Min Ho

The match dragged on for a long time. Hyunwoo was a tough opponent, every move sharp and calculated. As I played, whispers reached me — he was a state-level player. My stomach sank. I should have gone home, rested, let the fever pass. Why had I agreed to this madness?

But I had already stepped into it, and I couldn’t turn back. I gave everything I had, pushing through the cold and the pounding in my head. Piece by piece, the board narrowed, the tension grew. And then, almost suddenly, it was there — checkmate.

I had won. Against all odds, I had won.

“Congratulations,” he said, extending his hand.

“So, you’re his slave now,” Hana added quickly. ‘You know a slave has to listen to his master, do whatever he asks.’ She slipped to my side and whispered in my ear, ‘Ask him to be with me quickly, hit the iron while it’s hot.’

My eyes widened. ‘Shut up,’ I muttered, clearing my throat. ‘Forget about this slave-master nonsense, please. I’m sorry for all of this, but I have just one request, if you’ll allow it.’ I turned toward her. ‘This girl… she’s really nice, and she likes you a lot. If it’s possible, could you date her? Otherwise, she’ll eat me alive. Please, if you could.’

“The bet was that I’d be your slave, so if as a master you’re asking me to date her, I would,” he said with a smile. That smile carried something hidden behind it, something I couldn’t quite read.

I felt my chest tighten. ‘I’m sorry… it was childish of me to say all this. Let’s end it here. I have to leave.’ With those words, I hurried out, desperate to escape as the fever took a hold of me.