NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 13: Yuki Was Teased
"You've lost!" Yuki pointed his twin pistols at Hua Jiaojiao's head while shooting behind him to shatter the last leaf sword hurtling his way.
"Ah, I admit it! I lost," Hua Jiaojiao said, smiling even with the guns aimed at her.
She gently pushed Yuki's hand aside and declared to the crowd below, "I concede!"
A red-haired man suddenly appeared on the platform, nodding with approval. "Since Hua Jiaojiao has admitted defeat, the winner of this competition is Yuki. Both of you performed admirably. Hua Jiaojiao, your abilities are sharp and versatile, but your spirit power drains too quickly.
"Yuki, your combat instincts are remarkable, and your mastery of your weapons enhances your strength significantly. Take a day to rest. Be at the academy gates tomorrow at 8 a.m. I will escort you to the Spirit Hall."
The man disappeared just as abruptly as he appeared.
"Next time we meet, I'll be stronger," Hua Jiaojiao said, flashing a determined smile. "I'll defeat you then." She turned and left the platform with quiet resolve.
Yuki called out after her, "I'll be waiting."
The crowd erupted into cheers as Yuki left the stage and returned to his dorm.
---
Back in his room, Yuki immediately hit the shower. The hot water cascaded down, soothing his tense muscles. The matches, particularly the final one, had been draining.
"Ah, this feels amazing," he muttered, letting the water run over him for a few more moments. After drying off and dressing, he threw himself onto his bed.
"What now?" he wondered aloud, staring at the ceiling. "Maybe I should train... no, I'll nap first."
Within seconds, soft snores filled the room.
By the time Yuki woke up, it was dark outside. He stretched, cracking his stiff joints. "Looks like I slept through the evening. Oh well, guess I'll skip dinner and meditate instead."
Cross-legged on his bed, Yuki closed his eyes, focusing inward.
---
The first light of dawn crept through his window when Yuki opened his eyes. Stretching again, he muttered, "No wonder those magic-world mages are so frail. Sitting still like that for hours would weaken anyone."
After loosening up with a quick exercise routine, he headed to the bathroom to freshen up. As he stepped outside, he nearly bumped into Hua Jiaojiao.
"Yuki, what are you doing up so early? The red-haired guy told you to meet at eight, and it's barely six!" she said, clearly surprised.
"I always wake up early to train," Yuki replied, scratching his cheek. "It's a habit from years of discipline. What about you?"
"Same here," she replied with a grin. "My parents drilled it into me when I was younger. Three years of dawn training—it's stuck. Since we're both up, let's train together!"
Before Yuki could respond, Hua Jiaojiao grabbed his hand and started running.
Yuki's brain froze as her soft hand enveloped his. By the time he snapped out of it, they were far from the dorms. He noticed envious stares from others around them, especially the boys. Feeling awkward, he quickly pulled his hand free.
"Why'd you let go?" Hua Jiaojiao asked, teasingly. "Afraid of holding hands? Look at those jealous faces. They wish they were you!"
Yuki huffed, trying to cover his embarrassment. "Why would I be shy about something so trivial? I just didn't expect it, that's all."
Hua Jiaojiao narrowed her eyes at him. "Really now?" She crossed her arms, scrutinizing him.
Under her piercing gaze, Yuki felt a bead of sweat roll down his neck. Finally, he broke eye contact and turned away.
"Well, if it's no big deal, prove it!" she challenged, extending her hand toward him.
Yuki hesitated briefly before grabbing her hand firmly. "Fine. See? No problem at all!"
Hua Jiaojiao smirked, clearly enjoying herself. The surrounding students erupted into whispers, their jealousy palpable.
"Why does he get to hold hands with her?!" one boy muttered. "This is blasphemy!"
Another growled, "It reeks of romance. This heretic must be judged!"
If Yuki overheard them, he'd have laughed. "The FFF Inquisition exists even here," he might've mused.
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