Love You Goodbye (ryeji)

12

(Scene 12; Flashback...)

The rain outside painted the windows of the Shin family's estate with streaks of water, the sound of droplets pattering against the glass filling the quiet room.

Yuna sat cross-legged on the couch, scrolling through her phone, when Ryujin entered the living room. She was dressed casually, but there was a tension in her shoulders that immediately caught Yuna's attention.

"Unnie, what's up?" Yuna asked, setting her phone down.

Ryujin hesitated for a moment, shoving her hands into her jacket pockets. She paced the room twice before stopping in front of Yuna.

"I need to talk to you about something," Ryujin began, her voice softer than usual.

Yuna raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What is it? You're acting weird."

Ryujin sighed, sitting down across from her sister. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees as if the weight of her words was too much to carry.

"It's about Yeji."

At the mention of Yeji's name, Yuna's expression softened. She adored Yeji—always had. She was the kind of person who brought light into their family's sometimes chaotic life.

"What about her?" Yuna asked, her tone gentle.

Ryujin rubbed the back of her neck, clearly struggling to find the right words.

"I've been thinking..." The older girl paused, her eyes meeting Yuna's. "Do you think it's a good idea if I propose to her?"

The question hung in the air, and for a moment, Yuna simply stared at her sister. Then, a wide grin spread across her face.

"Are you serious right now?" Yuna exclaimed, leaning closer. "You want to marry Yeji?"

Ryujin nodded, her lips curving into a small, nervous smile.

"Yeah. I mean, I've been thinking about it for months. I love her, Yuna. I want to spend the rest of my life with her."

Yuna felt her chest swell with emotion. She had never seen her sister so vulnerable, so genuine.

"Of course, you should propose!" Yuna said, reaching over to place a hand on Ryujin's arm. "Yeji loves you so much, unnie. You two are perfect for each other."

Ryujin let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding, relief washing over her. "You really think so?"

Yuna nodded firmly but then leaned back, her expression growing serious. "But, unnie... if you're going to do this, you need to promise me something."

Ryujin straightened, her brow furrowing. "What is it?"

"Don't hurt her," Yuna said, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "Yeji deserves the world, and I know you love her. But... you have to be sure. You can't let history repeat itself."

"History?" Ryujin asked, though she already knew what Yuna meant.

Yuna's gaze dropped to her lap, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sweater.

"You know how Dad hurt Mom by choosing someone else. I don't ever want Yeji to feel that kind of pain. If you're going to marry her, you need to be all in. No doubts, no second thoughts."

The words hit Ryujin like a punch to the gut.

She had always promised herself that she would never become like their father, that she would never let someone she loved feel the heartbreak her mother had endured.