PAPER HEARTS - Ryeji (English ver)

Chapter 4

– Is this your car? – she asked, looking at it.

– Yes, it's nice – Ryujin replied timidly, opening the passenger door and putting her things there before opening the driver's door – It's not very big or expensive, but it's fine for me – she said before getting into the car.

– Yes – Yeji whispered as she opened the passenger door and got in. While Ryujin started the car and got it ready, she couldn't ignore the fact that she was still wearing her wedding ring – Aren't you going to put on your seatbelt?

– No, maybe we'll crash, and if I'm wearing it, in the worst case, I might survive – Ryujin replied as she started the car, causing Yeji to quickly fasten her seatbelt and hold tightly onto the overhead handle.

– Aren't you afraid of dying? – Yeji asked.

– If I die, it would be the first favor God has done for me – Ryujin responded simply, without taking her eyes off the road.

– I think the first one was making you naturally beautiful – Yeji smiled, shrugging her shoulders, and Ryujin looked at her before laughing softly.

– Are you trying to win points with me? – Ryujin asked timidly – You've been flattering me a lot lately.

– When we first met, I was very rude, arrogant, and foolish – Yeji admitted, a bit embarrassed – That was before I realized how nice you are.

– And what if you hadn't realized? – Ryujin asked in return – You'd still be rude, arrogant, and foolish – she shrugged – I think you should never be a hypocrite, Yeji – the girl with honey-colored eyes sighed, knowing she was right.

– I suppose you're right – Yeji whispered, a bit embarrassed.

– But don't be sad – Ryujin smiled after a few seconds – You're still in time to make things right and improve.

– You have very optimistic thoughts for someone who is suicidal – Yeji joked with a smile.

– I'm not suicidal – Ryujin rolled her eyes while laughing – It's just that I don't have reasons to want to live... – she realized how bad that sounded – What I mean is that for now, my life isn't much different from not having one – she smiled; that sounded better than she thought.

– Is that how you feel? – Yeji asked softly. Ryujin nodded without looking at her – But life has many beautiful things.

– Like what? Marriage? – Ryujin laughed ironically – Please.

– Maybe you don't see it that way because you married the wrong person – Yeji shrugged.

– Like everything in my life – Ryujin sighed – It's funny because you're older than me.

– Yes, and you have a Ph.D. and an ex-husband – Yeji couldn't help but laugh – I'm eager to learn.

– Yeji, you're not that unpleasant – Ryujin laughed a bit – Why were you so arrogant a few days ago? – The girl with honey-colored eyes just shrugged, not really knowing what to answer. Ryujin noticed and decided not to say anything more until they reached the supermarket – We've arrived – The girl just nodded and got out of the car when Ryujin parked. Once outside, she hugged herself because the night was accompanied by a chilly breeze.

She noticed a bit of a change in Yeji when they arrived at the supermarket. Yeji seemed downcast and didn't lift her gaze much. However, Ryujin didn't pay much attention to it since feeling that way was normal for her, so she just entered the large store with Yeji by her side. At least it was warmer inside.

– What do you like to eat? – Ryujin asked while grabbing a shopping basket, hoping it wouldn't be too big.

– Anything you give me is fine – Yeji replied simply – although... if it's not meat, that would be much better.