#seongha

A very very handsome-beautiful Platinum haired, blue-eyed young man, received a call.

In front of the man, known as Kartein, stood a young woman in her early 20 that had the same feature as the Kartein, but was more feminine and soft.

She is the one and only Kartein’s adorable precious treasure, Claris.

—

“Was it…Kayden?”

Claris asked as she poured a newly brewed tea for her Brother. Kartein thanked her and took a sip before answering, 

“The one and only”

“What did he want?”

“...Heal..”

“Him? So the rumor is true, he’s injured?”

“I’m not sure, but he will teach me his force control”

 Claris makes an ‘o’ … She knows Kayden. Kayden Break. The conceited, arrogant, fighting maniac that fortunately backed up with his outstanding power…and brain.

And his handsome face, plus body.

BUT! Brother Kartein is still the best!' - Clari's inner heart -

‘I hope it’s nothing too serious… although he said he will tell Brother his Force Control…and I guess, I will be visiting Korea much much sooner than I planned’

—

Korea, Jiwoo’s hospital room.

‘I spoke too soon. THIS IS SERIOUS! BEYOND SERIOUS! THIS IS FATAL!’ 

Here, the trio of renowned awakeners stood in front of the patient, Seo Jiwoo, a.k.a Kayden’s Disciple.

Claris is the only one with a pale face, all colors drained from her face. She did know before she met the boy, so she’s prepared but also likes to think that maybe Kayden misdiagnosed or whatever it is, since he’s not a healer. He sucks at it. 

“Jiwoo, this is Kartein the best healer, and his younger sister, Claris also a healer, second only to this man” Kayden introduced Brother and I. Half-heartedly.

“Uh, Uhm. Hello…” 

Ok, Claris may be well-mannered, a soft-spoken person, and looks timid, which is not wrong but also not true. She can be blunt and have no mercy.

She shot a half-hearted glare toward Kayden. The young boy greeted her and her brother back. Turning her gaze towards the main focus of the day, Seo Jiwoo.

She took note of how his core are shattered by his physical wound.

‘His Core are shattered very carefully that it will be a challenge to fix….no…it’s more like impossible to be fixed. However, his arms, whoever did fix his arms did a good job. Was it Dr.Delein, the one that did that experiment…despite his questionable experiment, his skill is no joke….I guess I’ll visit him.’

While Claris is busy with her thoughts, Kayden, Kartein, and Jiwoo talk about the possible core fixing. The two awakened leave the room since Jiwoo asked to talk with Kartein alone. Claris decided to follow Kayden out.

Kartein soundproofs the room, but Claris and Kayden can still hear the conversation, seeing that Kartein doesn’t make it tight.

“Kayden…”

The blue-haired man glance at the platinum-haired woman and shrugged.

She sigh. Knowing this man for years now, she knows this man like an open book. Kayden tend to hide his inner feeling..not that he had one…more like, sometimes…ok…more than sometimes, he doesn’t share his feeling much like brother (Kartein). Kayden and Kartein are more similar than they would like and acknowledge, in front of that, deep down both know and understand each other like blood-related siblings. Claris that grow up and was raised by Kartein, ends up able to read Kayden’s too. After all, Kayden is like another brother to her. An annoying one, that is. 

The door opened, The best healers come out. 

“Brother”

Claris immediately went to his side, holding his arm. Kartein look straight to Kayden.

“Aren’t you (them, technically) bring too obvious when eavesdropping?”

“...” Kayden just keeps silent.

“Take us to your place”

Claris look shocked, and the freeloader..also look shocked “HUH!!?”

“It took us days to get here. We need rest, don’t you think? After all, we are here because of you”

The trio walked away to Kayden’s place….also known as Jiwoo’s house.

It’s a spacious, modern house.

Kayden opened the front door, Claris behind him, Kartein the last one

“You’re staying here?”

“Yup”

Claris took note of other living beings inside the house, she peered from Kayden’s back and spotted 3 adorable cats and another one on the sofa.

“CATS!!”

“Cats?!”

Claris looks excited, while Kartein just looks at the cats..loss of words.

He never imagined that the infamous Kayden Break would own…or even take care of an animal. He is already a handful after all. But, who he is to judge, without Claris, Kartein probably will have a bit of a hard time managing his work or research. 

See, the two of them are more similar, unbeknownst to themselves and their denial.

“Kayden, are you sure you didn’t hit your head somewhere?” Kartein for sure can’t believe what he is seeing right now.

“Why?”

“It's just so weird…the cats..”

“So?”

“I just couldn’t imagine you being a cat person to suit your image..”

