The Red String : It is a connection we can't explain

Chapter 7 : A Moment of Solitude

After a few hours putting on the client's makeup, Rumi finished her work in the studio. She rested in one of the waiting chairs while Mia, her friend and coworker, and a few of her colleagues, arrived at the door to visit. Mia's smile was clearly visible as she stepped inside.

"Hey, Rumi! Guess who decided to drop in for a surprise visit?" Mia said with a wink. "I just wanted to make sure you weren't still moping about your boyfriend. Don't want you to fight with him too much, girl. Hehe."

Rumi looked up with a mix of surprise and amusement. "Oh, I thought all of you had already gone home. What a pleasant surprise!"

Mia chuckled. "We were just wrapping up, and I thought I'd drop by to see how you're doing."

Rumi laughed, shaking her head. "Well, I'm glad you did. I could use the distraction."

Mia raised an eyebrow playfully. "Just wanted to make sure you weren't having too much drama. You know how it is."

"Yeah, I know," Rumi said with a smile. "Thanks for checking in. I appreciate it."

Mia glanced around the studio, her curiosity piqued. "Well, if you ever want to chat about anything other than the mysterious 'cat situation,' you know where to find me."

"Will do," Rumi replied, her mood lightened by Mia's presence. "See you soon, Mia."

As Mia and the others left, Rumi felt a renewed sense of focus. Despite the teasing, Mia's support was comforting. Rumi took a deep breath and turned her attention back to her work, grateful for the distraction and the reminder that she wasn't alone in navigating her complex life.

Later that evening, as Rumi returned home from a long day at work, she was relieved to finally be in the quiet comfort of her apartment. The city's lights glimmered outside her windows, offering a soothing contrast to the busy day she had just left behind. She called out casually as she stepped inside, "Hey, Vernon, I'm back."

Vernon, now in his human form, was lounging on the couch. He looked up from a book he had been reading, a playful smirk on his face. He stretched out with a relaxed grace and then slowly walked over to her, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

As Rumi settled onto the couch, Vernon sat down beside her, still sporting that cheeky grin. He leaned in closer, his voice light and teasing. "So, what's this I hear about you referring to me as more than just a cat today?" His tone was playful, with a hint of mock seriousness. "Oh, you didn't want me to become your boyfriend, but it sounds like you're hinting otherwise, hmm?"

Rumi looked at Vernon, momentarily startled by his sudden perceptiveness. She tried to suppress a smile but found herself amused by his banter. "You know, Vernon, you're really getting too full of yourself. I was just trying to explain my current state of mind to Mia."

Vernon's grin widened, clearly enjoying the reaction he was getting. "Ah, so it's just about explaining your state of mind, is it? Nothing more to it?"

Rumi's smile faltered for a moment as she suddenly remembered that she hadn't explicitly allowed Vernon to step outside the apartment. She glanced at him, her expression shifting to one of concern. "Wait a minute. Did you... did you go outside today?"

Vernon's playful demeanor instantly hardened, and he shifted uncomfortably. "Uh, well, I—"

Before he could finish, Rumi cut him off. "You know I didn't give you permission to go out without telling me. It's not just about being overprotective; we agreed to certain rules for a reason."

Vernon sighed, his smirk fading. "Alright, you caught me. I did go out for a bit. I needed some air. But I promise I wasn't trying to break any rules. I just... needed a moment."

Rumi crossed her arms, her gaze stern but softening with concern. "You could have told me. I was worried. And it's not just about rules; it's about safety. You don't know what could happen out there."

Vernon looked down, clearly feeling guilty. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause any worry. I just didn't want to burden you with it."

Rumi's expression softened further, and she took a deep breath. "Look, I get that you need your space, but we need to be honest with each other. It's not just about me keeping you safe; it's about us working together."

Vernon nodded, his eyes sincere. "You're right. I should have been upfront with you. I'll make sure to communicate better in the future."

In an attempt to change the subject and lighten the mood, Vernon quickly added, "Hey, by the way, are you hungry? I could cook something for us if you'd like. It's the least I can do after causing you all this trouble."

Rumi raised an eyebrow, her skepticism evident. "Oh, really? And since when did you become a chef?"

Vernon's eyes twinkled with mischief again. "Let's just say I have a few tricks up my sleeve. How about it? I promise I won't burn anything down."

Rumi chuckled despite herself, her earlier frustration melting away. "Alright, I'll take you up on that. But let's keep the cooking to something simple, okay?"

Vernon's expression brightened, and he moved towards the kitchen with a newfound energy. "Deal. I'll make sure it's something you'll enjoy."

As Vernon began to prepare a meal, Rumi watched him with a mix of amusement and affection. Despite their earlier disagreement, the evening took on a more relaxed and comfortable tone. The small act of cooking together became a moment of reconnection and understanding, reminding them both that their partnership was built on more than just rules and magic.

The scent of cooking filled the apartment, and as they worked side by side, Rumi felt a sense of reassurance. Despite the complications and challenges ahead, these moments of lightheartedness and cooperation were a reminder that they were in this together, and that their bond, though tested, was growing stronger.