Chapter LXXI – All Is Fair In Love And War
Arthur wasn’t the type to complain about the heat, but even he couldn’t ignore how hot it got in the room upon waking up. Irene had covered them up with a blanket while snuggling into him, not to mention that they forgot to open the window and let the air circulate. Normally, he would stay in bed and let Irene sleep on him, but it was getting unbearable to the point where his breathing became heavier.
Her placid smile was adorable, making him silently chuckle after realizing that she drooled a bit on his shirt. Slowly shifting his weight around, Arthur gently let her head rest on a pillow, but that was only the beginning of his struggles. Her arms instinctively wrapped around him, preventing him from leaving. Arthur looked around for a way to break away from her grapple without waking her up.
He was close to giving up and just accepting his fate, but then a plan came to mind. Arthur reached for his pillow and carefully placed it in between the two before grabbing her wrist and slowly guiding her arm around it. It took a bit of effort, but Irene eventually tightened her grip around the pillow and immediately turned her back to him. He was free.
Getting up, the first thing he did was open the window, fresh air immediately blasted him as the wind blew in his direction. The window view was stunningly beautiful as nothing but the colorful forest surrounded them. By leaning out the window and looking toward the sea, he could see the sandy beach and the blue horizon.
Taking a deep breath and smiling brightly, Arthur closed his eyes and thanked whatever force allowed him to be there at that exact moment. After enjoying himself a bit, he decided to finally head downstairs upon changing his shirt.
It was early in the morning as the sun just barely made its appearance, so Arthur didn’t expect anyone to be awake just yet. However, he was pleasantly surprised to see Iseul in the kitchen preparing to make breakfast after he entered a much colder living room.
“Morning,” Iseul said quietly upon noticing him.
She refrained from speaking loudly as the guys were sleeping in the living room and no wall separated them.
“You’re up early,” Arthur smiled at her before walking into the kitchen.
“I’m used to it.”
It wasn’t that surprising once he thought about it. From what he knew, she was a hard worker all around, having a regular sleep schedule was just a part of it.
Walking around the counter, he saw Iseul making sandwiches with eggs, cabbage, carrots, ham, and cheese between slices of buttery toasted bread, a popular Korean street food breakfast.
“That’s a pretty enriched sandwich,” Arthur commented before pouring himself a glass of water, still a bit dehydrated from staying in a sealed-off bedroom.
“Want me to make you some?” Iseul offered, but Arthur was hesitant to answer. Part of him wanted to accept her offer, but he also didn’t wish to burden her. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
“You don’t have to. . .” Arthur sighed.
“You want two or three?” she asked, ignoring Arthur’s comment.
“Two. . .” he chuckled, utterly helpless in front of her mature gaze. “Thanks.”
“Coming right up,” she smiled, getting right on it.
Arthur wondered if she was like that at home as well, caught thinking how different it would be to have an older sister.
Sitting down behind the bar and leaning down, Arthur rested his chin on his hand, watching Iseul gracefully maneuver around the kitchen. He was aware that she was an amazing cook, and helping around F&I which also prepared breakfasts in the morning helped her, but the level of familiarity she gained after only entering the kitchen for the first time was stunning.
“Did you ever think of becoming a chef?”
“No, I just enjoy cooking,” she glanced up with a smirk.
“You certainly have a talent for it.”
“Thanks, but I have different aspirations.”
“Care to share?” he asked before noticing Iseul plating the food.
“Well. . . After I graduate, I intend to enroll in SNU,” she said cutting the toasted sandwiches diagonally, making them triangular. “Max and I’ll take over the family business one day, and I plan to study business and management, hopefully managing to expand on it in the future.”
She sat down next to him, placing the two plates down.
“Thank you for the food,” he said smilingly while looking at the delicious sandwiches.
They talked for a while before finishing up. At one point, Arthur was surprised by the sudden noise of the AC turning back on. It turned out that the guys left it running all night long which explained why it was so much colder. Their conversation mostly revolved around her studies and what college looked like from what she knew, but after a while switched to random activities they could do during their stay.
Once they were done, Iseul picked up the plates and walked back into the kitchen. Arthur tried helping but was told to relax. Realizing he was being silly by constantly trying to stop her, he went out on the deck and looked into the distance. His mind immediately drifted back to his old memories as he remembered the stunning view Sylvania offered, a continent full of wildlife and natural wonders.
“Am I interrupting you?” Yeona said, walking out of the house in a loose t-shirt and underwear.