“What are you even saying?”

Kayden stood up and walked towards the Kitchen, to give food to the cats.

Claris giggled.

But then, blue flashes from the kitchen. Just at the right timing, Kartein and Claris watched it unfold.

Both are shocked.

The great infamous Kayden Break turned into a cat, a big cat.

‘At least he’s cute now’ Claris thought, then redirected her eyes to see how her brother would react.

You see, Kartein is someone that you could say is a ‘mad scientist’ thought, he’s not into that level, not like Dr.Delein. Kartein is just very eager and knowledge starved if that is a word. He loves to get new things on his hands.

Claris walked herself out of the crime scene and sat on the sofa, watching her brother and Catyden (Kayden as a cat) having a conversation. Already get the ideas of what will happen.

Her brother then sits next to her, in deep thought, same as Kayden. Well, Kayden looks more like, a bit wary at Kartein's unexpected reaction.

Claris hold her laughter. 

Watching the two, as they have a conversation turns into a sort-of negotiation.

‘He doesn’t want to change back?…hmmm…Kayden is indeed moody, but, he did sustain an injury, I think, he couldn't change back is more appropriate. But then, It’s not exactly my business, If Brother decided to learn and changed to a cat, he wouldn’t have a problem easily transforming back-to-back…’

She noticed that Kartein clenched his fist in anger.

‘Brother…sometimes, I can’t help but worry about you. You’re smart but also can be an idiot. BUT THAT'S WHAT MAKES BROTHER CUTE AND AWESOME!!!’

Claris sighed and decided to just take a nap or sleep. Using her brother as a pillow.

She vaguely hears the reason why Jiwoo refuses the treatment, and how Kartein wants the technique that Kayden used to turn himself into a cat.

‘Yes, I should just sleep’

——-

The next day, The trio visits Jiwoo again to start the healing process or treatment. 

He refused, of course. Watching the comedic interaction between Kartein, Kayden, and the innocent Jiwoo…. was gold. Claris already noticed that the technique isn’t important for Kayden, but knowing her Brother is already obsessed with it, he won’t change his mind. After all, Kayden and Kartein's circumstances are different.

Unfortunately, Jiwoo had another attack (aftershocks). Thankfully, Kayden was quick to act, and so was her Brother. 

She decided to assist at the beginning of the healing process, while Jiwoo was still out cold. She has full confidence in Kartein's ability, but healing the broken…shattered core…not an easy job, and to make the process faster, Claris will heal other injuries to make the process smoother, so Kartein will focus only on fixing the core.

“Hehe..” Claris couldn’t help but giggle, remembering how Jiwoo refused.

“?”

“Ah, no, It’s just that he’s as stubborn as Kayden. He is still a good boy thru and through”

“Ha, one Kayden in the world is enough, don’t you think? Claris supports me until we're finished. I need you to give support for his core so the healing will be faster.” Kartein sighs and gives a soft smirk to Claris. The shorter platinum-haired awakener gives a big smile,

“Of course, Brother!”

The two fall into silent, full concentration. Knowing that Kayden is protecting them, Claris can fully support Kartein. Under different circumstances, usually, Claris will be the one that protects Kartein during the healing process, since he will be off-guard.

—-

Outside Jiwoo’s room

Kayden on guard noticed Yoo Jiyoung and Goo Inhyuk from Shinhwa came. Kayden and Jiyoung talked until the topic changed to the broken core,

“I have never heard anyone being able to get their core fixed.”

“Same here. After all, once a core is smashed, it’s the end. But Kartein said he can. Besides, Claris is known to have shattered the awakener's core during her first debut as world rankers. I’m sure it’s not impossible for them”

“Lady Claris also here?!”

“She’s attached to his hip. Besides, I believe in Kartein's abilities, as well as Claris”

Inside Jiwoo’s room, Kartein’s face became softer and a small smile adorned his beautiful face. Claris notices that and smiles.

‘Well, it was the past, now no one challenges me anymore. Tho, I will have to thank my past enemies, because I got lots of knowledge from the shattered core that now we can fix it. As long as no foreign energy in there’

----

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‘They must be Jiwoo’s friends’ 

Unknowingly, she smiled and felt warm.

‘What a sight’

“Thank you very much”

Claris returned to her brother's side and noticed Jiyoung bowing to Kartein.

“It’s Yoo Jiyoung, the president of Shinhwa”

Kartein noted, The black-haired beauty replied with a yes.

While Kartein takes a look around, Claris decides to introduce herself formally to Jiyoung.

“Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Yoo Jiyoung, Korea’s no.1 awakeners and Shinhwa’s President. I am Claris, Kartein’s younger sister.” Claris swallows her shyness, she has to make a dignified, good impression in front of other influential awakeners!

“It is a pleasure, Lady Claris”

“Please, just Claris. I’m just happy to meet other powerful female awakeners, I’m sure we could be good friends. I would love to chat more with you, but we have to rest now. See you next time, Jiyoung”

Kayden, Kartein, and Claris left the place to go back to the house. Kayden took the lead.

While Kartein is busy trying the technique, Claris went out for a few days, to do some business, Kartein and Kayden are informed that she won’t be at the house for a few days. Kartein albeit reluctantly decided to let her, as long as she keeps contact.

---

With Claris, she arrived at the Union. Now, standing in front of Park Seongha. Blushing, fidgeting, and looking up. That man is taller than her. She even wears heels! And she only comes to his upper torso area?!

“He-Hello! I keep my words!”

“Yes. I can see that. Uhm, do you need something from Union Lady Claris?”

“O-oh! Please, just Claris! Ur..yes…I-I-I would like to meet Dr.Delein!”

Seongha stiffened, 

“I’m afraid….I can’t let you visit Dr.Delein”

“Oh? Urm….why?”

“Because he’s under strict surveillance and contact is minimalized, to not have the previous trouble happen in the future”

“…..I can’t have that….”

Despite Claris' blooming crush on Seongha, she wants to meet Dr.Delein in person, and she will. Her demeanor and aura changed, Seongha noticed and tightened up his guard. Claris not longer blushing and smiling, but cold.

“…I want to meet Dr.Delein…now, Park Seongha from Union, it will do you good to lead the way. I don’t like to play around”

Seongha frowned, but he very much understand, that Union would not be safe if he didn’t abide by her wish. Claris is known to be a pacifist now, but in the past, Claris are known to be ruthless, the only outcome from fighting her was death, or their core shattered beyond fixing. He couldn’t take any chances, with the current things going on in the country.

“Alright, but I will stay inside too. I hope you can understand that, …Claris”

The woman back to her smiling face and pink dusting her cheeks.

“Yes, of course! Tha-thank you!”

Seongha sighed, he can’t deny that she looks very ravishing, wearing a sundress and her smiling face….her round eyes and plump, soft, lips….

‘Urg, focus! Park Seongha!’

Focus he did. Seongha leads the way.

—-

Inside the visiting room.

Claris sit in front of Dr.Delein, and Park Seongha standing near the table beside Claris.

Claris is still with a smile on her face, while Dr.Delein looks a bit taken back and wary of her presence.

“Hello, Dr.Delein, I’m afraid we never meet. But I heard numerous illegal deeds you did around. I have to say, you did a great job covering your track"

“Uh, Yes…”

“O-oh! I’m Claris!”

“Yes..Lady Claris. I know about you”

“All good things I hope!”

“…”

“No-now! I come here to tell you something”

“What is it?”

“Please refrain from running away again like before. Even if your student, Wooin is in danger. It won’t do you or him any good, when it comes to that, I may or may not have to finish you off. I acknowledge your abilities, especially how nice of you to heal Jiwoo’s arms. But this and that are different things. Wooin is a strong boy, trust him”

“I know…I understand..is that all?”

“…..”

Claris smiled and stood up, Dr.Delein noticed and followed. She extends her hand, and he reciprocates. 

“I just don’t want a knowledgeable awakener like you to fall into the wrong hands”

Suddenly blue energy appeared from Claris’s hand to Dr.Delein. Seongha immediately separate the two, and he glared at Claris.

The platinum-haired woman flinched, and before he could say anything, Claris cut him off

“Re-relax! I just mark him down!! Now I know if he ever ran away, I can easily track him down. Of course, I will inform Union if that will ever happen! So..so..calm down okay”

Seongha, still frowning, decided to trust her words.

"Now, my business is done here"

"...You just come to warn and..mark..me? How can you know that I won't erase the mark..?"

Claris smiles,

"I come here to mark you, seeing your past crimes and you're valuable, not to me but others. Also, you're free to try erasing the mark. I am sure you know my capabilities Dr.Delein. You're smart" 

With that, she walked out.

Now that they are out from the Union’s Headquarters.

Claris gives her phone to Seongha, 

“?”

“Please, give a y-your number”

She can’t stand still, fidgeting with a red face.

Seongha obliged. 

*ping* 

came from Seongha’s.

“That-that’s my number. Feel free to contact me, Seongha.”

He nodded, watching her. Feeling a bit warm...

