Chapter 10: Fluorescence

Fluorescence

"Head Madame Fei! Zhao Gao! Anyone! Someone is taking Roseanne away!" Shu Hua screamed anxiously.

I released Cold Face from my strong embrace and looked at him.

"Let's go." he declared.

His warm and big hands clasped my hand. I looked at our fingers intertwined. Just this simple action of him made me feel safe and protected.

Cold Face pulled me and we both run. Shu Hua blocked the doorway with her arms. This bitch thought she can stop us from going out!

When we got near her, I clenched my fist and punched her hard in the face. Shu Hua fell on the floor while touching her bleeding lips. I smirked at her and said.

"That's the repayment for the blush you gave me earlier. Do you like the color of your lips?!"

After mocking the bitch, Cold Face and I continue running. I can still feel the sting on my knuckles. Shu Hua has a stone lips.

"There are enemies in front of us!" I said terrified.

Cold Face didn't seem to mind what I said and resume running to the muscular men's direction. The men run towards us and aimed their shining sharp sword. Cold Face swiftly strike his sword and the men fell down with slashes in their bodies.

Gosh.

They died right in my face!

I didn't have the chance to think when another bunch of killers charged to us. Cold Face pushed me to the side and he fight those men all by himself.

"Cold Face to your right!" I screamed in horror when I saw a man aiming at his right side.

With no hesitation, Cold Face pierced the guards's stomach. After killing all those men, he pulled me again and we both run to escape.

When we went down the hall, I saw how messy the hall is. The tables are turned upside down, the pieces of the broken porcelains are scattered on the floor, the curtains are all cut, and the ladies are all hollering around

"Hong Rong!"

I saw Hong Rong sorrounded by several men. I can see how much he's struggling as he is outnumbered by them.

"Roseanne. Stay here and hide under the table. I will help Hong Rong. Never come out! I will come back once we killed them all."

I nodded at Cold Face. Like what he said, I kneel down and hide under the table. I watched how he flew in the sky and stepped on the back of the brothel's guards.

Cold Face landed on the center beside Hong Rong. Their backs touched and they talked for a little. Then they both charge to the guards and begin slashing their swords to them.

It's like I'm watching a Wuxia. The amount of superhuman skills of martial arts are executed right in front of me.

Once again, I saw how my soft friend Hong Rong turned into a mad warrior killing anyone who went on his way. While Cold Face became a raging beast slaughtering everything that is moving.

"Holy shit! Watch out for Zhao Gao!" I warned them.

Zhao Gao strike his big sword to Cold Face and luckily he blocked it with his own sword. I can feel how strong Zhao Gao's attack was when I saw Cold Face moved backward.

Cold Face and Zhao Gao continue brawling. Hong Rong is left fighting the remaining guards alone. All I can do is watched them fight and pray for their safety.

The sound of metals clashing filled the hall. Hong Rong successfully annihilated the guards and joined his Master fighting the big muscular man. Zhao Gao is really a hard opponent but I can see his beads of sweats. His breathing is now ragged meaning that he is getting tired now.

Hong Rong attempted to slash the big man's arms and the loud growl of Zhao Gao confirmed the success of his attack. Zhao Gao touched his bleeding arms and glared at Hong Rong. He started lashing his sword with strong force and aimed to my dear friend.

I screamed when I saw how the sharp edge nearly touched Hong Rong's shoulder. Cold Face sneakily flew again and kicked Zhao Gao. The big man fell down and Cold Face took the advantage. He raised his sword and pierce Zhao Gao's back. Hong Rong came forward and slashed the muscular man's neck.

They have successfully killed him.

I am supposed to puke with the scene but seeing that the battle has already ended made me feel relieved and rejoiced. I went out of the table and jump in happiness.

"Yey! The evils are now dead! WE-AAAAAH."

Out of nowhere, someone pulled me behind. I screamed when I felt a sharp metal pointing on my neck. Gosh!

"The two of you! Don't move! Or I'll stab this bitch and make her blood splatter on the floor!"

Head Madame Fei!

Fuck!

