Chapter 003
“Miss Xiao,” a lady in maid outfit came inside her room after a few knows on the door, “it’s time.”
Pursing her lips into thin lines, she turned to face her lamp shade that was placed above the side cabinet. Her eyes landed upon the small glint of gold—the knob of the cabinet.
She pulled the knob and slowly, it showed the most precious thing she would never wanted to lose.
The birthday gift from her mother. An antique music box. It was given to her when she was still eight. The day when her mother got kicked out of the household. The starting day wherein she no longer anticipated her upcoming birthdays.
That time she had no idea what was happening. All she witnessed was a quarrel between her mother and her aunt. A scenario she never would have understood if she hadn’t grew up.
“Are you ready, Miss Xiao?”
“Well, I am,” Xiao turned to face the maid as soon as she finally reached out the music box, “but would it be a sin if I wouldn’t attend?”
“Miss Xiao, your presence is as important as your father’s. This is for your reign anyway.”
“I understand, but I never wanted to celebrate someone’s happiness that was the root cause of my despair.”
If I could, I would tell everyone in this world on how my step-aunt ruined my family. Celebrating her engagement had never crossed in my mind.
“I see where you’re coming from. But this isn’t about yourself or just any other selves, it’s for your whole clan.”
“Legacy is legacy. Yeah, yeah, I know. I hate this,” Xiao mumbled to herself.
“Just think of it as a trial. You’ll surpass it. Sooner or later, everything will change.”
“Yeah I hope so,” Xiao sighed while caressing the antique designs of the wooden yet shiny music box.
In the end, she had no choice but to attend the “prestigious” event as what they say. She gleams with everyone except for one person. Even her father noticed how she acted, and she even got reprimanded because of it. The event lasted for almost a day, it was nothing big deal nor crucial for Xiao; in fact, it was a good thing for her to rest during the times she needed committal for her daily yet extreme advancement practices.
Her following days remained the same as soon as she started to learn more about gymnastics skills. She honed her aerial and produnova balance, alongside with the guidance of a professional. Cartwheeling was part of her practices also. It was never as intense as before when she started as a novice. But now that she’s a title a holder and needs to maintain a responsibility, the pressure was really pressed against her.
Days and weeks passed and there were never an instance that she didn’t experience failing at first. Several wounds and attempts have been made with the apparatuses she used before she reached the idea of perfection.
“Ms. Tatsunumi, do you think you can perform yurchenko vault today?” her coach asked, “You know it’s important as an entrance play so you should really practice it.”
“Okay, coach, I’ll gist you up with something.”
“Then, good. We’ll see.”
Xiao nodded then proceeded to perform some stretching before she’ll pull off the yurchenko vault. After few stretches, she let out a sigh before she jumped onto an apparatus. Round-off entry onto the board, flic-flac onto the vaulting table and salto off of the vaulting table, Xiao ended her way off with a twist. She landed on the floor with her arms way up, almost feeling nothing when she used to feel anxious every time she’d a pull a stunt in front of her coach.
A numerous claps enveloped Xiao’s ears as soon as she swayed her arms down to her thighs.
“That was good,” her coach said while still clapping, “but you have to improve your virtuosity. In that way, your chance of getting good amplitude will be higher.”
“Thank you, coach.”
“Keep it up, Ms. Tatsunumi. You don’t need to worry. Just focus on your goal. And that is to get a clean score.”
“Yes, coach. I’ll remember everything you said.”
“I know you’re tense. It’s really hard, but this thing is what you love. Being on the top isn’t always the case. Especially Mr. Xuan will be China’s representative for this year,” Xiao’s eyes widened at the mention of Hei’s last name, “it will really be a tight competition amongst other qualifiers too. But always remember, you’re doing what makes you happy and that’s what’s important...”
Xiao couldn’t catch up with her coach’s words anymore as soon as Hei enveloped her mind. She didn’t actually thought that Hei will be the representative for China. It could have been a partial statement yet, no one knows, since China’s been on lose streak for the past years when Hei decided not to compete anymore for the rest of his life. But knowing it came from her coach’s mouth, it could be really finalized now. Maybe Hei could have set his foot back to sports line once again. And thinking about seeing him once again made her feel the nostalgia of something she wasn’t still sure of. The feeling of something that makes her happy, at the same time not, because he was her greatest foe.
“Dad, I can’t perform today! I just can’t!”
“What, baby? No, you need to perform. Even you lose, it’s okay as long as you’d perform.”
“Mom was kicked out of the house! Do you think I can think clearly when performing? No! I need to back out! I can’t believe grandpa did such horrendous decision! Aunt Scarlet is the worst!”
“Baby, hush. Don’t say ill thing towards your aunt. She was just—”
“And what? You’re defending her?” she asked incredulously, “I’m out of here!” and slammed the door as soon as she got out.
Today’s her first ever competition. It’s just a small competition inside their school, not a grandiose one. She was aiming to be gold medallist because today’s a special day. Her first competition, as well as her 8th birthday. But every little dreams she had, shattered down when her Mom left her on first ever competition.
