Through the Looking Glass (TXT x Itzy)

twenty five

It was certainly startling for Beomgyu to have such irregular bursts of torturous pain, each time making him feel like he was going to die. He didn't really want to tell anyone what was going on, but the pain held him senseless and unable to move, which seriously impacted his ability to perform.

Another great reason to postpone his debut, his company always said.

He floated in and out of consciousness, his body aching and still tired, even though he had gotten so many hours of sleep.

When he finally got the energy to keep his eyes open for more than a minute, the sky was midnight black, curtains slightly parted to allow a gentle breeze to waft in.

It was so comforting, despite the pain.

The door cracked open gingerly, a sliver of bright amber light to fall in. Ryujin's dark locks swung as she poked her head in, took a few seconds to process Beomgyu being awake, then slipped in smoothly and shut the door.

"Feeling better?" Ryujin asked gently, a sleepy Dallie curled in her cupped hands. The snake, recognising Beomgyu, slid onto the boy, nestling on his stomach before dropping off to sleep.

Managing a stiff nod, Beomgyu contemplated whether or not to move Dallie away, then, deciding that to be unwise, did his best to sit up. Ryujin took a seat at the foot of his bed, her eyes flicking to the window, curtains tightly drawn but shifting in the wind.

"Why do you have a snake?" Beomgyu whispered delicately out of the blue as if he was afraid to startle the napping reptile. Ryujin smiled tenderly at the animal. "When my father's children are all of age, they are allowed one pet, could be a companion, like a dog, could be simply as an ornament, like a bird, could have practical uses, like a horse. The only condition was that it had to be some shade of red. I was, well, very pissed at my dad, so I chose the vilest, most uncomfortable animal in existence for him to hold and pass it to me himself. I didn't treasure Dallie at first, but I have to admit, she is lovely."

"You turned down a horse?" Beomgyu asked, aghast.

Her lip quirked up, "Oh, yeah. Snakes are sly, a symbol of cunningness. They are smart, adaptable, swift. They are surprisingly loyal and very, very loving. Dallie was the runt of her family, the smallest of the brood, but her gorgeous, gorgeous scales really caught my attention the moment I saw her."

They were quiet for a while, not an awkward silence, the other's presence soothing to the soul.