“Uhm, are you busy right now, Seongha?”

“No……why?”

Claris gather all the courage and grab Seongha’s hand, gripping it hard.

“Take me around will you?”

Shooting Seongha her pleading eyes, he froze. 

---

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‘I will have to lecture them! Severely!’ The platinum haired women huffed, taking note of their behavior. Claris knows the top ranked students at the World Academy and she is honestly quite close to some of them, Asher Bryan and Duke Grayne for example. She has connection to their family and she watched the two grow up, on occasion when she’s feeling generous she will help them train. 

Claris is not as kind as she looks. If that isn’t obvious enough.

Now, she listened to the trio talk about what happened during the afternoon while she’s laying on the bed. For tonight, she decided to sleep in Jiwoo’s room. Before that, she slept at Seongha. :D

“Jiwoo, don’t think too much. That’s the system. I am against it but since that system is based on a majority vote, I couldn’t win. Even with my influence, because during that time there should be no hard feelings…uhm…all equal”

The brunette nods but still looks in deep thought.

—-

The day of the ‘match’

Claris overslept. Kartein told Jiwoo to let her sleep more.

‘Uhhh!!! I hope it’s not finished yet! I guess I will be making a fashionably late grand entrance…yeah, not happening. Unless….’ She’s running to the place where the match is being held.

Claris arrived in front of the door, she took a deep breath and when she opened the door.

BOOM!!!

“Dale Vigarun Wins!” Inhyuk announced.

“Waa!!” Claris screamed in reflex and simultaneously with the winner announcement, she hurried to the arena and noticed the Korean student unconscious, also bleeding. Calmly walked towards the injured, and did a little first aid before he got moved to the be treated further.

The atmosphere around the arena tensing.

After she did first aid, she walked towards Seongha and stood near him.

She shot him a small smile, then look forward…making eye contacts to the Teachers, Asher, and Duke from the World Academy.

‘Why is Lady Claris here?!” The World Academy’s representatives thought. Sweating a bit. But she didn’t look like going to interfere with the match. So they move on.

However, Asher can feel the stabbing stare from Claris. Asher sent a forced smile to Claris, which she didn’t repricorate and mouth the words

‘We will talk later’

Asher gulped ‘have mercy’.

Things escalated when they (world academy students) started provoking their counterpart. Which they succeed. The top Rookie from the Korea Academy decided to participate. Flabbergasted the teachers, Claris hold Seongha’s hand and pat him in the back, as he can feel headaches coming in meanwhile Inhyuk look like he’s going to hit Jisuk.

The female teacher from world academy smirked and held her head high,

“That’s a relief. I was worried to hear that the kids who will lead this country are not in a good condition. Then let’s start again from the beginning”

With Wooing joining the line-up, Claris noticed the newborn sense of unity bloom there and now. Claris feels happy.

‘It is nice, I hope this will last’

“What should we do?” Inhyuk asked the other teacher from Baekho, Kang Suhan. He answered that they can’t do anything now.

‘I believe the rookie can win. Though, Asher and Duke will be different stories. Well, they do need some reality check. This will be a good lesson’

—-

The match proved to be very entertaining. But, Subin is proven to be incompatible with Duke with her current abilities. Claris believed that Subin could grow more.

“Seongha, I would like to attend Subin’s training”

“..why? I mean, If Subin is okay with it…I guess..you can”

“She is strong, but with an opponent like Duke, she’s not quite there yet. They’re incompatible at the moment. Honestly, Jisuk too…”

“Okay, Claris”

Little did they know, the teachers around them were looking at them with question marks floating…

‘Since when they’re close? What is their relationship?!’

With the question regarding Claris and Seongha's relationship, the match continues. Claris watched in silent awe, she knew that South Korea was hiding their true power, especially the youngsters, but this was beyond her expectations…a bit. Seeing that the students are taking it serious, the World Awakeners Association is probably going to watch the country more. 

Though, she’s a bit concerned about Kang Sucheon.

‘His mental state isn’t the best. Probably, because of the previous leader of Baekdo. The rats

’ 

The platinum-haired woman huffed, remembering a bad encounter with the previous leader of Baekdu. 

‘Trying to appear kind and sweet, talk to me to gain favor from me and in extension her Brother, I can see how you are going to abuse that and then turn your back’

Honestly, Baekdu, itself as an organization, is not that bad but since their leader was playing it risky and corrupt, it just…doesn’t sit well with the platinum-haired woman. She has high hopes with the new leader. It’s not like doing dirty things were unheard within organizations, but how far they are doing or pushing is the important thing.

