Win No Matter What

CHAPTER 32 - TWO PERSPECTIVES, SAME DESTINATION

Ji Min's thoughts and POV:

Wow, Rumi has a vice-like grip on my hand, maybe to avoid slipping on these dangerously wet rocks, or maybe to stay close to me. I'm happy with either, as long as I can hold her hands. 

I can't believe I did something this stupid! What possessed me to recklessly go through that portal? Is my demon-consciousness starting to make decisions? I didn't feel like I was in control when I dragged Rumi through the wall. The more I think about it, the surer I am that I was compelled. Who was doing it - my inner demon or my father?

Where the heck is this cave going to lead us to? We could be walking straight into a trap! [turning back to look at Rumi] She doesn't even look scared, geez this woman is a warrior. I'm so glad she's in my life. I'd better not show her how worried I am.

"Hey Ji Min, are you ok? You went quiet for a few minutes, is something worrying you?" (Crap.)

"Oh, sorry Rumi, I was just wondering where this cave leads to. Are you ok? I can't believe I stupidly brought you here. I'm so sorry, it's my fault we're in this mess."

"Don't be silly, it's not your fault. How were you to know where the portal would lead? I mean, was a teeny bit risky going through the wall without telling anyone? Possibly. Will it be a problem that we don't have our wands? Let's hope not. Look, I'm not worried as long as I'm with you. Time was of the essence and you went with your gut instinct. We've found a secret entrance to the demon realm, now we just need to find a way back and tell the others."

She is amazing. How is she not mad at me right now? I can't believe she's even trying to put a positive spin on this. If Seok Jin hyung was here, he'd be giving me an earful. I don't deserve such a wonderful person in my life, and if we do get out of this mess, I will make sure she knows how much she means to me.

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Back to Rumi:

You and Ji Min walk through the cave with caution as the light on the other side of the waterfall behind you starts to dim. Both of you being without your wands means you have no other source of light. You try not to show Ji Min that there's a real risk you may not find a way out in time and could both be trapped here permanently. The guilt he already feels is clearly visible on his face and there's no way you're going to make him feel worse. I hope he believed what I said earlier.

Ever since you entered the cave, you've been feeling the same warmth you felt once before from your locket. You look down and see that it's starting to glow. You quickly tuck it into your shirt, hoping Ji Min doesn't notice but then realise that if both your lockets are connected by destiny, the same is probably happening with his locket too. If it is glowing, he's doing a good job of not reacting to it.

What if the locket is trying to warn us of impending danger? Maybe we're getting closer to the coronation day and that's why it's glowing. We could be walking straight into Lord Lucifer's dominion.

Oh well, if these are going to be my last moments, at least I'll be with Ji Min, you think, holding his hand even tighter now.