A Selfish Heart
Chapter Ten
By KellyQ
Yubel's eyes widened, and his heart started to pound loudly in his ears. Haou watch Yubel turn pail.
"No!" Yubel cried. "I'm not going to fight you! I love you more than that piece of filth does!"
Judai sighed and closed his eyes. "He does have a name, you know, and if you love me like you say you do," he said, opening his eyes with intense anger. "Then I'd rather you take your anger out on me - not Johan!"
Johan was about to protest when he felt the blood come up. His hand flew to his mouth, and he started to hack. Judai turned with an alarmed expression. The crowd began to whisper, becoming concerned for Johan.
A smirk made its way to Yubel's lips. "It looks like we'll get to be together," he said, walking up. He extended his hand to Judai.
The prince growled, and Yubel was on the ground in two swift motions. Everyone was shocked. "I told you," Judai said darkly. "I'm going to be your opponent. Now get up!"
"Judai," came Haou's voice from the sidelines. The two brothers stared at each other. "Fine. You two can fight." The crowd cheered. "And the rules are the same."
Yubel got to his feet and staggered. "I ... I don't understand why you love that fil -"
"It's Johan!" Judai corrected, dashing forward. Yubel didn't have a chance to block Judai's attacks. "And I'm going to make you regret hurting him!" Yubel landed on the ground and rolled a few feet away. "I love Johan because he's a compassionate person, and he understands me!"
Yubel's expression darkened as he got to his feet again and wiped his mouth with his knuckles. "I was hoping I wouldn't hurt you, but you left me no choice."
Judai got into a fighting stance. "What are you waiting for?" he asked, mocking Yubel to come after him. "If this is your way of loving me, prove it!"
Yubel chuckled darkly. Johan stared wide-eyed. He had never seen Judai be that aggressive before, which pained him. What happened to you? Johan thought, watching Yubel and Judai fight. After a moment, Johan couldn't take it anymore.
"Judai, please stop!" Johan begged. The two opponents stopped and glanced over at Johan. "Judai ... I'd rather you didn't fight for me, okay? I lost, so I need to keep -"
Judai growled. He turned and struck Yubel hard across the face. "This is your fault!"
Judai was about to strike Yubel again, but Haou blocked his attack. He was standing between the two opponents. I have to put a stop to this! "That's far enough, Judai!"
By this point, Judai was seething. "No. I'm going to make Yubel regret hurting Johan."
Haou glanced at Johan before he slapped his brother across the face. "Do you think you'll solve the situation by beating Yubel to the point that he can't move? Johan did ask you not to interfere with his fight, right?"
The crowd was now silent, holding their breaths. Judai put his hand on the red mark on his cheek. The anger in his eyes vanished as Judai slowly became aware of what was happening around him. Judai looked over at Johan. So many emotions flashed in the kitchen boy's eyes, tears streaming down Johan's cheeks.
"Please, Judai ... no more fighting," Johan pleaded softly.
Judai's eyes widened as he averted his gaze over to Yubel and saw the damage he had done. The dark-haired teen was holding his arm. Blood was coming down Yubel's forehead, and he looked like he had been hit in the face more than once.
"I ... I ..." Judai uttered. The prince staggered before he collapsed.
"Judai!" Haou stepped up and caught his brother before he hit the ground.
Judai slowly opened his eyes, feeling guilt wash over him. "I'm sorry! I ... I don't know what came over me. It was like my anger took control," Judai explained. Haou helped his brother to his feet. Judai side-stepped his brother and walked up to Yubel. "I'm sorry for hurting you," he apologized, tears sliding down his cheeks. "I just don't understand why you hate Johan so much!"
Yubel closed his eyes and didn't want to see the pain he inflicted on Judai. With that, he turned and ran.
To Be Continued ...