He could tell it was a swimsuit underneath, but her appearance was very eye-catching nonetheless. Considering that Tjay slept in nothing but his boxers in the middle of the living room, he didn’t find it that surprising that others might be as easygoing, Irene and Sophie also fell into that category.
“Of course not,” he chuckled before leaning back on the wooden fence.
Arthur could tell she was having a hard time figuring out if Irene told him everything or not. Yeona approached next to him and leaned onto the fence with her arms crossed.
“I assume Irene told you everything by now?”
Arthur found it surprising that she was so open about it as well as the level of confidence she carried with her. It was obvious that she was determined.
“Yeah, she did. . .” Arthur had his back turned to the sea as he looked through the window seeing Iseul slowly approach. “I-”
“Well, I guess there’s no need to pretend anymore,” she had a pleased smile before letting out a sigh of relief. “Now I don’t have to hold back. . .”
“Yeona. . .”
“Anyone wanna join me for a swim?” Iseul asked, interrupting Arthur as she walked out.
Iseul took off her shirt and threw it on one of the chairs nearby.
“Sure,” Yeona said, turning to her.
Arthur had things he wanted to say, but it wasn’t the best moment seeing as Iseul was there and Max and Tjay were waking up.
“I’ll join you in a bit,” Arthur said to which Iseul simply nodded.
“Hey,” Max said leaving the house. “What are you guys up to?”
“They’re going for a swim and I’m just chilling.”
“Wanna eat breakfast first?”
“We already ate,” Iseul mentioned. “Well, Arthur and I. Yeona?” she glanced back at her.
“I’m not that hungry right now, so I’ll probably swim for a bit before I grab anything,” Yeona said, looking back at Max.
“Oh, did you cook anything for us?” Max asked Iseul.
“Nah. I had no idea when you’d wake up. If you want to eat with us, you’ll have to wake up earlier.”
“It’s seven in the morning. . .”
“Don’t try and pretend that you don’t wake up in the afternoon every day back home. . .”
“We went to bed early last night, but fine. . . I get it,” he conceded the argument knowing well that he won’t be able to wake up as early any other day.
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“I might wake up earlier from now on. I wouldn’t mind eating with you,” Yeona chuckled while glancing toward Arthur.
Their conversation was cut short as Tjay came out running before leaping over the fence in his boxers and landing on his feet.
“Let’s go!” he yelled out excitedly.
“What’s got you in such a good mood?” Arthur looked at him baffled.
“What do you mean? Morning swims are the best!”
“But you don’t even have your swimsuit on. . .” Yeona mentioned, lowering her voice.
“Oh. . .” Tjay looked down, realizing he hadn’t even changed yet. “Well, who needs them!”
“You gonna swim in your boxers?” Max asked with his arms crossed.
“So? Should I take them off as well?” he grinned.
“Dude. . .” Max shook his head before looking back at the girls.
Tjay teasingly reached for his boxers.
“Why are you all flustered?” Iseul asked Yeona as she already averted her gaze. “Not like he has the balls to do it.”
“Oh, you wanna bet on it?” Tjay smirked while pulling his boxers down slightly on the side.
“Oi, don’t you dare show your. . . To my sister,” Max looked down not wishing to see his dick out.
Tjay chuckled, however, he saw Iseul and Arthur staring at him as if waiting for him to back up his claim. Iseul’s gaze was enough to make Tjay break a cold sweat before he let out a sigh.
“Nah, I’m just messing around.”
“See. . .” Iseul smirked before walking toward the beach.
Once the girls left them alone, Max smacked Tjay on the head and the two began to argue, the usual.
* * *
The day was passing rather quickly as everyone had fun. They started with an early swim as others joined upon waking up. When the sun reached its peak, everyone went back inside. After having lunch together, they decided to play cards and listen to music on the speakers that surrounded the living room.
“That’s it, we need to settle this somehow!” Tjay yelled out as Max, Sophie, and he kept tying for first place.
“I’m out,” Sophie raised her hands, knowing that whatever they decide upon, it wouldn’t be worth it.
“What did you have in mind?” Max smirked.
“We should make a competition. Since it’s just the two of us, we can do something other than games. Maybe compete in swimming?”
“Forget the card game,” Irene interrupted. “You guys should just make a competition among the boys.”
Don sighed at the idea of being dragged into things.
“That’s a great idea!” Tjay yelled out excitedly.
“Why’d you suggest that?” Sophie whispered.
“Come on. It’ll be entertaining to watch them try hard in front of us,” Irene chuckled deviously.
