Unwanted Roommate | An Ryeji Romance

The Movie Night

The cozy living room of Chaeryeong's house was filled with the soft glow of fairy lights strung along the walls, casting a warm, inviting atmosphere. A pile of fluffy blankets and pillows were scattered around the couches, and the rich, buttery scent of freshly popped popcorn filled the air.

Ryujin looked around and smiled. This was exactly what they needed—a chance to unwind, relax, and just enjoy each other's company without the pressure of rehearsals or the looming shadow of school expectations.

Chaeryeong and Yuna were huddled over the selection of DVDs they'd brought from home, debating animatedly over what to watch first. Lia was in the kitchen, humming softly as she arranged drinks and snacks on a tray. And Yeji... Yeji was beside Ryujin, their shoulders touching as they sat together on the couch, talking quietly.

"It's been a while since we did something like this," Yeji said, her voice soft, a hint of nostalgia in her tone.

"Yeah," Ryujin agreed, her gaze drifting over to where Chaeryeong was holding up a copy of Spirited Away, trying to convince Yuna that it was the perfect movie to start with. "Feels like forever."

Yeji laughed lightly, the sound sending a pleasant shiver down Ryujin's spine. "Remember when we used to have sleepovers at my house and stay up all night watching movies? I think we watched the entire Harry Potter series in one night."

Ryujin grinned. "Yeah, and then we tried to reenact the duels with your dad's chopsticks. You almost knocked over that expensive vase in the living room."

Yeji's eyes widened in mock horror. "Don't remind me! I thought I'd be grounded for life if it broke."

They both laughed, the sound mingling with the easy, relaxed chatter of their friends. It was moments like these—these quiet, happy moments—that made everything else seem small and insignificant. The worries about the future, the uncertainty of their relationship—they all melted away, leaving only the warmth of Yeji's presence beside her.

"Alright, alright!" Chaeryeong announced, her voice cutting through the room as she held up Spirited Away triumphantly. "Majority rules. We're starting with this one."

Yuna pouted but didn't argue, flopping onto the couch with an exaggerated sigh. "Fine, but I get to pick the next one!"

"Deal," Chaeryeong said with a grin, popping the DVD into the player.

Lia walked in carrying the tray of snacks, carefully setting it down on the coffee table in front of them. "Everyone get comfortable. It's going to be a long night."

Ryujin and Yeji exchanged amused glances before settling back against the cushions. As the opening credits of Spirited Away began to play, Ryujin felt Yeji shift beside her. A moment later, Yeji's head gently leaned against her shoulder, the soft strands of her hair brushing against Ryujin's neck.

The contact was so subtle, so natural, that it made Ryujin's heart stutter. She glanced down, her breath catching at the sight of Yeji's peaceful expression. For a second, she hesitated, unsure if she should move or say something. But then Yeji sighed softly, her body relaxing completely against Ryujin's, and the uncertainty melted away.

Smiling, Ryujin carefully lifted her arm, draping it over the back of the couch so that Yeji could nestle closer. The movement was gentle, unhurried, and when Yeji's hand found hers, their fingers twining together under the blanket, Ryujin felt a surge of contentment so strong it almost took her breath away.

"You okay?" Yeji whispered, her voice barely audible over the soft murmur of the movie.

"Yeah," Ryujin whispered back, squeezing Yeji's hand lightly. "I'm perfect."

They stayed like that for the rest of the movie, wrapped in each other's warmth, their breaths falling into a synchronized rhythm. The others didn't seem to notice—or if they did, they didn't comment. Ryujin was grateful for that, grateful for this quiet, unspoken acceptance.

When Spirited Away ended, the room buzzed with excitement as they talked about their favorite scenes and characters. Yuna, true to her word, jumped up to pick the next movie—a classic romantic comedy that had everyone groaning but ultimately agreeing to watch.

As the night wore on, they drifted in and out of conversations, sharing stories, jokes, and teasing each other relentlessly. The hours passed in a blur of laughter and shared memories, and Ryujin felt a deep sense of gratitude settle in her chest. These were her people. This was her family.

By the time they finished the third movie, the room was filled with the sound of soft snores and sleepy murmurs. Lia had curled up on the floor with a blanket wrapped around her like a cocoon, her head resting on a pile of pillows. Yuna and Chaeryeong had somehow ended up sprawled together on the other couch, their limbs tangled and their mouths slightly open as they slept.

Ryujin glanced down at Yeji, who had shifted during the last movie and was now lying with her head in Ryujin's lap, her eyes closed, her breathing slow and even. Ryujin's fingers were still tangled with Yeji's, and she marveled at how perfectly their hands seemed to fit together.

She brushed a few stray strands of hair away from Yeji's face, her touch light and careful. Even in sleep, Yeji looked so beautiful it made Ryujin's heart ache. She wanted to stay like this forever, just watching Yeji, holding her close, protecting her from everything that could ever hurt her.

I love you, Ryujin thought, the words echoing in her mind with a clarity that almost startled her. She wasn't sure when it had happened—when liking Yeji had turned into something deeper, something that made her want to give and protect and cherish.

But she knew it now, knew it with a certainty that felt like sunlight breaking through clouds.

"I love you," she whispered, the words barely more than a breath, meant only for herself.

And then, to her utter shock, Yeji's eyes fluttered open.

"Ryujin...?" Yeji murmured, her voice thick with sleep, her gaze hazy as she looked up at her. "Did you say something?"

Panic surged through Ryujin's chest, her heart racing. Had Yeji heard her? What if she had? What if she hadn't?

"No, nothing," Ryujin said quickly, forcing a smile that felt shaky and unsure. "You should go back to sleep. It's late."

Yeji blinked slowly, a soft, sleepy smile curving her lips. "Mmm... okay. But... Ryujin?"

"Yeah?" Ryujin whispered, her heart pounding so hard she thought it might burst.

"Thank you," Yeji murmured, her eyes closing again as she nestled deeper into Ryujin's lap. "For everything. I... really like being with you."

The tension in Ryujin's chest loosened, replaced by a rush of warmth and affection. She let out a soft sigh, her fingers gently stroking through Yeji's hair.

"I like being with you too," Ryujin whispered softly.

And as Yeji drifted back to sleep, her breathing evening out, Ryujin allowed herself to relax, the quiet, steady beat of her heart syncing with Yeji's.

This was enough, she realized. This moment, right here, was everything she'd ever wanted.

The rest could wait.

Because in this peaceful, quiet moment, Ryujin knew with absolute certainty that Yeji felt the same.

And that was more than enough for now.