Prince's Gamble | HAOBIN

4. Slips of Paper

Prior to the King's announcement, Zhanghao had only taken sparring and fencing lessons for the sake of maybe needing it if he ever came across danger one day. However, now he had the possibility of potentially using his skills sooner than he thought. 

Not that he wanted to get picked though.

Anxiety about selection day fueled his energy, making him run faster and harder as he fenced his instructor. He didn't realize his strong speed before his instructor appeared on the ground in front of him, his fencing sword tip touching on the instructor's abdomen.

Stepping away after his win, Zhanghao rested his fencing sword on the wooden bench before pulling his mask off and ruffling his hair, beads of sweat running down his face. Picking up a water bottle, he unscrewed it, tipping water into his mouth. 

"What's with the energy today, Zhanghao?" His instructor asked, walking over to him.

"Just feeling energetic today, sir." He replied. 

"You know, I heard about the competition the King's holding soon." The instructor started, "You're part of the age group that's to compete, aren't you?" 

Competition this, competition that. It was all anyone in the Kingdom could talk about, and Zhanghao couldn't avoid it anyway, no matter how hard he tried. 

"Yes, I am." He said, blandly. 

"Ahh..." The instructor dragged on, "Well, I'll wish you good luck. Hope you won't get picked." He patted Zhanghao on the back, words filled with apology rather than confidence. 

"Thank you sir. I'm going to need it."     

—

The day of the selection couldn't come any slower as Zhanghao, Gyuvin and Ricky walked to the academy, their steps as heavy as their worries. Even though there were over two thousand students in the whole school, Zhanghao couldn't help but still think of the possibility that his name was pulled out. Or even the possibility that Gyuvin or Ricky's names were pulled out. He assumed the prince would be exempted from the selection as the King would never think to harm his own son. 

The students were all gathered in the hall once again, and again the King's advisor, Kim Jiwoong, stood at the front of the room, however this time he was joined by a large glass box which sat on the table in front of him. Many little slips of paper were piled up within the box, and Zhanghao thought of his name which had to be on one of those slips. 

Heart pounding, the three of them sat next to Hanbin who had entered the hall before them. He didn't look at them and merely looked forward with a blank face. This time, Kim Jiwoong had a microphone, sounding his voice loud, so that everyone could hear him. 

"We will now begin the selection of the nine young adults who will enter the King's competition." Kim Jiwoong stated, his face expressionless. 

As names began to be read out, boys and girls were guided up to the front, their bodies shaking with fear as they were watched by the rest of the cohort. Zhanghao couldn't help but feel sorrow for those who had been picked, for only one of them was to survive at the end. He could already feel the grief felt around the room. He looked over to Hanbin but was surprised to find the prince staring at the ground, hands in fists. 

Zhanghao was about to whisper something to him, before another name was read out. 

"Kim Taerae." The King's advisor boomed into the microphone.  

Zhanghao saw a boy stand up, shorter than Zhanghao, but his well-defined features caught Zhanghao's eye. He knew this boy—he was in the year below Zhanghao, and what would normally have been one of the most beautiful smiles on the boy's face was now a look of fear and shock. 

Kim Taerae walked to join the other, already selected seven, as he held his head down as if he was disappointed in something. 

There was one more person left to be selected, and the chances of Zhanghao, Gyuvin or Ricky being picked was lower than low. And yet, Zhanghao's heart still raced as Kim Jiwoong pulled out the last slip of paper to be read. 

It was as if the whole room was holding their breath as Jiwoong stepped up to the microphone and unfolded the little slip of paper. The King's advisor sucked a breath in,

"Zhanghao."

—

a/n: i looked so long for zhanghao's last name, but i guess he doesn't have one or something...?? lmao

also happy yujin day!!! <3