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Ever since Jo Gul barely managed to defeat him, Tang Zhan couldn't stop thinking about that Mount Hua disciple.
The fight kept replaying in his mind, the swift movements, the strikes that seemed to come from nowhere, and that final, narrow victory.
It was frustrating for a short while but there was something else too…a strange kind of fascination.
The Divine Dragon’s words after his defeat had shaken him to the core, as if a new reality was unfolding before his eyes. Yet, even with that revelation, in the back of his mind, the merchant's son was still lingering.
Was he still sour after his defeat? He couldn’t quite put his finger on it. Was it just the defeat that was bothering him? Or was it something else entirely?
Tang Zhan had been in a daze ever since the Mount Hua disciples left for their journey to Yunnan.
(That's what his father can limitedly say to him)
He felt happy for his noona, she finally had the freedom she’d always dreamed of. She was out there, living her life on her terms, and he couldn’t help but smile at the thought.
But the random times he thought of Jo Gul, his emotions were more tangled. There was something about that guy that he couldn't shake off.
Next time.. Maybe, we could spar again.
There was a spark of anticipation in his eyes. Maybe he just wanted a rematch. Yes, that must be it.
The next time they all returned to Sichuan was sooner than he had thought, Tang Zhan was waiting patiently for them.
Heavy footsteps and cries can be heard, Tang Zhan sweated at the sight.
Truly… the sight was pitiful to even watch. It seems like Chung Myung had forced them to be his stable horses once again.
“I greet the Mount hua disciples…”
They dropped the carriage they have been pulling and heavy breathing can be heard.
Tang Zhan glanced at Soso, her once delicate graceful features were…not good, She looked like she was dragged through the mud.
I pity you noona
After exchanging a few words with Chung Myung, Tang Zhan made his way over to the disciples, his gaze sweeping over their worn-out forms.
“Noona…”
“Zhan… huff..L-let’s talk… later—huff”
“...Of course. Follow me to the guest rooms.”
“Dead”
Tang Zhan turned to see Yu Iseol pointing to an unconscious body lying sprawled out on the ground behind her.
“Ah, right. He got beaten up the most by Chung Myung this time… thank god,”
“Good for you, sasuk”
“Hm,” Yu Iseol hummed in agreement.
“Let’s leave him be.”
“He'll be thankful to us for letting him rest.”
“Right, right.”
Tang Zhan raised an eyebrow. Aren’t you being bad companions?
“Let’s,”
‘Noona, you too?’
Soso gave him a tired wave.
“Zhan, please take care of Jo Gul sahyung.”
“...Fine.”
And just like that, they all left, leaving him alone with the unconscious body of Jo Gul.
“Ughn…”
A groan escaped Jo Gul’s lips as he slowly regained consciousness, his eyes blinking open in confusion.
“W-what— Where?”
“The others headed on first,”
“Wh—sahyung too??”
Tang Zhan could only recall how the guy looked half-dead to even care about his unconscious state.
Jo Gul groaned and dragged a hand down his face. He really hated them sometimes… All of them.
Maybe he should start hitting his seniors too. After all, Chung Myung did it all the time.
He forced himself up, wobbling unsteadily on his feet.
As he tried to steady himself, a hand suddenly appeared in his line of sight, holding out a green handkerchief.
“...?”
“Your face is sweaty,” Tang Zhan said.
“Oh.” Jo Gul blinked, then took the handkerchief. “Thanks.”
He wiped his sweat away, and a strange but pleasant scent filled his nose. The handkerchief smelled... oddly nice.
Jo Gul stood there, holding the surprisingly fragrant handkerchief in his hand, still feeling a bit dazed from everything that had just happened.
His body ached in places he didn’t know could ache, and his head throbbed from the repeated beatings courtesy of Chung Myung.
He glanced at Tang Zhan, who watched him with an unreadable expression. There was a strange calmness to the man that Jo Gul wasn’t sure how to interpret. Was he mocking him? Pitying him?
“Are you going to lead me to the guest room?”
“Yes… follow me,”
Jo Gul took a step forward, his legs still wobbly. Tang Zhan reached out, steadying him with a firm grip on his arm. Jo Gul shot him a sideways glance, not entirely sure whether to be grateful or embarrassed. He’d been through hell and back, and this was just the cherry on top.
As they walked, the scent from the handkerchief still lingered, oddly comforting. Jo Gul couldn't help but ask.
“What’s with this scent, anyway? You put something weird on it?”
“Herbs. They help with exhaustion. My family uses them often.”
