Moon's Whisper, Heart's Echo

25.The Visitor

Min-joon crouched behind the twisted pine, holding his breath as shadows danced across the courtyard wall. His attention fixed on the silhouettes moving against the whitewashed stone.

He'd discovered it by accident three days ago - if he tilted his head just so, the afternoon sun transformed the courtyard into a shadow-play theater. One shadow in particular caught his eye: tall and graceful, with that distinctive way of moving that made Min-joon's heart leap every time.

"Found you," Tae-young's voice came warm with amusement.

Min-joon startled, nearly losing his balance. "I wasn't hiding!"

"No?" Tae-young settled beside him, robes arranging themselves in perfect folds despite the awkward position. "Then what do we call this elaborate game of watching shadows?"

Min-joon flushed. "I was practicing."

"Oh?"

"Observation skills. Like you taught me." The words tumbled out in a rush. "You said a good swordsman watches everything, even shadows, so I've been... watching."

Something softened in Tae-young's expression. "And what have you observed, young scholar?"

Min-joon pointed to where the shadows still danced. "See how that one moves? Like flowing water?" He demonstrated with his hand. "Just like when you showed me the crane stance."

"Interesting." Tae-young's voice held genuine curiosity. "What else?"

"Well..." Min-joon drew himself up importantly. "I can tell when you're coming now. Your shadow has a different... rhythm? Like music but only movement... no sound."

"Is that why you've been arriving early these past days? To watch shadows?"

Min-joon looked down, suddenly fascinated by a loose thread on his sleeve. "I wanted to make sure... that it is... sometimes you don't..."

"Come?" Tae-young finished gently.

Min-joon nodded, still not looking up.

"Ah." Tae-young was quiet for a moment. Then: "Show me again how you knew it was my shadow."

Min-joon brightened, pointing eagerly. "See? Other people walk like this—" He made chopping motions with his hand. "But yours is more like..." His fingers traced graceful arcs in the air.

"A valuable skill indeed." Tae-young produced a small package from his sleeve. "Though perhaps we might practice your observation skills with something more substantial than shadows?"

Min-joon's eyes widened at the familiar wrapping - the same kind the weapons master used for precious items.

"These," Tae-young said, carefully unwrapping two wooden practice daggers, "are for advanced students only. Students who understand the importance of patience and careful observation."

Min-joon hardly dared breathe as Tae-young placed one in his hands.

"Of course," Tae-young continued casually, "if you're not ready for such advanced training..."

"I am!" Min-joon clutched the practice weapon. "I'll practice every day, I promise!"

"Even when I can't be here to watch?"