The thread between us

The silence after the knife incident was heavy, but Ji Ah had finally begun to settle. Her breathing had evened out, though her mind remained tangled in a web of questions and half-formed fears.

Ryu Hwan had left the house without a word more than a curt, "I have work."

And just like that, she was left behind — with haa rin, haa jin, and the unpredictable little Ember.

She hadn't moved from her seat. Her eyes were fixed on the window, though they didn't really see it. Her thoughts had drifted elsewhere — to the mission that had brought her here.

The diamond exhibition.

But it wasn't about diamonds. Not really.

It was about coded movements, stolen identities, whispers of people who didn't exist — at least, not on any official record.

This wasn't just an assignment. It was a trigger — a step into something deeper. Something darker.

And yet…

Despite all the gravity of her mission, her mind kept circling back to him.

To Ryu Hwan.

The look in his eyes. The way his blood had vanished into thin air.

The way her blade had made contact — and felt like it had pierced her, not him.

Before she could peel back the layers of that feeling, the door creaked open.

Haa rin and haa jin entered with the swagger of men who either owned the place — or simply didn't care who did.

Haa rin smirked. "Still brooding?"

Haa jin leaned against the wall with a lazy grin. "If you skip another meal, the boss might just eat us instead."

Ji Ah didn't respond. Her gaze stayed far away, her thoughts too loud for humor.

Then — a sudden flutter of wings.

Whoosh.

Ember flew in, landing before her with theatrical flair. He stood upright, puffed up, chest forward — like a tiny knight presenting himself to a queen.

Ji Ah blinked. Something in her softened.

A ghost of a smile touched her lips.

"You're supposed to be a dragon," she murmured, gently brushing her fingers along his tiny head. "But you're so small… more like a grumpy little bird."

Ember squeaked — high-pitched and outrageously offended. His nostrils flared, chest puffed like he might burst. He opened his mouth wide…

…Only to let out a puff of smoke and a pitiful spark.

Ji Ah's quiet laughter broke through her guarded expression.

A soft, fleeting sound — like she was afraid it might shatter the moment.

Ember turned his back with a tiny growl, wings twitching in exaggerated irritation.

"Careful," haa jin warned from the doorway, amusement in his voice. "Wound his pride too much, and next time he might actually combust."

Haa rin chuckled. "For now, we get smoke and sass. One day, he'll be roasting entire armies."

Ji Ah's gaze lingered on the little dragon, who now peeked at her over his shoulder like a sulky child.

Despite the chaos, the unfamiliarity, and the unanswered questions…

There was something strangely comforting here.

A bizarre blend of warmth and danger.

Even if she didn't fully understand this house…

Even if Ryu Hwan remained a mystery cloaked in riddles and charm…

For now — just for now — it felt real.

Strange.

Unpredictable.

But real.