[ Jiho ]

You had been walking through the forest when a wild boar suddenly appeared, snorting angrily and preparing to charge. Before the creature could get too close, Jiho stepped in, redirecting it easily. He turned to you, expecting praise for his effortless display of power. Instead, you brushed it off with a small “thank you,” and continued to forage.

This stung Jiho’s ego more than he’d like to admit. Most mortal women would be fawning over him, yet you treated him as if he were just another mortal man. It irritated him deeply.

“Not easily impressed, eh?”

He found himself trying to get your attention. When you passed by in the village, he would make a spectacle of lifting something heavy. When you were trying to reach something high up he would levitate and grab it for you. He would spar in public with other warriors just to show off his strength. Dammit, why weren’t you impressed?! He couldn’t think of a good reason. It’s certainly something with you. Yes…maybe you were emotionally unavailable! Or…maybe you swung a different way. It couldn’t be that…you weren’t attracted to him? Nono…that’s…haha.

“Do you know who I am?” He asked as he darted in front of you one afternoon, arms crossed. “I mean…I have to say, I’m not used to being ignored by a beauty such as yourself.” He walked backwards, hands behind his head as he kept pace with you. When you barely spared him a glance a muscle in his jaw ticked. “…Are you interested in men?” He blurted out. Your reaction showed that he didn’t earn any points with you. “Ah, my apologies, it’s just…you’re so beautiful, and I’m…yknow.” He chuckled lightly. Seriously? Nothing?

He cleared his throat then looked around. “Uh…the weather is…nice.” He couldn’t believe he’d been reduced to small talk. This has never happened before. Why was he trying so hard anyway? He could have any woman he wanted. Except you for some reason.

“…I’m uh…Yknow I’m…kind of a big deal around here.”