her a mischievous wink and speak in rapid Korean: "제 친구가 소주 한 병 주문하고 싶어하는데, 한국어로 말해보고 싶대요!" I translate for you with a grin: "I told her my friend wants to order a bottle of soju, but she wants to try saying it in Korean herself!" We both burst into that high-pitched, childish laughter that usually we Korean people do in this kind of situations, completely forgetting for a moment that we are two of the toughest women in the New York wrestling scene. In this cramped, steaming basement, with the Eonni smiling at us like we’re her own daughters, the "hardcore" life feels a million miles away. "Go ahead, Lauren!" I nudge your arm, my eyes bright with joy. "The stage is yours. Let’s see if you can get us that second bottle!"

Lauren_James: I hold my hands up in mock defense, nearly knocking over my water glass as I laugh. "Hey, too much pressure on me! Please calm down!" I look at the napkin, trying to wrap my tongue around the sounds you just taught me. I take a deep breath, look the old lady right in the eye, and give it my best shot. "Sow-joo... han-bee-yong... jew-say-oh?" I stumble through the syllables, my posh accent clashing horribly with the Korean vowels. It sounds awful flat, clunky, and completely wrong. The old lady and you both burst into fresh peels of laughter. But then, the owner reaches out and rests a warm, weathered hand on my shoulder. She says something in a soft, melodic tone words I’ll never understand, but the kindness in her eyes speaks a universal language. She pats my arm gently before heading off to grab the bottle. I turn back to you, feeling a flush of heat that isn't from the grill. "Wait... did I say it well, Hana? Why is she looking at me like I’m a lost puppy?" I grin, feeling more relaxed than I have in months.

Hana_Jeong: I gradually stop laughing, my expression softening into something deeply tender as I watch you interact with her. I reach across and gently touch the hand you have on the table. "She appreciates your effort, Lauren," I say softly. "When an old lady like her touches your shoulder the way she just did, it’s a sign of real gratitude and friendship. It’s rare, especially for a stranger. It means she sees your heart, not just your accent." The owner returns a moment later, navigating the narrow space between tables with practiced ease. She sets a fresh, green bottle of soju down with a satisfied nod. I lean forward, bowing my head lightly in a gesture of deep respect. "감사합니다! (Gamsahamnida!)" I say, my voice warm and genuine. As she walks away, I turn back to you and start twisting the cap off the new bottle. "You did great. In this world, trying and failing is always better than not trying at all whether it's a Korean sentence or a wrestling move. Now," I say, pouring a fresh shot into your glass with a wink. "Geonbae! (건배!) That means 'Cheers.' Ready for round two?"

Lauren_James: I watch the way you carry yourself in this little restaurant, and my heart just melts. Your simplicity, your smile it’s like you find joy in all the small things I used to ignore. The way you value a simple touch from an old lady or a shared meal... it’s beautiful. We clink our glasses together, the clear liquid catching the light, and I take a small, warming sip. "You are an amazing woman, Hana Jeong," I say, my smile softening as I look at you. "Honestly, I could sit here and just observe you the whole time. You’re like... the dream of any man. You're beautiful, smart, kind... and I'm not just saying that because you make the best breakfast every day and keep our lives from falling into chaos." I pause for a beat, tracing the rim of my glass with my finger, my voice dropping an octave as I lean in a little closer. "It makes me wonder, though," I say, trying to keep the tone light and curious rather than prying. "With everything you have to offer, I can't imagine you've been single for so long

Hana_Jeong: I feel the warmth of the soju blooming in my chest, and suddenly the wall I usually keep around my private life feels a little thinner. I can tell you’re gently prodding, curious about the girl behind the wrestler, and for the first time, I don't want to change the subject. "Stop saying that, Lauren," I say, ducking my head and laughing with a genuine shyness. My cheeks are definitely redder now. I take another small sip of soju, staring into the clear liquid for a long moment before I find the courage to look back at you. "Do you remember... the picture with that boy? The one I keep on the mezzanine?" The noise of the restaurant seems to fade into a hum. I trace a pattern in the condensation on the bottle. "Well, we were together for about six months in Spain. He... he is the first and only man I’ve ever loved. Truly loved." My voice wavers just a fraction, but I keep my eyes on yours. "I don't know what the future holds, but right now... I feel unable to love another man. You know? It was so hard for me. When it ended, it wasn't just a breakup; it felt like I lost a part of myself in Europe." I give a small, sad smile, leaning back slightly. "It’s why I threw myself so hard into this move to New York. I needed to restart my life."

