Home; I Found With You // Ryeji FF

sweeter than sugar.

Her weary eyes slowly opened, welcoming the golden rays of the sun as they filtered into the room. An unusual absence of dust particles dancing in the sunlight caught her attention, a rare sight. The cat-eyed woman shifted, rolling onto her left side, only to discover the absence of her partner in the messy, untidy bed beside her.

Yeji's muscles screamed in agony as she slowly maneuvered herself upright, compelled by the curiosity to understand the reason behind Ryujin's disappearance. To her surprise, she found Ryujin seated by the window, silently captivated by the sun ascending from the horizon.

She was entranced by the golden highlights gracing Ryujin's soft features. The sunlight danced on the bridge of her nose, played on her lips, and illuminated her brown eyes. As if Ryujin knew there were a pair of cat eyes on her, she turned to Yeji, a bandage adorning her forehead, with indents marking her cheeks with a pure, childlike smile.

"Good morning, Yeji. Don't worry, I didn't turn," The younger chuckled before looking back out the window. "Sleep well?"

The older gingerly swung her legs off the bed, making a conscious effort not to exert herself. "Not at all."

Ryujin hummed before pulling out another chair for Yeji to sit beside her, "Seems about right. I mean, who wouldn't sleep well after everything that happened."

Yeji settled into the seat, her gaze fixed through the glass at the world beyond. "How are the injuries?"

"Aching every time I breathe, but I'll manage," Ryujin replied, a faint grin playing on her lips, bravely masking the pain.

Yeji fiddled with her fingers, her nervous energy finding an outlet in the stray skin around her worn-out fingernails. "They said we could stay."

The dark-haired woman turned her attention back to Yeji, a glint of curiosity in her eyes. "What did you say?"

"I told them I'll ask you."

"What's going on in that mind of yours?" Ryujin mumbled, a subtle lift at the corner of her mouth.

"Thinking about what you said—about the more people we surround ourselves with, the more agonizing the pain would be when we lose them."

She had come perilously close to losing Ryujin once before; the mere thought of her succumbing to the virus paralyzed her. The pain of that near loss was unbearable. Fortunately, the miracle of Ryujin's immunity spared her from the crippling agony that would have inevitably followed. Even the near-death experience with Rex and his group ignited fear within her, highlighting the stark reality that the only safety she found resided in Ryujin.

But with the decision to join Seulgi's group, the knowledge that every member was capable of holding their own provided a glimmer of reassurance. Yet, the future remained unpredictable, as elusive as shadows cast by an ever-changing sun. At any given moment, it felt like the fragile threads holding her newfound safety could unravel, leaving her with the constant fear could lose everyone.

"You're the only one I care for, Yeji," Ryujin said softly, interrupting the swirling chaos within Yeji's exasperated mind.

I'll endure hell if you stay with me.

"I'm tired of running, not having a place to call home," Yeji sighed, looking into Ryujin's golden brown eyes.

Home is what I found in you.

Ryujin nodded with a soft smile, "I'll stay with you."

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Chaeryeong handed the pair new sets of clothing, a gesture they were profoundly grateful for, especially after the ordeal of escaping their sweat and blood-soaked garments.