Parallel Lines

Prelude to You (a short Prequel)

Lia remembers the first time she met Ryujin. She liked to think it was a chance meeting.

It was the last summer vacation of their preschool. She was hiding behind a tree, leaning down crying; because the other kids at the park were bullying her.

"Why is it raining on your face?"

She panicked as she heard a small voice.

Before she could fully look up, a green handkerchief entered her field of view.

At first, Lia didn't know how to react. She didn't expect anyone to find her deep in the woods.

Apparently the girl must've gotten tired reaching out her hand, so moved closer to wipe away Lia's tears herself; and gave a big smile.

Lia stared in silence as the girl continued. She was slightly taller than her and had deep brown eyes. Her clothes were dirty and she had bruises on her knees. In fact, the girl looked like a total mess. Except her smile, it was bright like the sun and genuine.

Finally snapping out of her own thoughts.

"What's wrong with your clothes?" Lia blurted out. "aren't you hurt?"

"Huh?" The girl asked, suddenly realizing the state she's in. "Oh, I was just climbing a tree, cause my sister Yuna dared me. She didn't think I could, cause I'm shorter. But I did!" The girl says proudly.

"That didn't really answer my question though."

"..I fell off when I looked down. I'm kinda scared of heights you see." The girl pouted.

"Then next time don't look down." Lia started laughing. She couldn't help it.

"You're finally smiling" The girl pointed out. "Are you feeling better?"

"A little bit," Lia said, rubbing at her eyes, which were still a bit red. "Thank you, I'm Lia. Choi Lia"

"Luna?" The girl asked in confusion.

"No, it's Lia, but you can also call me Jisu" Lia clarified.

"Oh, I thought it was Luna, cause your eyes looked like crescent moons when you were smiling; you should smile more, you look pretty when you smile."

Lia blushed at the sudden compliment. Other kids would just tease her that she looks like a sloth.

"I'm Ryujin by the way. Shin Ryujin."

After that encounter, there wasn't a single day that Lia didn't spend with Ryujin.