Ep. 21 - Punch Me is the twenty-first episode of Hand Jumper.
Plot[]
This episode continues directly where the previous one ended. Sayeon sits in the gym of the Aberrant Corps Third HQ, and smells banana bread. Turning around, she sees Min and jumps up, freaked out by his sudden appearance. They both ask what the other is doing there. Min explains that he was hungry, made some food in the kitchen, and was going past the gym when he felt a surge of essence, so he came and investigated. Sayeon is surprised by Min cooking, but her growling stomach betrays her hunger.
With moonlight shining into the gym, Min and Sayeon sit in the stands and Sayeon crews on a piece of the banana bread. With one half eaten, Sayeon asks Min whether he will eat any more, and tells him to finish the food. Min explains that he is saving the food for Iseul, who said earlier that he was hungry. Sayeon remembers how intimidated she was by Min when she first met him, and apologises to him for misjudging him. Sayeon considers that speaking to Min sometimes can feel like speaking to a child despite him looking older. She then asks him whether he can teach her to fight using essence.
Sayeon tells Min that she believes he is the best at controlling essence within their cell because when he cut her hair, he didn't need to use a trigger. Since Iseul doesn't know how to do that and Ryujin is unable to use her gift, Min must have the most control of everyone in cell 4. Sayeon asks whether Officer Ahn taught Min how to do that. Min tells her that he doesn't know who Ahn is, and that he taught himself. He explains that using a trigger is more reliable, and that he only uses his gift without a trigger when he doesn't want people to know that he is about to hurt them. He tells Sayeon that she's not ready for this technique yet.
Sayeon asks Min to teach her how to fight using essence, and although he tries to reject her she explains that she will need to learn this in order to survive the mortal danger they will face. Min stands up and readies himself, and then tells Sayeon to punch him, explaining to her that he will teach her if she is able to hit him. Although Sayeon is confused, Min tells her that she won't be able to do it because she is too weak. Sayeon remembers the same scene with Jaeil from last episode, and is motivated by that memory. Sayeon activates her essence, but Min doesn't activate his.
Sayeon remembers Jaeil teaching her how to punch some time ago. She intentionally throws out a wide punch to distract Min, before jabbing at him to surprise him. However, neither of her hits land, and Min flips backward to avoid her second strike. Sayeon realizes at that moment that actually successfully punching Min will be incredibly difficult for her to do.