I forgot about this old geezer!

"Drop your sword!"

"Don't AAHHH." I cried when I felt the tip slightly piercing my skin.

"Roseanne!"

"I said drop your sword!"

Hong Rong and Cold Face angrily dropped their sword on the floor. They remain standing and stared at me with anxious expression on their face.

"You ruinous bitch! If I only knew that you will bring disaster in this brothel, I will never buy you!"

I whined when her nail dug to my shoulder. I want to push her away but the knife pointing on my neck is stopping me. Fuck!

"You are a misfortune! You teared down the only place I considered home. You ruined my happiness! You shattered my future! You destroyed it all! You evil woman!"

What?!

She's the evil one!

She forced all the women here to sell their bodies!

She enslaved them!

She's the future destroyer!

And she called this brothel her home?!

This old hag is really insane!

"All the things I worked hard for are gone. Even if I escape here, My Lord will kill me. My life has no meaning now. I will not die alone! You will accompany me to hell! I'll kill you!"

I closed my eyes and waited for the sharp knife to end my life. But seconds passed and there is still no action happened. Instead, I heard Head Madame Fei's grunt.

Her grasp on my shoulder loosened. When I turn around, I saw her falling down. My eyes widen when I saw Yisa holding a bloody dagger in her trembling hand.

"Yisa."

"Roseanne!"

Yisa threw the dagger away and hugged me.

"Are you okay?" she asked worryingly.

"Yeah. Thank you so much for saving my life."

"You're welcome. I have also been waiting to kill this evil woman. And I finally did it."

"Yisa."

"Your neck is bleeding! I'll get you a medicine!"

Yisa ran away and went to the direction where the rooms are. I put my hand on my neck and confirmed that I'm really bleeding.

"Roseanne!"

I turned back and saw Hong Rong and Cold Face walking towards me.

"Hong Rong!"

I run to him and embraced him tight. Gosh! How I miss this boy!

"Do you know how much I miss you huh?!" I wailed to him.

"I... I missed you too."

My lips formed a smile when I heard him say that. Hong Rong is still shy and not used to how touchy I am. But he's improving though! He's now hugging me back! This boy! He missed me too! Haha!

I glanced in front and saw Cold Face watching us. I released Hong Rong from my embrace and went to Cold Face. Without asking for his permission, I hugged him too.

"H-h-hey!"

"Don't worry Cold Face, I missed you too! And also, thank you for finding and saving me."

Cold Face stopped struggling and let me hug him. If it's not for this man recognizing my voice box, I think I will never be able to escape this place.

Yisa came with a wooden chest in her hands. She began cleaning my wound. Several soldiers came to the brothel. I thought that they are going to seize Cold Face and Hong Rong but when Cold Face show them something, they all get down on their knees and bowed. Cold Face told them to rise and he started talking to the soldiers.

He really has a high position in the military.

"You are so lucky Roseanne. There are people willing to risk their lives to save you. There are people who loves you." Yisa uttered.

I just smiled at her.

I am really fortunate to meet Hong Rong and Cold Face. If it's not for these two guys, I'm probably dead since the beginning of my journey here.

The soldiers started collecting the dead bodies inside the brothel. The hollering ladies are also ushered out. Cold Face and Hong Rong then went to my direction.

"Uh Yisa, this is Hong Rong and uhm Master. This is Yisa, a new friend I met here."

I nearly called him Cold Face again.

"Good Evening My Lords. Let me express my gratitude for saving my life and my sisters!"

Yisa begin kowtowing. The other ladies begin kowtowing too. I laughed when I saw how Hong Rong uncomfortably move and looked at his Master. As usual his Master remain stoic and told them to rise.

He is really used to people honoring him.

"Now that all is done here, we should head out now." Cold Face said.

"My Lord, The night is already deep. Why don't you spend your night here and take a rest?" Yisa suggested.

I started yawning after hearing Yisa's suggestion. She's right. It's already late and my body feels so worn out. I'm so sure that Hong Rong and Cold Face feel the same too since they fought hard earlier. Their energy and strength are presumably drained out.

