The weekend spent at my family’s hometown had been fulfilling.
That’s why even on Monday, my steps toward school couldn’t help but feel light.
Once I arrived at school, the first thing I did was look for Yeon Ha-neul.
“She must not have arrived yet,” I thought.
The seat at the back, by the classroom window—Yeon Ha-neul’s spot—was empty. Her bag was nowhere to be seen, so she likely hadn’t made it to school yet.
I’d wanted to tell her about my time at home in person, but there was nothing I could do. While waiting, I decided to pass the time on my phone.
“Huh?”
A message from Do Si-eun blinked on the screen. It seemed sent during her commute.
“Why’s she contacting me now?”
We hadn’t been in touch for a while, so it felt unexpected. I wondered if she was doing okay—my mind drifted to her limping out of the training ground that day.
[Do Si-eun]: Did you have a good weekend?
[Do Si-eun]: Next time, let’s spar together
[Do Si-eun]: (Cat emoticon with sparkling eyes)
The playful, cutesy emoticon felt oddly out of place for her. Did she actually like those? Imagining her making the same face as the icon made me smile.
On the other hand, her intentions were clear.
“You really want to spar that badly, huh?”
There was no reason I couldn’t spar with her. Our skill levels were similar, so we’d both benefit. There was no reason to refuse her offer.
[Me]: Sure, sounds good 😀
[Me]: But how’s your injury? Are you okay?
She must’ve been online because the “read” receipt vanished instantly.
[Do Si-eun]: I started feeling better after some time
[Do Si-eun]: Thanks for worrying
[Do Si-eun]: …How about you?
[Do Si-eun]: (Cat emoticon peeking shyly)
I still couldn’t get used to her using emoticons. Suppressing a smirk, I typed back. Before I knew it, the conversation kept going.
“Who’re you chatting with?”
“Oh, you’re here?”
Yeon Ha-neul had just walked in, dropping her bag with a thud. She hovered over my phone, her gaze sharp. When I looked up, her lips were pursed—a telltale sign.
The sight of her bunny ears after two days felt oddly comforting.
“Just chatting with my cousin,” I said nonchalantly.
“Cousin? The one from your video? The one who flew off with a piu?”
“No, my cousin Noona.”
“Hmm… I thought you didn’t get along with your cousins. Guess there’s one you like.”
“I got close to this one recently.”
“Oh? How old is she?”
“Two years older than us. Fourteen. You’ll probably run into her in Academy City.”
“…Is she pretty?”
“Well, yeah. Kind of. Definitely.”
Most characters in the game we played had striking looks—Do Si-eun, me, and now, Ha-neul. Once we reached Academy City’s age, we’d grow into our illustrated selves.
So I answered without hesitation.
“Hmm… I guess.”
“…”
But something about her reaction felt off. Her eyes narrowed, her voice flat. Worst of all, her bunny ears perked up, then drooped.
“Nice for you, getting close to a pretty noona.”
“Uh… well, yeah. Not like being pretty feeds me or anything… Wait, does it?”
“You’ve been chatting nonstop. Just ignore someone like me.”
She huffed, jerking her head away. Her ears flicked wildly.
“Why’s she acting like that?”
She pretended to ignore me, pulling out a book from her bag, but kept stealing glances. I was baffled, clearly annoyed, but why?
“Could it be… because I called her pretty?”
No way. What did my cousin’s looks have to do with her? Still, better safe than sorry.
“You’re pretty too.”
“…What?”
“You’re pretty. Especially your bunny ears…”
Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!
“Ow, why’d you hit me?”
“Because you said that!”
“Did I do something wrong? You didn’t have to hit me like that!”
“No… I’m sorry. I’m the one who hit you. But how can you say that in front of everyone? Like I’m not pretty at all.”
“Got it. I won’t…”
“Who said you shouldn’t?”
“…”
I rubbed my shoulder, watching her face flush crimson.
“This kind of thing… there’s a mood, you know? A vibe. Ugh… what am I even saying… Anyway, don’t do it where others can hear.”
“Oh, uh, right.”
“You’re just pretending to listen, aren’t you?”
“No, I’m not.”
“Liar.”
She playfully stuck her bunny ears on her head. I chuckled at her flustered rambling—her reactions were endlessly entertaining.
“Seems like her mood’s better now,” I thought.
To cool her burning cheeks, Ha-neul waved her hand like a fan. I joined in, fanning her notebook. Then, I handed her something I’d brought from home.
“Here.”
“What’s this?”
“A sword from my hometown.”
“A sword?”
“Yeah. Since you’re learning swordsmanship, it’s better to have your own. The ones at the dojo aren’t bad, but nothing beats a hometown-made blade.”
Her eyes widened like a rabbit’s as I unwrapped the black cloth.
“This… you’re giving it to me?”
“Yeah, for your practice.”
“…Thanks. I always just take things from you. I’ll use it well, I promise.”
