Aether finds himself in the front of a huge wooden door, a giddy and nervous feeling rising within him. It took him some time to decide but he's happy with what he has decided. He has wanted to do it for so long so he's not planning to miss out on this opportunity.
He grabs the door handle and enters the gym. He's met with a spacious looking hall with multiple glass doors leading to various rooms. Each space is dedicated to different sports, Aether has never seen a sports complex like this. He walks up to the receptionist and asks her where the Dojo is. It's located in the basement, right next to Japkido used for Taekwondo.
Aether pushes open the glass door and is met with some kind of intense training session. All of the students are sitting in a circle while the instructor, Aether assumes, is having some kind of match with Xiao.
Aether hovers around the door and waits for them to finish. He can't help but notice the swiftness of Xiaos moves as he tackles the instructor. It's as if he's walking in air, his each jump and dodge seems to be in agreement with air. He gives off an aura of seasoned fighter and Aether can't help but admire him.
The match ends with Xiao's wins and everyone claps and hoots. The instructor and Xiao both bow to each other and make their way towards the sitting area. The instructor notices Aether and ushers him over with his hands.
"We have a new addition to our club, be nice to him guys," The instructor announces "Introduce yourself." He looks at Aether encouragingly.
"Hello," Aether glups, "I'm Aether, I was a black belt in taekwondo during high school" some students whistle after hearing this. "But now I want to try judo. So,I'll be in your care." He finishes with a meek smile.
"Okay great Aether, you are already a sportsman" The instructor smiles, "now who wants to volunteer and show Aether around a bit and get him familiar with the club?" he asks.
Several students raise their hands but before the instructor can choose one, Xiao interrupts.
"I can guide him."
"Oh." The instructor looks pleasantly surprised, "well why not Xiao, you rarely offer something."
"Well then, class dismissed for today. Remember to apply all the pointers you took through today's practice matches." The instructor tells the students and looks at Xiao "Show him around and help him with his uniform and all the catching up." The instructor makes for the door but then adds as afterthought "And don't bully him." He laughs and leaves the room.
Xiao pouts and then looks at Aether with a blush. But Aether, being as oblivious as he is, doesn't notice and smiles.
He will be the death of Xiao and Xiao is more than ready as he shows Aether around and asks him his measurements for the uniform.
"Umm I'm not really sure about the measurements." Aether ponders with his finger tapping his chin "Don't you have a measurement chart or something like that?"
"Ah follow me" Xiao leads Aether to the changing room and walks towards a huge locker. He opens it up with a passcode and takes out a measuring tape.
Aether reaches out for it but Xiao is already moving to measure his waist. He stands there awkwardly as Xiao measures him up and then just stands there.
Aether notices Xiao's flush cheeks and comments;
"You okay? I think you should've taken a rest before showing me around." Aether sounds concerned, "you must be tired from the practice match."
Aether sounds so apologetic that Xiao rushed to dismiss it.
"Oh no, It's not that'' He flushes more "let me write down your measurements." He rushes off to note them down.
Little does Aether know, it's not the match that has gotten Xiao all flushed but certain oblivious someone.
Once they're done with the measurements and all, they leave the gym, Xiao now clad in a casual black hoodie and jeans.
"Oh look who's here." Venti chirps as they enter the classroom.
"Hi guys" Aether joins Venti and Albedo on their seats. He sits next to Albedo and Xiao joins beside him.
"Xiao," Venti wiggles his eyebrows "Where were you two." He gives them a cheeky smile.
Aether doesn't understand the gesture but still replies, "Oh we were at the gym, I joined the judo club. Sorry" He looks at Albedo apologetically."
"Oh you don't have to apologize," Albedo gives him a reassuring smile "as long as you're happy." He smooth-ens down Aether furrowed eyebrows.
The sound of books falling startles both Aether and Albedo as they look to Aethers left.
"Oh" Aether mumbles, "Let me help you out" he offers Xiao as they both pick up the dropped books.
"You were never this clumsy Xiao." Venti comments "I wonder what happened ~" He sings songs
The rest of the day is spent with Venti teasing Xiao for god knows what reason and Xiao flushing every single time. Aether thinks it's endearing but no one told you that.