Chapter Text
She should’ve known better than to tell Yuna.
She thought it would be a harmless gesture. After all, her parents were inviting her to a benefits concert that would take her abroad and it behooved her to inform her cousin of her departure in case gossipy classmates tried to hound Yuna about her whereabouts. She knew just how nosy her classmates could be and it would’ve been too cruel to leave her cousin completely clueless to her absence.
So she called Yuna to inform her of her departure when things took a turn for the worst. Her cousin immediately decided that she should join, squealing at the idea and spouting hypothetical activities they could do to reforge their 'once unbreakable bond.' She even decided to bring some friends along!
Lia tried to insist that she didn’t want to impose. After all, they all must have had finals coming up soon and she didn’t want to detract them from their studies, but Yuna brushed her off.
“Nonsense! It’s been ages since we’ve last hung out and you haven’t even met any of my friends! AAAAH, I’m so excited! I’m gonna get everything booked right away!”
“Wait, Yu-!”
CLICK
She released an exasperated sigh before her phone suddenly vibrated.
From Shin Yuna:
hey wat hotl & flite r u bookd @?
i wana spend as much time as posbl w/ u!
Lia sighed as she reservedly typed in her itinerary details, hovering for just a moment before hitting send.
From Shin Yuna:
awsom! ill get those bookd rite away!
I cant w8! itll be so much fun!
Lia planted her palm against her forehead as her head shook slowly.
To Shin Yuna:
It will definitely be a most pleasant venture.
She coughed as she hit the send button, grateful that Yuna had hung up and couldn’t hear her strain.
She was not ready for this.
At least it didn’t start off too terribly. After all, they were just going to be on the same flights and stay in the same hotel and spend every moment of the trip together, but that was fine. That was fine! After all, it’s not like Yuna and her friends were going to pose any problems.
Lia was going to make sure of that.
“Oh my god, Lia!”
Lia turned to find Yuna running up to her before her cousin squeezed the life out of her lithe frame. “It’s so good to see you again!”
“Pleasure’s. All. Mine,” Lia managed to choke out as she futilely attempted to return the hug with her arms pinned to her side.
That was one thing about her cousin that Lia could never quite figure out how to cope with: her copious amounts of energy. Of course, she knew that Yuna could carry herself like a proper lady like her aunt and uncle must’ve taught her to, but the motivation to do so seemed lost on Yuna. Even her outfit was a far cry from what Lia knew it could’ve been, taking note of Yuna’s baby pink graphic tee and torn denim jeans.
“Oh, but you gotta tell me what you’ve been up to!” Yuna demanded as she pulled apart from Lia who inhaled as much air as she could with her newfound freedom. “Chaeryoung told me that you applied to be on the ballot for student body president!”
“Chaeryoung?” Lia paused for a moment to make sure she had heard right. “As in, Lee Chaeryoung?”
“The one and only!”
Lia quirked an eyebrow and folded her arms. “You talk to Lee Chaeryoung?”
“You see, that’s exactly why we needed this!” Yuna announced as she rolled her eyes playfully. “Chaeryoung’s my best friend! In fact, she’s going to join us for the trip!”
“Really?!”
A sleek black car pulled forward gently, as if just waiting for that moment to grace the two with its presence. Lia was dumbstruck as the figure in the back seat rose out of the car. Lee Chaeryoung was everything the rumors said she was: elegant, graceful and gorgeous with a charisma and intellect that made her noticed by even the upperclassmen at their school. She ran a hand through her hair to tousle her cascading auburn locks before turning to meet the chauffeur. He handed Chaeryoung her bag, which she accepted with a polite bow before turning to walk towards the duo with a stride that commanded all eyes to lock on her. Even her clothes announced her classiness, with the beige jacket complementing her perfectly and the black slacks announcing that she was all about business.
“Chaeryoung!”
Said girl looked up immediately as Yuna barreled into her. It only took her a moment to recover from her shock before she hugged her friend back and gave the most tempered smile.