This was supposed to be the best day. Didn’t see it coming as the worst one. Xiao cried as she ran while covering her eyes with falling tears dripping down to her cheek and little mouth.
She couldn’t fully see what’s coming towards her because her tears blurred her eyesight, but a figure comes rushing, and she broke down even more when an arm handed a piece of cloth in front of her.
“Stop crying.”
“No, I can’t.”
“Then at least accept the handkerchief and wipe away your tears.”
Xiao was aggravated by the fact on how the person sounded, as if he has the full authority to do so, “you’re so annoying,” she blurted out.
“What?”
“My Mom left me. You expect for me to stop crying? I can’t perform now if she’s gone.”
“My Mom and Dad aren’t here also, but I’m going to perform still. But you, you have your Dad.”
“So what are you trying to say?”
“I’m saying that you’re still blessed, unlike me,” he said and looked away. “If you don’t want this handkerchief, then fine. But you have to accept this teddy bear,” Xiao’s lips twitched at the sight of a black teddy bear, “her name’s Amber. My birthday present for you. Happy birthday, you cry-baby.”
Xiao was left in awe. She never thought that Hei has this kind of soft heart deep within him. All she thought was, he was rude and cold person. Ever since she joined gymnastics, they never even had a long talk. It was just normal hi’s and hello’s back then. This was actually the first time they had real interaction—while she’s ultimately looking like a red tomato.
And how the hell he knew my birthday by the way?
“Perform. I’ll let you win the gold medal.”
“That’s too much. I want real competition. I want to prove to everyone that I can beat you. This is my first competition while you already had tons.”
“I’m gonna perform too, but I’ll let you win. Just think of this as my first and last gift. Amber was just a bonus.”
“What are you saying?”
Xiao wasn’t surprised on how their conversation went into “matured” one. Knowing the fact that Hei was 5 years older, or he may be just really a matured person despite the age, she didn’t really know. But she liked how their first ever conversation went. But eventually got dismayed after hearing what he said next.
“I’m quitting sports.”
Xiao knew for sure that Hei had his reasons by that time. She ever wanted to ask why, but she didn’t understand why she chose not to do so. The competition went on and yes, it was obvious that Hei purposely slacked off his performance. Even though Xiao was disheartened by the fact that her mother left, she was able to perform still. But it wasn’t her best. It was actually the worst. It was just part of Hei’s plan to make his performance worst than Xiao’s worst.
“Ms. Tatsunumi?” her coach called out, “Earth to Tatsunumi?” Xiao laughed at the remark and with that, she was snapped back to reality.
“You may be wondering about Mr. Xuan, am I right? Well, he is, indeed, back to the sports track. Now that he’s back, everyone’s wondering what was his real reason back then.”
For the reason of Xuan’s leaving sports, apparently, no one knows the exact thing behind it since he left to New Zealand right after his announcement of leaving sports—specifically, gymnastics. And from then on, no one heard about him anymore. Neither he came out of television, or any other news platform. He just literally vanished like a soda bubble being popped.
“His sports career was at its peak that time. He would have conquered the gymnastics by this time if he never left,” his head was rocking left to right, “such a waste,” Xiao’s coach added.
She remembered her last statement in the interview when she won the gold medal wherein she said that China hasn’t sent their best weapon yet, and by that statement of hers—apparently—she was meaning about Hei Xuan himself. But it was just for a talk. Only to say something. She didn’t actually mean Hei Xuan that time (but at the back of her mind, she was) because it’s a self-understanding that she could’ve been talking about anyone that’s active in sports. And so, she was just trying to say something to the media; that she will strive and thrive for more; and, that China was gaining lose streak, so, they might send their best weapon for this year’s World Championship.
And I never imagined that it actually happened.
