Death Flute
Jealous

That night Ouwyang Ping was sitting in the park picking his harp slowly. His face was blank, yet his pair of eyes emitted a deep sadness. He was always like that when he was alone and no one noticed him. His mind is filled with problems and he does not like to share them with others, even his family.

Sen Khang—who can't sleep—heard the gentle clinking of the harp, and he decided to come out. He found Ouwyang Ping daydreaming in the park.

For a long time, Sen Khang remained silent. He did not want to disturb the girl. His heart was saddened at how gloomy and lonely the girl seemed. He wanted to amuse her. But he realized, not a single word of comfort would make the girl forget her pain.

Ouwyang Ping was aware of the presence of someone behind him. He stopped his playing and looked.

“Sister Luo,” reprimands.

Sen Khang approached. “Can't sleep, Ping-er?”

Ouwyang Ping nodded.

Unasked, Sen Khang sat on a chair next to Ouwyang Ping. “Beautiful night.”

“Ya.”

Sen Khang sighed. “You know...” started, “I thought about what I said a few days ago and I feel so sorry for being so insensitive to your feelings. One of my shortcomings is that I am too candid to realize that my straightforwardness can sometimes make people hurt. I'm sorry.”

The words surprised Ouwyang Ping. Instantly he shook his head. “Do not apologize, Brother Luo. It's not a big deal.”

“That's a big deal!” Sen Khang insisted. “I've hurt you.”

“Sister Luo, you didn't hurt me. If anyone makes me sick, it's me. I've been thinking about what you said back then and I think you might not be wrong. Maybe without me knowing I was like that. I have not been able to completely forget my past dreams..”.

This honesty is surprising. Sen Khang was glued.

Ouwyang Ping sighed. “Unfortunately, even though I have realized it, my heart has not fully accepted. It takes me more time to forget the past. To realize... Sister Wan is my sister..” His voice trembled slightly when he said the last sentence. But the look in his eyes seemed firm and determined. There's a heartbreaking fortitude there.

Sen Khang sighed. Then he gently touched Ouwyang Ping arm.

The girl flinched and noticed the hand that gently touched her arm with a chaotic feeling. He looked into Sen Khang's eyes. Those eyes were shining softly and attentively. Not only that, those eyes also emitted a bountiful affection.

The touch of Sen Khang's hand was warm, yet it did not make his heart tremble. It was different from how she felt when Chien Wan touched her.

It was not easy for Ouwyang Ping to forget those memories. It's even harder to fall in love with someone else. He respected and appreciated Sen Khang. But to love him? That's something that's not easy to do.

***

A Ming leaned his body against the wall that bound the garden with the building of houses. His face was pale and his pair of eyes were wet. His feeling was hit so deeply in witnessing the intimacy of the two lovebirds in the park. He could not listen to them, but based on what he saw he thought they were expressing love to each other. He did not expect himself to be hit by jealousy that tore his chest.

Since first meeting Sen Khang, he was fascinated with the charisma and good looks of Sen Khang. That was one of the reasons why he canceled his intention of becoming a bikksuni—the most basic reason. A nun should not fall in love with a man. That's how he feels.

For two years he struggled to improve his appearance and studied silat in order to balance Sen Khang. He wanted Sen Khang to be fascinated by her when he saw her transform from a nun-like girl to a beautiful and learned girl.

Kala met Sen Khang back and saw the admiration in his eyes, his heart soared happily. But when he saw Ouwyang Ping, seeing the beauty and elegance of the girl, seeing Sen Khang's concern for her, he knew that all the struggles and feelings he harbored were in vain.

The pain ripped through his chest, making him want to scream. But since childhood, he was taught to keep all the feelings in the heart. Abstinence for a nun to display emotions in public. So he swallowed his screams and tears.

Is there hope for him?

A Ming saw Sen Khang move away from Ouwyang Ping. He did not want the young man to see him, so he quickly left the place. But the movement is less fast because Sen Khang first saw it.

“Nona Ming,” reprimand Sen Khang. “Times like this why haven't you slept?”

A Ming turned around. He forgot his eyes were still wet and red. “I... not yet sleepy.”

Sen Khang frowned. “You've been crying, huh?”

A Ming shook his head and quickly lowered his head to wipe away his tears.

A Ming shook his head again. “No.”

“If something is stuck in your heart, you better say it. Soaked unrest will be a disease.” Sen Khang kindly patted the girl on the shoulder, unaware that A Ming had become asphyxiated due to the treatment.

A Ming's heart struck a beat. Now time!

“Mr Luo...”.

“Call me my name,” cut Sen Khang fast.

A Ming gulped and restarted, “Sen Khang.”

“Ya?”

“Do... do you and Miss Ouwyang... have a relationship..?” A Ming stammered.

“You mean?” Sen Khang chuckled.

“You look very attentive to him.”

“It was wrong, huh? I've known Ping-er for a long time. I love him so much and love him.”

“Exceed other girls?” A Ming stammered.

Sen Khang shrugged, thinking. He was still not aware of the peculiarities of A Ming's question. “Ping-er is very special. She's different from any other girl I've ever known.”

“How about me?” ask A Ming slowly. His face was red.

Sen Khang was glued. Unconsciously he retreated.

A Ming looked at him with hurt.

An understanding hit Sen Khang's mind, leaving him aghast. He had absolutely no idea A Ming would have any romantic feelings towards him! What the hell has he done? Is it possible that he had once given A Ming hope? Love can appear anywhere and against anyone. He gave no hope to A Ming. But the girl kept the love for him.

A Ming lowered his head. “I don't mean...”.

“Nothing,” cut Sen Khang. He smiled back in a friendly manner.

A Ming raised his face back.

“Actually, between us there is only friendship...”.

“Really?” A Ming's face instantly shone.

But Sen Khang frowned. “But I love it more than just friends. I hope someday he will accept my feelings.”

Hearing this, A Ming again felt extremely devastated. His lower lip began to shake. His heart is very sick.

Sen Khang sighed. “Nona Ming, I understand how you feel. I'm so flattered you like me. But I can't repay him. I don't want to be mean to you and hurt you like this. I myself do not understand why you like me.”

“I... You're very good to me...” A Ming's eyes were wet.

“Sorry if I'm impressed to give you hope. I always wanted to be nice to anyone. Didn't think my good attitude ended up making you hurt.” Sen Khang looked at the girl with a regretful look.

A Ming could no longer afford to be there. It's very painful for him. His love was rejected so easily! For a girl, it really hurt her feelings. He started running away.

He did not know if he could forget Sen Khang!

Sen Khang looked at his passing sadly.