Twisted Fate | rupha

Chapter 11: Navigating Tensions

Rita's hand trembled as she reached for the ice pack in the freezer. The image of Minji's furious expression burned in her mind, mingling with the sting on Ruka's cheek where Minji's punch had landed. She couldn't shake off the shock of Minji's sudden appearance and the raw emotions that had spilled out in that heated moment.

Ruka winced as Rita pressed the ice pack gently against her cheek, trying to soothe the pain. "I can't believe she saw us like that," Ruka murmured, her voice tinged with disbelief and regret.

Rita sighed, her heart heavy with guilt. "I never wanted her to find out like this. It's all my fault."

Ruka shook her head, reaching out to grasp Rita's hand. "No, it's not just you. We both kept this from her for too long."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their actions hanging heavily in the air. Despite the warmth of the apartment, an icy tension gripped their hearts, a stark reminder of the rift that now existed between them and Minji.

"I should have been honest with her from the beginning," Rita whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I never should have let things get this far."

Ruka squeezed her hand gently, offering a small smile of reassurance. "We'll make things right, love."

"I think we should give Minji some time," Rita suggested softly, her eyes reflecting the turmoil within. "She needs space to process everything that happened."

Ruka nodded in agreement, her heart heavy with regret. "You're right. Pushing her right now might only make things worse. We need to respect her need for space."

They exchanged a somber glance, understanding the gravity of the situation they found themselves in. With a shared resolve, they made a silent pact to give Minji the time she needed, no matter how difficult it might be to stay away.

"We'll be here for her when she's ready," Ruka said, her voice filled with determination.

Rita squeezed Ruka's hand, offering a small smile of gratitude. "Together, we'll get through this."

Just as they were settling into the silence, the doorbell rang. Rita stood up, a flicker of hope crossing her face. "Maybe it's Minji," she said, heading to the door.

But when she opened it, she found herself face-to-face with a beautiful girl she didn't recognize.

"Hi," the girl said, her eyes lighting up as she recognized Rita. "You must be Rita. I'm Asa, Ruka's best friend. I've heard so much about you." Asa's smile was warm and inviting, but Rita couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. She hadn't expected Ruka's best friend to be this attractive.

Rita forced a smile, her insecurities bubbling up. "Nice to meet you, Asa."

Ruka appeared beside Rita, and Asa's eyes immediately widened with concern when she saw the bruise on Ruka's face. "Oh my God, Ruru, what happened?" Asa asked, her voice filled with worry.

Ruka sighed, exchanging a brief glance with Rita. "It's a long story, Asa. Come in, and I'll explain."

Asa stepped inside, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. She handed a small gift to Ruka. "This is just a little token of appreciation for what you did at the club. You really saved me from that horrible situation."

Ruka took the gift, her eyes softening with gratitude. "You didn't have to, Asa, but thank you. I'm glad I could help."

Asa then hugged Ruka tightly, her arms lingering around Ruka's waist in a way that made Rita's jealousy flare up. "You're always there for me," Asa said, her voice filled with affection.

Rita couldn't help but notice how comfortable Ruka and Asa were with each other, their easy rapport a stark contrast to the tension she felt. Asa's natural clinginess toward Ruka surprised Rita, and she found herself growing increasingly uncomfortable as Asa leaned into Ruka, touching her arm or shoulder frequently.

Trying to mask her discomfort, Rita offered, "Would you like some tea, Asa?"

"That would be lovely," Asa replied, her smile bright. "Thank you, Rita."

As Rita moved to the kitchen, she couldn't shake off the unease gnawing at her. She glanced back to see Asa still holding onto Ruka's arm, their heads close together as they talked and laughed. The sight made her stomach twist with jealousy.

As Rita set the tea down on the table, Ruka followed her into the kitchen to get some cold water, sensing her discomfort. Wrapping her arms around Rita from behind, Ruka rested her chin on her shoulder. "I know you're feeling uncomfortable," she whispered. "Asa is just naturally clingy, but you have nothing to worry about. I love you."

Rita turned to face Ruka, her eyes searching. "I trust you, love. It's just... unexpected, seeing how close you two are."

Ruka kissed her forehead gently. "I understand. But remember, you're the one I love. Asa is just a friend."

Rita nodded, feeling slightly reassured. "Okay. Let's go back and talk to her."

Returning to the living room, Ruka sat down beside Rita. Asa finally asked, "What exactly happened to your face?"

Ruka proceeded to fill Asa in on the events that had transpired between her, Rita, and Minji. Asa listened intently, her expression shifting from shock to sympathy as the story unfolded.

"Wow, that's a lot to take in," Asa said softly. "I'm so sorry you're going through this. If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know."

Rita managed a grateful smile. "Thank you, Asa. We appreciate it."

The conversation shifted to lighter topics as the evening progressed, and despite her initial jealousy, Rita began to see the genuine bond of friendship between Ruka and Asa. She knew it would take time, but she was determined to trust Ruka and let go of her insecurities.

As the evening wore on, Asa noticed the lingering tension in the air. She knew that Minji could return at any moment, and the situation might become even more awkward for Rita. Turning to Rita with a sympathetic smile, Asa said, "I know things are a bit tense right now. Why don't you stay at my place for a while? It might give Minji the space she needs, and you two can have some peace."

Ruka's face lit up with relief and gratitude. "That's a great idea, Asa. Thank you."

Rita hesitated, glancing at Ruka for reassurance. Seeing Ruka's supportive smile, she nodded. "Okay. That sounds like a good plan."

Asa's offer provided a sense of hope and a temporary solution to their predicament. They packed a few essentials for Rita, and as they prepared to leave, Ruka pulled Rita into a tight embrace.

"We'll get through this, together," Ruka whispered.

Rita nodded, her eyes shining with determination.

As they left the apartment, Rita felt a sense of relief washed over her. With Asa's help, she and Ruka could navigate the complexities of their situation while giving Minji the space she needed. And through it all, they knew they had each other to rely on.

A/N:
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