“That does sound like fun. . .” Sophie smirked.
“If you’re gonna do that, then there need to be rules,” Amelia spoke up after bringing over a few cups of ice cream.
Ari followed behind her with more in hand, helping her bring them over.
“Thanks,” Nabi said taking one from her. “Just what I needed.”
“I don’t feel like competing. . .” Hyun mumbled, but Tjay caught on.
“Scared?” he said grinningly.
“Why would I be scared?” he sighed.
“I won’t take part. . . I came to relax, not compete with you monsters. . .” Don said before digging into the ice cream.
“Anyone who doesn’t feel like it doesn’t have to compete obviously,” Irene mentioned. “It’s just a bit of fun with nothing on the line.”
“Other than pride. . .” Max sighed. “I’m in.”
“Same!” Tjay yelled out, always eager for a challenge.
“Hyun?” Nabi looked at him.
“I’ll do it,” he sighed knowing that he couldn’t back down after Tjay’s provocation and Nabi’s hopeful gaze.
“What about you Oppa?” Sophie asked, already expecting him to win if it’s up to physical challenges.
“I’m down, but Don chooses the challenges.”
“That’s up to you guys,” Irene chuckled, just hoping to have entertainment.
“You want me to do it?” Don looked puzzled, but after seeing the guys exchange glances and nod in approval, he accepted his role. “Fine, I’ll do it.”
“Great!” Irene looked as excited as Tjay.
“You should probably be three challenges at most,” Yeona mentioned, not wishing everyone to be exhausted at the end.
“And you should avoid activities that will obviously favor someone,” Iseul mentioned.
“Maybe make it themed since we’re at a beach house?” Nabi suggested, not knowing that it gave Hyun a slight advantage.
“Let me think. . .” Don closed his eyes before suddenly showing a radiant smile. “I know! The first competition should be swimming. A simple race from the beach to the buoy and back. The second challenge will be something I saw on YouTube, which is wrestling in shallow water while on your knees. The winner is whoever manages to hold down the person before a wave goes over their head.”
“That’s kinda brutal. . .” Ari mentioned.
“They can tap out or as soon as the water hits, they back off.”
“I’m fine with it,” Tjay said.
“Of course you are,” Max chuckled. “But I don’t mind either I guess.”
Arthur and Hyun nodded in agreement.
“What about the third challenge?” Irene asked, curious as to what Don would come up with.
“How about axe throwing?”
“Axe throwing?” Amelia looked genuinely surprised by his choice. “We don’t have an axe though.”
“I saw one near the stairs on the front porch,” Don pointed out.
Out of curiosity, Max got up and walked outside before returning with a handaxe.
“Since when do we have an axe?” Irene looked puzzled as well.
“Did you ever go camping with your parents?” Tjay asked.
“When we were little, but I don’t remember us having an axe,” Amelia mentioned. “Still, why was it there in the first place? We should’ve kept it inside at least. . .”
“Considering how well kept it is, maybe someone who worked around the house left it there while you weren’t here,” Arthur theorized.
“I’ll ask Balam,” Amelia sighed.
“It was there when we came here,” Don mentioned before getting up. “So, are those terms acceptable?”
Everyone agreed and made their way to the beach.
The first challenge was swimming. Arthur had no intention of using Qi during the competition since it would be unfair, so he wasn’t as confident about winning the swimming contest as he was in the other two challenges.
The four got into the water, knee-deep as their starting point. Irene joined them, marking the finish line. With Don doing the countdown, their race began.
Arthur took the lead at first but was soon surpassed by Tjay and Hyun while Max fell a bit behind. Tjay was surprisingly quick to the buoy, but got caught up by Max and Arthur after wasting a lot of energy. Hyun on the other hand had a significant lead, managing to secure a dominant victory. Arthur made it back to the shore in third place as Max swam a few seconds faster.
Stepping onto the sand, Arthur looked to Hyun. “You’re fast. . .”
“Thanks, but I had an advantage. . .” he admitted. “I was on a swimming team for four years.”
“Fuck. . .” Tjay mumbled stepping out of the water, clearly winded.
Arthur chuckled after glancing toward Tjay, but then reverted his attention to Hyun. “Doesn’t make it any less impressive.”
“Here,” Yeona approached Arthur, throwing a towel over his shoulder while handing him a bottle of water. “Don’t want you to be dehydrated.”
“Ah. . . Thanks,” Arthur awkwardly accepted, surprised by Yeona’s open approach.
