Ninjago- "An ending is really just a new beginning"

Chapter 11

Lloyd's POV

We got into my my car, Harumi in the back. We rode in comfortable silence, the radio just a low hum in the background. I felt rather upbeat today, tapping in hands on the steering wheel whenever the beat dropped, just lightly vibrating the speakers. But I noticed that Harumi was particularly quiet. As we stopped at a red light, I turned my torso to face her.

"Are you alright?", I asked, concern sounding thick on my tone that even I noticed it.

She rolled her eyes at me but gave me a genuine smile,"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

"You're very quiet,"I pointed out," Is something bothering you?"

She bit her lip, thinking. I frowned. The traffic lights switched to green, forcing me to turn back to my seat and continue driving. After a long while, she spoke.

"I'm just wondering about...after."She finally said in a quiet voice.

I parked the car right at the sidewalk just near her apartment. I whipped my head towards her,"After?"

She looked nervous, fumbling with her fingers, her teeth biting hard onto her lip now.

"Can we...talk about it when we get inside?"she pleaded.

My eyes widened as I registered what she said.

What did she mean about after? After she's done helping us? Was she going to leave Ninjago? Start a new life somewhere?

With...someone?

My heart sped into a panicked frenzy.

"Of course,"I managed a smile, jumping out of the car.

She smiled back, heading towards the apartment.

...........................................

Click. Harumi turned the key and swung open door number 209. I've been to her apartment only twice to help her with her stuff but I've been so busy lately I haven't had a chance to visit her home, and she never had enough time as she was busy by doing a lot of community service insisted by the Commissioner, so we mostly kept contact during calls or the months of back-aching construction back at the monastery, But other than that, we haven't had a proper way of meeting each other. Her apartment was simply amazing and beautiful.

Just like her.

It wasn't showy in any way, but it brought a very homely and comfortable atmosphere. The walls were light peach-rose color, a small white sofa and tv, and a round table right near the kitchen counter. Harumi sighed in content next to me as she entered. She dropped her bag on the floor, dangling her shoes off her feet and twirled around in obvious excitement. I smiled at her warmly.

"Someone missed home, huh?", I said, still smiling at her.

She froze, her hands still in the air. Amazingly, she just seemed to notice I was there watching her, and she quickly hid her hands behind her back.

"I was just—stretching."she said, her face turning pink.

I raised my eyebrow, crossing my arms,"You know you don't have to lie to me Harumi, I know you're more comfortable here than the monastery."I said to her, but I couldn't help a small, sad feeling inside me. No matter how hard I could try, she'll never be convinced that she's a part of our family now—she won't even consider the monastery as her home. I don't blame her in any way though, I just felt...disappointed, to say at the very least.

Her eyes widened and she ran to throw her arms around me. My heart staggered.

"No! It's not like that!", she said,"It's just that I missed this place so much!" She explained desperately, her eyes wide. I softened at her attempt to comfort me.