Temple of Yehun
In the light-drenched silence,
the monastery bells chimed faintly, caressed by the wind.
Near the sliding doors adorned with ancient patterns, Meilin sat, her Tiang nestled against her. She held him gently, her chest pressed to his back.
The sun played in her silver hair, and her rosy lips brushed the boy's neck.
— Are you okay…? Meilin asked in a whisper, a timid smile lighting up her face.
— You seem… elsewhere…
Tiang frowned, thoughtful.
— My memories are blurry… I feel like something serious happened…
— But… I can't figure out what.
He gently tapped his chin, looking lost.
— Why are you thinking so hard, seriously?
Meilin chuckled, tightening her embrace and pulling him even closer.
— M-Meilin, y-you…!
The boy blushed violently, frozen in embarrassment.
— Enjoy the moment, idiot. Stop brooding over dark stuff, okay?
She raised her hand and gave him a light smack on the head.
— Promise me?
— You're still so violent…
Tiang muttered, rubbing his head.
— Excuse me?!
Meilin's red pupils flared with anger.
A red spark flashed in the air.
A bit farther in the inner courtyard,
Lijing and Lin Na were engaged in a noisy round of Truth or Dare.
The two girls gesticulated animatedly, their laughter shaking the air.
— Come on, Lijing! Spit it out! You're not gonna back out now, are you?!
insisted Lin Na, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
— L-Lin Na! You don't say stuff like that in front of everyone!
Lijing turned scarlet.
— Fine… I'm a virgin. Happy now?!
— Wait, what?!
Lin Na's eyes widened.
— And all the guys you used to hang out with? You never… like… tried anything with them?!
— Are you insane?!
Lijing shouted.
— They were my friends! We never did anything, okay?!
Stone-faced, Lin Na tapped her chin.
— Hmmm… As the French would say… I always thought you were a… "bandeuse d'hommes"… or a floozy? A girl of loose morals…?
— WHAT?!
Lijing tore a piece of the floorboard and slammed it violently against Lin Na's knees.
— WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK I AM?!! I'VE NEVER EVEN BEEN IN A RELATIONSHIP!!!
— OWW!!
Lin Na shrieked, curling up on the ground.
— That's… that's cruel…
Her voice softened.
— If I died tomorrow… to a monster or an infected one… my greatest regret would be never knowing love…
Her voice faded into sudden melancholy.
A threatening shadow loomed above her. It was Meilin, her eyes streaked with fury. She held a training sword in her hands.
— Lin Na… your only regret will be NOT shutting your mouth.
— W-Wait, Meilin!
Lijing threw herself in front of Lin Na like a human shield.
— Don't you wanna… play with us? Come on… Answer the question!
Meilin paused for a second, arms crossed.
Then, she sighed.
— … Not being married to Tiang yet.
— DON'T JOKE ABOUT THAT!!!
Tiang yelled, beet red.
— Hooo…
Lin Na grinned wickedly.
— Is the mister hiding a secret marriage? Hm?
— Have they even performed the… cohut… yet?
Lijing added solemnly.
— If yes, THEN IT'S AN IMMEDIATE MARRIAGE.
— You two. Are. Exhausting.
Tiang sighed, looking defeated.
Then he turned to Meilin:
— Say… Xuelan still hasn't returned to your sword?
— No…
Meilin replied, her expression turning serious.
— And that worries me. Without her… I'm vulnerable.
Tiang stared toward the horizon, concern shadowing his eyes.
— Where could she have gone…?