“Kang Sucheon Wins!!” Inhyuk, the default referee of the match hurriedly announced the winner. Claris didn’t move an inch, even the opponent, the girl from the World Academy, is injured heavily. She just watched it coldly.

Then the match proceeded, now it’s Wooin’s turn.

She noticed the female teacher from the World Academy smirked,

‘She probably thinks that just because Wooin is unaffiliated, he is weak. Think again’

Piip

Piip

Piip

!!

Pow!

Classic Wooin’s surprise attack. It didn’t take even 1 minute for Wooin to be announced as the winner. The audience cheered and one for the student that wearing cross earrings looked hyped up since he shared the same fate as the victim of Wooin’s surprise attack.

‘Haha, yesterday enemy, today friend’ Claris hid her mouth with her hands to not let others see her smile as she held her giggles.

And now it’s Jisuk versus Asher. It will be fun. Claris wants to know how the match goes as the two have similar abilities.

—-

Yoo Jisuk of Shinhwa, and the younger brother of Yoo Jiyoong the president and strongest awakener in Korea. He is definitely more suitable with a mid-short range…hand-to-hand fighting style. Jisuk needed to hone his control more and it shows how he was the one that got injured first when they clashed for the first time.  Though Claris noticed that what he lacked he used it in a different way. He is versatile, flexible. Claris likes that.

Asher Bryan, he indeed improved since the last time Claris met him. His style is mid-long range, not so much into hand-to-hand combat, but he is still strong even though it's not his preferred style. Asher's control of abilities is indeed stronger because he compressed it, but it also shows that he also has great control. He still needs to work on his defense. Claris' hate his offense is the best defense motto (since she’s defense specialist). 

Just before the two wind based abilities are going to attack each other again, Inhyuk stops the match,

“They are both badly wounded. I don’t think we can continue the match. Shall we end it here?”

The counterpart didn’t respond for a moment, Claris decided to speak up, basically forcing the World Academy to accept it.

“I allow it. The match shall end in a draw.”

The female teacher from the World Academy gritted her teeth, she was pressured not only by Asher’s family but also by Claris. So she nodded and accepted it.

“The match is a draw!” The referee (Inhyuk) announced,

But then, the hot headed white haired boy, who goes by the name Yoo Jisuk refused. Arthur also refused. Both are already in fighting stance and gathering their power.

Thankfully, Inhyuk stops Jisuk immediately. He obeyed. He looks like a kicked puppy. Meanwhile, Arthur also went back after Claris glared at him to stand down.

Finally, the last round.

Lee Subin versus Duke Grayne.

—-

Claris couldn’t help but to squeeze Seongha’s hand. She’s a bit worried for Subin. It’s not like she didn’t believe in her, despite never seeing her abilities. 

The black-haired man looks at his lover and reassures her,

“Subin is strong. Don’t worry” Claris looks at him, making eye contact.

“I know. I trust your judgement” 

Seongha gives her a small, rare smile, which succeeded in making Claris blush faintly. She’s trying to keep her composure.

Little did they know,

A chubby adorable cat and A skinny neutered white cat occupy the far bleacher.

Yeah, Kayden and Kartein.

Enjoying their entertainment while snacking, like they’re watching a movie in the cinema. 

As they snack, talk, and watch the match. Kartein noticed a small platinum-haired woman with Blue eyes standing near a Tall big black-haired man, and they’re holding hands! Kartein looks alarmed and shocked to the core.

HE COULD NOT BELIEVE HER ADORABLE PRECIOUS SISTER IS HOLDING HANDS WITH A MALE AND IT’S NOT HIM!? AND THEY LOOK VERY CLOSE AND COZY?! WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?! WHO IS HE?! 

Boom!!!!!

Imaginary bomb explode in Kartein’s head. 

He remembered how Claris decided to stay out for a few days and how she sometimes didn’t sleep at Jiwoo’s room at night!?

IS HE….NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!

Kartein clenches his paws, in rage, he looks like he’s going to claw the man’s face…or eyes…or his jewels so he will be the same like his cat form. Kayden was watching him,

“Whatever is in your mind, I’m sure it’s not related to the match right now. You can handle it later”

With that, Kartein managed to let it slide for now and focus on the match.

-I pray for Seongha’s safety-

—-

The younger sister of Kartein watched the fight between Subin and Duke attentively. She has lots of opinions about it. One thing that Claris noticed, Subin is a little too hot-headed…or short-tempered. It’s not that bad, but while fighting with an opponent such as Duke Grayne, the one who loses composure first will lose. The owner of the blue iris and platinum-haired decided to have a talk with Subin later. 

