Late afternoon light slanted through the window as Joy sat at her living room coffee table, the soft pages of her novel open before her.
A tiny breeze stirred her short brown hair, her round glasses caught the light just so. Her freckled cheeks warmed at the thought of her last coffee sip-Until a hesitant knock came at her gate, one...two pause... then three.
She glances at the slim watch in her hand, Mom isn't supposed to come back home by now, and Ha-Joon should be at the café, it's 3:45 who could it be?.
With a small sigh, Joy kept her mug and rose to the gate, when she opened it she froze, her mouth slightly open.
Standing in front of her with his back face to her was Ji-Hoo, the teasing guy, the one who always annoys her.
He turned again to knock, only to find Joy peering at him, he would step back and clears his throat and enters directly inside the house without permission.
Joy frowned '' why are you here? how do you even know I live here?''
Ji-Hoo, kept on moving slowly inside , but stopped at the coffee table and smirked as Joy closed the gate '' Ha-Joon told me you were sick '' He said shrugging '' And I've seen him drop by a few times''
''so you were stalking me...''
''I wouldn't say that...'' Ji-Hoo said waving his hand dismissively.
Joy nodded and took a hesitant step forward '' I-Okay..'' She said.
Ji-Hoo offered a crooked grin '' And thanks for the Mochi.. it was, uh, good''
Joy's eyes wide in surprise and her lips curved into an amused smile '' Ha-Joon gave you the Mochi?''
''Oh.. yes he did, you know I get whatever I want'' he said his voice deep it sanded shivers down Joy's spine.
His green eyes flickered and he noticed the novel on the desk, written on it in bold letters 'From Enemies to Lovers' He scoffed '' You read this kind of stuff?''
Ji-Hoo picked up the book, opening it's pages and his smirk grew and his eyes grew wider in amusement , Joy gulped and moved closer.
Before she could snatch it back, Ji-Hoo lifted the book out of reach. Joy moved forward hands outstretch, but he raised it higher, she jumps to get it, but she didn't.
On her second jump, the tip of their noses brush accidently and they froze.
Her warm brown eyes meets his startled green ones, shaken and widen in surprise,
For a moment everything felt still, the place felt electric neither of them expected it.
Ji-Hoo's hands slowly dropped down, and Joy retrieved her book, she moved back, and fixed her glasses that's now on the tip of her nose, Ji-Hoo moved back and cleared his throat scratching the back of his neck.
Joy cleared her throat ''Th-thanks next time don't do that...''
''Believe me I won't....''
She gave a brief genuine nod. The silence between them stretched with only the soft hum of the fan.
Joy's cheek flushed, she gathered the courage and tucks the novel under her arm and cleared her throat.
''May I get you anything...?'' Joy said and slowly walks pass Ji-Hoo, he gently grab her arm, the breeze lifting their hair on their face.
''Get me coffee and maybe another copy of the novel you're reading..'' He said his voice deep, Joy gulped and nodded, and then he let's her hand go she ran inside.
Joy's heart hammered as she entered the kitchen, she kept the book on the counter as she starts to brew coffee.
Outside, Ji-Hoo set a hand on his chest, breathing heavily, his cheeks soft pink, he wondered why - he's feeling this way....
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Sunlight filtered through tall stained-windows. turning the dais's golden marble floor into rivers of colors,
Along the walls hangs banners in the shades of rose-pink, scarlet red, deep cerulean blue and molted green-brown, each embroidered with elemental sigils and single word of encouragement. '' courage'' ''harmony'' ''endurance'' ''hope''.
Vine of gold filigree curled around the banner, as if life it's self were winding it's way through the great hall.
At the far end, four throne sat atop a low platform, each carved with special stones.
The first at the right, the fiery carnelian red, bore the sigil of flame. On it's cushion sat Emberion, The fire Elemental her hair flickering like living embers.
At the left side a smooth sapphire blue held, Aquaris , The water elemental. whose cloak seems to riffle with invisible current.
In the middle of flame and water, sat the fashioned of emerald green with veins of bronze, cradled Terranox, the Earth elemental, his shoulders cloaked in living moss and curled root.
And beside, Aquaris, sat of pale rose quartz streaked with silver was occupied by Zephyria, the Air element her robes drifted as if caught in a constant breeze.
In those four thrones sat the leaders of, Angel council. THE ELEMENTS.
Before the thrones stood a straight line of realm's champions--The Heroes of Mire.
Sunlight glinted off the glided banners as the crowd pressed forward eager for news- At the rise dais Terranox the Earth elemental , clad in living moss and deep-green brown robes, stood from his emerald and bronze throne as murmured fill the hall.
''Who get the crown after your highness Terranox?''
''When will Bolt arrive?''
Terranox voice rumbled like shifting stone '' Patience my friend.. Bolt hasn't yet discovered his powers... but when he does he would soon be crowned.''
A hush fell... and then a tall man with black hair moved forward, he was in his thirties eyes shadowed by faint grey tattoos. In his hand he twirled a wisp of darkness- his gift of shadow weaving, bending light and shadow to his will,
''In-Su the night Emperor's son still lives'' The stranger said voice low in respect ''How do we intend to face him and his undead legions?.''
From the fiery throne rose, Emberion the flame elemental. She was dazzling on a scarlet crop top and flame - trimmed skirt, her hair for cascade of red and copper sparks, She lifted her chins, flame flickering around her palms.
''Fear nothing'' she declared ''Bolt himself- will drag the dark prince down. One bolt and the dark prince fall...''
A roar of approval and cheers fill the hall '' Hail the Elements''.
Yet at the back on the throne, Zephyria pressed her fingers on her lips and shook her head, she leaned to the side and whispered to Aquaris.
''I don't think Ha-Joon can do it.'' she shakes her head again, her long shaggy hair billowed pink and white like permanent breeze.
She alone knew Ha-Joon is soft and he has mercy: he would never kill an enemy outright not even In-Su.
Beside her, Aquaris puts a calming hand on Zephyria's shoulder. His hair was the color of deep blue ocean, his sky-blue tunic and trousers accented by a silver waist-chain that caught the torchlight. He offered Zephyria a reassuring smile.
Emberion turned to Terrenox, who nodded proudly. The four element- Fire, Air, Water, Earth-stood united. Behind them, the banners whispered their promises: Courage, Harmony, Encouragement, Hope.
---------
Morvena leaned over her obsidian scrying orb, crimson eyes dancing in the dark as she watched the Heroes of Mire gathering before their elemental leaders.
A slow satisfied smirk curved her lips. She lifted her left hand- where a fresh burn scarched her skin - and slammed it against the stone floor.
A crack spider webbed outward, dust puffing at her heels.
''They actually believe they can easily sweep us away.... In-Su is more stronger then his dead brother'' she hissed voice equal parts fury and dark amusement '' let them crown their so called prince....I will watch him fall first.''
At her side Drecula-Sitting tall, gaunt with fangs that glinted in torchlight-Let out a small mocking laugh. He ran a pale finger around the rim of the orb.
''Do not fret my witch'' he purred '' We will deal with those elements soon..''
Together they leaned closer to the glass sphere, sharing that low, chilling laughter that echoed through the hidden chamber - an omen of the deadly games yet to come.