She took the sword carefully, inspecting it like I had. Then—
“Can’t we see it too?!”
“Me too! Let me see!”
“I want to touch it!”
When had the class been watching? Kids swarmed us, some pleading to get closer. Most came from ordinary families—curiosity about the sword was understandable.
“No harm in showing it. Just don’t touch. You never know what might happen.”
“Wow, thanks so much!”
I held the sword high for everyone to see. Instantly, the crowd surged.
“Are you going to be a Hunter too, Ha-neul?”
“Do you go to the dojo?”
“Uh… I…”
“Whoa, that’s so cool!”
Ha-neul, unused to attention, looked stunned but not entirely displeased. Blushing, she answered shyly.
“Guess Ha-neul’s finally talking to the class,” I mused.
Her face bloomed with a smile—truly a sight to behold. Bringing the sword to school had been a good call.
Then, the homeroom teacher walked in.
“Sword? At school?!”
“Oh, sir.”
“You know better than to bring real blades here. Put it away—now.”
“Yes, sir.”
Luckily, being from the Shin-Gum Do family spared me a scolding.
“Why did I get stuck with your class… Other teachers have such well-behaved kids. Just one year, I’ll survive one year. Phew…”
The teacher sighed, but I tuned him out.
(Late Lunch and a Mysterious Letter)
Yeon Ha-neul and I usually ate lunch during the late lunch hour. Afterwards, when we were bored, we’d take a stroll around the schoolyard to help with digestion, walking until afternoon classes began. Today was no different.
Then, my father called.
[Ah, Kwon-woo.]
“Dad? What’s up at this time?”
[Well, Hong Ye-na Hunter just contacted me.]
“Oh, right.”
The Witch of Five Colors, Hong Ye-na. At the sound of her name, I stopped in my tracks. A bench stood nearby.
“Ha-neul, let’s sit over there.”
“Sure.”
[Is Ha-neul with you too? You two are always glued together.]
“We were just eating and taking a walk.”
“Why’d you mention that?!”
[Perfect timing.]
Yeon Ha-neul muttered under her breath. I guided her to the bench, sitting beside her. The spot was ideal. The shade of a tree blocked the harsh sunlight, and a gentle breeze kept the air cool. Below us, children played on the field.
“What did Hong Ye-na Hunter say?”
[She’s coming to Seoul today and asked if we could meet tomorrow. Do you have time?]
“It’s the day we go to the sword dojo… but it’s not a full-meal lesson, so taking a day off won’t matter.”
[Shall I tell her tomorrow’s good?]
“Hold on. Ha-neul, are you free tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow? I’m fine.”
“Ha-neul says she’s free too. Let’s meet tomorrow, please.”
[Got it. I’ll let her know.]
After thanking my father, I hung up. Then, Yeon Ha-neul, who’d been quietly listening, spoke up. As she leaned forward, her bunny ears twitched.
“Was that about the instructor you mentioned before?”
“Yeah. She called to see if we could meet tomorrow.”
“So we’re meeting her tomorrow… What’s she like?”
“Her name’s Hong Ye-na. She’s someone deeply skilled in five elemental magics, hence the nickname ‘Witch of Five Colours.’”
“She must be amazing, right?”
“Most can barely handle one element. Mastering five makes her extraordinary.”
When I enter Academy City, they’ll call me the Witch of Seven Colours… but I can’t tell her that yet.
Even so, Yeon Ha-neul seemed worried.
“You’re learning from someone like her… Can you handle it?”
“You’ll do fine. Don’t worry.”
“Okay… I’ll try my best. But… why are you touching my ears?”
“It boosts your energy.”
“It’s you who’s excited, isn’t it?”
She shot me a sideways glance. Yet despite her complaints, she didn’t tell me to stop. I kept touching her ears lightly, just enough that she didn’t mind.
“Lunch break’s almost over. Let’s rest here a bit longer before heading in.”
“Sounds good.”
Basking in the shade, we watched the children play on the field as I gently touched her bunny ears. This felt like peace itself.
We sat on the bench until afternoon classes began, then returned to the classroom.
“What’s 5th period again?”
“Moral studies.”
“Why do we even learn that? I’m already a moral person without studying.”
“I don’t think that’s true…”
“Who’s as kind as me?”
“Then are you confident you’ll score 100 without studying?”
“Of course.”
Jokingly, we rummaged through our desk drawers for our moral studies textbooks.
Then it happened.
“Huh? What’s this?”
“…”
A letter lay in my drawer. I held it, inspecting the front and back. No name was written.
“Who put this here? I don’t remember seeing it before lunch…”
The envelope was粗糙 as could be. Only three stickers sealed its flap: gold, silver, and bronze hearts.
“Ha-neul, any idea…?”
“…”
“Ha-neul?”
“Uh… yeah… What?”
“Do you know anything about this?”
“No… nothing…”
What’s with her now?
Yeon Ha-neul stared fixedly at the letter, her eyes trembling like during an earthquake.
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