Thick steam filled the open room that faced directly toward the sky's abyss. Hasya and Fyar sat facing each other in the hot pool, the water soaking them up to their chests. A wooden chessboard floated on a small magic board between them.
Fyar stared at his black knight piece with a deeply furrowed brow, while Hasya whistled casually while waiting for his turn. At the edge of the pool, Zaefal sat leaning back with a towel on his head, watching their game in silence.
"You know chess is a game that relies on zero luck, Fyar?" Hasya asked while moving his white rook forward three spaces. His eyes gleamed with confidence.
"Yeah," Fyar nodded. He rubbed his wet chin, his gaze never leaving the board. "Chess is also often used by people to see their situation..."
Hasya chuckled softly. He leaned his back against the pool wall casually. "I know several kingdom princes who often play chess to see their position.."
"It all depends on you.. every step is sacred... yes sacred... here you are truly matching wits with your opponent.. and.. that's quite impressive.. when you lose it means you are dumber, simple as that.. no Lucky, no cheating... all pure pure logic battle..."
Hasya fell silent for a moment. He then turned slightly towards Fyar, his smile fading a little. "And that's why 00 was extremely devastated when he lost at chess to you..."
Fyar flinched slightly. He then chuckled while shaking his head slowly. "Well maybe you're right..."
Fyar's hand moved slowly, moving his black knight to cut off the opponent's queen's path. "I exploited his narcissism.. and well he himself said he wanted to be recognized as smart so I used chess to stall for time..."
Hasya laughed lightly while patting the water gently. "You know I'm sure and I dare bet when you meet again he will immediately challenge you to a rematch."
Fyar chuckled again. He wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Well you're right.."
"Hmm hmm you're pretty good..." said Hasya. His brows knitted as he saw his king's position starting to be cornered by the black knight and queen. He scratched his head which didn't itch.
"Oh right where did you learn chess?" Fyar asked without averting his gaze.
"From Fathir," answered Hasya quickly. "Ever since meeting Zavlan alias your current prince.. he became really fond of playing chess you know.., he even bought the board... he played against me and Zikri.."
Prince?.... The bastard who sent me on that suicide mission? He plays chess? Fyar muttered in his heart. His eyes narrowed sharply for a second.
Hasya then laughed out loud until the pool water rippled. "Oh at that time he was once scolded by Lairas for wandering around at night just to challenge others to play chess in the city!"
Beside them, Zaefal laughed lightly hearing that. His shoulders shook gently.
"Haha you laughed," said Hasya while pointing at Zaefal with his chin.
Ah.. he's afraid of his wife too apparently... Fyar muttered in his heart. He then moved his queen, closing the white king's movement space. "Checkmate. Yes unavoidable.."
Hasya narrowed his eyes. He looked at the board with a serious expression, looking for a way out, racking his brain. "Aghh damn.."
Not long after he sighed deeply, his shoulders slumped. "I give up."
Hasya snapped his fingers. The chessboard floated slowly to the edge of the pool, landing smoothly on the stone floor. He then slumped his body, leaning fully against the pool wall while looking at the sky. "Wow you're great Fyar... damn..."
"You praise too much," said Fyar. He leaned back too, closing his eyes enjoying the sensation of hot water relaxing his tense muscles.
"Congratulations on getting together with Rasie..." said Zaefal while smiling thinly at Hasya. He adjusted the towel on his head.
Hasya's face turned slightly red. He smiled widely until his eyes narrowed. "Oh thanks thanks!"
"This all wouldn't work without your advice teachers!" Hasya gave a playful military salute to Zaefal and Fyar.
"How does it feel? Are you happy?" asked Fyar, opening one eye.
"I-I was shocked!" said Hasya, his hands moving excitedly in the air re-enacting the event earlier. "She suddenly softened like that and and.. kissed me.."
"Aghh she's so damn cute!!! Rasie is so cute damn it!!!" shouted Hasya while submerging half his face into the water, then appearing again with a beaming face.
Zaefal laughed lightly. "Well I was shocked she could be that aggressive, and btw this is my first time seeing her put on a soft expression like that.."
"Seriously seriously?!" asked Hasya enthusiastically. His eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"Yes seriously.." Zaefal nodded firmly. "Eh she might really love you Hasya.."
"Eh she who is rough like that can become soft and shy.., the charm of a strong person is indeed different huh..." said Fyar while smiling wryly.
"Hah thanks for the compliment Fyar!" said Hasya proudly. He puffed out his chest. He then looked at Zaefal, his expression changing to be a bit calmer. "Oh right I'm curious too.. do you have a wife or girlfriend?"
Zaefal was startled by the sudden question. His eyes widened slightly, then softened. He stared at the reflection of the aurora light in the water. "Well yes."
"Oh who who?"
"Seraphina.." answered Zaefal softly, almost whispering.
"She is an elf, she is a woman who is gentle, sometimes rough, and stubborn.."
"Oh elf?" said Hasya enthusiastically. He sat up straight. "Where is she now? Is she in the human kingdom or the elf kingdom?"
Zaefal bit his lower lip. His gaze became distant and sorrowful. "Currently she is in a place far away.. very far... extremely far..."
"A place far away?" Hasya narrowed his eyes, his forehead wrinkled in confusion. "What does that mean.."
"Is she like on an adventure?"
Zaefal smiled bitterly then nodded gently. "Well you could say that.."
Seems like something happened to his girlfriend... but I can't press him... I want to help him but it seems too sensitive for him... Hasya muttered in his heart. He nodded in understanding. "I see.."
"I can't wait to meet her.." said Fyar sincerely.
"Well I want to see what it's like if Zaefal becomes lovestruck.. haha," Hasya laughed again. He splashed a little water towards Zaefal.