Beauty’s StandpointI make a swift move to dodge her kick, and the moment she opens her defense, I finish the fight with a wide and proud smile.I am not a pro, definitely not. I am just a fighter with average speed and shamefully below-average strength. I recently graduated from a prestigious school with my fraternal twin brother. Our school is among the most feared and respected participants in different interschool competitions, including sports. For over a decade, our school's taekwondo team has had a series of wins that culminated in the team's attainment of the title "Champion of the Decade".Because of my parents' extensive connections, I once became part of this team – the sole fact that I have grown to hate so much. I saw the dedication of every member to win every match. I witnessed how they sacrificed their rest. I saw the glimmering tears of hope in their eyes amid their suffering from injuries. I recognized how they fought for the honor of the school, transparent in the s

"No, you're not sorry," she dismisses, with her eyes piercing at me."Yes, I'm not," I agree. I stretch my lips toward my cheeks, with a sign of strain, showing the absence of delight."I can't believe you'd grow this pathetic, honey," she remarks mockingly."I learned it from the best teacher," I banter, extending my hand before her, giving the impression that she is the person I am referring to. I glance sideways to see Ethan breaking into a light-hearted chuckle."What?" She asks in seething anger."Look. I will pay you for what I have taken. Will that be fine?" I grin.Kate stares at me like she's ripping my soul out. She takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself. She looks at me like I am somewhat pitiful. She leans closer to me."That's unnecessary, girl. I bet you know how filthy rich I am. I can buy the little bit of dignity you have," she says slowly and with conviction. I raise my eyebrow and smirk at her. I was not raised to step back in situations like this. I lean cl

"No way," Ethan tightens his grip, determined not to release me."Back off, dude," Damon interjects in a serious tone, catching Ethan off guard.I gaze up, back and forth, to see them lock their eyes. "Get a life, you jealous man," Ethan rejects. Damon forcefully throws a pillow toward us, causing me to quickly bow down to avoid it. I feel Ethan loosen his grip as the pillow hits his face."Bull's eye," Quinn remarks, laughing at Ethan. Ethan finally let me go and stared darkly at Damon."It slipped off," Damon innocently reasons out.Ethan picks up the pillow and stands grinning."Do you want to die?" Ethan utters in a meaningful tone, ready for any pillow fight.Before they can mess up the whole living room, I interrupt."Do you see those CCTV cameras? If Lorde sees you making a mess, you will all be kicked out before you can even explain," I threaten, pointing to the cameras placed in the corners of the living room.Realizing my point, Ethan momentarily stops and eventually plops d

"Hey, twinnie. Where were you last night? I've been calling you nonstop," she innocently asks.Lorde did not bother to look at her, but he managed to answer, "Lost my phone."It must have been so hard to live her life. Being away from home for seventeen years must have been so tough. Losing Matt must have felt like hell. Being constantly sabotaged by Kate must have been so draining. And now, she is starting to doubt Lorde.I examine her face. She is gorgeous. I wonder if I ever get to look at her and not feel guilty anymore. Does she know it is hard to breathe without her? Does she know it kills me to be around her, too? It is painful to see her act so tough and hear her sobs almost every night. Unexpectedly, her head falls onto my shoulder and memories rush to flashback like thunderbolts.#There was me and Quinn, walking down the aisle to our classroom chairs, young and innocent. Quinn unexpectedly tripped and flung onto me, causing both of us to fall face-first. Our classmates arou

"Beauty and Lorde are both my life. I'd protect them even with my life," Matt said with determination. I let Matt speak and cry the whole time while I just listened by his side. I just wanted him to know that his voice was heard. After all, he is also a brother to me.It was around eight in the evening when I went back to the rest house alone. I asked Matt to come with me, but he wanted to stay so I let him be. I wish I did not walk away. I wish I stayed. I did not know nightmares would follow me as I stepped away."Where's Matt?" Quinn asked as I approached them in the kitchen. Quinn is sitting and immersed himself in his phone. On the side are Ethan and Lorde both wearing aprons tied loosely around their waists, skillfully peeling and dicing potatoes. No one would have thought how well-off the two of them were, judging from how expert they were in the kitchen at such a young age."Just enjoying the breeze outside," I replied. Quinn nodded his head in response. He went back to focus