“It’s good to see you to Yuna.”
“Aw, this is so exciting! Oh, but, introductions! Chaeryoung, this is my cousin Lia! Lia, meet Chaeryoung!”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Chaeryoung stated with a slight bow as she shook Lia’s hand. Lia’s shock was doubled by Chaeryoung’s manners. To think that she was friends with her uncouth cousin!
“No, please, the pleasures all mine,” Lia assured as she returned the gesture, hoping that her shoulderless long-sleeved dress didn’t look too casual with such company. “It’s such an honor to have you joining us!”
“Well, when Yuna said she wanted us to join her cousin’s trip abroad I couldn’t say no.”
Lia noticed that Chaeryoung gave Yuna a knowing smile which inspired Lia to glare at her cousin. If Yuna badgered the head of their school’s debate team/current student body treasurer into going on this asinine trip she was going to give Yuna an earful. Of course, her cousin noticed the glare and raised her hands pleadingly.
“Hey, I didn’t do anything, honest!”
Chaeryoung laughed, a soft polite laugh that was the stark opposite of Yuna’s, as she turned to give Lia a smile. “I promise you, Yuna was nothing but cordial when she extended the invitation to me. Besides, Yuna speaks so highly of you that I thought this would be a fantastic time to get to know each other better. After all, with your announcement that you’ll be running for student body president next year, you’re someone I’ll have to keep my eye on.”
Again, Lia’s shock returned. She couldn’t imagine that her cousin had anything positive to say about her in… well… it had been a while since she and her cousin had been on good terms. They didn’t necessarily have a bad relationship per se they were just… distant. But hearing that Yuna had, not just cast her in a positive light to Chaeryoung, but also used this trip as a way to introduce Chaeryoung to her was… astounding!
“So, where are the others? Didn’t they come with you?”
Chaeryoung shook her head. “Yeji had some loose ends to tie up before coming and Ryujin wanted to stay to offer assistance.”
“Completely understandable,” Lia answered back with a smile as she tapped her fingers against her suitcase. She didn’t want to appear rude, but they did have only about an hour until their flight and-
“Hey! I think I see them now!”
Lia turned in the direction her cousin was waving, but was certain that she had to have been mistaken. There was no way that her cousin, and, more realistically, Chaeryoung, would consort with the two girls who were walking up the sidewalk now. They were just too… improper! The taller one had their pitch black hair up in a high ponytail and bore an elaborate tattoo of a Korean dragon with blue scales and a golden mane on her right arm. The head was prominently displayed on the back of her hand with the dragon’s mouth agape and an orb in each of its front claws. The rest of the dragon coiled four times around her wrist and forearm with the back legs and tail ending about three quarters up her forearm. The other girl stood out in a more subtle way, having her hair dyed red under her dark chestnut hair. Lia couldn’t help but note that their outfits left much to be desired as the taller walked up in a white crop top with black cargo pants and the other wore an oversized concert t-shirt that hid her denim shorts as they carried a duffel bag each.
Lia could just smell the trouble off them.
“Yeji! Ryujin! Over here!”
The taller one perked towards Yuna before sending a wave and nudging the shorter to look ahead. The shorter didn’t seem to care, shrugging their shoulders and talking back to the taller as Yuna's wave became more exuberant.
“I think they’ve seen you Yuna,” Lia stated softly as she kept her eyes surveying the faces of the bystanders nearby.
“Yeah, but Ryujin’s ignoring me,” Yuna responded with a pout.
“Don't let it get you down,” Chaeryoung answered with a roll of her eyes. “You know Ryujin's just teasing you."
A bright smile soon formed on Yuna's lips as a devious glint shone in her eyes.
“Well, I'll just have to remind her who she's messing with.”
“Yuna, wha- wait-!”
But Yuna, being Yuna, didn’t wait. She ran straight towards the shorter girl and jumped as the girl caught her into a hug to carry her towards the others. Lia couldn’t help but sigh at her cousin’s antics.
