Chapter 4
After the ruthlessly cold winter a beautiful, sunny spring day arrived and the members got a day off. It was one of those days when they could do anything. Well, almost. They still had to live up to the expectations of being an idol. To avoid drawing attention Yeji decided to dress in grey sweatpants, a black crop top and an oversized grey sweatshirt with zipper. She and Ryujin decided to go out shopping to the nearest mall.
“Are you ready?” Ryujin asked her, waiting at the door for her.
“Yes, I’m just grabbing my purse and we can go.”
Yeji took her bag and put the purse in it, ready to leave but when she wanted to open the door Ryujin stepped in front of her.
“Oh, no, you need a cap.”
Ryujin pushed her back gently and walked past her to her clothes.
“A cap? What? Why?”
Yeji asked confused and a little bit frustrated. Ryujin went through her own clothes, looking for a cap. She finally found a black one.
“Because your face is too beautiful and people will recognize you.”
Yeji’s heart skipped a beat. Her roommate rarely says nice things to her so this was a shocker. Ryujin put the cap on her head and smiled at her.
“What’s with you?”
“Nothing. Let’s go!”
Yeji was still confused but she went along with it. The mall was busy and crowded as usual. The two of them glided between people like cats, stealthily. Their main mission was to get more accessories. Yeji spotted a cute little shop at the second floor of the mall. The seller was an old but very nice lady. She showed them many different bracelets, necklaces and rings. Just when they wanted to leave with the loot Ryujin grabbed Yeji’s hand and pulled her closer.
“Look at that! Aren’t they pretty?” Ryujin asked, pointing at two silver rings in the cabinet, seeking Yeji’s approval.
“Yes, they are! But they come in pairs…”
That’s when the seller lady stepped next to them, smiling at them fondly.
“Would you like to take a closer look?”
Yeji glanced at Ryujin. She was smiling broadly, enthusiastic about the idea.
“Yes, thank you.”
They stepped beside to let the lady take the rings out and handed each of them one.
“They are made of pure silver, excellent quality.”
Yeji was hesitant. It was shiny, thin and didn’t have anything fancy like stones or diamonds, but as soon as Yeji put it on, it felt right. She looked at Ryujin who was already wearing the ring on her thumb.
“Oh look, they fit perfectly for you two! What a coincidence!” The lady was really good at her job, but Yeji was sure she chose the right size for them on purpose.
“I think we should get them.” Ryujin stated, checking out the ring on her finger in all angles. “Yes, we re getting them.”
Yeji giggled like a school-girl and nodded. She took out her purse but Ryujin stopped her, placing a hand on top of hers.
“I’ll pay.” She winked at her and Yeji was melting, the soft hand of Ryujin sent warmth through her whole body.
“Do you want me to pack them?” The lady interrupted their little moment.
“Oh no, that won’t be necessary.” Yeji said, leaving the ring on her finger. “We’re going to wear them from now on.”
The lady gave them a nice box for the rings at the checkout. She gave them a sweet look and a pat on their hands.
“You two look like a cute couple.”
The statement caught them off guard and acted automatically. Denying anything like that.
“Oh no, we are not…” Yeji started, but Ryujin interrupted.
“We are just friends.”
Somehow she felt both happy and sad at the same time. Ryujin got them a nice couple’s ring but then hearing her say they were only friends broke her heart a little. Idols were forbidden dating so they never went out with anybody, but the company couldn’t control their emotions. She had been close with Ryujin since forever. They became roommates, friends and teammates but they never went beyond that.
They left the shop and eventually the mall, going back to the safety of their dormitory.
“Thank you for the gift.”
Yeji took Ryujin’s hand to give her a grateful squeeze.
“You’re welcome. I hope you really like it.”
“I do! I’m never taking it off.”
They didn’t realize, but they walked hand-in-hand into the building.