"Yisa's right. Let's take a rest first. You are doubtlessly exhausted." I added.

"Alright. We'll leave before the sun rise."

--*

"Are you sure you're not going with us?"

Yisa gave me a light smile. She looked at the other girls currently waiting for her. We are outside the brothel saying our goodbyes.

"Yes. I can't part with my sisters. Although we are all not blood related, our bond are stronger than a family. We will move to a far village and start a new life together."

"If that's your decision, then I will not hold you back. I will pray for your safe and steady journey."

"Thank you Roseanne. I will pray for yours too. I hope to see you in the future."

"Me too Yisa."

Yisa and I embraced each other for the last time. She also bowed to Hong Rong and Cold Face as a farewell. I wave my hand as she walked to her sisters' direction.

I hope to see you again Yisa.

"Let's go."

Cold Face humped on the horse back. Hong Rong helped me climb up on the horse before ascending too. Our journey starts again.

Riding on a horse and feeling the wind blows felt ecstatic. I can't believe that I'm here travelling again with Hong Rong and Cold Face. All my worries flew away now that I am here with them.

If I really can't go back to where I came from and this is now my new life, then I don't mind spending my every second with the new family I found.

I will travel the world and discover things I never knew. My life will be filled with adventure and happiness. I will do great things and be productive.

I will live my life to the fullest.

"What really happened to you Roseanne? We thought you went home. Why did you end up in that brothel?" Hong Rong asked confused.

We are currently in the middle of the forest taking a rest. It's already dark and the bonfire is blazing, giving us light and warmth.

"When I rode that boat, I thought that I can finally go home. But I was wrong. I didn't find my way back. I got lost and I floated in the middle of the sea for days. Then a ship full of men saw me. I heard their remarks about me and learned that they are slave traders. They threw a big anchor to my boat making a big hole in it. So I tried to get away from them. I jumped in the water and swam. But they hit me with something and I felt a sharp thing hit me. I lost consciousness."

Cold Face and Hong Rong remained silent. Their attention is on me and waiting for my story telling.

"The next thing I knew, I found myself inside a big wooden cage. They captured me. After days of traveling, we arrived at Guo Song. I asked the passing soldier for help but he ignored me. I learned that slave selling is legal here. Then I was bought by that old hag. She cleaned me up and made me wear flamboyant dress. She told me that she will give me to her Lord. Her boss and the owner of that brothel."

"I was trained for days. Waiting for my ruin. Yisa told me do my best so that the Lord will like me. If the Lord liked me, there's a chance that he will make me his wife and I will never serve any man except from him. I tried to be optimistic and listened to what Yisa said. The night of performance came and I danced in front of the Lord."

I paused when I thought of that horrendous experience. Gosh. I can still feel that bastard's hands in my body.

"Did he touch you?" Cold Face asked with a hint of anger in his voice.

"He touched me. He touched my sensitive parts. I tried to push him away from me. I tried to fight but he's strong! So I gave up and waited for my ruin. Then he suddenly stopped. He saw the token you gave me and asked where I got that. He looked flabbergasted. Then a guard came in our room telling him that they should leave because someone came. He was dumbfounded and asked if the guard really see that someone. He asked if that someone already knew his secret. Then he left the room."

"Can you describe what does that Man looked like?" Cold Face asked.

"Of course! That man is freaking tall!  He has a well built body and is also freaking handsome! His skin is dark. He has a snake like eyes and the most notable part of him is the scar on his eyebrow. Man I hate to admit but that scar made him hotter."

I looked at Hong Rong and Cold Face and saw that they are both seriously looking at each other. They are like talking through their minds.

"Hey! Do you know who that guy is?!"

"I have an idea who is that man but I still have to confirm it."

"Ah. But can I ask you something? What is this token you gave me? By the expression of that man when he saw this, he was shocked. Is this a military badge or something? Are you a soldier with a remarkable position?"

"Why are you asking that?"

"Hello! This token saved me from getting defiled! Of course I will be curious of how important this token is! Can I always stop bad people from harming me if I showed this to them? Can I call for help? Can I save people?"

