𝐈 𝐂𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝

𝐆𝐮

The morning after the shattering attack, Yuna came into the shared quarters with her team with a red face and diamond tears running down her cheeks.

"Are you okay, Yuna?" Ryujin asked immediately, gathering around Yuna with the other two, Danielle was nowhere to be found at the moment.

"No, Unnie. Danielle is thinking of leaving the program." Yuna exclaimed, dapping her face with the tissue in her hands. Everyone gasped at the news, "She said that without her brother here, she doesn't see a point in staying. And I want to support her if it's her decision but... I don't know. I just feel like she's too emotional to make such a big decision like this right now."

"Where is she? I can talk to her." Winter offered, but Yuna retaliated.

"She's with Mentor Hwang talking about it. I hope she'll convince her to stay for just a bit longer."

It made sense to Ryujin that Dani would want to leave now. She was only in this program to pilot with her brother or at least show him she made it like him, but now he'll never see that. The only thing that would save her position here is her true passion for the program, which she has, but would it be strong enough to make her stay?

Winter pulled Yuna to the side to comfort her and Chaeryeong went to Ryujin to chat. "What do you think she'll do?" Chaeryeong asked.

"I don't know, to be honest. I just hope Ye- I mean Mentor Hwang guides her to whatever is best for her." Ryujin sighed. And then Chaeryeong pulled them both to the side, to sit furthest away from where Yuna and Winter were. Chaeryeong looked around, held Ryujin's hand and looked at her sternly but comfortingly, as if Ryujin was safe to tell her anything.

"Ryujin-ssi..." Chaeryeong started, looking down to second guess her decision to admit whatever it was she had on her mind. It made Ryujin nervous, she thought Chaeryeong might confess feelings. "I know that you and Mentor Hwang are seeing one another, and that it's pretty serious." Chaeryeong deadpanned.

It didn't show on her calm face, but Ryujin's heart collapsed. Of course, she wondered how the hell Chaeryeong found out, she and Yeji were being so careful.

"Ryujin... we drift together every morning. It may be in simulation, but the drift is very much real. Remember, my memories add to yours and yours add to mine."

Of course. How could Ryujin miss it? How could Yeji?

"But don't worry, I- I won't tell anyone. It may be wrong, but I can tell that it's not affecting you guys in a bad way."

"What do you mean?"

"Mentor Hwang isn't biased towards you or softer towards you in any way. And I don't think it would do any good given we have three kaiju on the loose."

"Thank you, Chaeryeong."

"You're welcome."

Ryujin told Yeji about it, how could she not? Yeji was uneven about it at first, it highlighted the fact that they are legitimately breaking the rules. Nothing illegal, but it can get Ryujin sent home and Yeji relieved of her position. But given Yeji has such a high-ranking job that no one else is the level to fulfill, she may be punished or temporarily sent home but not permanently banished.

After Midnight Sex Duty, previously known as Midnight Training Duty, Yeji was walking Ryujin back to her quarters and they spoke about it more.

"This is dangerous, Ryujin. The second one person finds out, it grows until Marshal Kim knows." Yeji stressed, but Ryujin playfully rolled her eyes and stopped Yeji from walking. She gave Yeji longing doe eyes and reassured her.

"She's loyal and her word is good, Yeji. We have nothing to worry about." She told her, smirking and pushing her back towards the wall. Yeji rolled her eyes and scoffed, switching positions so that Ryujin was the one on the wall now. She kissed Ryujin sweetly, tucking her short hair behind her ear and admiring her soft features.