PAPER HEARTS - Ryeji (English ver)

Chapter 5

She was sitting in her study chair, reading the case Mr. Jinwoo had assigned her. It seemed ironic to her to handle cases related to death, dealing with corpses, investigating clues, talking to witnesses; it was all quite exhausting for her, not making her happy, just making her feel a bit more miserable. If Ryujin could change jobs or lives, she would do so without a second thought.

On the other hand, Yeji was unpacking her clothes from her suitcase. Maybe she packed more than she needed, but she wasn't sure how long she would stay at Ryujin's place, a woman who seemed indifferent even to her own life. Yeji couldn't understand how that was possible. Being in her room, feeling it so empty of good energy but so full of superficial objects, made her think that perhaps this was how the owner of the room was.

She sighed, turning her gaze to her suitcase and taking out some blouses to put in Ryujin's closet. She wasn't surprised when she opened it to find clothes piled at the bottom; only a pair of pants were hung, and the rest was simply lying at the bottom, not folded.

—What's wrong, Ryujin?— she whispered to herself, starting to worry about the lonely girl.

———

Upon waking up, Ryujin felt pain in her back, correctly assuming it was from sleeping in the chair in her study. She stretched her arms before getting up and walking straight to the shower on the first floor of her house, but upon exiting, she heard small noises coming from the kitchen. Hoping they were burglars who would end her suffering, she went straight there with a smile that faded when she saw Mr. Jinwoo's daughter cooking.

—Oh, good morning Ryujin— Yeji smiled, noticing her presence.

—Good morning— Ryujin replied, approaching her. She saw that Yeji was wearing a robe, typical of a rich girl. —Are you cooking?— Yeji nodded.

—I didn't really know what you like, so I figured you might like toast. How is it?— she smiled sincerely, showing how she was toasting the bread in a pan. —Everyone likes toast— she said cheerfully.

—Are you cooking for me?— Ryujin asked, surprised, to which the girl shrugged. —But it's not necessary.—

—Look— Yeji smiled, pointing to the coffee machine next to her. —I made it.— Ryujin couldn't help but smile at the girl's sweet gesture.

—Thank you, Yeji— she smiled. —But you didn't have to do this.—

—I also made this— she said, taking a container. —I'm not very good at cooking, but over time I had to learn.—

Ryujin took the container and opened it carefully; it was fried chicken, delicately placed.

—Is this my lunch?— she asked with a small laugh. Yeji nodded. —Thank you very much, Yeji— she said, feeling herself blush.

—It's the least I can do if you let me stay at your house for free— she joked while taking out the toast and placing it on a plate. —You know, we're friends— she smiled, and Ryujin nodded.

—And your food?— Ryujin asked.

—I've already eaten— Yeji replied, shrugging it off. —Eat up, we have to go to work— she smiled, handing Ryujin the plate with two pieces of toast. —They're hot, so be careful.—

—Okay— Ryujin replied, taking the plate. —Thank you— she said, watching Yeji pour coffee into a cup.

—No problem— Yeji said, handing her the cup of coffee. Ryujin received it, not understanding Yeji's behavior; she used to appear so arrogant and selfish, and she simply didn't get it. So, she just nodded and headed to the table to eat comfortably, not expecting Yeji to sit next to her.