Celine’s POV
Hands behind his back like an old man, Joshua roamed around my apartment. His curious eyes observed each corner as if he's taking a tea time in the museum. He holds no anxiousness, unlike what he had during our last meeting. Then I bet, it was only me who was so agitated to meet him again. However, while I looked at him right now, all of my anxiety went gone. I suddenly remembered those past few days when I worried too much about bumping into him by chance. A lot of excuse was made or about to make just to avoid our next encounter. Funny enough, they were all futile. Otherwise, I won't be this comfortable while he's present.
'Or maybe I was fooling myself because I'm too nervous?'
They said human body and emotions are mysterious that sometimes, you think opposite of your true feelings? For example, when your adrenaline rushes, it will create a defensive mechanism which will help you win against the hurdle.
After the nosy landlady of the apartment building left, Joshua, Celine, Jeonghan and Seungcheol sat altogether around the sofa set. Minghao stood behind Celine while Eugene positioned himself near Joshua's solo couch. Somehow, they can't start the emergency meeting because of this certain person —the one who pretended to be a gay and even brought the other men with his antics. Three pairs of eyes glared at Eugene. Joshua is sitting against him so he cannot see his expression; however, Eugene is sure that Joshua shares the same sentiment with the others. So even if no one is asking, he began to explain himself, "I am sorry, everyone." Silence was dead dropped. Though he harshly received their cold reactions, he still continued: "I just thought that it would be bad if miss Celine's neighbors started to spread rumors about her. So playing gay is the only excuse that went in my mind at that moment. Ha ha ha ha ha~" Seeing that no one responded at his expl
Wintry wind blew Joshua's hair into artistic swirls. The brilliant rays of sunlight conspired with the white clouds to barely let it through. In the long horizon, the clouds take on silver hues, those deeper graphite tones. At the elevated deck, there presents the three leaders of HongYoonChoi's organization who are on their seats while watching the participants of this year paintball event. Joshua took the center seat, Kloper at his right side and Groid at his left. Just last year, it was Joshua's father who played the role of being the judge along with the second and third leader. Now, it's his turn. There will be a day when Jeonghan and Seungcheol will join him side by side, and Joshua already imagined it as he watched his two friends on the wide field. The two are in the middle of wearing their gears: bandanas, elbow and knee pads, gloves and athletic supporter. 'It's finally the day,'Joshua reminded himself inwardly. He looked at the huge
The bright morning sunshine greeted my exhausted face. When the dew dropped from a leaf, so did my sweat from my chin. I hardly had any sleep and my body felt so heavy. However, I couldn't use more excuse to postpone my training. Last week, I miraculously shot and dug a knife into the wood target. Therefore, the next days, which includes today, brother Wonwoo always force me to get up early in the morning to continue our practice. We started with stretching and then a little run around the mansion. If it is the old me, I'll probably rain him with complaints; saying that I couldn't take a single step anymore. However, my stamina seems getting stronger as the days go by. "2 out of 50? That's awful," said by my stern teacher. He's laughing at the side while watching me catch my breath. I am aware that I did throw a lot but I am too tired to even bother counting, not knowing that Wonwoo is meticulously doing the job for me. 'So I only got 2 out of 50 throws?'
Celine’s POV Mingyu and I went to balcony at the west side of the mansion where we also used the first time he visited this place. Unlike before when it was night, now we can enjoy the full bright view of the garden. It is a well-maintained garden that had an abundance of trees, shrubs, and the most gorgeous array of flowers that all cast shadows of the freshly cut grass, many of which I didn't know the name of. The two of us sat across from each other with a table in between. Knowing that the window glass separating us from the people inside the mansion is a sound proof, Mingyu didn't filter his complaints as soon as we perched down. "What's wrong with that guy?! He really disgusts me!" I pity Mingyu, I really do. But Wonwoo is only doing this to avoid the detective furious attacks if ever he found out that he's straight man who once asked his fake sister to have a s*x with him; even it was only a joke. Based
Seungcheol’s POV The reason why I followed Jeonghan and Almond was to help my friend in case his stubborn sister is planning to do something outrageous today. But when I got there, I didn't have the chance to reveal myself and instead stayed hidden while I listened in secret. "Isn't the person who will win the game will receive a reward? If brother will win, you can have anything you want," Almond said to her brother. "And that's?" Jeonghan responded. If Jeonghan won the game, I couldn't imagine what kind of wish he'll make. Truthfully, I don't have any reason to join the game if it isn't for Celine. And that's also goes with Jeonghan who only participated so that, together, we can fix the problem about his marriage and Almond who found out about their fake relationship. "Your girlfriend." In Almond's proclamation about her brother's intention, I believed it was only her way to get between my relationship with
Winning against many and exerting himself over a prolonged period of time have decreased Jeonghan's stamina. He felt tired and experienced lack of focus. Therefore, he asked Seungcheol to team up and beat everyone, so that they'll be together 'till finals. However, Seungcheol misinterpreted it as Jeonghan's way of using him as a shield and betraying him in the end. If only Jeonghan is aware that his friend actually overheard his conversation with Almond, then he would not blame Seungcheol's sensitiveness. "What did he say? I'll betray him?" Jeonghan spoke as if muttering, while entering the North side. Per Joshua's instruction, the plan is to give the first place to Seungcheol. In order to achieve the goal, Jeonghan must stay in the game, go to the finals with the third heir and lose in purpose. Thinking 'bout the third heir's wish if ever they succeeded on the plan, Jeonghan kept his mouth shut while walking. Seungcheol will ask for Celine's hand as his priz
Seungcheol’s POV The 30 minutes battle for the first place starts. On my way from the East side towards the center where I'll meet my two opponents, I halted for a moment. Lifting my head, I carefully observed each of the cameras which were installed around the area. Everyone is watching the game: father, Almond, uncle Kloper and Joshua. In case Jeonghan will show his true skills against me, then we will all find it out soon. Nevertheless, I declined to lose. My eyes went to the timer. There are only 25 minutes left so I picked up my pace, bolting my feet above the grass with sharp sense. However, the battlefield lay quiet. I heard no sounds except my jolting run, my breathings and my heart that's beating inside my chest. The air is soft, damp, yet my fingers around my gun come away dry. I kept on running, passing each giant who's roots hug the earth, where fallen leaves once added its beauty before they went under my
Days ago, before the paintball event, Joshua has assigned Eugene's first mission as his right hand: "Eugene," Joshua called his name while gazing upon the night sky through the glass window. Standing near the entrance of Joshua's office, Eugene answered, "Yes, master." "Are you a skilled fighter?" "I'm confident at my skill, master." "When is the last time you went on a fight?" "Few days ago. Inside the the public restroom. I beat a psycho with only my fists." Joshua, who kept on asking without looking back, finally turned his head to Eugene's side. In the dim room, their eyes met. And soon he detached his lips, "If you fight with Minghao, can you win?" Eugene kept his mouth shut for a moment. It was because he was not confident about what he would say if he opened his mouth. Then, he asked inwardly, 'Why does my little brother's life always so hard?' wh