As for Duke Grayne, Claris feels proud that he improved and perfected his abilities to a greater level. But she still needed to lecture him, she noticed some minor details that could lead to fatality. 

Claris watched and helped Asher and Duke with their abilities from time to time; she had watched them grow up as well. They met when Claris was in her late teens and making a name for herself. At first she’s reluctant but she grows fond of them and tends to treat them as little brothers. The troublemaker brothers. But she knows that it won’t do her good if she explicitly shows that she favors them. So, she always draws a line.

“Lee Subin! If you continue to be like that, then withdraw from the fight and come here!”

Jisuk provokes Subin, with good intentions. He succeeded because after the short fiasco the granddaughter of the Union froze on the floor. Claris was impressed, but she doesn’t like how Subin let her guard down when she yelled at Jisuk and Duke was doing nothing.

‘If this was a real fight, she would probably already be on the floor with blood all over her. I will lecture all of them later, I guess. Uhhhh..I hope I have the energy to do that.’ She mulled and sighed heavily.

Then Subin managed to land a scratch on Duke’s cheek. Claris frowned. While she is impressed by Subin’s. She feels a little disappointed as Duke let his guard down. 

The match turned more serious. The atmosphere changed.

—-

When Subin got attacked and stabbed on one of her thighs and fell, the teachers alarmed and prepared to jump in to stop the match. Seongha released his holds from Claris. He gritted his teeth, She can see veins bulging on her lover's forehead. 

Seeing the match turn to worse, Claris decided to step in, but  before she could step in….

Fwoosh

Subin is no longer on the floor, but within Seo Jiwoo’s arms. 

She got a princess carry.

The whole room are shocked. 

Claris included, not just shocked but also slightly pissed.

Kartein and Claris already told Jiwoo to not use his abilities, since they still have to do more follow-up treatment. 

Kayden and Kartein are beyond pissed. 

Kartein looked ready to beat the hell out of Jiwoo.

Claris snapped out of her thoughts when Inhyuk apologized to the World Academy teachers.

The platinum-haired woman decided to step in to the arena, some eyes following her form.

“Duke Grayne wins!” Inhyuk announced.

Then, Duke asked for a duel with Jiwoo. It is inevitable since Jiwoo ruined the match he had. Jiwoo looked taken back, followed by Inhyuk refusing because Jiwoo is still recovering. But the female teachers from the World Academy said that the brown-haired boy looks like already in a good condition. Inhyu gritted his teeth.

“I allow it. Since It is Student Jiwoo's fault. Duke Grayne from the World Academy has the right to ask for duel”

“?!” Jiwoo looked at Claris shocked to the core, as well as Kartein and Kayden on the bleachers, but it’s not like Claris knows the two are here. I mean she’s too engrossed with Seongha and the match. Plus she knows she’s in a safe environment.

“Lady Claris?!” The right-hand man of Shinhwa’s look at her in disbelieve.

“3 days. In 3 days.  That is final.”

WIth that the World Academy left the room.

The students and teacher start talking amongst each other. 

Before Claris decided to leave, she approached the Students that participated, they noticed her doming figure.

“…Y…You guys did well…but still lacking….I will give you lectures before I leave…” With that, Claris said goodbye to Seongha and told Jiwoo to come back to his room.

As she leaves the room, cheers can be heard from inside. She couldn’t help but smile. 

She catches up with the uninvited guests.

“Asher, Duke”

The two that name are called at stops and turn around, to be met with blue iris that is full of warmth.

“Mylady/Lady Claris” Duke and Asher respond.

“We will talk after your business is all done here. You both have improved. I’m quite pleased. Do well” she said and left.

The boys nodded. But she can see that they’re clenching their fist and veins bulging on their face. No, they’re not mad at Claris, It’s just that they still hate what happened.

------------------------

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@kreishin

Ok, look, Claris may look like a rabbit! Shy, timid woman, but she’s Kartein’s sister. She may be more on the calmer side, but she shares genes with Kartein. Once they are intrigued or..obsessed with something or someone, they make sure they can get that.

Claris has officially developed feelings towards Korea’s Awakeners, Park Seongha of Union. Why? Claris also doesn't know, she has always been a good judge of character. She could see that Seongha is a good guy and a quiet calm person. Maybe because she’s surrounded by insane awakeners, that’s why she’s attracted to someone like Park Seongha. PLUS! He’s handsome and tall!

TLDR; Claris could be bold to get what she wants. In this case, she wants Park Seongha! She wants some romance in her life, dammit!

