2 Souls 1 Heart | Ryeji

9

Yeji woke up the next morning, feeling a surge of excitement and anticipation for the plans she had later in the day. Eager to make the most of her morning, she dashed to her local convenience store to pick up some breakfast and snacks to bring along. Returning home, she sat down at her kitchen table, happily enjoying her food.

Feeling the need to share her excitement, Yeji decided to video call Chaeryeong and fill her in on the details. As the call connected, she couldn't contain her enthusiasm, expressing how much she was looking forward to the day ahead. Chaeryeong listened attentively, offering words of encouragement and wishing her good luck. Yeji sought her friend's advice on what to wear, and Chaeryeong suggested a simple yet cute outfit. Yeji settled on a pair of jeans and a cropped shirt, setting them aside for later.

After bidding their goodbyes, Yeji decided it was the perfect time to take a shower and get ready. She wanted to look her best when she met Ryujin. Once dressed, she settled onto her bed, scrolling through her phone to pass the time. Minutes later, a notification popped up on her screen. It was a message from Ryujin, saying good morning and confirming that she would be picking Yeji up around 4 pm. Glancing at the time, Yeji realized it was only 10 am. She didn't want to seem overly eager, so she simply shrugged it off and replied with an "okay" and a thank you.

With nothing else to do at the moment, Yeji remembered her brother, Hyunjin, and decided to give him a call. She asked if he was free for lunch, and to her delight, he agreed. They settled on a restaurant that Hyunjin recommended, and Yeji continued scrolling through her phone until it was time to meet.

When Yeji arrived at the restaurant, she spotted her brother waving to get her attention. They sat down together and engaged in a lively conversation about their lives. Hyunjin playfully teased Yeji, asking if she had any crushes or love interests. Ryujin was the first to come to her mind, causing her cheeks to turn as red as a tomato. Hyunjin pestered her, begging her to spill the details. Finally, unable to withstand his teasing any longer, Yeji confessed about her feelings for Ryujin and the plans they had for later that day. Hyunjin's teasing turned into genuine excitement, and Yeji quickly changed the topic, asking about Felix, his boyfriend. Hyunjin blushed, confirming that things were going well between them.

As their lunch came to an end, they paid the bill and bid each other goodbye. Hyunjin wished Yeji good luck for her evening plans and urged her to call him more often. They went their separate ways, and Yeji made her way back home. The time was now around 2 pm, and with each passing moment, her excitement grew stronger. However, a tinge of nervousness also crept in. After all, it was normal to feel nervous around someone you had a crush on, Yeji thought.

Back in her room, Yeji decided to take a short nap to help time pass more quickly. Setting an alarm to avoid oversleeping, she lay down and soon drifted off. The sound of the alarm jolted her awake, and she quickly freshened up once again. Spraying her favorite perfume and slipping on her shoes, she waited in the living room, glancing at the time every few minutes.

As she stood there, a car pulled up in front of her house. Yeji's heart skipped a beat as she recognized Ryujin stepping out of the car. "Hey," Yeji greeted, a smile spreading across her face.

"Hey, you look great," Ryujin replied, returning the smile. Yeji walked over to the passenger side, and Ryujin opened the door for her. Yeji settled in, and Ryujin returned to the driver's seat. They exchanged pleasantries, asking each other about their day and how they were doing, as they drove to Ryujin's place.

Upon arriving, Ryujin, being the thoughtful person she was, opened the car door for Yeji and laced their arms together as they walked toward the building. They continued their conversation in the elevator, their voices filled with warmth and connection. Finally, they reached Ryujin's front door. She unlocked it, and they entered her apartment.

Yeji took off her shoes as Ryujin told her to make herself comfortable. They settled on the living room couch, and Ryujin offered her a glass of water. Yeji also presented the snacks she had bought earlier, expressing her gratitude once again. The two of them engaged in deep conversations, losing track of time as they watched TV and enjoyed each other's company.

As they talked, Yeji couldn't help but feel her affection for Ryujin growing stronger. She cherished these moments, realizing how much she genuinely liked her. On the other hand, Ryujin was developing a fondness for Yeji, though she remained cautious due to past experiences. She wanted to tread carefully, ensuring she didn't rush into anything and risk losing someone important again.

Yeji glanced at her phone and was startled to see that it was already midnight. Panic washed over her, and she apologized to Ryujin for staying so late. However, Ryujin hadn't even realized how much time had passed, and she calmly suggested that Yeji stay over since it was late and dangerous outside. Yeji's internal panic intensified, but she couldn't bring herself to decline such a kind offer.

Ryujin assured her, "It's really okay. I have spare clothes you can borrow." She showed Yeji to the bathroom, and Yeji thanked her profusely before taking a shower and changing into the borrowed clothes. When she finished, Ryujin followed suit and entered the bathroom.

Once both were ready, Ryujin informed Yeji that she could sleep on her bed while she would take the couch outside. Yeji immediately objected, insisting that she should be the one to sleep outside. Ryujin, being firm in her decision, reassured Yeji that it was truly okay. However, before leaving the room, Yeji called out to her, her voice shy and hesitant.

"Actually, um, you know, there's more than enough space on the bed. If you don't mind, we could sleep together," Yeji stammered, her face turning pink.

Ryujin looked at her with surprise, seeking confirmation. Yeji nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Ryujin agreed, appreciating Yeji's invitation. They settled on opposite ends of the bed, pulling the covers over themselves.

Staring up at the ceiling, Yeji broke the silence, expressing her heartfelt gratitude to Ryujin for the wonderful day they had spent together. Ryujin sincerely assured her that she was always welcome and that she cherished their friendship. Turning to face each other, they exchanged smiles, their eyes glimmering in the darkness. Yeji silently thanked the darkness for hiding her blushing face.

Another silence enveloped the room before Yeji, feeling a bit embarrassed, confessed, "I have to warn you, I tend to be clingy when I sleep." She offered an apology in advance.

Ryujin laughed, finding Yeji's cuteness endearing. "It's okay," she reassured her. "I don't mind at all."

With that, they bid each other goodnight and drifted off to sleep, side by side. Yeji couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity she had been given. Not only had she found herself developing a crush, but she had also discovered a genuine friend who had her back. As she succumbed to sleep, Yeji whispered a silent wish to the universe, expressing her hopes for a future where they could continue to grow closer.

Ryujin, gazing upon Yeji's peaceful countenance, responded to the unspoken desires that lingered in the air. Her voice, barely above a whisper, carried a tender promise as she watched over Yeji in the embrace of dreams. "I'll cherish and take care of you," Ryujin whispered softly, her words an ethereal declaration that painted the night with promises of care and affection.

The night ended with a serene and hopeful atmosphere, setting the stage for the next chapter in Yeji and Ryujin's blossoming relationship.