Cold Face looked at me with a serious expression in his face. He's like discerning me with those eyes as if he's trying to read my mind.

"Okay okay don't give me that look. I will not pry your privacy. It's just that I don't know anything about you. I don't even know your name."

"Roseanne." Hong Rong spoke.

"Okay I get it. I'll stop being nosy. Forget what I said. But I will not return this token to you anymore haha. This is now mine!"

"You are right. That token is precious and I have a remarkable position."

"Master." Hong Rong called him.

"I... I am a general and that token is my badge of authority."

Cold Face remain staring at me. I didn't expect him to answer my prying question. It's very surprising to hear him giving some information about himself. When I know that he's trying to conceal his identity.

"Then I will return this. This is essential to an authoritative person like you."

"I will not take that. I already gave that to you. So in case you get in trouble again, I can save you. If you get separated from me again, there is a way for me to find you."

After hearing what he said, my heart pounded erratically. Cold Face gazed intently into my eyes. I became self-conscious and uncomfortable that's why I averted my eyes to Hong Rong who's looking at us.

"Okay no taking back of words! This token is mine now HAHA. Aiya! Days of travelling is exhausting. I'm feeling sleepy. I'll sleep now guys!"

I didn't wait for their response and layed on the ground already. I faced their opposite side and closed my eyes.

What the hell is wrong with me?!

Why is Cold Face's words giving a different effect on me?

Dang it.

Maybe I'm just freaking tired that's why I have an irregular heartbeat.

I'll just sleep this freaky feeling.

The next days of our journey went smooth. We passed through wild forests and scorching hot desert. Unlike before, I can say that I'm getting used to this kind of hardship.

"Are we close to the next town?" I asked Hong Rong.

"Master said that we will get there if we passed this mountain. Why? Are you tired already? I will tell Master to let us rest for a while."

"No. There's no need. If we take a rest now then we'll spend our night in this mountain."

We continue riding on our horse. Time passed and the sun is already setting. Man. It seems like darkness will overtake us. So to lighten the mood and entertain myself, I decided to mess around with Hong Rong.

"Hong Rong."

"Hmm?"

"What do you call someone with no body and no nose?"

"What? Someone with no body and no nose? Is there someone like that?! Poor him!"

I rolled my eyes when I heard his no fun question. Dang. What a mood downer Hong Rong is.

"Damn Hong Rong. Of course there's no one like that. I am just blabbing a joke here! Just freaking ask what!"

"Oh okay."

"I'll ask you again. What do you call someone with no body and no nose?"

"What?"

"Nobody knows!"

I cracked up at my own joke. I glanced at Hong Rong and saw him staring at the road astounded. After a few seconds, he started cackling.

"Bwahahaha. Nobody knows. Bwahahaha. That is so funny!"

"I knew right! Haha. Okay hear this one. Why did the invisible man turn down the job offer?"

"Bwahahaha. Why? Bwahahaha."

"Because he couldn't see himself doing it!"

The two of us roared in laughter. Maybe if we're not riding a horse right now, he'll probably clapping his hands. That's how Hong Rong laughs. Whenever he's laughing, his hands are automatically clapping.

"BWAHAHAHA. He couldn't see him self doing it! BWAHAHAHA. You are hilarious Roseanne! BWAHAHAHA.

I resume telling him dad jokes. Both of us laugh our lungs out. Hong Rong even told me that if his grip to the horse's rope loosened, it's all my fault for messing around.

Well at least our mood is lightened and our exhaustion lessened. I even saw Cold Face glancing at us. Maybe he's wondering why we are bursting in laughter.

Too bad that you're in another horse Cold Face. You can't here my ridiculous Dad jokes.

"Okay it's my turn now Roseanne."

"Ow. I better prepare cause you are an aspiring comedian."

Hong Rong gave off a cough and smirked.

"Why did the old man fell in the well?"

"Why?"

"Because he couldn't see that well!"

We both laugh at his ludicrousness. His droll laugh made it more funny. I wiped the tear from my eyes that fell from extreme laughing.

