Chapter 23

Jiyu gathered her hair neatly and let it slip over one shoulder. She tilted her head the same way she had before, eyes lowered. Her long lashes trembled beneath the crescent shadows, and she bit her lower lip tight.

‘What did I do wrong?’

Her mood felt off. She had only been taking his pulse as the teacher asked, yet she felt like a villain who had committed a heinous crime. She was still upset, but a part of her also wanted to tease him.

She imagined shaking the always-calm, adult-like Chloe Parker until those stubborn eyebrows drooped and her cool eyes filled with tears. It would be thrilling, like taking the championship point in the tournament finals. A strange twist in her chest made her heart squeeze oddly.

Hunter, frowning at the floor, froze. ‘Why does her neck look like that? Daisy’s thighs are thicker.’ His hand was strong enough to snap a neck if he pushed.

Jiyu’s image in his mind stayed fixed on the frail, blurry figure in the white dress at Hamilton Residence. She had always been slender, but today she felt different. The vagueness irritated him. He couldn’t name exactly what had changed.

‘Whatever, it’s still just Chloe Parker.’ Hunter gave a light snort, glancing between her neck and the model. A red circular sticker marked the pulse point on the model’s throat. He estimated the spot and reached out, pressing his fingers just above the collarbone.

After three seconds with no sensation, he pulled back. No obvious bruise appeared, yet a faint mark lingered. Startled, he shook his wrist to relax, then focused all nerves on the neck again.

Jiyu shuddered and let out a suppressed sound. Her shoulders rose to her ears, trapping his fingers flat between them.

‘What are you doing?!’ Hunter yanked his hand free.

‘Too ticklish, Hunter. I’ll find it.’ Jiyu’s cheeks flushed pink as she avoided his gaze and fumbled for her own throat. Hunter’s ears burned at the unexpected blush.

‘Damn it. What did I do? People will think we kissed.’ She pointed to the middle of her neck and collarbone.

‘Here.’ Hunter clenched his fist, steadied his breath, and reached again. He placed his finger on the pulse point and swallowed dryly. This time the rhythm was clear.

Jiyu flinched again and shivered.

‘Hold on. One minute and it’s done.’ …‘Got it.’ Hunter watched the clock and counted. His throat burned; he kept swallowing. Sweat slicked his palms, and the room felt humid. As the minute ended, he snatched his hand away and glanced at the printout.

‘102. Pulse is stronger than before but irregular.’ ‘102? Did you measure properly?’ Jiyu questioned him, incredulous. Hunter lifted his chin, towering over her with a fierce look. ‘Want me to check again?’ …She immediately dropped her gaze and shook her head.

Hunter found the pulse point on her neck himself. It felt nothing like ticklish. He tilted his head the way she had and leaned forward slightly. ‘Here.’ Jiyu moved her hand slowly and teasingly, then placed three smooth fingers on her throbbing carotid artery.

‘Now count.’ Her voice was soft. Hunter nodded solemnly. But before five seconds passed, he gritted his teeth. It had been fine earlier. The tickling sensation rose from where her fingertips touched and crept up his neck. Yet he refused to arch his shoulders like she did. Pride wouldn’t let him.

Hunter tensed every muscle and held his breath until his face flushed, then exhaled hard. Goosebumps rose on his arms; his hair stood on end and his breathing turned erratic. ‘Hunter, too fast!’ ‘What?’ He snapped his head around, teeth clenched. ‘Slow down… oh God, I missed it. I probably have to start over.’ Hunter puffed his chest and sighed in frustration, sweat beading on his forehead. Heat flooded his body as if after a sprint.

‘Sorry. Not on purpose. Your pulse is just too fast—’ ‘Damn it, Chloe Parker.’ At his rough voice, Jiyu flinched and pressed her lips shut. Hunter looked up, eyes dark and stormy. Her face was red; she shrank instinctively. …‘Sorry. I’ll count again.’ Whispering, she placed her fingers on his neck once more, all focus on the tip of her fingers. Hunter’s shoulders stiffened and rose slightly. Sweat beads formed on his temple and his Adam’s apple bobbed.

Jiyu stared at the clock, racing her mind to catch the erratic beat. The moment the minute ended she pulled away as if burned. Hunter’s skin felt warm, like with the flu. Gulping, she spoke. ‘The count is—’ ‘Shut up and just use it.’ His voice cracked slightly. ‘Mm.’ Jiyu bit her lip, bowed her head over the printout.

Carotid Pulse A. Pulse per minute: 128 B. Strength: Very strong C. Regularity: Extremely irregular *** On a rainy Friday afternoon in early spring, Jiyu said goodbye to Chloe and left school. ‘See you Monday, Chloe!’ ‘Have a great weekend, Olivia!’ After the parched winter of New York came early spring rains. Light fog gave way to drizzle that clung to the classroom windows before turning into steady spring showers.

Jiyu had walked without an umbrella, deciding the rain was light enough to endure. After only half a block she stopped in the middle of the road, squinting at the gray sky. The drops landing on her face felt chilly. The heavy clouds hung low, promising more rain. She would be soaked before reaching home.

Wiping her face with the back of her hand, Jiyu pulled an umbrella from her backpack and opened it. Someone had stuffed it in, complaining it was too heavy for morning walks. She draped the umbrella over her shoulder and walked briskly on the wet sidewalk. Rainy days suited her; the roar of rain could swallow the world, and the gentle spring showers washed away winter’s chill like sprinklers.

From Central Park, the fresh scent of trees, grass, and earth drifted across Fifth Avenue. Beneath her shortened uniform skirt, rain seeped in, wetting her white socks above the ankles. Jiyu shuddered, tucked the umbrella handle between her neck and shoulder, and buttoned her cardigan. As she stepped forward, a tall boy in Alton School uniform passed with sharp footsteps. The familiar scent of Hunter lingered at her nose.

‘Hunter.’ She gripped the umbrella handle tighter and tilted the umbrella back slightly, hiding her view.