Master Arai inspected my borrowed protective gear before allowing one foot onto his floor. He knew nothing concerning the planned girlfriend question, while Yuna had described the session only as beginner sparring after closing.
"My daughter says you understand loss. The floor will determine whether your body agrees," he said.
"I expect the floor to provide a detailed opinion," I replied.
He adjusted my chest armor without smiling, then handed me a practice sword sized for an adult beginner. The weapon felt lighter than its consequences once Yuna entered from the opposite side wearing full training gear.
Her face remained hidden behind the mask, removing every familiar expression I used for emotional orientation. I had to listen toward footwork, breathing, plus the wooden blade tapping once against her glove.
