About

The World Judo Championship finals. The arena was filled with heat, and the lights shone down on the athletes, making their white uniforms glow. Cheers erupted from the stands, and the shouts and instructions of coaches cut across the stadium. However, I noticed the male athlete repeatedly glancing my way. I even saw him miss his timing for an attack and momentarily lose his balance. ‘Is he taking it easy on me because I'm a woman...?’ I thought for a moment, but looking at his eyes, that wasn't it. His mind was entirely focused on me, and his face was flushed bright red. The opposing coach shouted. “Focus! Keep your balance!” But he couldn't avoid my gaze, and as he looked at me once more, he slightly lost his footing. Amidst the small ripples of laughter from the crowd, I held my breath and stifled a laugh. The match isn't over yet, but in the heat and roar of the stadium, the redness of his face shook my heart even more.