“I really must apologize for her,” Lia stated as she shook her head. “It’s so kind of you to look after her despite her rowdy behavior.”
Chaeryoung gave a giggle. “I don’t mind at all. As a matter of fact, I find her liveliness invigorating.”
Lia gave a relieved sigh before turning back to the newly arrived duo. She knew that Chaeryoung was in the same year as Yuna, but she couldn’t help but think that she should’ve at least heard of the other two. “Are they in the same class as you?”
“No.” Chaeryoung answered curtly as the duo approached.
“We’re here to return a lost child,” the shorter girl stated as she dropped Yuna who groaned at finding herself on the ground.
“Hrm, why do you have to be so mean Ryujin?”
“Just stating the facts, squirt.”
“Hey, I’m taller than you!”
The taller girl, who Lia decided must’ve been Yeji, gave a hearty laugh as she shook her head. “Just ignore her Yuna. You know Ryujin just like to be an ass most of the time.”
“Hey, don’t I get a fucking medal or something? She’s pretty heavy.”
“You big-!”
“Anyways, I’m Yeji,” the taller girl introduced herself as she sent a wave to Lia. “And the pissy one here is Ryujin.”
Ryujin rolled her eyes as Chaeryoung helped Yuna up.
“It’s nice to meet you two,” Lia responded with a forced smile before turning her attention to Yuna. “You have quite the eclectic friend circle here.”
“Huh? Oh, yeah!” Yuna answered with a hop. “You should hear about the time we-”
“Maybe we can do so on the plane,” Lia quickly interrupted. “After all, we still need to check in.”
“Oh! Right! Let’s get going!”
Lia led the way, dragging her over-sized suitcase as she heard the others talking behind her. She couldn’t deny her curiosity. After all, Chaeryoung was in the group. Of course, the more they talked the more of a headache it was for Lia to continue to smile and nod.
She had no idea what any of them were talking about.
It sounded like they were discussing some event they attended, but it definitely wasn’t school related. Especially since they discussed these events happening at someplace called “The Hussy Hole,” which made Lia question the quality of Yuna’s friends if they were frequenting places like that. Of course, hearing Yuna talk about those events, speaking of memories that she shared with her friends and laughing over shared experiences made Lia feel… distant.
She couldn’t help but wonder just how far out of touch she had fallen with her cousin.
She gave a sigh as she threw in her air pods. She made that choice. There was no point in dwelling on it. She would let them stay in their own world and she would just... go her own way she supposed. Besides, it's not like after this trip she was going to interact with any of them again. Maybe Chaeryoung and occasionally Yuna, but that would be it. They just needed to get checked in, through security and on the plane where she could ignore them for the remainder of the trip. Fortunately, checking in didn’t take too long. Unfortunately, security was so backed up that they couldn’t even see the security gates up ahead. Lia gave a soft groan as she desperately tried to hide her impatience. She constantly looked at her watch as she tapped her foot. They only had thirty minutes to get through the rabble and get on their flight before they’d miss it and her parents would be sorely disappointed in her if she missed the concert.
She took a deep breath as she focused her mind on the music playing from her phone.
Don’t go chasing waterfalls
Just stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to
I know you’re gonna have it your way or-
SWIP
“Huh? Hey!”
Lia grimaced at Ryujin who gave her a soft smirk.
“Hey princess.”
Yeji grabbed the ticket from Ryujin’s hand as she looked it over.
“Come on Ryujin, don’t be a- wha-? Damn Lia, you got a window seat? Lucky!”
“Really?” Ryujin asked with a quirked eyebrow. “Let me see.”
“Why don’t you two mind your own business and give me my ticket back please.”
Lia could feel the heat rising to her face as the smile that had barely graced Ryujin's face quickly died.
“It was just a joke princess.”
“Excu-!”
