Vroom.
After a while, we could finally see the gym. Coach pulled the car over to the sidewalk and got off.
"Alright, let's go." she said.
My dad got off right after.
"Come on, Johan, don't lag behind!" he said while walking toward the gym.
I got off.
Clack.
After making sure that the door was shut, I followed them inside.
...
"Alright, listen up, everyone!"
Lisa's mother has a very strong voice.
"Today, as you already know, Coach Javier and I decided to host a joint training session with our gym members!"
Oh, so that's why there are so many people. I thought that there would only be the fight that I'm going to partake in.
"We both think that this collaboration will allow you guys to discover new things by training with people that you don't know. It's always a good experience to learn with new people!" she added.
"Right. So don't be too harsh on each other. Remember, this is only a training session. Both me and my colleague will notify you whenever it's time for the exhibition match!" said the person beside her.
I assume this is Coach Javier. I heard that most coaches were fighters themselves in the past, however Mr. Javier doesn't look like a guy who would enjoy punching people.
"Yes, coach!" everyone said in unison.
"Alright, now each of you pick a partner." he said.
Lisa's mother walked toward me.
"Hey kid, follow me. Mr. Javier has something to discuss with you." she said.
"Oh, okay."
...
"Hello, young man. You are Johan, right?" he said.
"Yes, that's me. I'll be the one fighting your student today."
"Interesting, your body doesn't seem prepared." he replied.
Well, it's true that I'm a bit out of shape, but is it that obvious?
"Johan is a new guy. He's not part of my gym, I took him as a replacement." she said.
"Hm, you really had no one else? Maxim and Lucas were at the same level, but I don't know about this little guy..."
Well, they don't seem bothered by my presence. They're badmouthing me as if I wasn't even there...
"Well, I trust him!" she said while tapping my shoulder.
"You know, Malik and Lisa were the ones who recommended him to me!" she added.
"Hm, I'll trust your word then." he said while scratching his head.
"However, we still have to choose the referee." he added.
"Well, how about—"
"Me!"
I remember him telling me that he was only here as a spectator...
So why is my father asking to be the referee...
"Uh, who are you?" asked Mr. Javier.
"Hello sir, you must be Coach Javier. I am Johan's father. Can I speak to you and your colleague?"
He looked at me, so I knew I wasn't allowed to hear the rest of this conversation.
(...)
"So, you're Johan's father..." she asked.
"Yes, and you are Lisa's mother. It's nice to meet you, my name is Damian." I said.
"Oh, my name is Elena. It's nice to meet you two. I think our kids are good friends. I'm glad that we're already exchanging names, I don't really like formal people."
Hm, that's surprising. She gave off a different vibe from other people when we were in the car. It reminded me of Anissa...
"Anyways, what did you want to talk about? Do you even know the rules? Why would you want to be the referee?" asked Mr. Javier.
"Um—well, you know... my son, he's a bit different. He has a problem."
Dang it, I worded it the worst way possible! They might get the wrong idea.
"Yeah, I was suspecting it, but he's a bit slow." said Elena.
"Yes, he doesn't seem like the brightest lad out there." added Mr. Javier.
"No—that's not it!"
Phew.
"What I'm saying is that he was diagnosed with anger management issues, and he tends to snap whenever he loses control over a situation!" I said.
"Hm, maybe I should've found another guy." said Elena with her arms crossed.
"No, wait. My point is that, as his father, I should be there to stop him if things go wrong. That's why I followed him in the first place." I replied.
I looked at both of them. They seemed lost in thought.
"Fine, but you will have an assistant," finally said Mr. Javier.
"Yes, we will ask someone to help you in your task. First of all, you need to try and learn as much as you can about the rules. We still have a good hour left, so it shouldn't be too hard."
"Thank you so much! I'll make sure not to disappoint you!" I said.
Phew.
At least I can be there to support him. I hope it won't disturb him too much during his fight.
"So who's going to be my assistant?" I asked.
"Hm, I don't know... everyone seems busy," said Elena while looking around.
"Hm, Malik doesn't look like he's busy right now. Maybe you could ask him," said Mr. Javier.
"Right! Thank you, Mr. Javier, I'll try my best."
I waved at him before going to see Malik.
I didn't know Malik was this invested in the gym, but it looks like both coaches trust him!
"Ahh—this kid is going to hate me..."
"What did you say, Elena?"
"Nothing, Mr. Javier..."
(...)
I took a look at the clock. My name will be called anytime soon. My first MMA fight... even if it's just an exhibition match, I am still nervous.
"Alright guys, it looks like it's time for our fighters to face each other," announced Coach Javier.
"Hm, so the referee will be Mister Vanderis, assisted by Malik," said Lisa's mother.
Everyone sat around the mat, forming a large circle.
I don't like crowds, but this time I'll have no way to avoid it.
I saw Lisa standing far away. She had a pen and her notebook. She's very serious when it comes to MMA.
My dad walked to the middle of the circle.
Don't tell me—
"Um, alright, so my name is Damian, and I'll be the referee for today's match," he said.
A few murmurs spread through the crowd.
"...They look alike, is it his dad?"
"..."
Fuck, as if the crowd wasn't enough.
My dad is the ref... how the hell did he convince both of the coaches?
"And this will be my assistant, Malik," he said while turning toward him.
The whispers died down.
Phew.
At least Malik's there.
"Now then, both fighters may step forward."
The guy in front of me was around the same height as me. His weight is probably close to mine too.
"...that's the guy replacing Maxim?"
"...He looks lost."
I pretended not to hear it.
"Good match." he said while raising both of his fists.
"You too." I replied before bumping his fists and stepping back a few steps.
"Alright, now um..." my dad turned back, probably toward Malik.
he took a brief pause.
"Right... ready? Fight!" As he said this, he stepped back a few steps.
The fight officially began.
...