Dan Yuseong’s POV
"G-Grandpa... If it’s hard to speak, you can tell later."
"No... I must say it now... Listen, Yuseong. This is your grandpa’s last request..."
Blood stained Grandpa’s cough. My mind went blank. I wasn’t a doctor, but I knew coughing up blood wasn’t trivial.
"G-Grandpa..."
"I want to sll the plum blossoms of Huashan..."
Thud
Those were his final words.
After Grandpa’s funeral, I packed my ager belongings and headed for Huashan. With him gone, the secular world held nothing for .
Huashan’s entrance exam was grueling. Even robust kids with strong builds failed left and right. How could soone like —weaker than most girls my age—possibly pass?
"Huff... huff..."
Realizing normal thods wouldn’t work, I made a swift decision.
"Please let join the sect!"
"W-Wait! What are you—"
I clung to the examiner’s leg. If it had been a man, I wouldn’t have dared. But knowing adults—especially won—often took a liking to , I latched onto her, sobbing as I shared my story: my only family, Grandpa, had passed, his dying wish to sll Huashan’s plum blossoms.
"...What a pitiful story."
Thanks to that, I was admitted without further scrutiny. I wondered if it was really that easy, but I couldn’t dwell on it. I chose gratitude and moved on.
Grandpa...
His final wish, my only family’s desire—I’d make it happen, no matter what.
Han Soyeon’s POV
Master had gone into secluded training. This was dangerous. Until now, thoughts of her or Yuseong had helped rein in my spiraling emotions. But with her absent, I wasn’t sure I could control myself if those feelings surged again.
Lately, my emotional outbursts had grown fiercer. Yuseong’s adorable actions already tested my composure, but picturing him chatting warmly with another girl ignited a murderous rage. I’d caught myself imagining gouging out the eyes of anyone who looked at him, slicing out the tongue that spoke to him. Realizing how dark my thoughts had turned terrified .
When did I beco like this?
This wasn’t . I’d once found joy in kindness, despite my lack of sociability. Now, these horrifying thoughts filled with dread.
Was it safe to see Yuseong in this state? What if my emotions overwheld and I couldn’t hold back? What if I hurt him?
Tremble tremble
I don’t want that...
No matter what, I couldn’t hurt Yuseong. His purity and kindness were precious. If my selfishness caused him pain, the guilt would destroy .
Just hold on a little longer...
I decided not to see him that day. I hadn’t warned him, so he might wait, but I didn’t trust myself to face him without losing control.
I trained relentlessly, trying to drown out thoughts of him. But no matter how fiercely I swung my sword or circulated my inner energy, Yuseong lingered in my mind.
I yearned to rush to him, to be welcod into his arms, to hold him in mine, to stroke his lovable face, to press my nose against his fragrant body, to tear off his clothes, pin him down, lick the tears of betrayal streaming down his face, and see the shock in his eyes.
...?
Sothing felt wrong, but I couldn’t pinpoint it. Forcing my mind to settle, I trained until sunset. When it was ti to rest, I collapsed onto my bed.
Even then, Yuseong haunted my thoughts.
Just sleep already...
I hugged my head, begging for sleep. But his image persisted.
What did Yuseong do today?
I hadn’t shown up, so he might’ve waited too long. Knowing him, he’d have stayed, hopeful. What did he feel? Did he think I had a reason? Did he feel betrayed?
I’m sorry...
I’m a failure of a nuna. I couldn’t control my emotions, lacking the confidence to face him without causing harm.
I’m so sorry...
Imagining Yuseong waiting alone for hours brought tears to my eyes. Then, in my mind, another girl approached him.
[Why are you alone?]
[Oh... I’m waiting for soone, but they haven’t co...]
[Oh, dear. How about coming with instead?]
[But my nuna...]
[She left you waiting alone. She probably didn’t even think about you. Co on, let’s go.]
[...Okay.]
Crunch
My eyes snapped open. The blanket in my grip was torn.
"No..."
I can’t let anyone have Yuseong. He’s mine. No matter who dares covet him, I won’t forgive them.
Shing
Grabbing my sword, I raced to our usual eting spot. My fantasies were likely nonsense, but I had to see for myself. The cold wind cooled my overheated mind as I ran.
There’s no way Yuseong would do that.
I was overreacting. Nearing the spot, I saw him.
Swish swish
Yuseong was swinging his sword. Relief flooded . I felt ashad for doubting him, even briefly.
Seriously... I need to stop overreacting...
The idea of another girl approaching him—and him going along—was absurd.
"Yuseong~"
My head clear, I called out, ready to greet him.
Flinch!
He trembled at my voice.
"N-Nuna, you’re here?"
"Yeah... Sothing ca up today. Sorry. I’m really late, huh? I’ll explain."
I spread my arms, approaching. His expression was awkward.
Step back
He retreated as I neared.
"...Why are you avoiding ?"
"N-Nuna... I’m all sweaty right now..."
"I’ve told you I like your sweat’s scent, haven’t I? Co here."
"..."
Perhaps my cold tone unnerved him, but he approached, trembling, and let embrace him.
"Haaa..."
Resting my chin on his shoulder, I inhaled his scent. How could even his sweat sll so divine? But today, sothing else lingered—a different scent—
Boom!
"Urk!"
Yuseong hit the ground, head first, my hand pressing down on him.
"Who was it?"
"W-What do you—"
"Who was she?!"
Another woman’s scent clung to him—revolting, nauseating. By the ti I realized—
Crack
Nothing held back my rampage.
Crunch crunch
Who the hell...!
It wasn’t a mistake. His body reeked of another woman’s filthy scent.
Grip
"Who was it?"
"W-Wait, Nuna, there’s a misunderstanding—"
"I’ll decide if it’s a misunderstanding."
"Hic!"
Unleashing my killing intent, Yuseong’s body shook uncontrollably. His ager martial arts, not even third-rate, couldn’t withstand my genuine murderous aura.
Yes, I felt true killing intent toward Yuseong.
If I can’t have him... then I’d rather...
Tremble tremble tremble
I spoke to the quaking boy beneath my intent.
"Tell . Now."
"W-While I was waiting for you, another nuna ca up and asked who I was waiting for..."
"[Nuna]?"
Clamp
My hand wrapped around his slender neck.
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