Shadow | Huang Renjun

51

"Okay, so what did you want to talk about?"

Jongsu, Namgyo and Siho sit on one of the sofas, Eunah and Renjun curled up together on the other. The young couple share a look, Renjun squeezing his girlfriend's hand in comfort while she takes a breath.

"I can't stay an Angel," she begins, worry etched onto her face.
"Either I become a Fallen without God's interference and drink Demon blood, or I go straight to Hell to become a Dark Angel."

Her parents don't react as much as they expected, but Siho pulls a face in shock.

"What're you talking about?" he asks, perhaps a little harsher than intended as he receives a warning look from Namgyo.

Jongsu sighs, explaining.
"If Eunah stays an Angel while in a relationship with Renjun, she'll have her wings ripped from her by God and Renjun's life will be at risk."

"What– that's bullshit!"

"It's Divine Law, unfortunately. To prevent Phoenixes, not that it actually worked."

"So– wait– you're telling me she either has to get her wings ripped off, or be burned alive?!"

"Don't shout, sweetpea," Namgyo mutters, placing a gentle hand on Siho's shoulder.
"This is an incredibly hard decision for both of them, so let's try to be calm for now."

"I– okay..."

They turn back to the couple, who have moved closer so Renjun can wrap his arm around his girlfriend.

"We wanted to let you all know," he continues for Eunah, her having gone quiet in contemplation.
"And to ask for your opinion."

A short silence follows, her parents sharing a knowing look while Siho sinks further into the corner of the sofa. He daren't look at his sister now, only staring down at his knees with a sad glint to his eyes.

"We think the Dark Angel route would be best," Jongsu finally responds, with the approving nod of his wife.
"Their powers are similar to what you have now, and you won't have to lose your wings for it."

The young couple nod, having been leaning towards that option themselves.

If the others were still under Divine Law, there would've been a lot of conflict. However, they're able to interact with whoever they want, so it's a fair assumption that Eunah won't lose her family with either route.
It's just a matter of which one is less painful to do.

"You're not an immediate threat yet, so you've got time before anything has to be done," Namgyo reassures, knowing the ins and outs of Divine Law well.
"We'll always be here for you both, just please stay safe."

"We will, Mrs Min," Renjun hums, at which she chuckles.

"Oh, please. Call me Mum."

"And me Dad," Jongsu adds, a gentle smile on his face.

"A- Are you sure?"
He blinks, surprised.

Both nod, filling his chest with a familial warmth.
Siho glances his way with a subtle nod of his own, approving but still upset over the current situation. The Demon returns his gesture in kind, steady gaze an unspoken promise to protect his sister.

~~~~

"Good! Again!"

Namgyo stands in the back garden, training pads over her hands which are held up in front of her daughter. Eunah raises her leg, accurately kicking the pads in swift succession while they change positions.
She finishes with a powerful roundhouse, which causes her mother to step back with a grin.

"Fantastic! You'll be a professional in no time."

The younger woman laughs, shaking her head and catching her breath.
"No, I'm a long way off."

"You're a quick learner like me. Don't sell yourself short, sweetpea."
Putting the pads on the patio, Namgyo grabs two water bottles and throws one to Eunah.
"We can keep going until lunch. Then I think you have somewhere to be, don't you?"

"Yeah, Jun said he found more books for us to go over."

"You two are always researching," the older woman comments, placing her bottle down.
"Why not go on a date instead? Have a nice evening or something?"

Eunah flushes a light pink, rubbing the back of her neck with an awkward smile.

"I mean– I'd like to, but we're not really..." she pauses, quickly rewording her sentence.
"There's a lot to do and think about, so I'm not sure we'd be able to without talking about that."

"I understand. Maybe when this is all over, you'll get to."

"I hope so."

~~~~

Short chapter! Didn't know how to continue it, so it's stuck as is... 😞