“Right…”
At this point, he was too tired to care. The walk to the guest rooms felt like it took forever, and his body screamed with every step.
When they finally arrived, Tang Zhan opened the door and guided Jo Gul inside.
“Sit. I’ll get some water,”
“Thanks...”
Tang Zhan nodded, disappearing for a moment before returning with a cup of water. As Jo Gul drank, he couldn’t help but notice the way Tang Zhan was still watching him, like he was trying to figure him out.
Jo Gul wiped his mouth and raised an eyebrow.
“Is there something on my face?”
“...No...”
“Then why do you keep staring?”
Tang Zhan paused for a moment, seeming to consider his words carefully.
“Let's spar.”
“Wha—why??”
The silence stretched between them, Tang Zhan’s face still serious. Jo Gul didn’t know what to say.
“You just saw us getting treated like slaves all the way here. I can’t be much of a challenge right now.”
“Not right now.. Just whenever you want to. I understand if you refuse”
Jo Gul stared at him, then shook his head.
“Okay then, I accept, the next time when I feel like having a spar, just so you know.. I’m winning it!”
Tang Zhan’s eyes brightened with a hint of something he can't explain, and for the first time, Jo Gul saw a genuine smile spread across his face.
“I’ll hold you to that.”
“Get ready to get your bum kicked a second time then”
“Pftt”
Tang Zhan laughed—a warm, genuine sound that took Jo Gul by surprise. There was something unexpectedly pleasant about it, and for a moment, Jo Gul found himself just listening to the sound.
Huh… he had a nice laugh. Maybe this guy wasn’t so bad after all.
Maybe.
“I will take my leave, then,”
“Yeah, thanks for everything,”
Tang Zhan gave a slight bow before turning to leave, and Jo Gul watched him go, wondering just how strange his life had become. A Tang clan member wanting to spar with him of all people? It was almost absurd. But then again, maybe it wasn’t so bad.
Maybe.
—
After Tang Zhan had reported the events that happened to the family head, he immediately went to Soso's room.
He misses his noona dearly.
He knocked on the door.
“Come in”
Tang Zhan slid the door open. Seeing a refreshed and cleaner version of his sister.
“Noona.”
“Zhan! Come come, i have much to talk about”
Tang Zhan smiled, he missed his sister talking.
And for an hour straight, Soso had already told all he wanted to hear, one thing that caught his interest is how his sister was fond with Yu Iseol.
Every few sentences there was always a mention of the name of the woman.
It was quite obvious.
(A/N: Says the guy who doesn't have a clue he has a big fat crush on a certain someone.)
It was almost dinner time, and both of them decided to talk along the way.
“So how about you Zhan? Found someone special?”
“No, you already know I don't have time”
“Hmph! Seriously, it's no fun talking to you when talking about love! Like my love for my sago!”
“...”
At least she's self-aware of her own love for the mount hua disciple.
“I give my complete support for you noona”
“Awe you—”
Before she could finish, Soso, in her usual excited energy, accidentally shoved him too hard. Zhan lost his balance, stumbling towards a nearby door. He was going to catch himself, but the door slid open right at that moment.
Two arms caught his shoulders. Tang Zhan blinked and then he realized where his hands had landed. His fingers pressed against something soft yet firm, warm, and... bare?
His mind froze.
He was holding Jo Gul’s bare chest.
Tang Zhan's eyes widened in shock, his face immediately turning beet red. His gaze shot upward, meeting Jo Gul’s equally surprised.
Tang Zhan's face grew even redder by the second.
“Are you okay?”
“I—I!”
Seeing her little brother’s beet-red face, Soso’s eyes lit up with realization. Oh, she knew what was happening here, so Jo Gul huh?
A mischievous grin spread across her face as she laughed.
“Zhan! You're such a cheeky liar!”
Liar? What does she—Wait!
No, no what?? No!
“Noona! It’s not—! I didn’t mean—!”
“Tsk tsk, it's bad to lie to your dear noona you know? Ayah! You used to tell me everything!”
She's doing this on purpose!
Zhan’s embarrassment turned into frustration.
“You have gone mad!”
Soso cackled, clearly enjoying herself and bolted away as Zhan chased her.
Jo Gul stood there, still confused by the chaos.
Did he miss something?
Meanwhile, Tang Zhan found himself cornered. Wait… wasn’t he supposed to be the one chasing her? How did this happen?
Soso grinned wickedly, hands on her hips.
"Come on, Zhan! Talk to me! When did it start? Was it when he defeated you?"
