Unwanted Roommate | An Ryeji Romance

Facing the Parents

The buzz from their win at the talent show carried over to the next day. Students and teachers alike greeted Ryujin and her friends with smiles and congratulations as they made their way through the school hallways. Everywhere they went, whispers of admiration and excitement followed in their wake. It should have felt like the happiest day of her life.

But something was off.

Yeji had been quieter than usual, her gaze distant, and though she smiled and laughed along with the others, Ryujin could see the tension simmering beneath the surface. It was subtle, just the slightest tightening of her shoulders, the way her eyes would dart away whenever someone mentioned her parents.

Ryujin knew Yeji hadn't spoken to them after the performance. They hadn't come up to congratulate her or take a picture like the other parents. And that silence—the absence of their approval—hung between them like a dark cloud.

"Hey, are you sure you're okay?" Ryujin asked softly as they walked side by side down the hallway after their last class of the day.

Yeji turned to her, a small, strained smile on her lips. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... thinking."

"About your parents?"

Yeji hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Yeah. They didn't say much after the show. They just... left. I think they were upset that I didn't tell them everything."

Ryujin's heart tightened with sympathy. "You don't have to talk to them alone, you know. I can come with you."

The offer was impulsive, but Ryujin meant every word. She wanted to be there for Yeji—to face whatever came next together. But Yeji shook her head, her smile softening.

"I appreciate it, Ryujin. I really do. But... I need to do this on my own."

Ryujin swallowed her disappointment and nodded, squeezing Yeji's hand gently. "Okay. But if you need me—if you need anything—you know I'm here, right?"

Yeji's eyes softened, a flicker of warmth breaking through the tension. "I know. And that means more to me than you could ever imagine."

The bell rang, signaling the end of the day, and the hallways filled with students hurrying to their clubs and activities. Ryujin and Yeji walked out of the school together, the autumn breeze ruffling their hair.

As they reached the front gates, Yeji hesitated, glancing at Ryujin. "I'm going to see my parents tonight," she said quietly. "I want to talk to them about... everything. About why I joined the group, what it means to me."

Ryujin's chest tightened, a swirl of emotions churning inside her—pride, worry, and a fierce protectiveness that made her want to grab Yeji's hand and tell her she didn't have to face it alone. But she knew this was something Yeji needed to do herself.

"Good," Ryujin murmured, keeping her voice steady. "Tell them the truth. Tell them how amazing you are. And that if they can't see it, then... then it's their loss."

Yeji's lips curved into a small, sad smile. "I will. Thanks, Ryujin."

They stood there for a moment longer, neither of them wanting to say goodbye. But eventually, Yeji took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and nodded.

"I'll see you tomorrow?" Yeji asked softly.

"Yeah," Ryujin said, forcing a smile. "See you tomorrow."

With one last look, Yeji turned and walked away, her figure growing smaller and smaller as she made her way down the street. Ryujin watched her until she disappeared around the corner, her chest aching with a mix of pride and worry.

"Please," Ryujin whispered under her breath, her eyes lingering on the empty street. "Let them see how incredible she is."

######

The next morning, Ryujin arrived at school early, her stomach twisted in knots of anxiety. She hadn't heard from Yeji all night, and as the minutes ticked by, her worry only grew. What had happened? How had the conversation gone? Had Yeji's parents finally seen how talented and dedicated their daughter was, or had they dismissed it all as a distraction?

The sound of laughter and chatter filled the courtyard as students began to trickle in, but Ryujin barely noticed. She stood by the front gate, her gaze locked on the entrance, waiting—hoping—to see Yeji's familiar figure.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she saw her. Yeji was walking up the path, her head held high, her steps measured and deliberate. There was no sign of hesitation or fear in her posture, but the expression on her face was guarded, carefully blank.

"Yeji!" Ryujin called out, hurrying to meet her. "Hey, are you—"

"I'm okay," Yeji interrupted softly, her smile small but genuine. "I'm... better than okay, actually."

Relief flooded through Ryujin, but she kept her voice steady. "What happened?"

Yeji took a deep breath, glancing around before gesturing for Ryujin to follow her. They walked over to a quieter corner of the courtyard, where they could talk without interruption.

"I told them everything," Yeji began, her voice calm but firm. "I told them why I joined the group, why performing with you all meant so much to me. I told them about how it helped me feel confident, how it made me realize that I'm more than just... grades and expectations."

Ryujin nodded, her heart swelling with pride. "And what did they say?"

Yeji hesitated, her gaze dropping to the ground. "They didn't understand at first. They were upset that I hadn't told them. They said... they said I was wasting time that should've been spent on studying."

Ryujin's hands clenched into fists, anger flaring in her chest. How could they say that? After everything Yeji had accomplished, how could they dismiss it so easily?

"But," Yeji continued, her voice softening, "I didn't let them push me around this time. I stood my ground. I told them that I'm still going to do my best at school, but that performing is important to me too. I told them that it's something I want to pursue."

Ryujin's eyes widened, admiration and awe filling her. "You really said that?"

Yeji nodded, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Yeah. And... they listened. It wasn't easy, but they finally listened. They still don't fully get it, but they said they'd support me. As long as I keep my grades up, they won't stop me from performing with you all."

Ryujin let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, relief flooding through her. "Yeji, that's amazing. I'm so proud of you."

Yeji's smile widened, a lightness filling her expression that hadn't been there before. "Thank you, Ryujin. I... I couldn't have done it without you."

Ryujin shook her head. "You did this, Yeji. You stood up for yourself. You showed them how strong you are. That's all you."

"Maybe," Yeji murmured, her gaze softening. "But you believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. And that gave me the strength to believe, too."

For a moment, they just looked at each other, the morning sunlight casting a warm glow over them. There were still so many things left unsaid, so many feelings Ryujin wanted to express. But for now, she was content to let the silence speak for itself.

"Hey, Yeji?" Ryujin said softly, a smile tugging at her lips. "I'm so glad you're here. With us. With... me."

Yeji's eyes shimmered, and she reached out, taking Ryujin's hand in hers. "Me too, Ryujin. Me too."

They stood there, hands intertwined, the worries and fears of the past slowly fading away, replaced by something bright and hopeful. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together—one step at a time.

Because, after all, that's what they were: together, stronger than ever.

And no matter what came next, they were ready to face it.

Together.