Let the world burn

16

The soft amber glow of morning light spilled through the curtains, casting golden stripes across the sheets.

Ryujin blinked awake to silence. Peaceful, rare silence.

And beside her—an angel.

Yeji lay on her side, hair a soft mess, one hand curled near her face. Her lips were slightly parted, breath slow and even. Ryujin didn't dare move for a moment, just stared like an idiot, utterly captivated.

Her eyes traced every detail: the gentle curve of her nose, the way her lashes fluttered slightly in her sleep. But it was her lips—God, those lips—that pulled Ryujin in like gravity. And when Yeji stirred ever so slightly and smiled in her sleep?

Ryujin's breath caught in her throat.

"A smile suits her so much... she should wear it more."
"I want to be the reason she smiles like that. Every damn day."

And then—just like that—an idea bloomed.

A ridiculous, reckless, completely serious idea.

"I want to court her. Officially. No more half-measures."

Her heart hammered with a strange, buzzing excitement.

"I'll cook breakfast. I'll win her over, one pancake at a time."

She looked at Yeji once more, whispered under her breath, "I'm gonna make you mine," and smiled.

Carefully, she untangled herself from the blankets—and Yeji's arms. She moved like a ghost, barely shifting the bed. But right before slipping out, she hesitated.

Yeji stirred, reaching out even in her sleep. Ryujin froze.

Yeji murmured something. A soft little sound. A tiny frown formed on her lips.

Ryujin bit her bottom lip, aching to stay.

But then—

"No. If I do this right... she'll have me forever."

With that, Ryujin stood and quietly made her way to the kitchen.

She was so caught up in the excitement of her plan that she forgot to leave a note.

~~~

A sharp scream shattered the morning quiet.

Yeji.

Ryujin's heart stopped—then roared to life.

The bowl she was holding hit the floor and shattered.

She sprinted, every instinct in her screaming, protect her.

She reached the hallway in a blur, bare feet hitting the floor hard. Yeji's door was open.

There—

Yeji, barefoot, eyes frantic, stumbling forward. Tears streamed down her face as she limped out of her room, clearly mid-panic.

She didn't even see Ryujin before she collapsed onto the floor, holding her ankle.

"Yeji!" Ryujin dropped beside her, voice sharp with panic. "Angel, I'm here. I'm here."

Yeji looked up, shaking. "You weren't there—I woke up and you were gone and I thought—"

"No. I'd never leave you." Ryujin wrapped her arms around her. "I just... I was trying to make you breakfast. I'm so sorry. I should've left a note. I didn't think—"

"I thought I lost you," Yeji choked out.

"Never. I'm yours—if you'll have me."

Yeji blinked through tears. "I... hurt my ankle."