Her words hit like a dagger straight to his heart. She’s... too on point.
"...I'm not telling you that," he tried to look anywhere but at her.
"So it was! You should’ve come to me sooner!"
"I don’t want your help! This is—this is just gonna pass!"
“...”
“...”
"I'm sorry, Zhan."
"..What?"
"If I knew sooner, I would've helped you figure this out. You’d be more confident about your feelings by now!"
“Noona… no."
"Don't worry! As your sister, I will help you!"
“No—”
"You just leave it to me, little brother. I'll get Jo Gul to notice you in no time!"
“Noona, please—”
Tang Soso had disappeared, and Tang Zhan's heart dropped. A sense of impending horror crept over him, he knew exactly what she was up to. He had to stop her before she did something irreversible.
He hurried to the dining room, practically sprinting down the halls.
(He wasn't supposed to run in the halls but to hell with that!)
But when he arrived, it was already too late. Almost everyone was already seated, chatting amongst themselves. His eyes immediately landed on Soso, who was beaming with way too much enthusiasm for his liking.
"There you are!"
Soso waved him over. Then she pointed to an open seat.
"You can sit between me and Jo Gul sahyung, Zhan!"
Zhan froze, his pulse racing. Should he just leave? Maybe he could fake being sick? Or trip and roll out of the room? Anything to avoid this potential disaster.
He glanced toward his father, who sat at the head of the table, watching him expectantly. There was no escaping this. His father would never let him leave without sitting down for a meal.
Great…
Zhan miserably made his way toward the empty seat. He could already feel the awkwardness settling in.
Jo Gul looked up briefly as Zhan sat down, giving him a polite nod before turning back to the conversation.
But Soso’s mischievous grin didn’t go unnoticed by Zhan, who felt like he was walking straight into a trap.
"Comfortable?"
Zhan shot her with a death glare, but she simply winked back. Why is she like this?!
Zhan tried his best to focus on the table, but every little interaction felt painfully heightened. How can he try to focus when someone is plotting his demise?
"You seem a little nervous, Zhan," Soso said, her voice loud. "Is everything alright?"
Zhan's eyes widened. What is she trying to do? Kill him?
"I'm fine."
Jo Gul glanced between the two siblings, clearly sensing something but not quite understanding what was happening.
"Is there something going on?" he asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
“No—”
"Oh, nothing. Zhan’s just a bit shy today. But I’m sure he’ll loosen up soon, right, Zhan?"
The gods seemed to have mercy on him. The door slid open, and in walked Chung Myung, Yu Iseol, and Baek Cheon.
“Ei! when is the food gonna be here!”
“Could you at least try to act like a guest?”
“I am a guest. Why should I be any different?”
“Disgraceful.”
“Calm down samae”
They all seated the remaining empty seats.
As dinner progressed, Tang Soso’s focus shifted entirely to Yu Iseol, who was seated right beside her.
The two engaged in a conversation, leaving Tang Zhan some much-needed peace.
Chung Myung continued to eat with his usual fervor, devouring everything in sight, while Baek Cheon looked on with a mix of embarrassment and resignation.
The other disciples also seemed absorbed in their own conversations, making the dining room a hive of chatter and clinking dishes.
Zhan was thankful for the distraction. It gave him the space to reflect on his recent revelations.
Okay, he had a thing for Jo Gul. That much was clear now. The way his heart raced when Jo Gul was near, the way his mind kept replaying their interactions—it all pointed to something more than just annoyance.
He replayed all the time he thought if he embarrassed himself.
His request for a spar? That was fairly normal.
The handkerchief? That seemed like a thoughtful gesture, nothing too out of the ordinary.
But the touch on Jo Gul’s chest? That was something he was definitely trying to forget, even if it lingered in his memory like a persistent echo.
Zhan took a deep breath and tried to focus on the meal in front of him, attempting to push his newfound feelings to the back of his mind.
He glanced at his noona who was now staring at him. She gave him a look.
That's not good at all.
Tang Zhan was looking for Soso. Why was she stealthy all of a sudden! she was usually easy to find.
But then again she did join Mount hua, but that didn't mean she was now hard to find. He can't waste time, he needs to find her now.
Meanwhile Soso found someone he had been looking for.
“Oppa!”
“Soso? What are you—”
Tang Pae was suddenly grabbed by the collar and was dragged to a closed room.
Tang Pae was confused.
“If you had something to talk in private then you could've said so”
“No time! I need a favor.”
“Favor?”
“It's for Zhan.”
“..Is there something wrong?”