Wah. It's been a long time since I laughed like this. Maybe I should play with Hong Rong more. He's a comedian!

"Aiya! You're a rising star in the art of comedy! You're now becoming a threat to me!"

"No no no! You're still the best when it comes to side-splitting jokes."

"Huh! Let's see if you can beat this one. What has two butts and kills people?"

"What?"

"An assassin."

Our supposedly loud laughter was replaced with loud screams when our horse trotted. It scampered making Hong Rong and I fall on the ground.

My back hit the hard soil. I yowl in pain when I felt a rock underneath me. I opened my eyes and my vision blurry.

"Roseanne! Roseanne! Are you alright?"

Hong Rong lifted my shoulder. I used all my strength to stand up. What the fuck happened?

Numerous footsteps echoed around. When I already gained my keenness, I saw legion of men in front of us. They are all in black clothes and also wearing a black mask on their faces.

"Assassins." Cold Face uttered.

"The Lord ordered to kill them all! No one must survive especially that woman! Attack!"

The assassins run towards us. Cold Face released his sword and began fighting them. Hong Rong took his sword too and brawled with the assassins too.

I seized the chance to hide behind the trunk of a big tree. I helplessly watched how the two of them contend in a battle.

Cold Face unleashed his demon side and lashed his sword to the enemies. Hong Rong kicked one of them before piercing his chest.

While watching the brawl, I noticed how different these assassins are. Unlike the guards of the brothel, these killers are more skilled.

They are stronger. They moved faster. Some of them are able to dodge Hong Rong's attack. I can't help but feel worried about my two friends.

"This kind of martial arts, you're from the Bloody Moon Brotherhood! Who sent you here?! Did Ming Yue commanded you to kill me?!" Cold Face shouted.

"We are not obligated to answer your question when you are about to die!"

Cold Face bent his body and spun in the air. He striked his sword to the assassins and the sharp metal thrust into his stomach.

My ears rang when I heard movements behind me. I turned back and saw an assassin aiming at me.

"Haha! I got you!"

Before he hit me, I crouched down and dodge his attack. His sword whack the trunk and it get stuck. I grasp the chance and took the large stone below me and threw it to him.

"Fuck you!" I cursed him loudly.

"You mischievous woman! I'll kill you!"

I run away from him. The assassin chased me with murderous glare in his eyes. Fuck this asshole!

"AHHHHH."

I yelp in pain when the dirtbag pulled my hair. Then I stumbled on the ground. I can't believe that this scum pulled my hair! What a cheating looser!

So I grasp some soil and threw it to his face. The scum screech proving that the soil entered his eyes. While he was  rubbing his eyes, I kicked his balls.

"Serves you right scumbag!"

I left the assassin and began running away again. Shit! That is so satisfying! That was my first time hurting a person and I can't believe that it will make me feel delighted.

How dare he pull my hair?!

Is he gay?!

A large strong hand grab my neck and slammed me to the ground. I cried in pain and rolled on the ground.

"You are a persistive bitch! I will not let you escape from me again! Die!"

Someone started strangling me. With my eyes widening in circle, I saw the assassin that I left earlier above me. He is devilishly grinning as he choke me to death.

I tried to remove his grip to my neck but the man is fucking strong. I opened my mouth and gasped for air but my throat is blocked. As the seconds passed my entire body felt deflated. My face felt like it's going to explode and I can see my vision narrowing. He's killing me!

No!

I can't die here!

Fight Roseanne!

Fight!

All of a sudden, the assassin's body stiffened. His grip to my neck loosened and I immediately gasped for air. I coughed several times and looked at the assassin.

He is now laying on the ground with a slash in his neck. Hong Rong came to me and aided me.

"Roseanne! Are you alright?!" he worryingly asked.

"Hong Rong take Roseanne away! I will fight them!" I heard Cold Face yelled.

"But Master!"

"Leave!"

"Roseanne can you stand up? We have to leave now!"

