Chapter 22.1: Extra: Meeting at the Chess Club

Two years ago, the hallways of the high school were filled with an atmosphere of lightness and youth. Ming You, a fourteen-year-old boy with black hair that fell just below his eyes and a thoughtful gaze, walked past a crowd of students who were laughing and discussing the upcoming competitions. He was smart and reserved, preferring to spend his time on the basketball court or in the chess club, where he could escape the hustle and bustle.

On that day, he noticed her. Sun Hee, a student from the parallel class, was sitting on a bench in the hallway, engrossed in a book about romance. She had long chestnut hair that she constantly adjusted, and a light smile that instantly drew attention. Ming You couldn't help but notice her, but as always, he remained indifferent.

"Hi," she said as he walked by.

Ming You glanced at her, raising an eyebrow slightly.

"Hi," he replied, not stopping.

Sun Hee felt a slight disappointment but was not going to give up. That same day, after classes, she entered the chess club. There, among the boards and pieces, she saw Ming You again, who was focused on playing a game with one of the classmates.

"Hi!" she called again, approaching closer.

Ming You looked up and nodded without taking his eyes off the board.

"Do you play chess?" she asked, sitting down next to him.

"Why would I be in the chess club if I didn't?" he answered, his voice quiet and indifferent.

Sun Hee decided this was her chance. When the classmate Ming You was playing left, she sat in the spot he had occupied and began to talk about her favorite strategies and her dream of becoming a champion. Ming You listened, but his eyes were filled with contemplation. He was interested, but he didn't want to show it.

"You know," she said, looking at him hopefully, "I noticed that you always seem so... detached."

He raised his eyes, and for a moment, their gazes met.

"I'm always like this," he brushed it off, but deep down, he became curious about why she cared so much about him.

Sun Hee didn't give up.

"I'm sure there's something more behind that mask. Maybe you just don't know how to open up?"

Ming You felt his heart beat faster.

"Maybe," he admitted, "but not everyone is ready to understand what's behind the mask."

At that moment, the captain of the basketball team entered the club, calling out loudly:

"Ming You, let's go, we have practice!"

He glanced at Sun Hee, and a flicker of regret appeared in his eyes.

"Sorry, I have to go," he said, getting up.

"Wait!" she exclaimed, not wanting to let him go. "Don't you want to finish the game?"

"Maybe later," he threw over his shoulder as he left.

Sun Hee was left alone, watching him leave the club. Inside her, a strange desire to get to know him better arose. She decided to wait for him after practice.

When Ming You came out of the gym, he noticed her sitting on a bench.

"You're still here?" he was surprised.

"Yeah, I wanted to see you play," she replied, smiling.

"It's not as interesting as you think," he said, but his voice sounded softer.

"Maybe, but I'm interested." She stood up and walked beside him. "You play well, right?"

"Sometimes," he replied, not wanting to reveal his true feelings.

They left the school together, and despite his cold demeanor, Sun Hee felt that something was beginning to grow between them.

"Do you mind if I come to the chess club more often with you?" she asked, hoping he wouldn't reject her.

"Why not," he said, and for a moment, a slight smile lit up his face.

Sun Hee realized that this boy with the indifferent face wasn't so unattainable after all. She was ready to uncover his secrets, even if it took time.

She felt that something more was developing between them. She knew that behind his intellect and coolness lay kindness, and she believed that one day he would be able to show it to the world.

Her dark eyes… A knife plunged into the center between the ribs… Above her, Ming You looked down with a desperate gaze, and tears dripped onto her.