New Body

stage fright and mates

Xin Ai and Boss, who's name is ZhuZi TeiJiang, worked on a contract they could both agree on while we ate. Most of his workers returned to work. Some of those that didn't were either helping with the contract, eating, or bothering me.

"You're pretty little for such a big sword."

"You have some really good moves! I was impressed, and I work with swords for a living!"

"Did you take this year's exam? What's the specialty class like? Was the test hard?"

"How long have the two of you been together? Do you know what he meant about his skill not being a technique?"

I sat quietly. I didn't like people. I don't like people at all. I had to force myself over stage fright earlier to test the sword properly, but I was still terrible in front of crowds. I was only okay than because I focused in on my fight. Being able to do that is one of my best strength and worst weaknesses.

That only pertained to fights. Right now, I had no idea how to deal with what was in front of me. How did they think I could answer all their questions at once? How do I get out of it nicely without telling them anything? And what's with that assumption that I got into the specialty class? Why did they randomly shove us together and assume I knew everything?

Xin Ai was concentrating on the paper in front of him, even though such a scene was taking place right next to him. I was amazed he could have a proper conversation with the boss.

I'd mostly finished my meal. Luckily they'd only started attacking me with questions when I was almost through it. I abandoned it to the crowded side of the table and got up to hide behind the shield called 'Xin Ai'. With this they should understand that I was being overwhelmed and leave me alone.

They were at least that insightful. They shuffled out, leaving the breakroom much roomier than it was before. I could finally breathe again.

I took a deep breath and sat on the floor, settling in against his chair.

"Mei?" Xin Ai paused in his talk with the boss to check on me. "Do you want to go back ahead of me? I'll still be here for a while."

I thought about it and shook my head.

"Are you sure? You've had a long day."

I leaned against the chair and closed my eyes. He's right, of course. He hasn't been wrong yet; I was tired. Especially after filling my belly, but I didn't want to leave. That girl might seduce him while I'm gone. It was probably dark now, anyway. And I still had to make plans for my sword. I inwardly sighed at all my lame excuses. I shook my head at him again.

He tousled my hair. He was probably smiling, even now. He hadn't even broken a sweat from beating at my sword. I wonder what kind of 'long days' he's used to. "Why don't you look around the shop and pick out a few with a design you like? Find out what you like and dislike?"

That'll make planning out my sword easier. I got up and put my dishes in the sink, getting ready to leave.

"Are you two mates?"

I jolted. Xin Ai and I glanced at each other.