“Yes! It's a love crisis!”
“Love crisis...are you sure?”
“Yes!”
“Zhan will be upset if you meddle your way, Soso-ya”
“Please, he’ll thank me later when he’s happily in love! Now, let’s move on to phase two.”
Tang Pae sweated at her response and then he thought about it.
“On one condition.”
“Spill.”
Back in the courtyard, Tang Zhan was growing increasingly frustrated. His noona was nowhere to be found, and he was ready to hunt her down like a damn dog.
Just then, his older brother appeared.
“Brother”
“Zhan, father has tasked you on errands”
Errands.. so suddenly? Usually someone else does it.
“Father wants you to take care of them personally this time. He also wants you to be accompanied”
“...”
“Fortunately, someone has volunteered to help.”
Wait, who—
Jo Gul walked up, “I’m here. What’s the task?”
This is a plot! She got to you!? Brother you are no better than her!
“Please take care of my dear brother,”
He shoved the list to Jo Gul and he eyed the list.
“Is this a heart at the bottom?”
Tang Pae quickly made his exit, leaving Tang Zhan blushing furiously. Those scheming siblings!
No he won't succumb to their plans! Never!
“Gul!”
“..Me?”
“Let's get this over with!”
“Alright?”
Tang Zhan walked while Jo Gul followed behind, confused at his sudden outburst.
Zhan was on the brink of disowning his sister. The list she had crafted was both long and absurdly detailed, filled with instructions rather than actual items. Could they be any more obvious?
But they reached the last item on the list.
“What does it say”
Jo Gul leaned to him slightly so he could see. Zhan pushed past his blush.
“I—is this really necessary?” Jo Gul was nervous.
Zhan read the list.
“...”
He was going to disown his entire siblings. He would do it.
‘Go on a date♥’
This is not even subtle! Noona, is this what you call a plan? This is straight up a confession on his behalf!
“Apologies… Soso must’ve written that.”
Jo Gul nodded. “Yeah… the family head wouldn’t have drawn a heart.”
Really? That’s what he found suspicious first? Not the absurdity of the entire list?
“We shouldn’t indulge her. Let’s just go back.”
“Oh, alright.” Jo Gul hesitated for a moment.
“..What?”
“Ah! Well, you know, I thought maybe we could eat? There’s this restaurant I’ve been wanting to try, but never mind! We should go back.”
Damn it! Don’t look at him like that! Tang Zhan cursed his scheming sister, cursed Jo Gul, and cursed this whole situation.
As he watched Jo Gul begin to walk away, Zhan sighed.
“Jo Gul..”
“Uh?” Jo Gul turned around.
“We have time… to eat at the restaurant you mentioned.”
“..Really?”
“Yes, let's go.”
Jo Gul’s face lit up like a lantern, and Tang Zhan couldn’t help but feel like he had walked right into his sister’s trap again. Damn.
“Tell me!” Soso's voice had that mischievous edge.
“No.” Zhan was firm, eyes forward as he continued his daily routine.
“Come on, Zhan! It worked out, didn’t it?”
True. It had. Yesterday had been surprisingly pleasant. They had eaten together in peace, sharing a few conversations here and there. At one point, Zhan had even made Jo Gul laugh, something he found oddly satisfying. Just this once, he would admit—his noona wasn’t a terrible matchmaker.
But before he could reflect too much on that, Soso’s voice cut through his thoughts again.
“Since you're ignoring me… I guess you don’t mind if I meddle a little, right?”
Zhan froze. Two hands landed on her shoulders, and when he turned to face her, there was that dangerous smirk.
“Noona… have mercy on your little brother…”
“Are you going to be more upfront with your feelings from now on?” Her tone was mockingly sweet.
“I will! I promise! Just.. no more, please.”
He really didn’t want her meddling any further. The mere thought of what she might do was terrifying. She could announce his feelings to the whole of Sichuan, or worse, lock him and Jo Gul in a room until she got the outcome she wanted.
Soso huffed, crossing her arms. “Good. But if I see you chickening out… I will butt in.”
“Yes, yes,” Zhan muttered quickly, nodding.
“I’m watching you, Zhan…” She wagged a finger as she walked away, shooting him one last menacing look over her shoulder.
With a deep sigh of relief, Zhan shook his head. Sorry Gul… you’re going to have to deal with him a lot more now. It’s for both of their sakes.
And so, over the next few days, Tang Zhan found himself taking every chance to be near Jo Gul. It wasn’t as bad as he thought it would be. If keeping Soso from meddling in this situation meant a bit more time with Jo Gul, it was a price he was willing to pay.