Lauren_James: I set my glass down, the playful energy from moments ago completely vanishing. I lean forward, my eyes searching yours with genuine concern. The "heiress" who usually only cares about her own drama is gone; right now, I’m just a girl hurting for her friend. "But why?" I ask softly, my voice barely audible over the sizzle of the grill. "Why are you not together anymore, Hana?" I reach out and gently cover your hand with mine, feeling the slight tremor in your fingers. "If he was the first and only man you've ever loved... if it was that deep... what happened? Did the distance just become too much, or was it something else?" I look at you, my expression open and non-judgmental. "You don't have to tell me if it hurts too much, but I'm here. You’ve spent the last few weeks taking care of me, patching up my bruises and my ego. Let me be the one to listen for a change."

Hana_Jeong: I take a long, slow breath, looking down at our joined hands for a moment. The memory seems to play out in my mind like a movie I’ve seen too many times. "Let's just say... he had a very big inner conflict," I say, choosing my words carefully. The sadness in my voice is quiet, seasoned with a bit of lingering hope. "I couldn't get along with it, and he... he didn't want me to have to endure that weight. He thought he was protecting me by quitting me." I give your hand a small squeeze before letting go to pour a tiny bit more soju. "I know if one day Noah searches for me, I will be here for him. At least for now. " The heavy silence hangs for a second, but then I shake my head, my earrings jingling, and I force a bright, mischievous spark back into my eyes. I’m not ready to cry in the middle of K-Town. "But enough!" I say, letting out a sudden, melodic laugh. "Tell me about the hearts you've been breaking, Lauren!"

Lauren_James: I roll my eyes and wave a hand dismissively, leaning back against the wooden slats of the booth. "Pfffff, I don't have that many stories to tell, Hana. Honestly." I take another sip of soju, the bite of the alcohol matching my tone. "My parents were obsessed with 'legacy.' They spent years trying to match me with these carbon-copy boys from old money families just like mine. You know the type wall street boys with tailored suits full of toxic masculinity. But eventually, thank god, they quit." I look at you seriously, the neon lights of the restaurant reflecting in my eyes. "I can’t stand the idea of being a shadow of a guy. I praise independence way too much for that. Being here with you, living this life... it’s made me realize how much more I value my own strength. So, basically? I’m just into short-term things. No strings, no 'inner conflicts,' no heartbreaks." I give you a wink, trying to pull us back into the lighter side of the night. "I'm the heartbreak-er, not the heartbreak-ee. It’s much safer that way. Though, seeing how much you care for that guy in the picture... it makes me think I might be missing out on something, even if it is a mess." I nudge your glass with mine. "But hey, that’s why we’re a tag team, right? You provide the heart, and I provide the 'I-don't-give-a-damn' attitude. It’s a perfect balance."

Hana_Jeong: "Well, I cheer for that!" I say with a grin, clinking my glass against yours one last time to toast your independence. We settle the bill, and I give Eonni a final, respectful bow. She pats your cheek affectionately as we leave, clearly impressed by your attempt at the language. We step out of the quiet, smoky alley and back into the neon pulse of 32nd Street, making our way to one of the massive multi-story clubs. Once inside, the atmosphere shifts completely. The "home" feeling of the restaurant is replaced by a sea of New Yorkers it’s so packed with locals that you can barely spot a Korean face in the crowd. The air is thick with expensive perfume and the bass of mid-2000s throwbacks. The soju has definitely kicked in. When the opening beat of a Black Eyed Peas track hits, we lose it. We’re in the middle of the dance floor, shoulders bumping, singing along to 50 Cent at the top of our lungs like we haven't a care in the world. I’m spinning around, my hair flying, feeling more alive and free than I have since I landed in this city. In the middle of a bridge, I notice two guys by the bar who haven't taken their eyes off us for the last three songs. I lean in close, my lips brushing your ear so you can hear me over the thundering R&B beat. "Those two guys don't stop looking at us, Lauren!" I shout, a mischievous, tipsy glint in my eyes. "I think your 'short-term' theories are about to be put to the test! What do we do?"

