The mission had been scheduled for three days. But, as expected, they returned just two days later, few minor injuries. It was a bit of a surprise, especially since Ji-an had thought they'd be the first to return. Yet, as they stepped through the EDC gates, she realized they weren't the early birds. In fact, they were the last ones to finish.
Ji-an's eyes scanned the area, seeing Ha-eun chatting with Byung, Bora stretching her legs, and Ye-jun lounging nearby like he was taking a break from his back. "Seriously?" Ji-an muttered. "How did everyone else get back so fast?" Dae-chul shrugged nonchalantly, though Ji-ho could tell the same thought had crossed his mind. "Guess we were slower than we thought."
Ji-an opened her mouth, about to say something, but then stopped herself. She had wanted to brag, maybe mention the weird incident with the cursed village and how they'd barely escaped with the kids. She was itching to say something, to assert their success, but she remembered.
Dae-chul had told them to keep quiet about it. They were only to report the incident to Captain Ryu-hwan privately later. "Don't mention it," Dae-chul had insisted when the topic first came up. "We'll handle it the proper way." Ji-an had disagreed at first, after all, how often did they get to be heroes. But Ji-ho's calm plea had won her over. He had made a compelling case, and after a little hesitation, she agreed. Now, she was left holding back her desire to show off.
They reported the mission's success, handing in their reports. But no one seemed too interested in their details. Ji-an stayed quiet about the children, the strange man, and the heavy atmosphere of the mission. It didn't feel right, but she trusted Ji-ho judgment. For now, this was just another mission to most people.
After the formalities were over, Ji-ho stretched, visibly relieved. "I'll catch you guys later. Got some things to do." Dae-chul waved him off with a lazy smile, but Ji-an could see the lingering thought in his eyes. "Just don't get yourself in trouble, alright?"
Ji-ho nodded and made his way out of the main building.
As he walked through the courtyard, he found himself unexpectedly colliding with someone. A sharp, cold shoulder knocked into him, and a low voice spoke. "Watch where you're going, insect." Ji-ho glanced up to see a tall, blonde officer with a distinct uniform threaded with Black linen, he appeared to be an officer of the Obsidain blade. His eyes were sharp, and his posture screamed superiority.
Ji-ho raised an eyebrow. "Sorry about that" as he was about to move forward, his hand was held back. "I'm not done talking with You yet," the officer said, glaring at Ji-ho, "I said I'm sorry" Ji-ho replied, he's eyes screamed of bloodlust. He felt that familiar unease whenever someone made it clear they didn't like him for reasons he couldn't understand.
The officer removed his hand from Ji-ho, "You're an intresting insect, White blade" he added Before leaving. Ji-ho was about to respond then he stopped, shaking his head, this wasn't worth he's attention.
The next day, Ji-ho walked to the address Ye-rin had given him before he left. He had gotten the new house, the one they'd picked together. As he approached, a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He couldn't wait to see her again. Ye-rin was there, waiting by the door, her eyes lighting up when she saw him. Without saying anything, she ran to him, throwing her arms around him in a warm hug. "Welcome back," she whispered, holding him tight.
Ji-ho chuckled, squeezing her back before pulling away slightly to look at her. Well, I can't say I haven't missed Your troubles," he laughed, then paused. "How have you been?" Ye-rin hesitated, her eyes darting away for a brief second before she smiled. "I've been fine. Just... waiting for you." Her voice softened. "Did you miss me, not like I care tho." She said, flipping her hair, Ji-ho smirked. "I missed you more than I thought I would."
She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, as if considering whether to say something else. But before she could, her gaze shifted to the side, and Ji-ho followed her line of sight. "What's wrong?" Ji-ho asked, noticing the faint change in her expression. Ye-rin shook her head, pushing her toughts down. "Nothing," she said quickly. "I'm just glad you're back."
There was a tension in the air, but Ji-ho could tell she was trying to hide it. He decided to let it go, for now. The two of them went inside, and Ji-ho couldn't help but feel at peace in the quiet of their new home. It wasn't much, but it was theirs. The warmth between them was overwhelming, even though Ye-rin's smile seemed forced.
"Hey," Ji-ho said as they sat down on the couch, "I've been meaning to ask... Do you think you'd ever want to know more about my world?" Ye-rin froze, clearly caught off guard. "Your world?" She looked away, a small smile on her lips. "You've never really talked about it." Ji-ho paused, then shrugged. "Well, there's not much to say. I mean, it's just... different."
"Different how?" Ye-rin leaned forward, curiosity filling her eyes. "Don't you ever miss it?" Ji-ho chuckled softly, then looked her in the eye. "It's not like I don't miss it. I do. But my world was different... in ways you can't imagine. Well it's not really easy there, especially if You're not living in the main city." Ye-rin nodded, like she understood it all.
"By the way, I've meaning to ask, Don't You miss your parents." She asked. Ji-ho almost choked, "where did that come from" he muttered. "Well You do want me to know about Your world right?," her face upclose, not taking no for an answer. "Fine" he sighed. "Well it's not really the same term, with the way, you see it. As, Grim reapers Don't reproduce, we are born from a single Tree.
They call it the universe Tree." Ye-rin processed what he had said, then tought about something, which made her blush. Ji-ho continued, when born, we are assigned to a guardian, well, mine is a beautiful woman who means everything to me he smiled, and yes we do form close bond with one another."
Ye-rin tilted her head, her voice quiet. "And... what about soulmates? Do you believe in that?" Ji-ho froze. Soulmates? He hadn't really thought about that in a long time. "I guess," he said slowly. "Well those topics were usually discussed by the grown ups, never really tought about it," he sighed. Ye-rin nodded, a little lost in thought. "I guess... I mean, I never really understood it either. But I can't help but wonder if, in another life, things could be different." Ji-ho smiled. "Maybe things are already different."
Before she could respond, a sudden change in the room's atmosphere caught both their attention. There was a shift in the air, and Ji-ho could almost feel the weight of something unresolved. The moment was interrupted by a knock at the door. Ji-ho stood up, feeling the change in his chest. It was Dae-chul.
"Captain Ryu-hwan wants to see us," he.said, looking at Ji-ho with a serious expression. "We need to talk." Ji-ho nodded and glanced back at Ye-rin. "I'll be back soon."
As Ji-ho and Dae-chul headed toward the EDC headquarters, Dae-chul spoke, breaking the silence. "By the way, I've been meaning to ask... do you think there's more to demons than just being beasts?" Ji-ho blinked, confused at first. "What do you mean?" Dae-chul looked at him with a knowing expression. "I've seen things. Felt things. Demons aren't just mindless creatures. They're something more." Ji-ho frowned. "And you want to ask Captain Ryu-hwan about it?" Dae-chul nodded. "I think it's time we got some answers."