Catfight #2
Somehow, Serin's vibe had turned a bit scary. Her eyes were wide open, pupils contracted like a predator's. Last time, Ha-young called her a rude bitch—could their relationship really be that bad? Was she on guard now because of it?
Just as I was about to answer,
"Of course we're acquainted! You can tell just by looking at us!"
Ha-young laughed as she answered, hugging my arm even tighter.
"..."
Serin stared at us with a strange expression.
"So, what exactly is your relationship? That's what I asked."
"Hmm, how about inseparable besties?"
"What...?"
"Isn't that right?"
Ha-young looked up at my face, and yeah, besties was accurate enough.
"Hey. Answer me. We're so close we even sleep together. Right?"
"What the hell, don't say it like that!"
That phrasing makes it sound weird!
"But it's the truth, isn't it?"
"Kinda, but..."
"What was that?"
Serin looked at me.
"Geun-hyeop. What did that woman just say...?"
"No, Serin! It's not—"
Ha-young was twisting it weirdly, but it wasn't anything that strange. Still, Serin's eyes were so terrifying I couldn't get the words out...!
"Hmm, but Jade Flower Sword? What about you and him? What's your deal, grilling us like that?"
"...Besties."
"Besties? Pfft!"
Ha-young let go of my arm and burst out laughing.
"Gyahaha! Besties! The Jade Flower Sword has a guy bestie? For real?!"
"No, Ha-young. I said we're besties. Serin's the swordswoman I take as my master."
"Oh yeah! That's surprising!"
She'd heard it already but was pretending to be shocked. Anyway, time to smooth things over.
"Serin. Ha-young and I got close because of this job. We're out together on business right now."
"I see."
Serin nodded.
"More importantly, Geun-hyeop. You've finally reunited with your master after so long—why are you just standing there? Come here already."
Suddenly, she slid right up beside me, hooked her arm through mine, and pulled me toward her! What a way to show she's happy to see me!
"Kuhahaha! Of course! Gotta pay proper respects to my master after so long! Got it, Serin! I'll serve you right!"
"Fufu, that's the spirit."
Thinking about it, yeah, I couldn't just stand there after reuniting with my master. I promised to attend her properly, and Serin seemed appeased, giving a soft smile. Her usual stoic face was stunning when she smiled like that.
"Hey. You don't have time for that."
But Ha-young wedged herself between us.
"Make it quick. You're moving with me today."
"True, but we're resting today anyway and heading out tomorrow. Gotta show some respect since it's been ages."
"Time's of the essence—where do you find the time? Hey, Jade Flower Sword? I get you're happy to see your disciple, but we're in a rush. We'll be off!"
"Hey."
Ha-young grabbed my hand and started dragging me.
"Ha-young! Hold up!"
She said we were resting today!
"Stop. What exactly are you rushing off to do? As his master, I need to know."
"Right! Let's explain that! Serin, we're going to catch that Ha-dong yokai!"
"Ha-dong?"
Ha-young stopped.
"Yeah! Hunting Ha-dong. You know his constitution since you're his master, right? We're gonna collect its yodan. No time to waste. We need to figure out his special body ASAP. You won't stand in the way as his master, will you?"
"..."
There was no need to rush like this, but whatever.
"Understood. So that's the situation. Geun-hyeop. Has Plunder Fire Lotus learned about your constitution?"
"Yeah. Was gonna tell you. She showed up last time."
"Ha-young."
"Yeah. Turns out she got info from Lady Seon."
I explained everything that happened with Serin.
"So she offered to look into my constitution, and I followed her near Maosan Sect last time. They did some research, but looks like we need more yodan. We were on our way to catch Ha-dong. Heard you were here mid-trip and came to say hi."
"I see. I understand the circumstances."
Serin nodded.
"Right? So we'll get going—see you next time!"
"No need for next time. I'll join you."
"Huh? What're you talking about?"
Join us?
"My bestie and disciple is off slaying yokai to uncover his constitution—how could I, as his master, sit this out? Geun-hyeop. I'll accompany you."
"For real?!"
Sweet!
"Awesome for me! But Serin, you sure? No other urgent stuff?"
"Fufu, it's fine. As I mentioned last time, I felt some deficiencies and set out on training. Might as well hunt yokai like this."
"Perfect! Ha-young! Let's go with Serin!"
"Ha-young, huh. Calling her so casually—you two must've gotten real close."
"Kinda happened this time."
From what I could tell, their relationship wasn't terrible, but there was tension. But who am I? Kim Geun-hyeop, famed for my great personality far and wide. They're both my besties anyway, and they already know each other. This trip could clear the air and make them get along. I could make it happen.
"Ugh... really okay to go with the Jade Flower Sword?"
"No issue, right? Believe it or not, this Jade Flower Sword and you Plunder Fire Lotus are basically besties with him. Makes sense to travel together."
"What besties. Whatever, can't stop you if you're coming. Let's go."
"Appreciated."
See? Things were working out smooth. Unexpectedly, Serin was joining at the perfect time. Our duo party just evolved into a trio. Couldn't wait to show off my upgraded skills to her—heart pounding already.
