Midnight In Paris || Ryeji (ILD book 2)

5.

"It's so small." Ryujin whispered, leaning towards the other as they stared at it.

"I know right?" Yeji responded, crossing her arms and tilting her head while locking eyes with it. "When I first saw it, I was deeply disappointed."

Ryujin clicked her tongue. "Guess it's true what they say, size doesn't matter."

"Ryujin!" Yeji whispered but as if she was shouting, hitting her arm while trying to hold her laughter. The shorter of the two chuckling before moving away from the Mona Lisa hanging on the wall.

"This is my favorite place." Yeji announced, once they reached a certain part of the louvre. One where people sat, bathed in sunlight amongst marble statues. It was beautiful indeed, but Ryujin's eyes remained on Yeji who couldn't help but smile.

Beautiful.

Sitting down, she watched as Yeji kept standing for a moment longer, smiling while looking around. It was clearly not her first time at the museum and yet she was still looking around with eyes filled with wonder.

It was a beautiful sight.

Ryujin couldn't help but smile widely, happy to see the other enjoy herself so much.

After a second, Yeji settled down beside her on the bench. Ryujin taking that moment to capture a photo of the two. Immediately sending it to their friends, who wasted no time teasing her about their 'date'. Ryujin not even bothering to reply, locking the phone and giving all her attention to the woman next to her.

"One day your works will be in a museum like this one."

Yeji shook her head. "I'm not good enough for that."

"Lies." Ryujin countered, her arms resting just behind her and keeping her up as she leaned back. "You're insanely talented and your art is worth no less than whatever is displayed on these walls. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

The woman was looking at her, she could feel her stare burning yet made no effort to meet her gaze. Instead her eyes remained focused ahead. "I put it up. The painting you made of that spot. The one I took you to that one time. It might not be a museum but it's displayed on my apartment."

"Ryujin." the word sounded like a warning. As if she had said too much or perhaps the wrong words. Yet when her head turned to look at Yeji, soft eyes met hers. So it wasn't a bad thing?

"Yes, Yeji?" A whisper, only audible because of how close they were to each other.

Yeji only stared at her for a few seconds, both daring each other despite neither knowing what the dare was. Yeji taking a deep breath and turning her head. Both of them looking back at the room they were in and relaxing for a moment in silence.

"Are you serious about staying in Paris?"

The response wasn't immediate. Meaning whatever it would be, there was room for doubt.

"I've thought about it. Sometimes I think I can be happy here."

"You could be happy in Seoul."

Yeji nodded. "Maybe."

Silence again, Ryujin eventually breaking their calmness by getting up. A hand offered to the other who hesitantly accepted it, pulling her to stand up.

"I can literally hear your stomach asking to be fed. Let's go, Hwang."

Yeji didn't argue, allowing for the other to drag her out of the museum and onto the closest restaurant. Yet the younger of the two nearly found herself protesting as she felt Yeji's hand slip away on their way there. After Ryujin had to let go to open a door for her. Curse that damn door.

After stopping by a coffee shop and getting themselves something to eat and drink, the two went on a walk together. While Ryujin told the other stories of what she had been missing back home. Many were the stories Yeji hadn't known about or taken part in since she had moved to Paris.

"When are you going back?" Yeji suddenly asked, looking her way curiously. The two sitting on the grass by the Eiffel tower, their eyes focused on the monument ahead.

Ryujin leaned back, her arms holding her up. "I don't know."

"No plans to go back yet?"

"Not really." She answered honestly. "I guess it depends."

"On?"

"You."

"Me?"

She hummed.

"How so?"

"Is there a reason for me to stay for longer, Yeji?"

"Of course. There's a lot to see in Paris."

Ryujin chuckled, shaking her head and sitting upright now. Her gaze finally moving to focus on Yeji who was still looking at the tower. "Tell me there's a chance."

Yeji seemed to understand, her head turning to face hers before she diverted her gaze to look at the grass between them. "I don't want to give you false hope."

Clicking her tongue, Ryujin started to nervously play with the grass, unsure of what to do or say.

"It's not that-" Yeji started, sighing. "It's just- I don't know if I'll stay in Paris and then you've become a good friend. I don't know what to do."

Ryujin nodded, hearing the other take a deep breath. Clearly feeling as frustrated as she had for the time they had been friends.

"You asked me to come."

"I did." Yeji nodded. "I still want you here."

She hummed again, taking in those words.

Then Yeji spoke again, surprising her and perhaps changing them forever.

"Give me a month. I know you have your doubts and I have mine too. But stay for a month."

"Okay."