Timeless | rorasa

Chapter 6: The Guest and The Secret

As night fell, Rora slipped into a hoodie, cap, and mask, her identity obscured. Before leaving, she turned to Asa and said, "Don't let anyone in except my best friend Minju. She sometimes stops by unannounced." Asa nodded, committing the description to memory. Rora glanced back at her apartment one last time before heading out to meet her latest conquest, Chanty. The lively streets provided the perfect cover for her secretive rendezvous. Rora thrived in the shadows, her heart hardened by years of fleeting connections and heartbreaks.

Meanwhile, Asa, now serving as Rora's temporary assistant during Julie's leave, was alone in Rora's apartment, meticulously studying Rora's schedule and work routines. Despite her initial unfamiliarity with modern technology, she had quickly adapted, finding a sense of purpose in her new role. Just as she was about to take a break, the doorbell rang. Remembering Rora's words, Asa opened the door and thought it might be Minju.

"Hello, I'm Minju, Rora's best friend," the woman introduced herself, confirming Asa's suspicion. Minju's gaze was curious as she looked Asa up and down.

Recognizing her from Rora's description, Asa offered a polite bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you. But if you're here to see Rora, she's not here."

Minju's smile remained, but her eyes narrowed slightly as she studied Asa. "I know," she said calmly. "I came to see you."

Asa's expression shifted to one of cautious curiosity. "You came to see me?"

Minju chuckled lightly, her gaze playful. "Just kidding. Rora told me about her new assistant, so I thought I'd drop by and say hello."

Relieved, Asa smiled back. "Oh, well, I'm doing fine. Thank you."

Unbeknownst to Asa, Minju was indeed there for her. Last night, Rora had called Minju, sharing vague details about Asa. Intrigued and eager to meet her best friend's unexpected guest, Minju stood at Rora's front door, ready to find out more.

"Would you mind if I came in?" she asked, her tone friendly but insistent.

Asa nodded and stepped aside. "Of course, please make yourself comfortable."

Minju entered the living room, taking in the immaculate surroundings with a critical eye. "You've done a great job with the place," she commented, trying to ease the tension.

"Thank you," Asa replied, her voice steady. "I am doing my best as Rora's temporary assistant."

Minju settled onto the couch, her gaze fixed on Asa. As she observed Asa, a nagging feeling gnawed at her. She knew she had seen Asa's face before, but where or when? That was something she needed to remember.

"You seem different," she remarked, her tone light but probing. "The way you speak and carry yourself-it's almost like you're from a royal family in the movies. What's your story, Asa?"

Asa's heart skipped a beat, but she kept her composure. "I assure you, I am simply an ordinary assistant," she said, her tone polite and refined, yet trying to sound casual.

Minju leaned in slightly, her curiosity piqued. "You know, Rora doesn't just let anyone into her life or her home. She must see something special in you. How did you end up working for her?"

Asa's mind raced. The way Minju was probing, she couldn't help but wonder if Rora had shared details about their conversations. There was something different about Minju's presence that made Asa both curious and wary. "It was a bit of luck and timing, I suppose. I needed a job, and Rora needed an assistant."

Minju nodded, her eyes twinkling with a knowing glint. "I believe in fate," she said simply. "And I think there's a purpose to your meeting. But that's something you'll have to discover for yourself."

Asa nodded, her mind racing with questions. She felt a strange connection to Minju, as if the woman understood her in a way no one else could.

"Thank you for your insight," Asa said sincerely. "I will keep that in mind."

Minju stood up, sensing that her time had come to leave. "Take care, Asa. And if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out."

Asa watched Minju leave, her words echoing in her mind. She couldn't shake the feeling that her presence in this unfamiliar world was more than mere coincidence.

---

Rora spent the night with Chanty, the thrill of their secret meeting momentarily distracting her from the turmoil in her life. Chanty, with her captivating charm and infectious laughter, provided a brief escape from Rora's emotional labyrinth. As dawn approached, though, her thoughts returned to Asa and the peculiar circumstances that had led to their meeting.

When Rora arrived back at her apartment, she found Asa asleep on the couch, the apartment spotless. A mix of emotions swirled within her as she watched Asa. There was something about her that drew Rora in, despite her usual detachment. Asa's presence had a calming effect, a stark contrast to the chaos Rora was accustomed to.

Asa stirred and opened her eyes to see Rora standing over her. "You're back," she said, her voice groggy.

"Yeah," Rora replied, her tone softer than usual. "I didn't mean to wake you."

Asa sat up, rubbing her eyes. "It's alright. I was just resting."

Rora sat down next to her, the weight of the night's events heavy on her shoulders. "Your friend Minju came by," Asa said, breaking the silence. "She believes there's a reason we met."

Rora scoffed, shaking her head. "Minju said that, huh?"

Asa nodded. "She thinks it's fate."

Rora leaned back against the couch, a bemused smile on her lips. "Fate, huh? I know she's into history, the supernatural, and her psychic claims, but I never really bought into that stuff."

Asa looked at her, a soft smile on her lips. "Maybe it's time to start."

Rora scoffed again, more emphatically this time. "I doubt it. I'm not really one for destiny or fate. But... I suppose it's interesting that she thinks so."

Asa watched Rora, sensing a mixture of skepticism and curiosity. Despite the chaos and uncertainty in Rora's life, there was something oddly comforting about the idea of their paths crossing for a reason.

For the first time in a long while, Rora allowed herself to consider that maybe there was something more to life than fleeting encounters and broken hearts. As she sat beside Asa, she couldn't help but wonder what the future might hold for them, bound together by whatever forces might be at play.