“Don’t mind Ryujin,” Yeji intervened as she covered Ryujin’s mouth. “She’s a shit-head sometimes, but I know she didn’t mean to upset you.” She handed Lia the ticket as she offered a warm smile. “Here’s your ticket back. Sorry for snooping on it. We’re just ready to get in the air, you know?”
Lia released a sigh. She supposed she could let Ryujin’s behavior slide since Yeji was kind enough to mediate. She reached out and grabbed the ticket.
“Thank yo-!”
“Yoink!”
“Wha- Yuna!”
“Sorry Lia!” Yuna announced with the most unapologetic smile possible. “But, you gotta lighten up a little.”
“Yuna!” She immediately covered her mouth and lowered her gaze to glare at Yuna as she whispered harshly. “Yuna, give me back my ticket now!”
“Hmmm, nokay.”
“Yuna!”
“If you want your ticket back… well…" her smile grew as she leaned forward. "You’ll just have to catch me!”
“What?!”
Yuna rolled under the security line as she ran towards the automatic doors.
“Hussey away!”
Lia stood there with her jaw agape wondering what she would do. Normally, if someone was so brutish as to steal something from her she would call security, but she couldn’t do that to her cousin! She knew what her aunt and uncle would do if Yuna got in trouble and she couldn’t subject her cousin to that fate.
She would just have to handle it herself.
She crawled under the security line to chase after Yuna. Curse Yuna for stealing her ticket. Curse Yuna for making her chase her. Curse Yuna for embarrassing her in front of Chaeryoung! Her entire social standing at school was about to come crumbling down and it was all Yuna’s fault!
She left the automatic doors, breathing heavily as she scanned the surrounding area.
Where was she?
“Yoohoo! Lia!”
She turned her head forward as Yuna waved her ticket in the air.
“Yuna, get back here now!”
“Aw, but that’s no fun!”
“Yuna!”
“It doesn’t work that way Lia!” Yuna shouted as she vaulted herself over the barricade leading to the parking garage. “You’ll either have to catch me or neither of us are flying!”
“GRRRR YUNA!!!”
Lia bolted across the street as cars honked and swerved around her before she made it to the other side. She had to catch her breath as she looked to either side of the barricade. She couldn’t find an entrance anywhere. She groaned.
“I swear Yuna, if you don’t give me back my ticket I swear I'll tell Subin and Hyunsik.”
“Oh come now Lia, you really think I've never been in trouble with my parents before?” Yuna asked, leaning against the barricade as she pouted. “I’m sad. Not only have you not kept in touch, but you completely wiped me from your mind.”
Lia knew that she should own up to that. She had been keeping Yuna at a distance. She could admit that. But right now, she was too angry at the situation to care.
“So, this was just some ploy to get back at me for being negligent?”
“I’m not looking to get back at you, I want us to hang out again.”
“And you thought this ridiculous run around would do that?”
“We’re talking more now than we have in the past three years, aren’t we?”
“I-”
“Hey! You two by the barricade!”
“Crap! It’s the cops!”
“Huh?” Lia turned back to see the officers point in their direction and shrugged it off. “Yeah, is there a- Hey, Yuna!”
But Yuna didn't listen, instead she ran further into the garage as Lia awkwardly straddled herself over the barricade.
“Yuna! Why are you running?!”
“Don’t talk Lia! You know what they say! Everything you say can and will be used against you!”
“But,” she landed gracelessly on the other side as she chased back after Yuna. “I’m sure this is just a misunderstanding! Just give me back my ticket!”
“Oh, yeah!”
Yuna paused, looking at each of her hands and both of her pockets before realizing she didn't have the ticket anymore.
“Um…”
“YOU LOST MY TICKET!?!?!?!”
“Oh my god, Lia I’m so sorry, I-”
“Damn, took you both long enough.”
They both turned their heads towards the voice where there, sitting on the roof of a Jeep with a snide smile on her face and ticket in hand, was Shin Ryujin.
“Lose something?”