Chapter 004 “News flash! Former child athlete in the field of gymnastics is back on the track!” “Daily news report! Mr. Hei Xuan, also known as the best young teen athlete during his times, is now coming back to what he has left behind!” “Mr. Hei Xuan was said to be China’s Representative for this year’s World Championship, competing against other qualified gymnasts!” For the past days that had passed, all television reports, news magazines, social medias and even on billboards, all of them were saying the same thing. For over a period of time, everything was all the same, as if they were songs being played on repeat. Hella annoying. As what Xiao commented on the latest post she has seen on social media. Everywhere and every single time, she sees no one but Hei Xuan. “He wasn’t even that good before, tsk. But y’all are getting crazy over some guy who went completely hiatus.” Xiao was mumbling towards herself as turned
Chapter 005Sighing, Xiao opened her locker when she realized she’s actually on time. She thought she would be late on her class for today. She wasn’t shocked anymore when she saw tons of letters, coloured papers, origamis and even flower petals the moment she opened up the vault’s door. It was flooded with a lot of things that she didn’t even know where they came from. All she knew was, this thing wasn’t new anyway.“Why do these guys always give stuffs? They don’t even know what are my likes and dislikes,” Xiao whispered to herself when she saw a pink floral piece of paper, perhaps another letter she already knew what’s the content even without actually opening it. Most probably, it would give her nothing but cringe.Gosh, it’s not just pink, it’s also very detailed with florals! Xiao screamed inside her mind in horror. It’s the thing she abhorred the most. Just by having the sigh
Chapter 006When Xiao entered the court, she sees no one. She was expecting by then for everyone to gather up at the centre of the court, but there was even no single shadow of anyone. Even her coach, she couldn’t find him.“What the heck? Was the reception call a prank? But there’s no way! It’s the reception itself!”Xiao was standing at the centre, seemingly like a lost child of her own. As if she was in a foreign place, she was left flabbergasted and confused.“Okay, everyone, start placing all the things we have prepared! Make sure you will never create any mistake and stick accordingly to the plan!”Just by hearing someone’s voice, Xiao turned to face the main entrance, and there she saw bunch of people coming in with placards, pom-poms, balloons, and any other things. It left an impression to her as to why she was witnessing such thing. Her brows remained clashed as she kept observing everyone&r
Chapter 007“Xiao, listen up,” her mother caressed the back of her head, “you must never lose the necklace and the music box, okay? These two are like your life supporter. Without them, you’ll die.”“Mom, what are you saying?”Shuan was silent; she tried her best not to breakdown in front of her daughter but she failed to do so. The little girl was confused, but she started crying also as soon as her mother’s face was full of tears.“I may not be able to see you again, that’s why I’m doing this for a chance to be with you.”“Mom, I don’t understand,” Xiao kept wailing as her loud cries became louder and louder.Shuan just closed her eyes as she hugged her daughter, “Xiao, be a good girl, okay? Especially to your grandfather. I love you so much, my princess.”“I love you, too, Mom. Please don’t leave me.”&ldqu
Chapter 008Everyone all started digging up their food. Xiao was mixing her curry sauce to her rice ball as she finds it very delicious. She always did this when she was young; and her mother would always cook chicken curry every time she would request. Another precious memory she could never let go.“Oh Xiao? You like mixing curry with rice?” asked her coach.“Yes, coach. It’s my favorite back in the old days. I’m so thankful you ordered this for me.”“Wow. I can’t believe it because we’re the same. I’m glad then we have the same taste.”“Really? You like curry with rice too? Wah, I thought I was the only one! Because before, Yerin always hated it when I eat curry with rice in front of her!” Xiao delightedly reminisced the memory of her best friend, as her eyes landed onto Hei’s; and for the second time around today, it felt surreal. They stared at each other, know
Chapter 009Xiao woke up wherein she still feels half-asleep. An enigma of her being in a dizzy state and having a dark grey vision made her feel nauseous. She was rubbing her eyes still, feeling the itchiness it offers and the urge of wanting it to be gone in an instant. Although feeling dizzy, she still managed her way up and tried getting away from the bed. As soon as she did, that’s when her head strikes a pain, causing an instant halt for her body as soon as the aching delved deeper. Damn it. A hangover. That’s when some realizations hit up; scenes of certain memory flashed through her eyes; vivid yet evanescent.A small growl escaped from Xiao’s lips while she was caressing the top of her head, messing her hair a little. She winced as the aching dived in once again, causing her to feel triple of the pain than the first one. She kept growling and wincing which made her sit down on the top of the duvet of her bed. She even let out a huge
Chapter 010The approaching Hei Xuan made Jun somewhat uneasy. He didn’t know what was the exact reason but he somehow felt that it was wrong. And that he should do something about it. But for what reason? Jun had thought. As there’s nothing initial to think about, it was just simply a gut feel that Hei Xuan shouldn’t be here.“Oh finally, you came back. We really thought you already ditched us,” Jun watched Wendy’s words and the urge of stopping her to further talk made Jun really uncomfortable as he didn’t know he’s supposed to do it. Knowing him, he wasn’t the type of person minding others’ businesses.“I’m sorry if it took me a while. I just had some call to take.”“Hmm. Do you perhaps have a lot of girls? That was your excuse too earlier when the dinner started.”“No,” Hei simply answered, indicating he didn’t want the conversat
Chapter 011Xiao was still in deep thoughts about the incident happened yesterday, lurking at the idea of how could she manage to perish in an instant. She knew that it was really the end of everything, and she didn’t know how she could even manage to get away from the embarrassment. It was too much to handle. A soft knock from the door made Xiao’s thoughts scramble, although, she wasn’t in the right state to face the person behind its wooden walls. Thinking at how miserable she was, she just couldn’t dare to. The soft knocks became stronger as the person behind started calling out for her name, “Miss Xiao... Miss Xiao... are you already awake? It’s time for your breakfast. I’m gonna open the door now.”She wanted to shout and tell her to not open the door, but she’s already too late because her maid was already inside her room. Xiao looked at the maiden in uniform as she was holding a tray filled with food—an