Chapter 22

What the hell is this? You’re talking nonsense, Hunter.

Jiyu rolled her eyes and let out a long sigh.

Was it because of the calluses on her fingertips she couldn’t find the pulse, or because he was in such a foul mood? The latter was far more likely.

He simply lacked the patience to observe anything closely.

She shoved his hand away and searched for the pulse herself.

It was weak, but she found the spot in no time. With a cold face she folded her arms and shot him a sideways glance from under her lashes, placing two fingers on the beating spot and holding them steady.

There. Idiot.

She left the rest unsaid.

Where are you looking?

Hunter unbent his arm, seized her wrist, and yanked her close. His lowered head brushed her forehead. Jiyu lifted her chin and tilted her head the other way to keep him from touching her.

A familiar scent drifted from him—cool pine and fresh lavender mixed together. The expensive detergent he used for his wash that came home every day.

One capsule box with only sixty loads cost a hundred and twenty dollars?

Hunter’s rough grip clamped around her fingers and he pressed three digits to the pulse point, then snorted with a crooked smile.

She’s still alive.

He muttered a mocking remark and glanced at the wall clock, lips moving in a silent count.

Jiyu narrowed her eyes and stole a quick look at his profile. Then she lowered her gaze to her own wrist.

When did my hand get so big? How much taller is he supposed to grow?

He had always shot up in height after his hands and feet finished growing first. Her own hand was average size—neither big nor small—yet it looked like a child’s next to his when he held it.

And why did his knuckles look like that?

Unlike before, dark veins bulged across the back of his hand. Because of the stupid jinx he had become, he would offer his palm in solemn worship before every important match, and she would press a quick kiss to it. It lasted all of half a second. She had never really had time to study it until now.

For no reason at all, unease coiled in her chest. Sweat already gathered on her palm, making it damp.

Why does one minute feel so long?

[Count: 81. Pulse weak. Regular.]

Hunter finally pulled his eyes from the clock and muttered.

…Weak?

[As faint as when I had to concentrate extra hard for the sub. If you don’t believe it, try it yourself.]

While he scribbled the numbers on the printout, Jiyu frowned in worry and probed her own wrist again. Now that she looked, the pulse really did feel weaker.

What’s wrong with it? These past few days my knees hurt and I couldn’t sleep. Is that why? Mom just called it growing pains.

She tilted her head, concentrating on the beat, when Hunter offered his wrist.

Now it’s your turn.

Jiyu transferred her fingers from her own wrist and pressed lightly on his. After two tries she finally found the spot. Her white fingertips brushed healthy skin. The pulse hammered strong and steady.

[Count: 83. No, 84. Pulse… strong. Regular.]

Hunter glanced up from the printout and flashed her an irritatingly smug smile.

Even this tiny thing. She had to beat him at it too, Hunter Hamilton.

Jiyu stuck out her lips and tugged her athletic shirt sleeve down to her elbows.

This time it’s the brachial artery.

She thrust her bare arm straight out. Hunter leaned in until their knees touched, seized her forearm, and poked the inside with his fingers several times. Then he raised an eyebrow and looked up again.

Hey.

Jiyu sighed and wrinkled her nose.

What, again?

His midnight-blue eyes flashed with something strange before he blinked rapidly.

You… why don’t you have a single muscle on your arm?

Jiyu had no idea what to say and could only wriggle her lips. She did track three times a week at school and played tennis twice as well; she wasn’t lazy. Yet her arms stayed stubbornly thin.

…W-what does that have to do with the pulse?!

Jiyu protested belatedly.

[It feels weird. Like jellyfish, all squishy and watery.]

Hunter muttered in confusion and scratched the back of his neck as if it itched.

[What the hell… just hurry up and measure.]

He swept his fallen hair off his forehead and reached again, but this time he hesitated for a split second and lifted his eyes.

The moment their gazes met they both jerked away in opposite directions. Jiyu felt her breath catch.

Hunter pressed her forearm twice more with careful fingers before finally locating the pulse point. The minute now felt longer than before.

[91. Pulse strength… medium. Regular.]

Hunter finished recording and cleared his throat, then extended his arm.

Your turn. Hurry up and measure.

He stretched his own arm and waited patiently while she took her time. Finally she straightened three fingers and pressed lightly to the middle of his forearm. It tickled as if she had attached a feather. Hunter bit the inside of his lip to keep from groaning and clenched his fist. The muscle jumped under her touch, veins standing out.

[Don’t press so hard, Hunter. It’s not pressing down.]

Jiyu muttered, groping the inside of his arm with her fingers. Hunter couldn’t hold back and snatched her hand.

[Ow! It hurts!]

He released her instantly, bared his teeth, and growled.

[Ticklish! Just press hard. You can’t manage that much strength?]

…Okay, fine.

Jiyu bit her lower lip, pressed again, and this time pushed a little harder. The tickle only worsened.

[Oh! Found it!]

Jiyu let out a small gasp and pressed firmly to the inside of his arm. Her clean, callus-free fingernails dug into soft skin. Hunter turned his head away as if he’d been poked by a needle, chest rising as he held his breath.

Damn it. Why does it feel so hot?

Jiyu glanced at the digital clock on the wall, took the minute, and tilted her head uncertainly.

[98. Pulse strong, but… a little irregular compared to before.]

Hunter snatched his arm away and shot her a suspicious look.

98? Did you measure properly? How long has it been since you measured your own wrist? The difference is too big.

And irregular, too. She hadn’t even exercised. Why would it suddenly be like this?

He couldn’t believe a word she said.

Jiyu muttered defensively.

[I just said what I felt. It’s not that much, but it’s a little irregular now. I’m not lying!]

[Drop the nonsense. Next. Neck? Hurry.]

Hunter decided to end this ridiculous practice as fast as possible.

Annoyed, Jiyu pressed her lips together once or twice, then fell silent. She turned her head slightly and bowed.

The back of her neck came into view, white and smooth. Her hair slid over her shoulder and curtained her again. A rare brunette with faded brown roots and honey-blonde highlights scattered throughout. Indoors it looked just like any other brown hair, but in sunlight the highlights caught the light and changed color every time she moved.

Hunter reached out without thinking and brushed a strand from her hair. Jiyu startled and covered her neck with her palm. Hunter let out a startled shout.

[What! What?]

She checked around nervously, then dropped her head and muttered. Her ears burned red.

[Quiet! Everyone’s staring!]

Hunter clicked his tongue softly and scanned the room with a dangerous face.

[What are you looking at?]

He mouthed the words and glared. The curious children who had been watching him instantly turned their heads away. Jiyu had hated being stared at since she was little. Lauren always said it was because she was shy and introverted.

He snorted and looked down at her unhappily.

[She dumps every complaint at me.]

No matter what, her reaction always irritated him oddly.

[She’s not shooting eye bullets at me. Why does she look so scared? Pathetic Jyu Park.]

[Look up. No one’s staring anymore.]

Only then did she lift her head a little and scan the room with her eyes. She breathed out a relieved sigh.

[Okay, there’s only five minutes left. Stop messing around and finish up quickly!]

Ms. Shapiro shouted over the noisy group of kids.

[Time’s up. Neck, right here.]

Hunter urged Jiyu on.