Embracing The Memories | COMPLETED | KOREAN STAND ALONE #1 ✒

제24장: The Throne

Note before reading: If the scenes feel rushed, that means that the book still needs to be revised after completion. As I said, feedbacks are highly appreciated if there are mistakes or anything that you want to let the author know. Lovelots! 💕

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After that battle with Jihun, my hands trembled. I didn't expect that the one who actually invited me to this contest was Heejun. He didn't even tell me that he was also included in this game. The other players had already finished earlier and we were on break.

Most of them had gone to the cafeteria to get some snacks but I had already bought mine before the match even started. Heejun noticed the extra chips on the table and gave a simple glance right at me.

"Is this chips for me?" I could already hear the slight tease in his tone as I nodded coldly, trying my best not to get intimidated.

Eysee, you've done your best in Chess before. You shouldn't be too nervous right now.

He then chuckled, quickly grabbing the chips and opened them — thanking me right before he ate it. Gunyeo and Naehyun were still watching Jihun playing with another player, clapping as he just won over in ten-move checkmate.

"I noticed how close Jihun was earlier," Heejun pointed out as he ate one chip. "I'm assuming he already told you about me being the champion."

Yes, he did. He even said other things but I'd rather not say.

I could only give a nod as he leaned on the desk, looking amused. "So, what do you plan on doing after?"

"I'd do my best to beat you, of course," I tried lighting up the mood but all he did was a smirk. Oh, so you really do like a challenge.

"Should I go easy then? I don't want to end the match quite quickly yet." Ah, so he's that kind of guy, huh? I just smiled and shake my head at this.

He should be the one who should be worried, I thought to myself.

As soon as the bell rang, most of the players had finally gone back and I had to battle some of them to get to Heejun. Even if Jihun had told me that some of them were beginners, it still makes me really nervous.

What if I lose? Then, Heejun would probably tease me all about it.

I can't and I won't.

Jihun noticed me taking a deep breath as he then stood up and gave me a pat on the shoulder. I took it as a sign of reassurance as I then calm myself after that. Heejun had already sat down on one of the tables, putting his timer on the side.

It's time.

After I was the only one left standing on the last challenges, Heejun smirked as he sat comfortably on his chair. Some of them were hard to beat and they had me from the other moves.

Fortunately, here I am.

"Thanks for the chips earlier. Now, shall we start?" Heejun couldn't help but take the king and twirled it in his hands. I immediately took on the queen and smirked back.

No, I won't lose. Not today.

I could already sense Naehyun and Jihun on the side. Gunyeo had probably left to train before his match so I'm sure he wasn't here to watch.

"Now don't be too comfortable there, vice. One checkmate is all I need." He was taken aback at this point. He raised one eyebrow at me and I just smiled cheekily, knowing too well that it surprised him.

He then sighed and nodded, "Talking to a senior like that? We'll see how you do then."

As soon as he put his King back, I saw him grab the knight and move it to a tile. But this time, I gasped.

No, it can't be.

H3.

The same move that I pulled on Jihun.

He then smirked before pushing the button on the timer. "Well, it's your time to move then, missy."

If he had pulled the same move then I immediately caught on to him and was right about my assumption. He wasn't watching the other players' moves. He was watching our game.

I slightly frowned at this. Now this time, I was at the loose end. Or maybe I could pull this off, I might never know.

Taking my knight, I made it move on C6 before pushing the timer. He then put his

The battle went on and my pawns had been eaten to the extent I was only left with a King, two queens, two bishops, a single rook, and a knight.

Meanwhile, Heejun still has his King, two bishops, two rooks, a knight, a pawn, and a queen. Jihun looked at our board with a bored glance as Naehyun scooted more to look at the match.

"It's not a stalemate right, hyung?" Heejun smirked as Jihun only sighed, crossing his arms. I could already tell that he was a bit infuriated. He wanted me to win so maybe that's the reason why his expression was like that. 

Naehyun suddenly moved and went in front of Heejun, fixing the board and giving me a wink as he blocked Heejun's sight.

I was about to ask why he was looking at me like that but Jihun immediately moved Heejun's pawns and mine as he put it next to each other — just a few more moves and I could checkmate him. I wanted to protest and disagree but he gave me the sign to keep quiet as he then crossed his arms — pretending that he didn't know anything.

When Heejun had finally pulled Naehyun away, I could see the slight smirk on Jihun's face before he turned stoic as Heejun complained about the game being unfair. He took a bit of time staring at the pieces before he furrowed his eyebrows and glared at the two.

"Wait, my queen isn't there before. You can't cheat—" Jihun tapped Heejun's shoulder though I could see he was trying his best not to get caught.

"Nobody moved the pieces. Maybe you're just hallucinating. Double-check again, Heejun." There was a slight staring contest between them but in the end, Heejun could only sigh and take one of my bishops.

Heejun didn't notice but Jihun gave me a nod as I picked up the knight and said the word.

"Step down the throne, vice. Checkmate."