“Oh my god, Ryujin! You’re a lifesaver!”
“You had my ticket the entire time?!”
“Psh, don’t be so pissy princess. I just noticed Yuna dropped it when she tried to call you over.”
“Dammit! I should’ve noticed-”
Lia didn’t bother listening to the rest of Yuna’s complaint as she stormed towards the Jeep.
“Ryujin, you give me back my ticket this instant!”
Ryujin raised an eyebrow at Lia’s tone before leaning forward and offering a challenge.
“Why don’t you come up here and get it?”
“Are you absurd?!”
“There they are!”
“Wah! The cops again!”
“Looks like shit’s about to go down,” Ryujin stated with a smirk as she turned towards Lia. “What’cha gonna do princess?”
Lia felt Yuna grab her hand. Felt Yuna’s pull back towards the garage barricade. Heard Yuna saying something about needing to leave.
But Lia wasn’t having any of it.
Instead she marched up to the Jeep, stomped steadily onto the hood and climbed onto the roof where she looked down at Ryujin.
“This was all your doing, wasn’t it?! You corrupted my baby cousin! You turned her into this delinquent! It’s all because of you!”
If there was anything Lia could say she knew with absolutely certainty about Ryujin it was that she only portrayed two emotions. The first was the unreadable blank expression that she looked at Lia with that appeared to be just a hair away from showing mild irritation. The second was a smirk that ranged from anywhere between deviant and arrogant as Ryujin turned to Yuna.
“Yo, Yuna! Wanna see who can avoid the cops the longest?”
“Already on it!” Yuna saluted as she ran back to hop over the barricade with Lia turning to try to stop her. Of course, as she watched Yuna hop over the barricade with four cops hopping over after her she knew it wouldn’t do any good to try to stop her. Instead, she decided to turn her ire back on Ryujin.
“Why in the world did you tell her that?! Are you trying to get my cousin arrested?!”
“Chill out princess, nothing bad’s going to happen to her,” Ryujin stated indifferently as she rose from her spot and handed Lia her ticket. “You wanted this back, right?”
Lia turned her head slowly as she glared at Ryujin. She held out the ticket with that look of calm indifference on her face that Lia couldn’t help but feel infuriated at. She clenched her fist before unleashing a punch against Ryujin's shoulder.
“Hey! Ow-!”
“This was all your doing!”
“Fucking chill princess! I didn’t do shit!”
“You two! Get down from there and turn yourselves in peacefully!”
“Fuck, the cops.”
Ryujin tried to make a run for it but Lia latched onto her arm.
“You’re not getting away that easily!”
“Fucking let me go!”
“No!”
“I said LET THE FUCK GO!!!”
Ryujin pulled her arm forward roughly, causing Lia to stumble forward as she lost her balance on the car roof. She felt herself falling over, watching as the gravel became imminently closer before she felt her body shift and watched as her vision was turned towards the garage roof.
THUMP
“Ow…”
Lia began to breath heavily, looking around before noticing that Ryujin was on the gravel next to her.
Just the sight of Ryujin was enough to cause her anger to return.
“What is wrong with you?! We could’ve gotten hurt! Why do you have to be such a-”
“Alright, calm down missy.”
She threw off the hand that had landed on her shoulder before realizing she was surrounded by at least three men in uniforms as one pulled her up.
She couldn’t believe this was happening.
“I have no idea what your fucking problem is,” Ryujin groaned as the officers forced her up. “But I hope you’re fucking happy princess.”
Lia glared as she spoke through gritted teeth.
“I hate you so much.”
“Do what you want. You’re not worth the effort.”
Lia gave a growl as the officers continued to push them back towards the airport.
“Hope you two don’t have a flight anytime soon. You won’t be going anywhere for a while.”
Lia’s heart sank as she struggled to fight back the tears in her eyes.
It was all Ryujin’s fault!
“You know, I know Ryujin wanted to go watch the rich people drama, but I’m glad I decided to stick with you. This is way more fun!”