Back to the current situation, Dinner is served.

They start eating and drinking some wine.

“Seongha, are you in any committed relationship right now?”

“?!”

“Uhm! I mean-Uhm….Ju-just ask-asking! I wouldn’t want to cause you troubles…you know…”

Seongha may look like a cold person, but he’s a pretty affectionate, caring, compassionate person. Shown by how he treats Wooin and Subin. He cares for them. And this man also needs some spice in his life! Some romance! He may be popular amongst the female or male populations, but his stoic and cold demeanor makes them scared!

TLDR: Park Seongha needs some spice in his life! And Claris is the key! Feelings are developing now!

“..No..” Seongha answered after many pauses. Claris that was sweating, smiled so brightly that the sun will be jealous. In the eyes of Park Seongha, she’s like..no..the sun in the middle of the night.

The unexpected Dinner…date(?) went smoothly, and Claris may or may not have drank a little too much that now her face flushed. She doesn’t have a very high alcohol tolerance, and because she’s in a super happy mood, she forgets to limit herself. Meanwhile, Seongha held her steady in case she stumbled. Holding her waist, that is.

Wow! A very drastic improvement!

“Are you staying with Jiwoo, Claris?”

“Hmm? Yeah…but..”

“?”

“..you see…I…I don’t think…I want to go back there for a few days….Can’t I spend more time with you, Seongha?…”

“Eh..” 

A faint almost unnoticeable blush adorned Seongha’s face.

It is very very fast development. Let's just say that, Claris ended up staying at Seongha’s place for a few days. She did inform Kartein that she will be staying at Union for a few days. Technically, she didn’t lie. Park Seongha is part of the Union. 

They didn’t sleep together, just a normal innocent sleep…or well..cuddle…alright! Throw some kisses here and there! The sudden development did throw them off a bit, but they’re adults and both talk it through with Claris wanting to be in a committed serious relationship and Seongha feels the same, even though to say they love each other is a bit too much right now.

They’re attracted to each other, so crush or budding romance may be the correct term, although they decided to be exclusive to each other. Before properly labeling themselves officially and publicly. They decided to keep it low profile while navigating all the new things happening.

Also, it turns out, Seongha loves language with physical touches, albeit he only does it in private or when no one is watching. Not a big fan of PDA.

Kartein won't be too pleased once he learns this. After all, Kartein was the one that shoo Claris’s suitors away.

Claris ended up staying a little bit longer than planned. She decided to depart for the awakened academy with Jiwoo. At first, Seongha hesitated and only said that he had to go out of the town for a bit, then Claris asked him if the academy had reopened already. This shocked Seongha, She then explained she knew this from the first time but because it’s not her business she didn’t tell anyone, though she warned Seongha that the World Association might have learned about this and planned to ‘visit’ them. 

“Be prepared. I am sure that the WAO (World Awakeners Association) has learned about this, and sooner or later they will come to cause troubles.” She said. With that, the two-part ways with Claris give a peck on Seongha’s cheek.

—-

The day Jiwoo goes to the Academy

Claris sit on the couch with the cats while watching Cat-Kayden learning to fight in his cat form.

‘He looks very cute and fluffy in this form ><!’

The basement door then unlocked and Jiwoo and Cat-Kartein walked out. Claris still couldn’t believe that out of all cats in the world, he just had to choose a malnourished and neutered cat. Imagine her shock and horror when she arrived at Jiwoo’s. She almost fainted.

‘I hope….it won’t affect his human form…’ all she could do is to pray, have hope.

Also, she’s very thankful that Kartein didn’t push his question about why she decided to stay at Union for weeks. He probably wants to probe more, but that can be done later. Jiwoo’s treatment and adjusting to cat form are more important right now for him. Claris is very happy. She’s not ready to tell Seongha to her Brother! She didn’t want him to scare Seongha!

Ok, back to the present.

Kartein watched how Kayden learned how to fight in cat form, and then he tried to do the ‘cats punch’ albeit looking a bit hesitant. He thought no one was watching, oh, but of course, another pair of blue eyes watched it and couldn’t help but snicker.

‘Brother is still cute~’

 Immersed by watching her brother trying to do a cat’s punch, she jumped when Jiwoo suddenly realized that it is time to go.

After bidding goodbyes to the cats, Claris locked the door and give the key to Jiwoo. She spotted Goo Inhyuk from Shinwa standing beside his car. She greeted him with a nod, which the latter also greeted her.

Jiwoo and Inhyuk look close and they keep talking throughout the way, while Claris rest her eyes and petting Kartein and Kayden.

