To Be Needed or Not to Be Needed

Chapter 3

Deep down, Yu Liang knew that he's being unreasonable to Shi Guang. He also felt bad for putting a troubled expression on the usual cheeky boy by ignoring him ever since they woke up this morning. Yet, despite all those negative feelings, Yu Liang kept acting like he had no interest to give Shi Guang some attention, let alone an apology that his Go partner demands. No matter how much he actually wanted to.

"Shi Guang, why do you eat so little? Are you not feeling well?" asked Bai Laoshi, who looks slightly worried about Shi Guang, who sat side by side with Yu Liang.

"No, I'm fine, Bai Laoshi," replied Shi Guang in a voice that was not as enthusiastic as usual.

Feeling curious, Yu Liang secretly glanced at the plate in front of his partner. Even though he wouldn't say kimchi fried rice was not a heavy breakfast, Yu Liang understood what Bai Laoshi meant. Shi Guang loves to eat and for him to choose only one dish over so many dishes the hotel provided was a sign that he was not himself at the moment. Furthermore, to know it was all because of him, Yu Liang couldn't help but feel guilty.

Unable to carry the burden anymore, Yu Liang softened up and put his untouched orange juice in front of Shi Guang as a peace offering. He still said nothing though and went back to continue eating his fruits. As predicted, Shi Guang began to cheer up, he even bumped his shoulder to Yu Liang's before whispering, "Thank you."

To be honest, Yu Liang was still feeling infuriating towards Shi Guang due to last night's event, but he had decided to permit himself to talk to him again, "Fill your bottomless stomach. We've got many things to do today."

"I know, Yu Liang, I've read the schedule!"

He smirked, "Then, don't let me down."

"Don't worry, I'll win every game in today's practices for you, Captain!"

Ugh, Captain, that damn word. Trying his hardest to put on his neutral face, Yu Liang repressed the anger that was starting to surface. It was such a blessing really, that Fang Xu, though unknowingly, had finally come to save him this time.

"If you have read the schedule, Xiao Guang, then you are aware of the exhibition matches in the next two days, before the actual tournament takes place, right?"

"Yes, Xu-Ge."

"So, I hope you both make the most of today's practice to sharpen your performance, especially in Pair Go," added Senior before turning his head to Bai Laoshi. "Shixiong, the first day's exhibition match is for the Pair Go, right?"

"Correct, " confirmed Bai Laoshi. "There are two matches actually, one in the morning and one in the afternoon."

"I know, Xu-Ge, Bai Laoshi!" Shi Guang responded eagerly. "The notes that Yu Liang wrote for me were very detailed, and ... please don't worry too much about tomorrow's exhibition match, we won't disappoint you. Right, Captain?"

Ugh!

"Hn."

"Good. This senior can't wait to see his juniors in action."

"Oh, one more thing, we need to talk about the gala dinner tonight," notified Bai Laoshi, "I know there are 3 hours of free time before the event, and we will not stop you two to take advantage of that time, as long as you promise to attend on time. Remember, the gala dinner is also the official opening ceremony of the Hokuto Cup Tournament."

"We're not going anywhere," emphasized Yu Liang abruptly. "So, we will definitely make it to the gala dinner on time."

Yu Liang could feel an air of disappointment coming from Shi Guang's direction. He truly believed that his Go partner would soon launch an objection against his one-sided decision, he was actually waiting for those words to come out of Shi Guang's mouth. Furthermore, Yu Liang had even prepared words to reject any pleas. However, when the complaint didn't appear, a glimmer of regret rose in Yu Liang's heart. Was he really that petty? Was he really going to take his frustration out on Shi Guang, who he was 100% sure did not understand the reason for his erratic attitude, which even Yu Liang himself didn't fully understand, by robbing Shi Guang of the opportunity to enjoy the city of Seoul that he had never been to?