Roses and Thorns (Jinlia)

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗻 | seven

Book 1, Chapter 19
𝖲𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗇

Two weeks had flown by since their New Year’s celebration. Classes were back in session as of last Monday, and Jisu had just learned that her mother would be coming home on the third Tuesday of the month.

On this particular Sunday, Jisu found herself at Shin International University. Ryujin had requested a private meeting, away from any prying ears, choosing the quiet solace of the library as their spot.

“Thanks for waiting,” Ryujin said as she arrived, sliding into the seat across from Jisu.

“What’s this about?” Jisu asked, curious but cautious.

Ryujin hesitated before answering. “I’ve been thinking about... going public with my identity.”

“That’s good... wait, seriously?” Jisu’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Ryujin sighed, leaning forward and resting her chin on her hand. “That’s why I wanted to talk to you. I need to think this through.”

Jisu’s expression softened, her concern evident. “Ryujin, are you sure about this? Don’t force yourself if you’re not ready.”

Running her fingers through her hair, Ryujin let out a frustrated breath. “I just want things to go back to normal.”

“Ryujin...”

“Let me explain,” Ryujin whispered, her voice barely audible but carrying a heavy weight. “It all started when I was seven years old.”

Jisu’s eyebrows knitted in concern. She could sense this was about more than just identityㅡit was a window into the trauma that had shaped Ryujin.

“I was seven,” Ryujin continued, her voice steady despite the pain it carried. “I asked my mom to fire every single worker in our mansionㅡevery driver, gardener, maid, and cook. I couldn’t stand the sight of them.”

Jisu’s voice faltered. “What? Why would you... at just seven?”

Ryujin’s lips pressed into a thin line. Her gaze darkened, memories swirling in her eyes. “It was because of my father’s death. Everything changed that night...” She took a deep breath, bracing herself. “I watched him die. Right in front of me.”

“Oh my God.”

“You don’t have to hear this if it’s too much,” Ryujin said, though her gentle smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“No, you’re the one who shouldn’t push yourself,” Jisu countered, gripping Ryujin’s trembling hand.

But Ryujin shook her head. “Let me tell you. You should know why I am the way I am.”

The Shin mansion was shrouded in stillness that night. Most of the household staff had retired, leaving only the guards awake. Inside his office, Mr. Shin, the patriarch, remained engrossed in his work, unaware of the shadow slipping past the mansion’s vaunted security.

“He didn’t even notice the intruder,” Ryujin said bitterly. “Not until it was too late.”

The uninvited guest entered the office with eerie calm, and when Mr. Shin looked up, he froze. Recognition dawned in his eyes. This wasn’t just anyoneㅡit was someone he trusted.

“He was my father’s secretary,” Ryujin spat, her tone laced with derision. “The most trusted employee.”

The secretary asked a question: Did Mr. Shin consider him a good employee? When the patriarch said yes, the man boldly requested a promotion. He wanted to be named the executive vice president of Mr. Shin’s enterprises.

“My father refused him,” Ryujin said, her jaw tight. “That position was meant for my mother. The paperwork had already been signed.”

The rejection ignited a fury in the secretary. His voice rose, his calm veneer cracking.

The commotion reached seven-year-old Ryujin’s room, rousing her from sleep. Curious and concerned, she slipped out of bed and followed the noise to her father’s office.

“I found the door slightly open,” Ryujin said, her voice trembling. “I could see everything. My father was standing there, hands raised, pleading with the man. The secretary had a gun pointed at him.”

Jisu tightened her grip on Ryujin’s hand. “You don’t have to keep going if it’s too much.”

But Ryujin pressed on, lost in the vivid memories. “The sound must have woken my mother too. She came down, but by the time she arrived...”

Her voice faltered. “By the time she arrived, the man had already pulled the trigger.”

Ryujin’s hands clenched into fists, trembling as she continued. “My mother didn’t hesitate. She picked up the gun my father kept in the house. And she--” Ryujin’s voice cracked but didn’t break. “She shot him. Right there. Right in front of me.”

Jisu’s eyes widened. “Ryujin...”

“I saw it all, Jisu. I saw everything.” Her voice wavered, but she managed a tight smile. “So you see, going public with my identity is about more than just me. It’s about taking back control of my life. Of my narrative.”

Jisu didn’t speak right away, instead letting her silence serve as a balm for the raw wound Ryujin had just opened.