Courage is the fifth chapter of The Boxer.
Synopsis
In the morning, Injae washes his face, eats breakfast (having a little bit extra) and then gets dressed for school, ready to start living with a fresh attitude.
Sitting in his desk, Injae nervously awaits the bullies who arrive in class. As he gets ready to be confronted, Injae is left surprised when they walk straight past him, leaving him alone. Confused, he notices that Yu was late.
With the school day over, Injae notices how odd it was that he hadn't been bothered by the bullies all day and, recalling what they had said when they walked in at the start of the day, he realises what was going on.
In the PE equipment room, the bullies are roughing up a utterly apathetic-looking and emotionless Yu, with Ryu observing and commenting while seated. Just then, Injae bursts in and tells them it was enough, stunning them for a moment. With Injae's nerves visibly showing by his shaking, he steels himself and takes on a boxing stance, with Ryu grinning ecstatically and Yu's gazing on. Injae calms himself while remembering the moves his dad had taught him while one of the bullies strode confidently towards him before striking the bully with a solid one-two, stunning the latter and drawing blood. With the tables turned, Injae growing in confidence and the bully now quaking, Ryu suddenly steps up and mockingly notes that Injae had learned some boxing. Leaning in, Ryu derisively challenges Injae to see what he is made of.
Appearing Characters
- Note: Characters who are listed in bold and italics are appearing for the first time. List is ordered alphabetically.