Let the world burn

13

The mansion was quiet, save for the faint hum of activity from the kitchen where Sana was busy preparing a meal. Lia found Ryujin standing on the balcony, her gaze fixed on the garden below. Taking a deep breath, Lia approached her.

"Ryujin," Lia began, her voice steady but tinged with hesitation. "I just want to say... I trust Yeji with you. But if she stays here, we'd like to meet her every once in a while. She's been through so much, and we're all she has left from her old life."

Ryujin turned to face Lia, her expression calm but firm. "Lia, let me make this clear. I don't need your permission to let Yeji stay here. Second, if Yeji wants, you can meet her whenever she likes. You don't have to worry about her. She'll get whatever she wishes for, and she's safe here. We won't let her get hurt again."

Lia studied Ryujin for a moment, searching her face for any sign of insincerity. Finding none, she nodded. "I believe you. Just... take care of her. She's special."

"She is," Ryujin agreed softly, her gaze drifting back to the garden where Yeji and Little Flower were playing. "And I'll make sure she never feels unsafe again."

After Lia and Yuna left, the mansion settled into a tranquil lull. Yeji, feeling a mix of emotions, sought out Ryujin. She found her in the study, poring over some documents. Gathering her courage, Yeji stepped inside.

"Ryujin?" she called softly.

Ryujin looked up, her stern expression softening instantly. "Yeji. What's wrong?"

Instead of answering, Yeji walked up to her and wrapped her arms around Ryujin in a hug. Ryujin stiffened, caught off guard, but quickly relaxed, her arms hesitantly coming up to return the embrace.

"Thank you... for everything," Yeji whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

A single tear slipped down Yeji's cheek. Ryujin gently wiped it away with her thumb, her touch surprisingly tender. "No more tears, Yeji. Only smiles and laughter from now on."

Yeji nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. "I'll try."

Ryujin chuckled softly. "Good. Because you deserve to be happy."

Later that evening, as the family gathered for dinner, Sana placed a plate in front of Yeji, her expression motherly. "Eat up, Yeji. You need to regain your strength."

Yeji looked at the plate, filled with a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and rice, and smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Sana unnie."

Sana ruffled Yeji's hair affectionately. "Anything for our princess."

Ryujin watched the interaction, a thoughtful look crossing her face. After dinner, she pulled Yeji aside. "Yeji, I've been thinking... now that your wounds have healed, would you like to train a little? Nothing too intense-just some exercise to help you feel stronger."

Yeji looked surprised but then nodded. "I'd like that. I don't want to feel helpless anymore."

Little Flower, who had been eavesdropping, immediately piped up. "I'll train with Angel too! I'll protect her!"

Ryujin chuckled, ruffling Little Flower's hair. "Alright, but no slacking, okay?"

Little Flower puffed out her chest proudly. "I won't! I'll be the strongest!"

The next morning, Solar and Moonbyul took charge of Yeji and Little Flower's training. The session started in the mansion's expansive gym, where the two women laid out a plan.

"First, we'll work on your stamina," Solar explained, her tone gentle but firm. "We'll start with some light cardio and stretching."

Little Flower eagerly mimicked Solar's movements, her tiny frame bouncing with enthusiasm. Yeji followed along, her movements hesitant but determined.

Moonbyul watched Yeji closely, offering occasional corrections. "Good. Keep your back straight. Don't rush-focus on your form."

The rest of the family occasionally popped in to check on their progress. Lisa and Jennie brought water bottles, teasing Little Flower about her dramatic poses.

"Look at our little warrior," Lisa said, laughing. "She's already a pro."

Jennie smirked. "Give her a week, and she'll be running this place."

Ryujin observed from the sidelines, her arms crossed but her expression was proud. She felt a surge of warmth seeing Yeji's determination. She's stronger than she thinks, Ryujin thought.

Meanwhile, Solar and Moonbyul exchanged subtle glances. During a short break, Moonbyul leaned closer to Solar. "You're really good at this, you know?"

Solar smiled, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. "Well, someone has to keep you in line, don't they?"

Moonbyul chuckled. "Fair enough. But I think we make a good team."

Solar's gaze softened as she looked at Moonbyul. "We always have."

Meanwhile, the family was hard at work investigating the people behind Yeji's auction. Rose, seated at her laptop, called out to Ryujin. "We've got a lead. It's not much, but it's a start."

Ryujin joined her, scanning the screen. "Connections to her father?"

Rose nodded. "Possibly. We'll need to dig deeper, but there's definitely something here."

The family gathered in the study, the atmosphere tense but focused. Ryujin took charge, her voice steady and commanding. "We're not just going to find these people-we're going to destroy them. No one gets away with hurting Yeji."

The others nodded, their expressions grim. They were a family, and no one messed with their own.

Nearby, Lisa and Jennie shared a quiet moment. Lisa leaned in, brushing a strand of hair behind Jennie's ear. "You've been quiet. What's on your mind?"

Jennie sighed, her gaze distant. "Just thinking about how far we've come. And how much further we have to go."

Lisa smiled, her hand resting lightly on Jennie's. "Whatever comes, we face it together."

Jennie's lips curved into a small smile. "Always."

As the days passed, Yeji began to find her place within the family. Hong Cha Young and Vincenzo took her under their wing, treating her like their own daughter. One afternoon, Cha Young invited Yeji into the kitchen.

"Let's bake something together," Cha Young suggested, handing Yeji an apron.

Yeji hesitated. "I've never baked before."

"That's okay. I'll teach you," Cha Young said, her smile warm. "It's not just about baking-it's about creating something with love."

Meanwhile, Vincenzo shared stories from his past, his deep voice soothing as he recounted tales of his youth. Yeji listened intently, feeling a sense of belonging she hadn't experienced in years.

Moments of joy became more frequent. Yeji laughed more, her bond with Little Flower growing stronger. The family noticed her gradual transformation, their love and support helping her heal.

One evening, as the family gathered in the living room, Lisa leaned over to Jennie. "You know, seeing Ryujin like this makes me think..."

Jennie raised an eyebrow. "Think what?"

Lisa grinned. "Maybe it's time we started thinking about our own future."

Jennie rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Let's focus on the present first, Romeo."

Nearby, Solar and Moonbyul sat together, their hands intertwined. Moonbyul leaned her head against Solar's shoulder. "It's nice, isn't it? Seeing everyone so happy."

Solar nodded, her voice soft. "It is. And I hope it stays this way."

The family laughed, the sound filling the mansion with warmth. For Yeji, it felt like home.