Chaeryoung rolled her eyes as she handed someone their bag from off the baggage carousel and wished them a warm farewell. She walked towards the next bag, stepping over Yeji who was lounging on the carousel belt as the machine carried her in a slow circle.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself Yeji, but please watch overhead when you pass the baggage chute.”
“Yes, ma’- Ow! Fuck!”
Yeji grabbed the bag that hit her as she could hear Chaeryoung’s soft giggles at her carelessness.
“Is there a Robert Jones here?!”
“That’s me,” a man announced, stepping forward as Yeji handed him his suitcase.
“Here’s your bag back. Hope you have a good day.”
“Thank you.” He responded in a gruff voice. “And I do apologize that my bag hit you, however, I do believe that it is for your own safety that you shouldn’t be riding the baggage carousel.”
“Meh, risk I chose.”
“Fair enough, but why do this?”
“Oh, don’t ask me, I’m just here cuz she’s here,” Yeji answered as she pointed to Chaeryoung. She had discarded her beige jacket to reveal a black t-shirt that had a yellow anarchist logo blaring against the back while printed in capital white letters on the front were the words ‘DECENTRALIZE POWER.’ Yeji stood up and brushed herself off before smiling at the man. “Here, I’ll grab her so you can talk to her. She’s hella smart.”
The man tilted his head curiously as Yeji slowly strode away. She grabbed the bag from Chaeryoung and pointed her in the direction of her latest acquaintance before handing the bag to the latest patron. Chaeryoung walked over as she took a seat at the edge of the baggage carousel.
“Hello sir, my friend said you wanted to know why we’re doing this.”
“I will admit to that curiosity yes.”
“Well, I’m more than happy to discuss my intentions with you. Of course, I would like to ask you a question first.”
“Alright then, what question would that be?”
Charyoung crossed her legs and leaned forward. “Do you believe that your voice is considered with equal weight as the voices of everyone else in this country?”
“Of course,” the man stated solemnly. “We live in a democracy after all.”
“Yes, of course,” Chaeryoung acknowledged with a light giggle. “But, I’m also curious. Does that mean you believe your voice is given the same amount of weight as that of our current president?”
“Well, I suppose I couldn’t claim that. But it would be absurd if I had as much voice as the president.”
“What would make that absurd?” Chaeryoung asked as she tilted her head. “After all, you mentioned we live in a democracy, and a democracy is a society that is defined as ‘being ruled by the people,’ is it not?”
“Well, that is true,” the man stated as he rubbed his chin. “But if everyone had their voice given equal weight, then wouldn’t chaos ensue? Everyone would fight for their ideas to be the one that is right and nothing would ever get done due to never ending disagreements.”
“So, efficiency should be placed over community?”
“Only because it’s necessary.”
“I understand that, though now, simply out of curiosity, how can you ensure that all people are treated fairly if you believe that some people will inevitably not have their voices represented in the decisions made by our nation?”
“I’m not sure,” the man stated with a tilted head. “Perhaps inequity is just inevitable.”
“Perhaps, however, what if we held ourselves to a standard where it wasn’t an individual’s responsibility to ensure that their voice is heard, but a communal responsibility to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.”
“How would that be different?”
“Well, let’s take this baggage carousel for a moment,” Chaeryoung responded as Yeji handed someone else their bag. “This machine was designed to make it the individual’s responsibility to ensure that they get their luggage. However, my friend and I aren’t part of this flight. We don’t have bags of our own to search for so there is no perceived reason for us to be here. However we chose to help each person claim their luggage by offering to hand the bags we find to the people they belong to. In this way, we create a communal responsibility where we are not solely responsible for our own belongings, but also for the belongings of others.”
“So, in essence, this entire practice was simply to portray a point about community?”
“In essence, that would be correct.”
