Let the world burn

8

The mansion was quiet as the clock ticked closer to midnight. Ryujin had spent the better part of the evening at her office, catching up on work that had piled up over the past few days. Despite her efforts to focus, her mind kept drifting back to Yeji. The thought of her angel waking up alone filled her with unease.

I'll wrap this up and head back soon, she told herself, even as guilt gnawed at her for leaving Yeji behind.

Back at the house, Yeji was asleep in Ryujin's bed, the soft glow of a nightlight casting shadows on her delicate features. Rosé had promised to keep an eye on her, but an unexpected call had forced her to leave.

With the mansion almost empty, the rest of the family returned, carrying a mix of balloons, cake, and brightly wrapped gifts. They were determined to surprise Ryujin for her birthday, completely unaware of the fragile presence upstairs.

It was nearly midnight when they entered Ryujin's room, intending to set up the surprise. Their plan was simple: decorate, wait for Ryujin, and yell "Happy Birthday!" when she walked in.

Instead, they were met with Yeji.

Startled by the sudden intrusion, Yeji bolted upright in bed. Her wide eyes darted between the unfamiliar faces, and the panic set in almost immediately.

"Happy—wait, who's this?" Moonbyul asked, freezing mid-step.

Yeji's breathing quickened as the loud voices and unfamiliar faces overwhelmed her. Memories of past horrors clawed their way to the surface, and she let out a terrified scream.

"Stop! Please don't!"

The sound froze everyone in place.

"What's happening?!" Sana whispered, clutching the cake like it was a shield.

Mina stepped forward, her expression serious. "Everyone, out. Now."

"But—" Solar started.

"Out!" Mina snapped, her tone leaving no room for argument.

The family quickly shuffled out, leaving Mina behind to deal with the frightened girl.

Mina approached slowly, keeping her hands visible. "Hey, it's okay. No one's going to hurt you."

But Yeji was inconsolable. Her trembling body and tear-filled eyes told Mina everything she needed to know—this wasn't just fear. It was terror rooted in trauma.

Mina tried speaking to her softly, but Yeji was lost in her panic, her cries filling the room.

Ryujin's instincts had been right. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong and left the office earlier than planned. She arrived at the house just as the muffled sounds of crying reached her ears.

Her heart dropped.

Without sparing a glance at the family gathered in the living room, she sprinted up the stairs and burst into her bedroom. The sight of Yeji cowering on the bed, Mina standing helplessly nearby, made her blood run cold.

"Angel," Ryujin said softly, rushing to Yeji's side.

Yeji flinched at first but then recognized Ryujin's voice. She immediately threw herself into Ryujin's arms, clutching her like a lifeline.

"I'm here," Ryujin murmured, holding her close. "I've got you. You're safe now."

Yeji sobbed into Ryujin's chest, her small frame shaking as she clung tightly.

"It's okay," Ryujin whispered, running her hand through Yeji's hair. "No one's going to hurt you. I promise."

Mina watched silently from the corner. Though she wanted to help, it was clear Ryujin was the only person Yeji trusted in that moment.