Nobody paid too much attention to it since Nabi cared for her boyfriend, Max walked over to the girls who stood to the side, and Tjay was too focused on the competition to care.
Irene walked behind Arthur, exchanging a heated gaze with Yeona.
“Winner is Hyun!” Don announced, shifting Arthur’s attention away from the girls. “Now it’s time to move to the second round. With the help of a random generator, the brackets have been made.”
Arthur handed back the towel to Yeona, giving her a warm smile before walking closer to Don.
“What?” Yeona looked to Irene who kept staring at her.
“Bold,” Irene mumbled.
“I’ll take whatever chance I can get,” Yeona looked serious as well. “All is fair in love and war. . .”
Irene crossed her arms and listened in on the conversation between the guys, not responding to Yeona’s words of warning.
The next competition was wrestling in shallow water. Arthur was up against Max in the first round and Tjay was to wrestle against Hyun. After putting it to a vote, Tjay and Hyun were the first to go.
The rules were simple. They both go into the water where it reached around the middle of their thighs after kneeling down. They both face off each other and wrestle until one of them gets collapsed on by a wave. The longer it took for a wave to come, the more time they had to bail out of their opponent’s grip. Luckily, the shore had small waves crashing into the shore, so it wasn’t dangerous.
It was a ferocious battle between the two as they went all out, neither willing to give up. While Tjay got pinned to the ground more than once, he ended up managing to win using his overwhelming strength and tenacity. On the other hand, Max and Arthur had a more one-sided match ending in Arthur’s dominant victory.
The finals were between Tjay and Arthur. Hyun was certain that Tjay would win after being defeated by him personally, but Sophie chuckled at his remark, confident in her brother’s ability.
The fight was over before it even began as Arthur refrained from holding back. As soon as the two made contact, Arthur relentlessly pushed Tjay using his full weight behind him, forcing him to push back in hope of winning the contest of strength. However, Arthur revealed his strategy as soon as a wave approached. He switched from pushing to pulling on him instead. The sudden lack of resistance made Tjay fall face-first into the shallow water and before he could get up, the wave already passed over him, making Arthur the winner.
Arthur then mentioned that in a fight, one’s surrounding is extremely important. While Tjay was focused on overwhelming his opponents, Arthur with his many years of experience was capable of not only fighting but paying attention to everything around him as well.
After Arthur left the water, Irene approached from behind, running her fingers through his hair.
“You have some sand on you,” she chuckled.
“Must’ve been while Max struggled. . .” he smiled knowing his head never touched the ground.
“Let me help you,” she said, opening a bottle of water. “Lean down a bit.”
Arthur titled his head down before she poured water onto his hair while using her free hand to get the sand out.
“There. Much better,” she smiled before messing with his hair a bit.
“Thanks,” he chuckled sweetly.
Yeona and Irene exchanged glances once again.
The third competition was about to start, axe throwing. They used the trees on the side as their targets, and everyone had three chances to hit the tree from as far away as they thought they could. The next person had to throw from either the same distance, ending in a draw if they couldn’t hit from a different spot later, or take at least one large step back.
Arthur was confident that he could hit from an unimaginable distance since often used throwing techniques during his fights. Tjay set a pretty high standard as he stood five meters from the tree, a distance at which most would already struggle to hit the tree. He managed to hit and so did the others after taking a few steps back to increase the difficulty. It was an impressive distance already as their hits were barely landing already until Arthur decided to double it by standing roughly around ten meters away. He could land consistently even without using Qi thanks to his throwing technique and years of experience. Tjay was the only one who could hit the tree, but he kept failing to get the edge to land.
“Arthur is the winner!” Don announced. “That also makes him the overall winner as he scored two out of three wins.”
There wasn’t much of a celebration since it was all for fun and everyone wanted to go for a swim, but they did congratulate him on his victory. Hyun was especially impressed since he never saw Arthur display any impressive feats like the others while Tjay kept bragging how he expected nothing less of his rival.
“That looked so exciting, I’d love to learn how to throw like that,” Yeona smiled as she nudged Arthur.
“Me too. . .” Irene grinned while standing on the opposite side, exchanging glances with her again.
Arthur never felt so awkward in his life as the two practically argued with honeyed voices, however, with everyone around he couldn’t stop them. His saving grace was when Max mentioned that they should throw a party later that night after which Arthur took the initiative for the first time by saying he’d help out, managing to break away from the two.
“Why are they acting so strange?” Sophie looked to Tjay confused.
“No clue. . .” Tjay sighed.
Chapter End.
Thank you for reading.