I nodded at him and took my remaining strength to stand. Hong Rong pulled me and we started running away. I looked back to Cold Face and saw that he is currently fighting seven people.

Please be safe Cold Face.

"They're escaping! Follow them!"

The road is steep making it more hard for us to go faster. Even though my shoe was removed from my left feet, I beared the pain while stepping on a few passing stones.

"AHHH."

One of the assasins overtook us and begin attacking us. Hong Rong and I stopped running as he fight the killer. He had successfully killed the assasin but the remaining six had already arrived.

Outnumbered, Hong Rong brawled with them. He kicked the two's chest making them move backward and he pounce on the other two. He stroke his sword to the two assassins and killed them.

Hong Rong yelp in pain when a sword hit his arm. But that doesn't stop him from fighting back.

Beads of sweat filled his face. He has been fighting for so long! He is completely drained out! He is now exhausted!

I can't just stand here and watch him suffer alone!

I removed my remaining shoe and threw it to one of the assasins. I collected stones and threw it to them.

"Damn you evils! Die!"

I continue throwing stones to the assassins hoping that it will have some effect on them. There are now three assassins left.

"Hong Rong!" I screamed when he was hit in the leg.

Hong Rong beared the pain and resume slashing his sword. Another assasin was killed but what happened next halted my breathing.

"Hong Rong!" I screamed in horror.

Right in front of me, I saw how the sword of one of the killer's pierced his stomach. Hong Rong kneeled in torture but he resume fighting again.

Tears stream down my face as I watch how he struggled to fight back.

"Hong Rong!"

He killed one of the assasin but the remaining one stabbed him again. Hong Rong kneeled to the ground with his sword loosening from his hand.

"No!"

Although there still an assassin, I didn't think of anything and ran to Hong Rong. I supported his laying body and make him recline on my lap.

"Die!" the assassin shouted.

I embraced Hong Rong and covered him. The sword never touched my body when the assassin was stabbed in the back. Cold Face showed up with his bloody weapon.

"Hong Rong!" I cried out.

"Roseanne."

I looked at his stomach and blood gushed from it. I placed my hands in it and tried to apply pressure.

"You will be fine Hong Rong! You will be fine alright! I'm here! I'll cure you!" I told him with a hoarse voice.

His hands touched mine and refrain me from doing it.

"Stop wasting your efforts Roseanne. I know that it's already too late now."

"No! Don't say that! It's not late! You will be save! I will save you! Cold Face help me carry Hong Rong! Let's take him to the doctor!"

Cold Face came to us. He was about to touch Hong Rong when he got rejected by him.

"Stop Master please. Roseanne please. Let me stay this way. Please grant my request."

My shoulders began shaking. My tears are dripping from my jaw. My heart is aching so bad.

"Listen to me Roseanne. Listen to my words. Are you listening?"

"Yes Hong Rong. I'm listening."

"All these past years, I lived in agony. I lived with a grudge in my heart. My heart is stoned in torment. I never thought of anything else. I lived to avenge the death of my annihilated family."

He then looked at me.

"Then one day, Master brought a wounded woman. Master brought you. I will admit that your beauty captivated me the first time I saw you. An odd feeling started growing inside me. That's why when you begged me to tell Master to allow you come with us, I really tried my best because I want to spend more time with you."

My tears continue falling. My chest is hurting so bad. I don't want to hear him talk like this. It's breaking my heart.

"During our journey, I learned how jolly you are. We became close. You are talkative and silly. You are different from the other girls I knew. You are you. And that made this unidentified feeling grow stronger. Especially when I heard you sing. At first, I don't know what I'm feeling inside my chest but as the time goes by, I have realized what it is. I realized what I'm feeling for you. And I will finally confess now."

Hong Rong smiled faintly and stared directly in my eyes.

"I love you Roseanne. Not as a friend or a sister. I love you as a woman. I love seeing you smile. I love hearing you laugh. I love messing around with you. You made me feel something that I thought I would never experience."

"Hong Rong."

"I know. I know that you don't feel the same way about me. But it's alright. I accept it. I will still love you. My heart will still beat for you. As long as you're safe. As long as you're happy. I am contented with that."

