Bittersweet (Sekai)

part i (b)

On his way back to his room, Jongin decides it's okay if he stays one more day, just so he can show Sehun he isn't as much of a chess master as he fancies himself. Also, since supper was so delicious, Jongin is eager to see what they eat for breakfast.

Jongin moves his knight, eliciting a scoff from Sehun. "What?" he demands.

Sehun shrugs, "You're just such a beginner."

"Then where should I put it?" Jongin asks as he starts to pick up his knight again, but Sehun swats his hand away. "How many times must I tell you? Once you've put down a piece you can't move it!"

"Then why didn't you tell me I was makin' a bad move before?"

"Because we're having a real game. I'm not going to baby you." Sehun moves his bishop. "Check." "How?!"

"Really. We've been playing for two weeks. Even you should understand it by now." Sehun points to his bishop and the path it could take. "I can get your king this way, and you can't move it since it's blocked in. You have to sacrifice your pawn."

"No." Jongin says stubbornly.

"It's the only move you have, unless you'd rather lose your knight." Jongin moves his knight.

Sehun takes the knight with a long sigh. "You're terrible at this game. And I'm still going to take your pawn on my next turn, and there won't be any way you can save it."

Jongin glowers at the chess board, looking for any possible way to save his pawn. There are none. The next few turns progress in silence, until Sehun gets checkmate. "You held up a bit longer than usual." Sehun says, sitting back in his chair. "Let's have another game. I've still an hour before the tutor comes."

"I've been meanin' to ask." Jongin says as he lines up the black pieces in front of Sehun. "Why's there always a maid outside your door?" "Is it so strange?" Sehun asks tersely, "If I want something, I should have a servant ready to retrieve it for me."

"Couldn't you just use a bell?"