"Oh yeah, Serin. Got something to report as your disciple."
"Hoo, what is it?"
"My realm advanced! I can do some seriously awesome stuff now!"
"Impressive progress."
Serin smiled faintly and gave a small clap.
"Fufu, well done. I'll check it out myself."
"Ah! Just thinking about bragging to you has me hyped!"
"Kukuku, yeah, it was impressive. I was right there when he broke through."
Ha-young had been with me then.
"Super rare sight, y'know."
"Eh...? You were there?"
"Yeah. Happened recently. We were traveling, and suddenly bandits ambushed us."
"He was so brave! Shielded me like a total badass! Gyahaha! Still gets me every time—adorable!"
"Aigoo, Ha-young."
She cackled and hugged me tight.
"Embarrassing—don't cling so much."
"Why not? Last time you did way steamier stuff and loved it!"
"What're you saying!"
Serin's right here!
"Anyway, not just that. He kept me entertained all night with stories. Such a great guy."
"Stories?"
"Serin. Got tons of tales I haven't told you."
"...Step back first."
Serin approached and pulled me away.
"What? Why keep dragging me?"
"Guiding and supervising my disciple is a master's duty."
"Pfft. What does that matter?"
"It matters. Geun-hyeop. I want to talk. Care to step aside with me?"
"Sure, why not. Ha-young, be right back."
"What? I'm right here—gonna exclude me?"
Yeah, leaving her out might make her feel left out.
"As his master, I'm summoning him. Please excuse us briefly."
"Hah, pulling the master card? Fine, can't argue!"
She was cool with it?
"But tell me what you talked about later. Got it?"
"Yeah, kiddo."
Ha-young pouted a bit with her arms crossed, but Serin ignored it and dragged me off. We rounded the corner, and she shoved me against the wall.
"Hey."
"Geun-hyeop. What the hell? Getting that chummy with some weirdo female Taoist."
"Weirdo female Taoist?"
"Yes. And what was that? Besties who sleep together? For real?"
"No, it's—"
How to explain this?
"It's not weird for a master to be curious about her disciple's affairs. Especially me, your master."
"Guh."
Squish.
Serin pressed her body against mine, specifically her ample breasts squashing into my chest.
"As your master, I can't just watch you live promiscuously with some shady female Taoist."
Promiscuously? With a shady Taoist?
"No, Serin. What happened between you and Ha-young? Why do you two hate each other?"
"We don't. Answer your master's question first."
"Well, she said it like that earlier, but it's not weird. You heard the explanation? We bunked together briefly because of my constitution."
"Yes."
We just shared lodging while traveling.
"Even after reaching the lodge... y'know my gift of gab. She begged for bedtime stories, so I told some and we crashed. That's it."
"...I see."
Serin nodded.
"So, traveling together made you close. Very close."
"Yep."
"Understood. I get it now."
Finally, she let me go.
"I'll tag along for a bit, so relax. I'll make sure that weirdo Taoist doesn't stick too close."
It wasn't that serious.
"By the way, bandits? You ran into green forest outlaws?"
"Yeah. Kinda dicey. But Ha-young's spells were insane—wiped the minions in seconds. Boss broke through the flames, though. That's when I clashed with him and sliced the bastard!"
"That's when you advanced realms."
"Heh heh heh, exactly. Once my inner energy recovers properly, I'll show you."
"Looking forward to it. Let's go. Plunder Fire Lotus is waiting."
Serin offered her hand.
"Take it."
"Uh, yeah. Right."
She took my hand and led me back to Ha-young.
"Talk over? Master and disciple sharing secrets, holding hands?"
"A master must hold her disciple's hand. We discussed your realm advancement and your relationship with Plunder Fire Lotus."
"Oh?"
Ha-young eyed me, and I nodded.
"Yeah."
"Fine, whatever. Makes sense. Anyway, we're heading out soon—get ready?"
"What? Thought it was tomorrow."
"No real need to rest. Jade Flower Sword? Got lodging? Pack and meet here. I'll grab my stuff too."
"Very well."
And with that casual vibe, we split.
"Pfft. 'Disciple' my ass—circling the wagons."
"Ha-young. You and Serin really on bad terms?"
"Not really?"
What the hell? Both insist it's not bad, but they're sniping.
Am I just clueless about girl drama?
"But who knew she'd actually join! Didn't see that coming—hilarious woman."
"Could happen. Right?"
"As if. Anyway, pack quick. Gotta move."
"Sure."
Why's she in such a mood?
"Oh yeah. So, how was reuniting with Jade Flower Sword?"
"Felt amazing!"
"Huh?"
"What?"
Her eyes narrowed.
"Never mind. So, me or Jade Flower Sword—who's prettier? Now that you've seen her again."
"Why ask that!"
"It's crucial for ranking the Murim Four Beauties. We're rivals."
Rivals! Is that why they don't get along?
"Well... to be continued after First-Class Realm!"
"What?! Hey!"
"Hurry up!"
"Damn it! Why're you running!"
Boing boing!
Ha-young's chest bounced as she chased me, and we rejoined Serin.
Time to hunt Ha-dong!