CHAPTER 4

She had noticed him earlier that morning, and she thought he looked like a large cat – a cougar, perhaps – dark, lithe and powerful.

She didn't know why she couldn't keep her eyes off him. Yes, he was easy on the eyes but so was every other fighter in the room – even the blonde American with big hair, and he was old.

She grinned wryly as she saw her friend, Jin Kazama, walk into the room. Well, she always had been attracted to the strong, silent and brooding type.

Not that there was anything between them now.

Which was good. They were better off as friends.

She ran over to him, her happiness at seeing a familiar face bubbling over and engulfing him. He couldn't help but laugh; her enthusiasm was contagious.

'How have you been?' she asked as they drew back from their embrace. He grimaced and opened his mouth to answer but then nodded his head to something behind her.

She turned around, and she might have heard Jin murmur softly that he'd tell her later, but her attention was now completely elsewhere.

It was him. The cougar.

The one who had ignored her earlier and was ignoring her now as he entered into a staring contest with Jin.

Abruptly, he turned, looked at her and answered her question from almost half and hour ago. He held out his hand as he introduced himself, and Ling thought she could almost – almost – see the faint traces of a smile on his face.

She had never been the type of person to hold onto grievances, so she overlooked his previous snub and gave him a sunny smile.

'Hello.'

Her voice, Hwoarang thought, had not the twittering shrillness he had expected from someone who looked like her.

'I'm Ling. Ling Xiaoyu.' She paused, and he didn't say anything, so she continued. 'I'm pleased to meet you.'

It was a soft voice, understated, and she spoke with a slight lisp that Hwoarang found rather endearing. His mouth curved into a smile before he could stop himself. 'The pleasure's all mine.'

She watched him for a second longer, and he watched her watching him and though they were both standing still, he felt like something was drawing them closer together.

He studied, in that brief second, her brown eyes and spiky lashes, her button-like nose and her generous mouth. Yes, it was a very pretty face.

'You!' Jin Kazama had finally recognised the red-haired youth, and both Hwoarang and Ling tore their eyes from each other, the moment broken.

'Me.' Hwoarang replied. His blood, cooled down by a pretty pair of eyes, began to heat up again.

'Huh?' Ling was confused. They knew each other?

'You were good, that time,' Jin said, rather graciously.

Hwoarang was not moved. 'Not good enough.'

'Well.' Jin seemed at a loss for words in face of such brazen hostility. 'I'm sure you'll be an asset for the tournament.'

'I didn't come here to be an asset,' Hwoarang replied.

Jin studied him. 'No,' he acquiesced finally. 'I didn't think you did.'

Hwoarang remained silent. Ling looked from one man to the other. She could almost feel the hate radiating from the red-haired Korean, and Jin – well, Jin looked like the burden on his shoulders had just gotten heavier.

'You two know each other?' she asked, trying to cool the atmosphere down.

Hwoarang said nothing and Jin tore his eyes away to look at his ex-girlfriend – also his very best friend in the world. 'We fought, once.'

'You won,' Hwoarang stated, giving the appearance of calm.

'It was a draw,' Jin corrected, 'and you were very good.'

'Still,' Hwoarang stated, 'not good enough.'

'We've had this conversation before,' Jin stated, trying – failing – to keep things light.

'So,' Ling interjected. 'I'm thirsty. Does anyone feel like a drink? Juice?'

Both men ignored her attempts at peace as they kept up their staring contest.

'Oh, so macho,' Ling grumbled under her breath and blushed when Hwoarang broke eye contact with Jin to look at her.

He gave her a faint smile, and like the last time he smiled at her, she stared, mesmerised. She took in his red hair, pulled back though strands still fell into his eyes. His eyes, a warm caramel, and his strong nose. His bow shaped lips and the smooth line of his chin.

And before she knew it, he was walking away.

She was shaken out of her reverie by Jin tugging at her arm.

'Come,' he said softly. 'I have much to tell you.'

'But – the people – you haven't met –'

'I came to talk to you, Ling. I'll meet and greet later.' She knew she would go with him, and hear his story, but something made her want to delay their inevitable exit.

'Are you sure?' she asked.

'Yes,' he said, and taking her arm, steered her towards the doors. 'I have much to tell you.'