“Fascinating, though, I still think your point may be a little naïve. After all, rules are put into place to ensure order and safety. I will admit, it does seem nice and orderly when there are only two of you handing out the bags, however, what if everyone chose to take matters into their own hands and began to fight over who got to be the ones to ride the baggage carousel?”
“A fair point, though, let me ask you. Do you feel inclined to ride the baggage carousel?”
“No. To be quite frank it seems rather childish.”
Chaeryoung giggled again. “And I suppose I can’t deny my own childishness, however, much like you, there are plenty of others who may see riding the carousel as absurd. Of course, this machine was made as a product of individualist responsibility. For instance, would this carousel even need to be here if everyone grabbed each bag as it arrived and worked together to deliver the bags to each patron?”
“I suppose that’s a fair point. However, nothing would stop the person in front from simply walking away with someone else’s bag.”
“To be quite frank, nothing’s stopping anyone from doing that now either.”
The man hummed as his wristwatch started to beep.
“I apologize, but it appears my ride is here. Thank you so much for your lively discussion. It was most invigorating.”
“Always a pleasure,” Chaeryoung answered with a slight bow. “If you would like to hear more of my thoughts on communal responsibility I run a podcast called ‘Judy Lee and the Responsibility of Us.’”
“I’ll be sure to look into it,” he responded while tipping his hat. “You have a good day and make sure you stay safe.”
“Thank you, you as well.”
He walked off as she gave a wave before standing up, finding Yeji grinning right behind her.
“Slacking off there, Chae?”
Chaeryoung rolled her eyes as she walked past. “Having critical discussions about community is just as important as performing acts of community.”
“Yeah whatever,” Yeji responded as she found another bag. “Um… Noemi Rivera?”
“That’s me!”
Yeji walked over as she handed the bag to the girl standing by.
“Here you are! I don’t know if you’re returning home or on vacation, but either way I hope you enjoy your time here in Greenstone City.”
“Gorgeous and considerate,” Noemi responded with a wink. “I hope everyone around here is like you.”
“Well, if they aren’t then they better pretend to be,” Yeji stated with a bright grin as she took a seat and leaned forward. “Someone like you deserves everything gorgeous and considerate.”
“And what do you mean by ‘someone like me?’”
“Oh, you know. Kind, forward and pretty.”
Noemi gave a giggle before Yeji felt a hand push her head down and ruffle her hair.
“Now who’s slacking?"
Yeji shook her head out of the grip as she rolled her eyes. “My bad, boss. Hey! Maybe I’ll be less distracted if you give me a raise!”
“Sorry. Service is its own reward.”
Yeji rolled her eyes as Chaeryoung walked away with a new suitcase while Noemi giggled.
“You two are so cute.”
“Hey! Don’t say that! Don’t you see she’s slave-driving me here?!”
She gave a full laugh as Yeji shook her head before a ringing sound buzzed from Noemi’s purse. She answered the phone, quickly assented to whatever the other person was saying and promptly hung up.
“Well, looks like my parents are here.”
“Hey, nice timing! Unless, you’re waiting on another bag.”
“I- well, I’m not… but… I could convince them that there was a back-up.”
“Nah, don’t keep them waiting, I’m sure they’re super excited to see you!"
Noemi’s face fell slightly as she put her phone away. “Oh, well, if you say so.”
“Totally! Go have fun with the fam! I’m sure you’ll have a blast!”
“R-right. Well, um, you- Have a good day. A-and thank you.”
“Yeah, no problem! You take care.”
Yeji gave a wave as Noemi responded with an awkward bow before hurrying out of the airport.
“Well,” Chaeryoung noted as she arrived right next to Yeji. “She looked disappointed.”
“Oh come on, we were barely flirting,” Yeji answered with an eye roll as she got up from her spot. “It’s not like anything serious was gonna come out of it.”
“You never know. She could’ve been different.”
Yeji gave a sigh as she turned back to Chaeryoung. “Come on, you know I’m not looking for a relationship. Why do you always have to nose in on my business anyways?”
