Deus Didymus: Sunder

Chapter Forty

Later that night, in her bed, Eunbi stared at the dark ceiling. The words of her friend lingered in her head, giving her a newfound confidence.

If he thinks I'm strong, then I must be strong.

The next day, Eunbi walked onto the field to see Y/n standing before a familiar face.

No way-

"You want to say that again?!" Y/n shouted as he manifested a katana in his hands.

In front of Y/n, a boy the same age as Eunbi stood with his arms crossed.

"Pathetic. These are our first years? I could solo all of you with my eyes closed!"

"So what if you can?" Y/n gritted his teeth, "That doesn't make it right to berate anyone here!!"

"Did you see her form?" The upperclassman asked, "She was so sloppy I thought I was watching a catfight."

"You talk shit about Dayeon ah again and I'll floor you," Y/n glared.

"Try me," The boy grinned.

"Pan Il!!" Eunbi shouted, "What are you doing here?"

Il turned his sights to Eunbi--his grin growing wider, "Ah, Eunbi ya. Just the person I was looking for. I was wondering how you've been progressing--you know, since you were a late bloomer."

"Shouldn't you be with the third years?" Eunbi asked coldly.

"I could, but I was curious about my underclassmen," Il replied.

"You've seen them. Now leave."

"What if I don't want to?" Il taunted, "Are you going to make me?"

"I might just do that," Eunbi glared.

"Do you not remember what happened while we were in school?" Il asked, "Are you not afraid of me?"

Eunbi scoffed, "Are you still feeling dejected when I rejected you all those years ago?"

Murmurs filled the area, each pointing finger drawing Il closer and closer to snapping.

"You know what?!" Il shouted, "How about we have a duel? You win, I'll leave you guys alone. I win?"

"Deal," Eunbi cut the upperclassman off, "Immediately after school on the field."

As Il walked away, Mr. Park approached the crowd of students with his hands in his pockets.

"Well that sure was a lively event."

"You were watching the entire time?" Hyewon asked.

"Of course," Mr. Park replied, "I would have stepped in if things got out of hand, but from what I saw it was just a mere argument."

"That was a little more than an argument," Ms. Ezaki scoffed.

As the students returned to their own groups, Hitomi tapped on Eunbi's shoulder.

"Are you sure about this Unnie? He has two years of experience up on you."

"Well," Eunbi sighed, "If it means he'll leave you guys alone, then I'm willing to take my chances. I don't want you guys to go through what I went through."

"What did he do?" Hitomi asked.

"He bullied me a lot back in school. It wasn't until Mr. Park came by and befriended me that things started to get better. But after those two left for the academy, Il started visiting our school and tormenting me again."

"I see," Hitomi trailed, "Is it weird calling one of your best friends by such a formal name?"

Eunbi shrugged, "I've gotten used to it."