PAPER HEARTS - Ryeji (English ver)

Chapter 12

Ryujin and Yeji had been in Ryujin's car for over thirty minutes, and she hadn't said a word. A silence reigned, not uncomfortable, but not exactly comfortable either.

—Where are we going?— Yeji asked, trying to start a conversation.

—To a place— Ryujin replied, her eyes fixed on the road. —You said you wanted to come with me— she laughed. —I think you can wait a little.—

—Yeah— Yeji nodded. —It's just that we've been here for almost an hour, and you haven't said anything...— Ryujin nodded.

—Sometimes it's better to just enjoy the other person's presence— she answered with a smile. —The peace the other person brings. I'd like to do that now— she said sincerely, having learned from life that any moment could be the last.

—Sure— Yeji whispered, turning her gaze to the car window, gently touching the petals of the daisy tucked behind her ear.

Yeji had no idea where they were headed; she only noticed they were slowly leaving the city, and the houses were being replaced by trees and green spaces. The view was beautiful; she'd never passed through that area before. She had never stopped to admire the view, never paused to appreciate what truly mattered. Having good memories helps when there's no time to say goodbye.

Spending time with Ryujin, though relatively brief, had helped her understand many things and question many others. Yeji had always tried to see the best in every seemingly bad situation, and she'd always succeeded—until Ryujin came into her life. A woman who saw the worst in every situation, pessimistic, melancholic, and clinging to the past. Despite having her own problems, Yeji decided to cheer her up, and it seemed to be working. It was nice to see Ryujin with a reason to smile.

—Yeji— Ryujin called, turning off the car. —We're here.— Yeji realized she had been lost in her thoughts for a long time. She blinked several times, trying to ground herself, and then noticed they were in the parking lot of an open space.

—Where are we?— Yeji asked, watching Ryujin grab her bag from the back of the car before opening the door.

—I told you we were coming to visit someone— Ryujin answered, still smiling as she got out and closed the door behind her. Yeji, still confused, did the same. —This is a beautiful place— Ryujin said once she noticed Yeji walking beside her. —Very familiar, but not in a good way.—

—Is this...?— Yeji asked, looking around. Flowers, trees, grass, the wind blowing a little strong. —Oh, Ryujin...— Ryujin nodded, closing her eyes but continuing to walk.

—Today is the day?—

—I hadn't planned to bring you— Ryujin shrugged honestly. —Your dad said it would only be a few days. I never thought everything that happened would happen, but since you know now, there was no reason to hide it from you— she looked at Yeji. Yeji looked at her tenderly. —I don't want you to think I'm forcing you into my world or my son's world, it's just that...—

—I'm happy— Yeji interrupted, taking her hand. —It's beautiful that you want to share these things with me.— Ryujin looked at her, smiling again as she intertwined her fingers with Yeji's.

—This way— she said, guiding her. They walked for less than two minutes before arriving at the unmistakable spot where Niki Shin's body rested. —Good morning, son— Ryujin greeted as they arrived, as if he could answer.

Yeji took it all in with great understanding. It couldn't have been easy for Ryujin to face everything that came with grief. She had gone through the loss of her son almost entirely alone, and now the effects of that were visible.