+ MISSION HUH? +

+CHAPTER 17+

Andrea groaned, though it didn't stop her from starting her warm-up by the ropes. "I swear, if this is some no-name guy you found off Instagram..."

"Trust me," Saurya said simply, heading off to talk to someone across the room. His tone didn't give anything away.

Victoria, still lounging, called out, "Andrea, I'm gonna record the exact moment you pass out if this trainer turns out to be someone famous."

Andrea stuck her tongue out in response but kept warming up. Her back was to the entrance as she stretched against the ropes, so she didn't see the trainer enter. But she did hear Victoria's water bottle hit the floor. Her mind busy imagining who this mystery trainer could be. Maybe someone from a local league? Or—

Victoria's loud, incredulous voice cut through her thoughts. "Eugh. Pause. Wait, this is real? Oh, uhm, hey, Drea..." She said, nervously dragging out the 'hey.'

Andrea straightened, brow furrowing at her best friend's tone. "What? What's wrong?"

Jaemin approached cautiously, a mix of amusement and concern flickering in his eyes. "Drea, just—uh—take a really good, deep breath before you turn around, okay?"

Her heartbeat quickened as suspicion and curiosity warred within her. Naturally, she ignored him, spinning around on her heel immediately. The moment her eyes landed on the figure walking in, her jaw fell open, and she staggered slightly, clutching the nearest rope for support. "You're fucking joking."

Standing at the entrance was Ethan Page, larger than life and somehow even more charismatic in person. Andrea's favorite wrestler. The man she had watched countless times on TV, whose matches she had studied obsessively. And now... here he was.

Andrea's jaw dropped, and for a moment, the world felt like it had tilted on its axis. Her voice faltered, barely audible. "Vivi, hold me. I'm gonna die."

Victoria stepped behind her dramatically. "Right behind you like an usher, sis."

Ethan, unfazed by the theatrics, walked up with his signature confident stride. "Hey, everyone. I'm Ethan Page. Looking forward to working with you all today."

Andrea's knees wobbled slightly, and she grabbed the rope to steady herself. "Vi," she mumbled weakly. "Vi, hold me. I'm gonna pass out."

Victoria snorted, trying to suppress her laughter. "Girl, don't pass out yet. You haven't even spoken to him."

Andrea was frozen, her mind racing but her mouth refusing to cooperate. Words? What were those? Seeing her plight, Victoria leaned in with a sly grin. "Hi, Ethan! This is Andrea—she's a huge fan. As in, she's currently having a mental breakdown, so I'll speak for her until she recovers."

Ethan chuckled warmly, holding out his hand to Andrea. "Well, nice to meet you, Andrea. I've heard a lot about your potential."

Andrea stared at his outstretched hand, her brain short-circuiting. "I... uh... thanks?" she managed to get out.

Jaemin chuckled at Andrea's attempt to form words, leaning in slightly with a teasing glint in his eye. "You're doing great, Drea. Very smooth. A+ first impression."

Victoria couldn't resist chiming in. "Honestly, iconic. I'm adding this to the list of times Andrea has blanked under pressure. Right below '8th grade math presentation.'"

Andrea finally managed to roll her eyes, the teasing pulling her back to reality just enough to stammer out, "I'm trying, okay? It's not every day you meet this man."

Ethan, clearly amused but still warm, stepped in to ease her nerves. "Hey, Andrea, don't worry about it. You're here to learn, and honestly, you've got a lot of passion—that's what matters most."