Twisted Fate | rupha

Chapter 8: Tangled Web

As the day wound down, Rita and Ruka decided it was time to head home after their city adventure. Walking in silence, they both felt a longing for the excitement of exploring together.

As they walked into their apartment, Ruka stretched and smiled. "Today was fun. It felt like old times."

Rita nodded, feeling a warmth spread through her. "Yeah, it really did. We should do this more often."

Ruka's smile faded slightly, a shadow passing over her face. "Yeah, maybe." She turned towards the kitchen. "I'll prepare dinner. You look exhausted."

Rita shook her head. "Let me help you."

Ruka put a hand on Rita's shoulder and gently pushed her towards the couch. "No, no. I can handle it. You take a rest first. I'll call you when dinner's ready."

Rita sighed but didn't argue. She flopped onto the couch and pulled out her phone. As the screen lit up, she saw a barrage of missed calls and messages from Minji. Her stomach churned with guilt.

Ruka glanced over, sensing something was off. "Everything okay?" she called from the kitchen, her voice muffled by the sound of clattering pots and pans.

Rita hesitated, then replied, "Yeah, just... Minji's been trying to reach me."

Ruka paused and walked over, wiping her hands on a towel. "Do you want to call her back?"

Rita shook her head. "I'll just message her. It's not like she's in town anyway. I'll explain everything when she gets back."

She quickly typed out a message: "Hey Minji, sorry I missed your calls. I've been swamped all day working on designs for our upcoming presentation. Hope you're having a great trip!"

Ruka glanced at Rita, concern etched on her face. "You didn't tell her about our day?"

Rita sighed. "No, I told her I was working. I also said you were busy with your start-up. It's just easier this way."

Ruka's frown deepened, but she didn't press further. "Alright. I'll be in the kitchen. Let me know if you need anything."

Rita nodded absently, watching Ruka retreat to the kitchen. She leaned back on the couch, staring at her phone. Guilt gnawed at her. Minji had been trying to reach her all day, and she had ignored every call and message. It wasn't fair to Minji, but she had needed this day with Ruka. It was worth it, she told herself, but the guilt refused to dissipate.

Rita's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. She knew she couldn't keep lying to Minji, but she also couldn't bear the thought of losing Ruka. The thought of Minji finding out and hating them both filled her with dread. What if she couldn't forgive them?

Rita sighed heavily, feeling the weight of her decisions pressing down on her. She knew she had to face the truth eventually, but for now, she was caught in a web of her own making. The happiness of being with Ruka was tainted by the lies she had told to keep that happiness intact.

She glanced towards the kitchen, where Ruka was busy preparing dinner. The sight of Ruka, so familiar and comforting, made her heart ache. She loved Ruka deeply, but the complexity of their situation was tearing her apart. Minji was Ruka's twin, her other half, and Rita knew she couldn't come between that bond.

Rita's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a pot clattering in the kitchen. She sighed again, realizing that she couldn't avoid this forever. Eventually, Minji would come back from her trip, and they would have to face the consequences of their actions. But for now, she would hold onto the fleeting moments of happiness with Ruka, even if it was just a temporary respite from the storm brewing on the horizon.