Win No Matter What

CHAPTER 26 - YOONGI, EXPLAINED

While the Heads of House leave to follow Nam Joon's instructions, Seok Jin hangs back. When everyone has gone, he says "Rumi, can I talk to you for a bit? It's about Yoongi."

Not used to seeing Seok Jin so serious, you say "sure," and let him lead the conversation. A little hesitant, he says, "I've been debating whether to tell you this, but this tension between you and Yoongi is not good for team morale, so here goes. A few days before you arrived, Yoongi was in his room, when he 'overheard' the thoughts of someone walking past his room. Yoongi didn't see who it was, but he briefly heard that person thinking about the prophecy. Now, don't react to what I'm about to say, but apparently the prophecy says that without you, Ji Min's succession to the throne will fail and that's why you will cause the betrayal."

"What?!" you yell, rising from your chair, "That's ridiculous! Betrayal?! I would never ever betray any of you!"

Seok Jin stands up and tries to pacify you, "Rumi, of course, I don't think you would betray us. Don't worry, no-one else knows, Yoongi told only me. I think he was shocked by it and needed to talk to someone. Since we've been close for a long time, he confided in me. When I met you though, I knew straight away you would always be on our side. You don't have it in you to betray anyone. Yoongi is just very protective of Ji Min and the other guys, so he's not easy to win over."

You sit back down, feeling defeated by this fresh information. Why is nothing easy to deal with around here?

"Rumi, listen, I tried persuading Yoongi to give you a chance, but he just needs a bit more time to come round. It's less about you and more about this whole situation which feels out of our control. Please, I never wanted to upset you, but I thought it was only right you knew why Yoongi has been the way he has."

Sighing, you say, "Seok Jin, I appreciate your reason for telling me, and if I were in Yoongi's shoes, I would probably be the same. It's just a lot for a person to take in, especially someone whose most challenging activity in her life has been teaching students how to pronounce a multi-layer casting spell. All this," you spread out your arms, "being followed, my thoughts not being my own, the note from the library, beings from another world, my family, Ji Min's family, Ji Min's future, people relying on me." 

Sighing again, you say, "Just when I think I have a handle on things, another curveball comes my way." You get ready to leave. "Thank you for looking out for me, you have always been really nice to me. I'll be ok soon, I just need some time to myself, to reset. No, really, I'll be fine by tomorrow. See you later."

You turn and leave Seok Jin, who looks at you sadly, wondering whether he did the right thing. You make your way to your room, but stop short when you see Ji Min there. He's leaning against the wall near your door, looking at the floor, clearly waiting for you. He doesn't see you approach and you take this chance to quietly observe his perfect self. He still has the ability to leave you breathless. Before he catches you staring though, you ask, "Ji Min, what are you doing here?"

He looks up to see you and his eyes crinkle as he smiles widely. He straightens up and says, "Rumi, I know Nam Joon hyung said our priorities had changed, but I think the library is still worth investigating. I just know it's key to this whole situation, so I was thinking we could both go there now. What do you think?" he asks. While he's talking, your eyes start to glaze and seeing this, he walks towards you and asks, "Is everything ok, Rumi?"

Quickly wiping your eyes, you say, "I'm fine, it's just been a long day."

He gently strokes down your left arm, "Is it just that? I know I've been a bit, er, impulsive in the past, but from now on I won't do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable."

Looking at his eyes you say, "It's not that at all Ji Min, I never feel uncomfortable when I'm around you. In fact, I feel the most like myself and completely at ease when I'm with you." Your right hand impulsively rests on his chest where you can feel his heart thumping.

Visibly relieved he says, "Thank goodness for that. You should know, I feel the same way when I'm with you."

Looking at each other expectantly, the silence that follows is palpable. Wordlessly, you unlock your door and lead him through.