Love is only a feeling

Chapter 6

I lost. This time, I lost it.

She couldn't hear Hwang behind her. Against her will, she looked behind, and immediately she wished she hadn't. She slowed down to a trudge.

So he didn't follow her.

"Big deal!" she yelled to nobody. The trees rustled in response – or so she thought, before she actually felt the cold wind on her face. Before she knew it, she had reached her home. It looked cold and empty from the outside at night, but a closer look revealed a few lighted rooms on the right wing of the manor. Where my friends are.

Without considering even a moment longer than she should, she headed left – to the deserted well. That was also where the dojo was. In the morning, that was probably the liveliest part of the house, but now all the students had either gone home or were resting in their quarters at the back of the dojo, and it lay serene and peaceful.

Mina crossed the great hall, where she used to train everyday, rain or shine. On the left side of the hall stood the prizes she collected from her journeys – her weapons. All but one – the Zanbatoh – of the collection was kept here. The former was always beside her bed; it was a habit she found impossible to kick, not being able to fall asleep without knowing that she was well protected for.

She slowed down at the rack of weapons. One by one she ran her fingers down the side of the blades, feeling the cold metal on her fingers. Despite not polishing it for a week now, they felt smooth and new.

"Ouch," she bit her lip. One of the blades – the Halbard – had accidentally slid across her index finger, leaving a skin-deep cut and a generous amount of blood on her finger.

"Hey, sister," a perky male voice spoke behind her. His flaming red hair was easily noticeable even in those dimly lit conditions. Arms crossed in a relaxed stance, he was the epitome of what they call, laid back.

"Well, I don't remember ever having such a pesky brother," she laughed, feeling her mood improve already. She sucked on her bleeding finger briefly before crossing her arms, so that Yunsung would not be able to see anything. "What are you doing out of bed at such a late hour?"

"Speak for yourself," Yunsung scoffed. "You adults always contradict yourselves."

Mina was rudely reminded of that tone. It was the exact same voice that she used to use on her father whenever he had reprimanded her in the past. Of course, she had to admit she was no longer that young herself. "And since when am I more of an adult than you are?"

"Well you're obviously old enough to get married," Yunsung laughed an evil laugh and didn't stop until Mina's eyes couldn't get any narrower. "And to an old fogey who doesn't appreciate you!" After so many years, it seemed like Yunsung's dislike for Hwang did not diminish one bit.

He's not an old fogey, Mina found herself thinking, although she agreed with Yunsung wholeheartedly, on the appreciation bit. "It's not like I had a choice," Mina sighed. "Unlike someone, who actually has a choice of marrying his girlfriend…"

Yunsung's ears turned a shade darker than his hair.

"So I was right! Who's the unlucky girl?" Mina probed, the curl on the sides of her mouth widening to become a smile. Right now, Hwang was the furthest thing on her mind.

"It's none of your business," Yunsung snapped.

"When are you bringing her home?" Mina asked.

Yunsung groaned. "You're such a nag! I will soon, alright?"

Mina smirked. "You said it. Now go to bed!"

"Oh, and sister," Yunsung said just as he was about to exit the hall. "If you ever decide NOT to marry that git of a fiancée, just remember I'll always be single and available for you, alright!" He winked, and with that, he disappeared around the corner.

"Right." She mumbled to herself. At least someone here appreciates me. She never told Yunsung what happened, but he never failed to make her feel better, all the same.

AN: As usual, sorry for the delay. I won't make up excuses but I was having a major exam. But overall I'm pleased with this chapter. Please continue to support me!