This girl shone the brightest. Murakami did not understand herself with what a sinking heart she began to watch her, to catch her every move. And she saw her purely by accident.

On that day, karate demonstrations were held on the platform in the park. Murakami did not plan to watch them, she just sat down on a vacant far bench to drink iced tea. After all, it is known that if there is a place to sit, then you need to sit. There is no truth in the legs. And so she began to watch the participants out of boredom. Strong and flexible, they struck accurately, watching every move of the opponent. Murakami's gaze perfectly noticed such details, because she herself had to wrestle every summer when she was sent to another city to close relatives. And now, on a small fenced area, a girl was performing in conjunction with a boy. Slim and lithe, she looked like a cat. Shiny black hair pulled back in a ponytail, a sly half-smile on his face, burning eyes. She was clearly enjoying the sparring. So bright and energetic. It was impossible not to look at her. And when she left, Murakami even felt a slight sadness that was not typical of her. It was so strange that when, a couple of days later, walking the same way from college, she saw that there would be demonstrations again today, of course she stayed to watch. And again, this girl was performing. Murakami didn't like to stare at people, but for some reason she couldn't tear herself away from this girl.

- Come to our Red Dragon Club! – announced a tall man in a snow—white sports kimono\, smiling brightly at the people who were sitting on the benches and enthusiastically clapping\, - we are glad to see everyone!

And to confirm his words, he pointed to a nearby stand with a phone number for recording and the logo of their club: a graphic red dragon in a circle.

Murakami thought that the advertisement was going very well: after all, she, the laziest girl in the world, even felt an interest in this whole action. However, laziness has won so far. So, Murakami began to visit the demonstrations quite often to look at the Kitty. This is the nickname she gave to this beautiful flexible girl in her thoughts. She really looked like her. Murakami caught herself thinking a couple of times that black cat ears and a tail would look too harmonious on her. It wasn't that Murakami went to every performance, but if she did, she sat in the front row to take a good look at everything. Sometimes she tried not to stare openly, so as not to distract the fighters. And she felt an incomprehensible sadness if there was no Kitty at the performances. This bright girl, by the way, also periodically looked at people, and sometimes their gazes even crossed for a second, which caused Murakami a strange excitement. It was very new. Who would have known that she wasn't the only one experiencing conflicting feelings?

Asia liked karate. Their family owned a sports club, in addition, relatives had a tea shop and a small plantation, as well as several massage parlors. Her grandparents moved from Asia to this country a long time ago, cultivating their traditional pursuits. In general, there was a lot of scope for activity, so Asia did not think that she would continue her career as an athlete, but she liked beating the crap out of students and luring people to the club, showing the possibilities of the body. There were a lot of onlookers, and not everyone came to study further. She began to notice some of the regulars: among them was a slender girl in a simple purple hoodie and jeans, usually with a glass of good tea. Short red-maroon hair, a gorgeous healthy shade of smooth skin, an indifferent expression on his face. It was only over time that Asia suddenly began to notice that this girl, although she looked indifferent, but her burning eyes betrayed interest in the performances. And Asia herself did not understand how now, at every exit, she began to look around at people in search of her. She was curious why she wouldn't join the club if she was so interested in karate.

It was a sunny day, but Asia was not happy about it. She had a fight with her older sister, and that bitch won their sparring match. Again. Asia gritted her teeth and pressed her forehead against the glass, looking at the people on the street. She was on the bus. It was rush hour, and she got into the window seat next to the steering wheel at the first stop, thereby successfully dodging a huge crowd going about their business. A portly woman sitting next to her completely covered her from people with her powerful body, capturing half of the girl's seat. Asia was quite petite, like most of her family, so it didn't bother her much. The bus was driving slowly along an asphalt road. Asia pulled the hood of her black hoodie over her head. The mood was below the skirting board. She knew that she would never be a match for her older sister. The sister is better in all respects. And in school, and in fights, and in the family business. So what is Asia for, then? The girl sighed dejectedly. Suddenly, she heard a light, kind laugh somewhere behind her.

- ...You are you. Isn't that enough?

Voice. Gentle, quiet, charming. Everything inside Asia vibrated. Her heart began to pound rapidly, and her face began to burn. She had known for a long time that she was auditory person, but to get so excited by the voice — this was the first time with her! Who is this?! She must make friends with this personage at all costs!Asia turned sharply back, trying to figure out who the owner was, and at the same time the doors opened and people poured out of the bus to the bus stop.

