But Suddenly It Seems Like I Can't Get Enough

Kuai looked up from his move, staring across at his opponent. Hanzo Hasashi sat opposite, mouth agape as he stared at the board in front of him. This local tournament was small, with only a handful of contenders each year. Kuai was new to the area, and thus new to the chess scene here, but he’d been told at length what a juggernaut Hanzo was. He’d been undefeated for about 5 years in a row, his name feared by all the other contenders.

And Kuai Liang had just won against him.

It seemed even Hanzo was stunned by this turn of events, as his eyes darted around the table, trying to work out where he went wrong and what he’d missed.

“And we have our new champion, Song Kuai Liang,” the announcer cheered, oblivious to the general shock in the room. No one seemed to really know how to react, but Kuai could hear whispers between people.

Hanzo pushed himself to stand up, and Kuai followed his lead, somewhat surprised when the man offered his hand to shake. Kuai accepted, but couldn’t miss the frustration on his face. Thankfully though, he didn’t say anything, so he was at least a graceful loser even when he clearly wasn’t happy about it.

Kuai was rapidly whisked away by the organisers. He shook hands and was congratulated greatly. The trophy was small, but somehow still heavy. He wondered if he’d struggle with carrying it home. Still, he stuck around a bit, took a few photos with it for the local papers. Then got a round of congratulations from people within the crowd. The entire time, he didn’t see so much as a glimpse of Hanzo. Maybe the man had left already. Kuai wasn’t sure.

Finally, things died down, and he was able to collect his belongings and start considering how he was getting home. He pulled out his phone, hoping maybe he could get a ride from Bi-Han. If he was out of work, of course.

[Kuai Liang said: Hey, are you done with work?]
[Bi-Han🖤 said: Yes. Just debating getting something to eat or whatever.]
[Bi-Han🖤 said: Aren’t you doing your nerd shit today?]
[Kuai Liang said: I just finished! Any chance I can get a ride?]
[Kuai Liang said: Just… The trophy’s kind of heavy 🤭]
[Bi-Han🖤 said: Wait, trophy?]
[Bi-Han🖤 said: Holy shit, you actually won?!?]
[Kuai Liang said: Yes I won 🏆🏆🏆]
[Kuai Liang said: Wait, hold on, what do you mean “actually” 😐]
[Bi-Han🖤 said: Never mind that. I’m coming to get you.]
[Bi-Han🖤 said: We’re going to go get food to celebrate!]
[Kuai Liang said: You know I didn’t win any money right? Just a trophy?]
[Bi-Han🖤 said: Who cares! You fuckin’ won! We can celebrate that regardless!]
[Bi-Han🖤 said: I’m on my way!]
[Kuai Liang said: Thanks big brother. I’ll be waiting outside 😁]

He slipped his phone away, threw his backpack over his shoulder and picked up the trophy. He looked at it, smiling before turning to leave the building.

As he stepped outside, he noticed someone standing to one side. He turned his head enough to see Hanzo, leaning against the wall and smoking a cigarette. They stared silently at each other for a minute, and Kuai wondered if Hanzo had as little clue what to actually say as he did.

“Um. Good game,” Kuai decided to comment, immediately kicking himself. Of course it was a good game for him, he’d fucking won it.

“It was,” Hanzo sighed, pushing himself away from the wall and walking over. “You’re a very skilled player. How long have you been at it?”

“Since I was about… 8? I think?” It was roughly that age anyway. He’d been interested in it for a little longer than he’d started playing. “My Grandfather had a chess set when I was young, and I was fascinated by it. So one day, he brought me my own set and taught me how to play.”

Those were good times. His Grandfather could be a very stern man, but it was stated by everyone how much his heart seemed to soften after the births of his Grandchildren. Bi-Han was more insistent that it was Kuai Liang specifically who seemed to win him over. Kuai had been a sickly child, and something about that triggered a change in their Grandfather. Kuai wasn’t sure, all he knew was that his childhood was a warm one, full of love, thanks in part to Grandfather.

“Well, he did a good job teaching you.” Hanzo threw his cigarette down to the floor, stamping it out. “You’re the first real challenge I’ve had in a while.”

“Thank you,” Kuai said with a smile, feeling his face heat up slightly. “You weren’t an easy opponent to beat yourself.”

Hanzo smirked and chuckled before adding “next time, I’ll make sure it’s even harder.”

“I wouldn’t want it any other way, Mr. Hasashi.”

He held his hand out to shake again, and as their hands met, Kuai looked Hanzo in the eye. It was clear that their match had sparked something between them. A desire to win, and to best an opponent that they respected. It looked like future tournaments in this town were going to be very interesting.

From the corner of his eye, he saw Bi-Han’s dark blue car pull up next to them.

“Ah, sorry, that’s my ride,” he explained, releasing the other man's hand and pulling away. “Take care.”

“You too,” Hanzo replied, returning to his spot against the wall. Kuai briefly wondered if he was waiting for someone too, but decided not to ask.

He ran over to Bi-Han’s car, throwing open the door and slipping into the front passenger seat. Bi-Han was peering out the car window towards Hanzo with a frown on his face.

“Who’s that guy?” Bi-Han asked, in a tone Kuai was far too familiar with. It was his overprotective big brother tone.

“His name’s Hanzo, he’s the guy I beat to win.” He stared at Hanzo, and then looked down at his own reflection in the metal of the trophy. “I think he’s my rival now!”

“Only you could sound so happy about something like that.” Bi-Han shook his head, pushing his foot against the excelerator, as they began to pull out of the parking lot. “You know this is real life and not one of your fanfics right? You and this guy aren’t going to suddenly start making out in the middle of a game.”

“That’s not why I’m happy about it. I’m just happy to have someone so good to play against.” He paused for a few moments, pursing his lips. “Also you don’t know for definite that won’t happen.”

Bi-Han rolled his eyes, but didn’t touch on the subject more as he asked “so, where do you want to go to eat? Your choice, seeing as you’re the one with something to celebrate.”

“Can we go to the Korean barbecue then?” He asked, glancing in the rear view mirror to look for Hanzo one last time. He could just about see him walking over to get into a car himself. Strange, but he supposed maybe he’d wanted the cigarette before leaving.

“Sure thing.”

Kuai settled down, running his hand along the edges of the trophy. He was going to have to get a lot of practice in if he wanted to win the next one.

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