Lauren_James: "Let me see them!" I shout back over the bass, spinning around with a defiant toss of my hair. I squint through the flashing lights, zeroing in on the two guys. They’re definitely leaning into that Brooklyn-cool aesthetic—sleeves of tattoos, messy hair, and that smirk that says they think they're the most interesting people in the room. They catch my eye and widen their smiles, thinking they’ve got an "in." I turn back to you immediately, not even giving them a second glance. "We are not interested in them, Hana!" I yell, punctuating the sentence with a sharp, synchronized dance move. I grab your hands and pull you closer into our own little circle, blocking them out entirely. "Too much flannel!"

Hana_Jeong: I laugh, the soju making me feel bold and a little bit wicked. I lean into you, the scent of the club’s smoke and alcohol swirling around us. "Okay, if you say so... but Lauren, they don't stop looking! One of them just smirked at me! Do something!" I shout, my eyes wide with a mix of amusement and that classic "Hana" shyness that still lingers under the surface.

Lauren_James: I don't even look back at the guys. Instead, I wrap my arms firmly around your waist, pulling your body flush against mine. Before you can even ask what I’m doing, I lean in and kiss you passionately, right there in the middle of the crowded dance floor. The world around us the tattooed guys, the R&B music, the flashing lights all seems to blur into the background. When I finally pull back just an inch, breathing heavily, I smirk at you. "What?" I shout over the music, my eyes dancing with mischief. "You said you wanted me to do something to get rid of them!" I lean in and kiss you again, deeper this time, and to my surprise, you don't pull away. You melt right into it, your arms winding around my neck as you embrace the role perfectly. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the two guys behind, shrug sheepishly, and finally turn their attention elsewhere. "Ok Hana you can stop..."

 

 

 

Hana_Jeong: The strobe lights flash over us, catching the flush on my cheeks. When you finally murmur, "Ok Hana, you can stop..." I don't pull away immediately. Instead, I let out a soft, breathless laugh against your lips, my fingers still tangled in the hair at the nape of your neck. I lean into your ear, my voice humming with the vibration of the music and the lingering warmth of the soju. "Look Lauren..." I whisper, pulling back just enough to look you in the eyes, a playful, slightly dazed grin on my face. "I'm not lesbian. I'm just tipsy." But the adrenaline of the "performance" and the sheer fun of the night have taken over. I lean back in and kiss you again, firm and lingering, completely losing myself in the moment. It started as a way to get rid of them, but now it just feels like the perfect exclamation point on the best night we’ve had in New York.

Lauren_James: I look at you, my arms still looped around your neck, and I give you a soft, steadying smile to chase away any lingering awkwardness. "Does being lesbian or not even matter right now? We sleep everynight in the same bed, are we a couple?" I shout over the fading chorus of the song. "I’m just happy that you enjoy being with me, Hana." I pull you into a tight, grounding hug, feeling your heart racing against mine. I squeeze you once, reassurrance flowing through the gesture. "We just strengthened our bond. That’s all." I pull back just enough to look into your eyes, making sure you see that I'm not judging you I'm right here with you. Then, the corners of my mouth curl into a slow, sultry smirk. I lean in, my lips grazing the shell of your ear, my voice dropping into a low, honeyed drawl that cuts right through the thumping bass. "It’s almost 3 a.m.," I whisper, my breath warm against your skin. "Let’s go home... we can end the party there, just the two of us." I let the implication hang in the air a promise of something much more private and intense waiting for us in that mezzanine bed before I catch your hand and start leading you toward the exit, not waiting for an answer.

(TO BE CONTINUED)