Love You Goodbye (ryeji)

5

The chime of the pharmacy's door echoed softly as Ryujin stepped inside, the faint smell of antiseptic and shelves stocked with brightly colored medicine boxes greeting her.

Behind the counter stood her younger sister, Yuna, in her white pharmacist coat, her long hair tucked neatly behind her ears. She was scrolling through her phone, her lips quirked into a faint smile at whatever she was looking at.

When Yuna looked up and saw Ryujin, her face lit up.

"Unnie! You didn't tell me you were coming by."

"Needed to grab some medicine," Ryujin said casually, shoving her hands into her pockets as she approached the counter.

Yuna tilted her head, a playful smile spreading across her face.

"Medicine? Don't tell me you're getting old and sickly already."

Ryujin forced a chuckle, shaking her head. "Not for me."

Yuna's eyebrows furrowed as she began pulling out a notepad.

"For Yeji unnie?"

The question hit Ryujin like a slap to the face. She froze, her mind scrambling for an answer.

"Yes," she said (lied) quickly, her voice steadier than she felt.

Yuna's concern immediately replaced her teasing.

"What's wrong? Is she sick? Fever? Cough?" She began rummaging through the drawers, pulling out a thermometer and some packets of medicine. "Yeji unnie never gets sick. Should I come over later to check on her?"

"No," Ryujin said sharply, then softened her tone when she saw Yuna blink in surprise.

"It's just a mild fever. Nothing serious."

Yuna's shoulders relaxed, and she let out a small sigh of relief.

"Okay, good. I was worried for a second, unnie."

Yuna paused, then her expression shifted to something brighter, more mischievous.

"You know, unnie, I've already been planning my outfit for your wedding. Pinterest is my best friend these days!" Yuna turned her phone toward Ryujin, showing her a collection of pastel dresses and floral headpieces.

Ryujin stared at the screen, her throat tightening.

"We don't even have a date yet," Ryujin said, trying to keep her tone light.

Yuna waved her hand dismissively. "Doesn't matter! I want to be ready. The pharmacist-slash-youngest-sister aesthetic has to be perfect."

Ryujin couldn't help but smile softly at Yuna's excitement. But beneath the surface, guilt clawed at her chest, heavy and suffocating.

She was engaged to Yeji. They had talked about the future, about forever. And yet...

"Oh, silly you, Yuna. Just relax, okay? Yeji and I are still... processing things for the wedding." Ryujin said (lied), her voice slightly strained.

Yuna frowned, resting her chin in her palm as she eyed Ryujin.

"Processing? What's there to process? You two are perfect together. Like, literal goals. I can't wait to see you both walk down the aisle."

Ryujin's smile faltered for a fraction of a second before she forced it back. She reached out, gently ruffling Yuna's hair. "You're too much, you know that?"

"I know," Yuna said with a cheeky grin. She placed the medicine bag on the counter and handed it to Ryujin.

"Tell Yeji unnie to rest, okay? And remind her she's marrying into the best family ever."

Ryujin nodded, her heart heavy as she turned toward the door.

The chime rang again as she stepped outside, the cold air biting at her skin. She stood there for a moment, the medicine bag clutched tightly in her hand.

Yuna's words echoed in her mind.

You two are perfect together.

Perfect.

Ryujin let out a shaky breath, guilt wrapping around her like a vise.