Let the world burn

18

The ride to Lia's house was quiet, but not in a peaceful way.

Ryujin gripped the wheel like it might try to escape her. Her lips were pressed together, eyes fixed on the road ahead. She looked calm—too calm. Like someone trying really hard not to show what was actually going on inside.

Yeji peeked over, raising a brow. "You're doing that thing again."

Ryujin didn't blink. "What thing."

"The knee drumming. And the death grip on the wheel. Also, you've looked at that rearview mirror eight times in the last minute."

"I'm just checking for—never mind."

Yeji smiled a little. "You're nervous."

"I'm not."

"You panicked in the chocolate aisle for twenty full minutes, Ryujin."

"I wanted to give her options," Ryujin muttered, her voice low.

"You said, and I quote, 'What if she hates chocolate? What if she's allergic? What if she thinks I'm bribing her?'"

Ryujin stared ahead. "...Valid questions."

Yeji reached over and gently poked her cheek. "You're doing great, though. Just... be normal."

"I am normal."

Yeji snorted. "That's exactly what a not-normal person would say."

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The house looked soft. Soft lighting, soft curtains, soft colors. It smelled like soup and candles.

Ryujin stood by Yeji on the porch, hands in her coat pockets, trying to look relaxed. Her fingers twitched. Her shoulders sat too high.

Yeji rang the doorbell.

Lia opened the door, looked Ryujin up and down, and tilted her head.

"You really showed up looking like a bodyguard with a marshmallow problem."

Ryujin scowled lightly.

"She panicked and bought half the store," Yeji added with a smile.

"I didn't panic," Ryujin said quietly.

Lia ignored her. "Well. Come in, panic queen."

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Inside was warm. Familiar, if unfamiliar. Laughter and the faint sound of a drama playing in the background. Someone was chopping something in the kitchen. The whole place felt lived in.

And then—

"Yeji!...Ryujin!..."

Yuna.

She looked up from the couch, hoodie sleeves pulled over her hands, legs folded under her. Her face lit up instantly.

Ryujin blinked. That same strange familiarity returned—like she'd seen this version of Yuna before, but in a dream.

"Uh—hey."

Yuna ran up to her. "Wait, are these for me?"

Ryujin awkwardly held out the bag. "I didn't know what you liked, so I just—got everything."

Yuna gasped like a little kid. "You got the weird jelly bars too?! You're chaotic. I love it."

Yeji leaned in. "She's winning."

Ryujin exhaled slowly, watching Yuna's grin light up the entire hallway.

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