The next day, Brandon had his usual work day and then got washed up to head to the dojo. When he arrived at the dojo, he paid Shozan his fee and then went into the back room to get changed. When he came out, he met up with Mark and Hailey in the main hall.
"You and Kate looked awful chummy last night," Hailey teased him.
"You think so?" Brandon asked, smiling a little and pretending that he didn't get the implication.
Shortly after they started talking, Kate came into the dojo.
"Hey, Kate, good to see you," Brandon said as she walked by.
Shozan smiled as he accepted her payment.
"I'm glad to see that you came back. I look forward to giving you a full lesson tonight."
He then let her walk by and go into the changing room. It was at this point that Tim and Clayton came walking up to them.
"That new Kate girl's pretty cute, huh, Brandon?" Tim asked with earnest interest.
"I think Brandon here has a crush on her," Hailey teased him again.
"Maybe..." Brandon said, playing coy to ward off the teasing.
"It sure is nice to have more women around," Clayton said, "Maybe more will join up after her."
When Kate out of the dressing room, everyone was instructed to get into their rows according to rank, with black belts up front and lower belts falling in rows behind them. Shozan moved in front of them, ready to lead them into the warm-up exercises.