CHAPTER 137: BYUN’S INTRUSION

The atmosphere was familiar, mundane even, but the small details stood out to him: the way shadows stretched across the wooden floors, the soft squeak of shoes against polished stone, and the slight rustle of robes brushing against benches.

He paused at the front of the classroom, noticing Mrs. Liara as she adjusted her robes and stacked a neat pile of graded papers. Something about her caught his attention, slightly different, a small change in her appearance that he hadn’t seen before. Her hair was styled differently, softer around her face, framing her features in a way that drew the light.

"Nice hair," he said casually, shrugging as though commenting on the weather. His tone carried his usual easy confidence, but underneath was the deliberate note of observation.

Mrs. Liara froze, eyes widening behind the rim of her glasses. Her cheeks flushed a faint pink, just enough to betray her surprise. "Oh... thank you, Jae," she said softly, fumbling slightly with a stack of papers.

It struck her then, the subtle truth of it: until that moment, no one had noticed. No one had commented, no one had paid attention. Yet here was Jae, observing with a quiet attentiveness that felt genuine. The thought warmed her, a small, comforting glow she hadn’t expected to feel.

She realized she hadn’t expected to feel noticed at all. It was a small recognition, a fleeting moment, but it left her unexpectedly connected to him in a way that she hadn’t anticipated. His casual compliment carried weight, showing that he saw her in a way no one else did, if only for a moment.

Jae noticed the faint pause in her movements, the way she held herself differently after hearing him. He smiled to himself, satisfied with the small impact. Even in something as ordinary as noticing a new hairstyle, he could leave a trace, a subtle mark of attention and care that didn’t demand acknowledgment but quietly mattered.

He adjusted his bag on his shoulder, glancing around at the winding corridors of the academy. There was still much to think about: Tirel, the Dragon Heart, and the plan he had set for tonight.

But for a few minutes, the ordinary calm of the classroom, the soft glow of torches outside, and the simple, human warmth of recognition reminded him that not all battles were fought with magic or might. Some victories were quieter, more subtle, but no less meaningful.

xxxx

The evening had settled over the academy, soft shadows stretching across the corridors as Jae made his way back to his room, anticipation twisting in his chest. He had planned this night carefully, counting the minutes until Elise and Yuna would arrive.

The thought of their shy smiles, the light blush on Elise’s cheeks, and the subtle spark in Yuna’s eyes kept his mind spinning even as he unlocked the door.

But no sooner had he stepped inside than a familiar knock sounded at his door.

"Jae," Byun’s voice called from the other side, casual but insistent.

Jae froze for half a heartbeat, hands tightening briefly around the doorframe. Of all the interruptions possible, Byun arriving now was the worst.

He groaned softly under his breath, forcing his tone into something cordial as he opened the door. "Byun... what are you doing here?"

Byun stepped in without waiting for an invitation, grin slightly amused. "Heard you were free tonight. Thought we could spar a bit, maybe go over some techniques." He set down his bag with a soft thud, his blonde hair catching the dim lamplight.

Jae ran a hand through his hair, smirking faintly but internally furious. He couldn’t exactly tell Byun he was expecting company because he knew then Byun would be curious and want to see the girls.

And he would find out he had been sneaking the royal princess into his room at nights.

Perfect timing, Byun. Just perfect. "Ah... sparring, right," he said carefully, masking the impatience in his tone. "I suppose... if you insist."

Byun glanced at him, brow slightly raised, sensing the subtle tension. "You don’t sound convinced. Everything alright?"

Jae forced a polite smile, shrugging. "I’m fine. Just... had some things on my mind." He carefully avoided mentioning Elise and Yuna, unwilling to admit the real distraction gnawing at him.

Byun tilted his head, noticing the faint flush on Jae’s face, the restless shift in his posture. "Uh-huh. Mind if I stay for a bit?"

Jae groaned inwardly, giving a short nod. "Sure... for a while. But I can’t stay too long, alright?" His tone was calm, measured, but every fiber of him urged the moment to pass quickly so he could return to the anticipation of the evening.

Conversation started, polite and halfhearted. Byun asked about training exercises, sparring techniques, and new strategies he had been learning. Jae replied in kind, nodding, occasionally offering a technical tip or correction, but his mind was elsewhere.

He imagined Elise’s soft gaze, the nervous blush warming her cheeks, Yuna’s playful pout, and the quiet thrill in their shyness as they approached his room that night.

Every word Byun spoke felt like an intrusion, every second spent in this conversation stealing away the anticipation that had been building all day.

Byun, perceptive as ever, noticed Jae’s distracted demeanor. "You’re... somewhere else, aren’t you?" he asked, though his tone was careful.

Jae forced a laugh, brushing it off. "Just... thinking about training," he said lightly, waving a hand. "Nothing important."

Byun didn’t press further, though he gave a knowing smile and settled in to practice some forms nearby.

Jae, meanwhile, counted the minutes with growing frustration, glancing toward the door, imagining Elise and Yuna walking down the corridor, the faint sound of their steps growing closer with every second.

But Byun wouldn’t leave until late in the night, too late.

xxx

Morning came quickly after a restless night. Jae barely slept, the memory of Byun’s visit fading but the anticipation for the day ahead lingering.

Teacher Han had announced a field exercise in the forest, and the class gathered early, torches and training weapons in hand, ready to explore practical combat beyond the stone corridors of the academy.

The forest was alive with morning mist, sunlight streaming through the leaves, casting dappled patterns across the uneven ground.

Teacher Han, a tall figure with sharp eyes and a quiet authority, led the students along winding paths, stopping at strategic points to demonstrate techniques.