- Oh\, no\, what!.. – Asia exclaimed\, frantically looking at the people and looking out into the street. How could she tell in such a crowd?! She wanted to jump off the bus\, but the burly lady with the bags who was sitting in her way was not so dodgy as to let her pass so quickly. There was a passage behind the seat\, through which new passengers were already entering. So when the girl got out of her seat\, the bus doors closed safely and the transport moved on.

–...No, well, what would I say? – sighing once again, Asia asked, lounging on a round white table in her friend's room, - I overheard you talking to someone, and I liked your voice, I want to be friends with you?..

Her friend Yuu, a pretty green-eyed blonde with long hair spread over her chiseled snow-white shoulders, tapped a pencil on a sheet in her notebook.

- You just don't want to do your homework\, Asia\, so you come up with reasons for suffering.

Asia chuckled. And, resting her chin on her hands, she suddenly smiled slyly:

- And who was it that buzzed all my ears recently that he had met some divine girl? You said that she was incredibly beautiful and gorgeous\, like a goddess!

Yuu flushed. She suddenly started chirping:

- I-I didn't buzz in your ears! It’s just my classmate introduced me! It's her cousin!

Asia grinned.

- What\, you don't have enough guys\, you're already attracted to girls?

Yuu flared up even more outraged:

- Asia!

Asia laughed. Making light fun of Yuu always lifted her spirits. And they, having waited for another of their friends, Voka, nevertheless began to do their homework. Asia studied at another college, and their assignments were different, but they always helped each other with sincere enthusiasm.

Several days have passed, and the desire to get to know the owner of this wonderful voice in Asia has not faded. She even took that route again a couple of times in the hope of accidentally crossing paths with this person. However, the problem was that she couldn't force everyone to open their mouths to hear the speech. According to her thoughts, the voice was more feminine than masculine. Young, magnetic, sweet. And what was this girl talking about? And why was it that her phrase was such an accurate soothing response to Asia's apathetic thoughts? A contrite sigh escaped from her chest. Maybe today's demonstrations will cheer her up a little?

Asia wanted to let off steam. And she decided to fight her opponent more seriously than just demonstratively. It will be more effective this way, and maybe it will turn out to lure even more people to them? Derek, her friend since kindergarten, didn't mind. He also liked a good fight, although he made allowances for the fact that Asia was a girl. Although he was well aware that it was better not to meet her on a crooked path. Asia could be a fury if it came to a real fight. And how could such a small, fragile girl contain so much power? Sometimes he was annoyed by her smug smile, and at today's performance he did not plan to give in.

Asia started the fight with a cheerful grin. She and Derek have known each other since childhood and, funnily enough, they never perceived each other as a man and a woman: Asia as a child saw him shit himself past a pot, and Derek, in turn, remembered how five-year-old Asia farted into a puddle.

So now they are clinging to each other in earnest in their sporting interest. Punch, another punch, grab! And Asia suddenly began to realize that she was giving in. The grip is too strong! Was she going to lose again? Like with an older sister!.. At some point, her gaze accidentally fell into the crowd, catching on that girl in the purple hoodie.

- Left\, - she suddenly mouthed\, and Asia instantly understood her. This idiot did not fully perform the capture technique\, opening on the left. Asia twisted her arm sharply and hit Derek so hard that he almost flew to the other side of their arena. The people applauded: the fight turned out to be so interesting and intense! Asia\, wiping the sweat from her forehead\, noticed again that girl with red-maroon hair\, who was also clapping Asia\, smiling kindly. They had already left the sparring place with Derek\, and Asia was still thinking about her. She helped her! And\, apparently\, she is not an ordinary observer\, if she could understand what kind of capture Derek was doing! A feeling of gratitude and excitement spread through her chest. Asia’s heart was pounding fast\, and a blush was playing on her cheeks.

- Hey\, haven’t you gotten over the fight yet? Your whole face is red\, - Derek asked\, no less red\, rubbing his jaw\, - you punched me good\, bitch.

- I hear it from the bitch\, - Asia laughed\, sighing with relief\, and wiping her sweat with a towel\, - Of course\, I haven't retired from the fight yet!

Really, what is she doing? So embarrassed by the simple help! She would like to thank this girl somehow, but what can she say? Perhaps she didn't think Asia would even see her and notice what she said with just her lips?