Let the world burn

11

The sun streamed through the windows of the family mansion, casting a golden glow over the garden. The family gathered for a relaxed brunch, laughter and chatter filling the air. Yeji sat quietly on the side, observing the lively group.

Little Flower tugged at Yeji’s hand. “Angel, come on! I want to show you my favorite storybook!”

Yeji hesitated, glancing at Ryujin, who gave her an encouraging nod. “Go ahead,” Ryujin said softly. “She’s been waiting to show you all morning.”

Jennie smirked from across the table. “Careful, Yeji. Little Flower’s stories come with a lot of commentary.”

Lisa chuckled. “And if you’re lucky, she’ll assign you roles to act out.”

Tzuyu added, her tone calm, “It’s not so bad. She usually lets you be the hero.”

Little Flower puffed out her chest. “Because Angel is a hero!” she declared, dragging Yeji toward the library.

Solar and Moonbyul exchanged amused glances as they sipped their coffee. “Looks like she’s already part of the family,” Solar murmured.

Moonbyul nodded. “Ryujin has good instincts. Yeji belongs here.”

In the library, Little Flower handed Yeji a worn storybook. “This one! It’s my favorite!”

Yeji took the book, her fingers brushing over the cover. “You want me to read it?” she asked hesitantly.

Little Flower nodded enthusiastically. “Please, Angel!”

Yeji opened the book, her voice soft as she began to read. “Once upon a time, in a forest filled with magic…”

Her voice wavered at first, but as Little Flower listened intently, Yeji grew more confident. Her gentle tone brought the story to life, and Little Flower’s eyes sparkled with delight.

Unbeknownst to Yeji, the sound of her voice carried through the halls. One by one, the family members began gathering outside the library, drawn by the rare and enchanting sound.

Jennie was the first to peek inside, her usual smirk replaced with a look of quiet admiration. Lisa leaned against the doorframe, her arms crossed but her expression soft. Mina and Tzuyu sat down silently, their gazes fixed on Yeji.

Solar whispered to Moonbyul, “I can’t remember the last time we all sat this still.”

Moonbyul chuckled quietly. “She’s got us under a spell.”

Chaeyoung, ever the joker, whispered, “Do you think she knows we’re here?”

Jisoo shook her head. “Not a chance. She’s too focused.”

As Yeji finished the story, the room erupted into applause, startling her. She looked up, her cheeks turning crimson as she realized the entire family had been listening.

Jennie grinned. “Didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but that was incredible.”

Lisa added, “You’ve got a gift, Angel.”

Little Flower giggled, pointing at Yeji’s flushed face. “Angel’s shy!”

Yeji buried her face in her hands, overwhelmed by the attention. “Stop teasing,” she mumbled.

The family laughed, the atmosphere light and warm.

Hong Cha Young watched from afar, her heart swelling with pride. She whispered to herself, "She’s healing. And so are we."

Later that evening, Ryujin, Vincenzo, and Rosé gathered in Ryujin’s office. Vincenzo leaned back in his chair, his expression serious.

“Have you contacted anyone from Yeji’s side?” he asked. “Her family, friends? Someone might be worried about her.”

Ryujin frowned, guilt flickering across her face. “I… hadn’t thought of that.” She ran a hand through her hair, frustrated with herself. “I should’ve. Damn it.”

Rosé placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Don’t beat yourself up. Let’s figure it out now.”

Rosé opened a folder, spreading its contents on the desk. “Here’s what I found. Yeji’s mother passed away when she was a child. Her father has mysteriously disappeared just after Yeji was being auctioned, leaving their home with no known whereabouts. There’s no sign of him anywhere.”

Ryujin’s jaw tightened. “And her friends?”

Rosé nodded. “Two people have been actively searching for her. From what I’ve gathered, they’re close college friends. They seem genuinely concerned.”

Ryujin’s gaze hardened. “Get in touch with them. Bring them here, but I want to meet them first.”

Vincenzo leaned forward. “And the father?”

“Still digging,” Rosé admitted. “But something doesn’t add up. His disappearance is too convenient.”

Solar and Moonbyul entered the room, having overheard the conversation. Solar spoke up, “We’ll help with the friends. Moonbyul and I can handle the introductions.”

Moonbyul added, “And if the father’s hiding something, we’ll find it.”

Jisoo stepped in, her voice calm. “Chaeyoung’s good at uncovering hidden details. She can help with the investigation.”

Ryujin nodded, her resolve firm. “Good. Let’s get to work.”

Before heading to bed, Ryujin found herself back in the library. The storybook Yeji had read earlier lay on the table. She picked it up, flipping through its pages.

Rosé entered quietly, her expression thoughtful. “You’re thinking about her father, aren’t you?”

Ryujin nodded. “It doesn’t sit right with me. If he cared about her, why disappear now?”

Rosé sighed. “Sometimes, people run when they’re scared. Or when they’re guilty.”

Ryujin’s grip on the book tightened. “Either way, I won’t let him hurt her again.”

Rosé smiled softly. “You’re good for her, Ryujin. And she’s good for you.”

Ryujin didn’t respond, but her expression softened as she placed the book back on the table. “Let’s make sure she knows she’s safe. Always.”

As the family dispersed for the night, Ryujin lingered in her room, her thoughts heavy. She glanced at a photo of Yeji and Little Flower, taken earlier that day.

She’s no longer just someone I saved, Ryujin thought. She’s someone I need to protect, even from the ghosts of her past.