I never thought that Hong Rong felt that way to me. I thought he was just shy around girls that's why he's like that whenever I get clingy to him.

"Hong Rong stopped talking now! Reserve your strength!"

Hong Rong coughed and volume of bloods came out from his mouth. My cries got louder when I saw his pale face.

"No. I don't want. If I don't tell you this then I think I will never have the  chance."

Hong Rong held my hand tightly. I held his hand back and make it clasped.

"My days with you are the happiest days of my life. Thank you Roseanne for making my life better. Because of you I felt that it still worth living. Because of you I learned how to love. I don't regret being hurt just to save you. Because finally, I am now not weak and useless. I have protected my loved one. I can now die with no remorse in my heart."

"No don't say that Hong Rong! You will not die! Please let us take you to the doctor!" I begged him.

"Even if I die, I will remain staying by your side."

Hong Rong raised his hand and wiped my tears.

"How can you still be so beautiful even when you're crying?"

"Cold Face! Help me take him to the doctor!"

"Master. Thank you for all the things you've done for me. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for taking care of me. For the last time, can you I ask you a last request?"

"What is it Hong Rong?" said by Cold Face with a shaking voice.

"Please take care of Roseanne. Do not let anyone hurt her. Promise me."

"I'll do that. I promise to protect her. I will not let anyone hurt her."

"Thank you Master." he said with a soft voice.

Hong Rong looked at me again. His face is becoming paler. He looked more weak and fragile.

"Can you sing for me Roseanne? I want to hear your enchanting voice." he said in a low voice.

"Okay. I'll sing for you. I'll sing for you Hong Rong."

I tried to stop sobbing. I think of a song for Hong Rong. When I already think of one, I opened my quivering lips and began singing.

It hurts me as the wind blows

But that one small ray of sun makes me smile

Tears are streaming down my cheeks and my voice are shaking while singing. This is a happy song but my heart is bleeding while singing it.

🎶 Everyone is so busy

They get on with their lives

But that one friend makes me smile 🎶

Hong Rong is that one small ray of sun that makes me smile. His soft heart and cheery personality brings warmth to my cold hands.

🎶 When I find a place where loneliness does not exist

Join me there my friend, come with me 🎶

If there's only a place where there is no suffering, I want Hong Rong to come with me there. He doesn't deserve this cruel world.

🎶 There's a place I wanted to return to

Now even my footprints seem unfamiliar to me 🎶

If I could only go back to my world, I will bring him with me. Even if he refuse, I will tie his arms with mine and take him there. But I can't. I can't find my way back.

🎶 My dear friend

Thank you for being you

My dear friend

Thank you for being you 🎶

My world stopped when I felt Hong Rong's hand loosened his grasp on me. I nervously looked at him and saw that he is now not moving. His eyes is still open but it looked lifeless.

"Hong Rong! No! Wake up Hong Rong!" I wailed.

I shook his shoulder to wake him up but he remained silent and not moving. He stopped breathing. I cried harder when I felt his heart no longer beating.

"Hong Rong! Why?! Why did you leave me?! We still have so many things to do! I still have so many jokes to say to you! We still have so many games to play! Hong Rong! No! You can't leave me! You can't die on me!"

I continue lamenting but Hong Rong never answered back. No matter how I weep, he's stil not moving.

He's laying on my lap.

Lifeless.

Hong Rong's gone!

We were just joking around earlier but now he's dead.

He's gone.

The first friend I have in this place is gone.

The one who's always defending me everytime Cold Face and I were bickering is gone.

The one who's always siding with me, the only one who can withstand my mischievousness, the brother I never had is gone.

Numerous fireflies appeared lighting up the deep darkness of the night. They are beacons of radiance, shining all their glory.

"Three months of summer, fireflies rise from the withered grass."

I put my hand on top of Hong Rong's eyelid and closed his eyes. I bowed down and placed a kiss on his forehead.

The end of summer arrives and the dark nights are still burning up. Yet another farewell came, creating a tremendous sadness.