Predictably enough, it seemed like everyone else had noticed. Whenever Zhan got close to Jo Gul, the other disciples would quietly leave the two of them alone, offering a casual pat on Jo Gul’s shoulder, as if offering their silent support.
Sometimes, if Zhan was spotted nearby, one of the disciples would point toward him, and like clockwork, Jo Gul would approach him, almost like a trained puppy.
What was even stranger was that Jo Gul didn’t seem to question it. He just... went along with it. Every. Single. Time.
Wait a minute. Come to think of it... wasn’t Jo Gul coming to him more often than the other way around? Did that make sense?
Not that he minded.
Jo Gul’s company had become something he looked forward to, in a way. But it was odd how easily the Mount Hua disciple seemed to gravitate toward him without comment or hesitation.
The best part? His noona had finally stopped hovering, no longer watching him like a hawk every time he interacted with Jo Gul.
Still, something felt off. Why did it seem like Jo Gul wasn’t questioning any of this?
Tang Zhan hadn't even realized the entire table had gone quiet. His gaze was still locked on Jo Gul, who sat across from him, cheeks flushed red under the pressure of Zhan’s intense stare.
Everyone was watching. Even Chung Myung had stopped inhaling his food to observe the unfolding drama and was clearly amused.
“Do you?”
“..What?”
“Do you like me?”
The sound of a cup hitting the table a little too hard and a few startled gasps filled the room.
“Oh my!”
“Heh, sahyung you bastard”
“On the dinner table?”
Tang Gunak nearly choked on his tea. When did his son get like this? He glanced briefly at Chung Myung. Could it be? Had that thug rubbed off on his son?
Chung Myung, raised a brow in Tang Gunak's direction, a slight shrug as if it said that he was not responsible for this situation, this time.
Meanwhile, Jo Gul's eyes went wide as he froze, the room spinning for a moment before he managed to stammer.
“W-What?”
“I said…” Zhan, now slightly red himself but too deep into the situation to back down, repeated, “Do you like me?”
Jo Gul, still processing the question, shifted in his seat, his nervousness evident as all eyes were on him now.
"Uh... I... y'know.. I—maybe?”
“Maybe?”
“I mean—uh, I don’t know! This is sudden!”
“...”
“Listen, I—” Jo Gul began, clearly flustered. “I just didn’t think you… well, you know.”
“That I’d ask you out?”
“Exactly!” Jo Gul groaned, hiding his face in his hands. “Why is this happening right now?”
“So… will you.. uh umm,”
“How about— we uhm.. spar later?”
“Spar?”
“If it's fine for you..”
“Alright”
“Ahem—”
Tang Zhan felt his shameful act fade as he began to notice the crowd. Oh.
He turned an even brighter shade of red, realizing they had witnessed the entire exchange.
“Oh, f-father… Ap—”
“No need to apologize, Let's continue this dinner?”
Tang Zhan only nodded in embarrassment as he sank down on his chair.
"Congrats son..."
Tang Zhan blushed furiously.
“Sparring huh? Is this what kids call it now?”
“Chung Myung keep your mouth shut before I slap you”
“Kwak! Sasuk you're just angry you're alone!”
“Shut up! Shut up!”
As the chaos died down and dinner came to an end, Jo Gul found himself looking forward to this sparring session.
But as he made his way out, he saw Tang Soso waving at him from across the room, and then, to his growing confusion, Tang Pae approached him, looking far too serious for comfort.
Without warning, Tang Pae clapped a hand on Jo Gul’s shoulder. Jo Gul blinked, completely lost.
“Let’s talk later…” Tang Pae said, his voice low, his grip firm.
Huh?
Chung Myung squinted at the newly announced couple, Jo Gul and Tang Zhan.
He then glanced to the side and saw Yu Iseol with Tang Soso practically wrapped her hands possessively around her arm.
Ayahh.. do these Tangs have leech syndrome when it comes to Mount Hua?
But as he watched them, a strange feeling settled in his chest—nostalgia. The wind kicked up, blowing through the courtyard, and for a moment, it felt like something brushed past him.
A soft, ghostly touch landed on his shoulder, so faint he could almost ignore it, but he knew better. It was a touch he'd never forget. A hand he'd held once before.
"Yeah, yeah, you brat," he mumbled, the corners of his mouth twitching into a wistful smile. "Just wait for a bit longer"
"I'll join you all someday," he murmured, his voice almost lost in the wind.
Just a bit longer.