“It’s inevitable. After all, this carousel was designed to keep all things on it moving in a circle.”
Yeji gave a chuckling scoff. “Shut your smart ass up and give me that bag. Now, let’s see-”
“CHAERYOUNG!!! YEJI!!! HEEEEELPPPP!!!!”
Both heads turned to the desperate cry as they watched Yuna being chased by five police officers.
“Damn, what d’you think she did?”
“My hypothesis, she was running around screaming like that causing minimal distress to others, but still causing enough of a scene for someone to demand a restoration of order.”
“Yeah, I should’ve figured you’d give me the textbook description.”
“Chaeryoung! Yeji!”
“Hey! You two!”
“Dumbass! Why’d you bring them here?!”
Chaeryoung gave a chuckle as she shook her head. “Well, looks like we won't be able to continue our work here.”
“Yeah, it was nice working with you Chae. Please send my check to my direct deposit.”
“Your payment of zero dollars and zero cents has already been confirmed. Your bank should notify you shortly.”
“Gee thanks.”
“Girls!"
“Well, time to run!”
They scrambled and scattered, hoping to lose the officers in the chaos, but it didn’t take them long to get caught. Yeji stayed primarily in the baggage claim area as she continued to ride the carousels and taunt the officers that chased her. Eventually, one snuck up behind her and dragged her to the room they had Lia and Ryujin in. Chaeryoung was next to follow, primarily trying to blend in with the tourists in the airport souvenir shops. It was a good plan, but it left her little room to maneuver when the cops found her, which didn't take them long with the anarchist logo on the back of her shirt sticking out like a sore thumb. It wasn’t until about five minutes after Chaeryoung was caught they finally caught Yuna who seemed to have the stamina to run forever, and probably could have if she hadn't accidentally run straight into an officer who was on break. Everyone but Lia applauded through their handcuffs at her arrival as she gave a bow and pretended to wipe tears from her eyes. She managed to get three words of her victory speech out before she was shoved onto the bench next to Lia. She pouted at the interruption, but soon giggled before turning to her cousin.
“Well, that was fun.”
“Fun!” Lia seethed as she glared at Yuna. “Are you crazy! You’re delinquent, psychopathic friends got us all arrested!”
“Psh. We didn’t break any laws, this is gonna be a warning at best. Besides, Chaeryoung’s already on our case and she knows the law better than the cops do.”
“Please, Chaeryoung’s not even high school underclassman yet. What could she possibly do?”
“One, just because you’re older doesn't mean you should underestimate Chaeryoung and two, Chaeryoung can do a fucking lot!”
“Watch your language Yuna.”
Yuna rolled her eyes as she gave a sigh. “Why do you always have to be like that?!”
“Like what?”
“Like soooo judgmental of everyone who doesn’t fit your idea of perfect!”
“Because I have to be perfect Yuna! You know this! You're part of the same family! So how did you end up ruining your life and running around with a bunch of hooligans?!”
“Yeah, I feel like I’m all caught up on the rich people drama show now.”
“I’m telling you, riding the baggage carousel was the best fucking idea you’ve ever had.”
Lia gave a scoff as she turned her body back forward. She may have been forced to share a room with them, but that didn't mean she had to acknowledge they existed.
“I hang out with them because they helped me appreciate the fact that I’m different.”
Lia gave a skeptical scoff as she looked at Yuna before her gaze shifted over to Ryujin. She stared at her arm, watching as blood trickled down towards her elbow from an untended injury. She couldn't help wonder how that happened to Ryujin before she remembered seeing Ryujin on the garage floor next to her. Thinking back, it didn't make sense that Ryujin fell that way unless she had moved to save Lia. Which, she likely did given that Lia left the garage completely unscathed.
She forced her gaze away from the cut as her cousin placed a hand on her knee. Lia turned, finding a warm, sincere smile stretching across Yuna's face.
“And I’m hoping they can help you appreciate the fact that you’re different too.”