‘I bet the world awakeners academy’s people are already causing trouble there. My information is rarely wrong after all. I guess I might as well watch it unfold. Han Seongik being the principal…I’m sure everything will be alright…right?’

—-

‘And once again, I’m proven wrong. How come they are already causing trouble. Though, it is not my business. It’s their business. I hope that I won’t have to make it my business. It’s still child's play so far. Let's see how the Korean Academy will retaliate.’

Once they arrived, Claris decided to separate herself, and she arrived at the gym..or training center, full of students, and watched how Arthur Brian beat one of the Korean academy students.  

‘Arthur grew a lot, he didn’t disappoint. But, I might have to talk about his attitude’ Claris sighs.

Then another group of Korean Academy Students come on and the tall pink shaved (?) boy come forward. She learned that his name is Choi Gangseok. 

‘Choi Gangseok…Oh! From Baekho!’ She spotted Yoo Jisuk, Lee Subin, Wooin, a dual-haired girl (she learned the name is Joo Iseul from Mir). She also noticed Kang Sucheon from Baekdu. 

Claris conceals herself perfectly, no one notices her. Which is good, she wants to keep a low profile while watching things unfold. Before anything could escalate much further, the Korean Academy’s Instructor arrived, one of them was Park Seongha. The platinum-haired woman smiled. 

‘I will visit him later~!’

‘But, I think I will have to visit Seongik first. Up we go~’

She left the place and went to find Seongik.

—-

Blue iris wanders around the hall that will lead her to the dean's office, Han Seongik office. The owner of the blue iris noticed another presence in the office, so she halted. Looking right to left, looking for a place or anything to hide. She is 100% sure that the other presence belongs to the teacher from the World Academy, the woman, Claris, does not want to show herself in front of anyone from the World Academy just yet.

And hide she did.

Sadly, it took like 10 minutes until the coast cleared. It is tiring to wait and hide, especially since she’s wearing quite tall heels.

‘I choose the wrong heels to wear’ she huffed, then knocked on the door and let herself in before Seongik could say anything.

Imagine his surprise! The retired world ranking would probably have had a heart attack if he’s a normal old man. Not just the World Academy that decided to cause trouble, the famous Lady Claris is even here. She is known to be a frequent visitor to the World Academy.  Han Seongik did not sign up for this!

Claris looks around the office then walk towards the sofa and sits on it. She is lowkey sweating. She is nervous. She may look kind of calm on the outside, but on the inside? Her heart could explode any moment now.

*cough* 

“It-It is nice to meet you again, Han Seongik”

‘UH! I stutter!’

Seongik joined Claris on the sofa and returned her greeting before he asked what she was doing here.

“I’m here on behalf of Brother and to keep an eye on Jiwoo as well as the uninvited guests”

“..You knew…”

*, flinch*

“..Well…I do know..of the existence of this academy and the others…But! Don’t worry, I didn’t tell anyone. You know how I am…right?” She feels a bit uneasy with how Seongik looks at her. 

Claris is known for a lot of things, but being a liar is not one of them. Instead of lies, she either keeps it vague or keeps silent. Until now, no one knew how the Platinum-haired woman got her information. Maybe Kartein knows? Probably.

So, Han Seongik can’t help but believe her. With a bit of doubt there.

“Unfortunately, I do know how you do things albeit vaguely”

“Hehe..great! I just came here to greet you personally. Also, I’m keeping a low profile here and I don’t exactly want to show myself just yet. I ask for your cooperation, Han Seongik!”

She asked. More like she threatened him. But beggars can’t be chooser, seeing that the platinum-haired and blue iris left the office in a blink.

“Hah…I’m getting old”

Han Seongik….he probably going to get more wrinkles now.

—-

 Jiwoo's room

Not long after Wooin, Jisuk, and Subin left Claris came into the room.

Listening to Kayden, Kartein, and Jiwoo walking about the guests, The World Academy, She takes a seat on Jiwoo’s bed… scratches that, she lays on Jiwoo’s bed. Listening to the top rankers about why, who, and what to Jiwoo. Poor boy, so clueless, Kayden should teach him a lot about the world of awakeners instead of combat skills 24/7! Such a fighting maniac!

Sensing the topic of the conversation finished, she decided to chip in,

“Jiwoo”

“Yes, Claris?”

“The world of awakeners is vast and scary. You need to prepare yourself physically and mentally”

“Yes!”

“Also, cherish the connection that you have built. Your friends for example. I am sure that one day there will be the time you will need their help or vice-versa” 

Jiwoo with a determined face nods.

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