II - Best Forgotten
8 years ago, there was a group that promised salvation -
LOONA
It first started with 6 heroes; Yves, Chuu, Go Won, Olivia Hye, Heekie and Aeongie. Many grew skeptical but others began to believe; believe that these new heroes will be what stands against all that harms.
Then came their Leader, Jo Haseul, or rather known as Shirohato. Known to mankind as a dove; the embodiment of peace and life itself. She led LOONA into battle with her chin held up high, a smile gracing her features as she stands amongst their enemies, a hand in the air as she made her goal certain.
"We will never give in to hatred!"
Then two members joined their group, Kim lip and Blue Betta. They a brought a new edge to LOONA and granted the group with more strength.
People loved them.
LOONA gave hope when the skies clouded with grey, when the streets were littered with crime, when people turned on their families, when all seemed lost - it's as if LOONA held the map in their hands; they guided them. They promised protection and so they gave it, always fighting for justice, for the good as they jumped head first into the battlefield.
They promised to be the light in a dark tunnel; promised the people that fear is just a feeling kept aside and that they will bring peace no matter where they are.
Those who inflicted pain and harm feared them; they would cower to even be in the sight of LOONA. They were the guardians. They defied the Moon's fate.
At least, they almost did.
Two years ago held the battle that determined all. Heroes from all over the world fought till the end, sweating blood as they struggled to fight against these monsters that pledged to lead their Moon into success. They sacrificed their lives, fighting endlessly as they kept to their duties, screaming every last bit of their voice before their eyes shut tight.
LOONA fought and fought, their own efforts being thrown around like garbage by these beasts.
And once they thought they won, the world collapsed around them.
One saw a sharp, glistening sword run right through their partner, their body rendered useless as they heard a blood curdling scream echo through the wasteland.
One saw their member run in front of them before a beast can graze their body, their eyes widening as they saw nothing but blood splatter across their face. The body thrown to whoever knows.
Another saw familiar strands of blonde hair cut on the ground, a pool of blood sleeping heavily under a tattered blue ribbon.
Another lost their loved one in the midst of it all, left searching for the familiar warmth.
Thoughts ran through their minds quickly, like a rapid river slapping violently against the rocks, slowly pushing it towards the end of the ravine. Grief, anger, guilt, sorrow hit their tired bodies like a large wave in the ocean. Their hands were tainted with scars, their skin burned with wounds and their faces were stained with small blotches of blood and crystal tears.
They were all like flowers, wallowing in the rain of the stormy weather, left to rot against the mist. Their petals fell onto the floor, soaking itself with the red puddles and slowly their roots began to shrink into the grounds; as there was no more sun to give them warmth.
The heroes who once promised hope; lost hope themselves.
****
"And just like any other day, LOONA saved the day!"
The newscaster had this cheeky smile plastered on his face, his eyes squinting as his grin reached his ears. Before he can open his mouth to recite another praise for the heroes, the television was quickly shut off.
"Any other day." Yerim hummed, curling into her knees as she stared blankly at the black screen. Her eyes narrowed and she felt her body shiver in the desolate living room of her and Jungeun's small apartment.
She let out a small sigh as she jumped up, stretching her arms before walking towards the kitchen. Yerim let out a hiss as her bare feet padded against the cold floor, instinctively hopping as the freezing temperature rushes through her nerves. If it weren't for her control, Yerim might have burnt their floors considering she was yearning for warmth.
Their small apartment was anything but luxurious which is fine considering their wallets weren't exactly packed with money; however, it would've done their rent justice if it at least provided them with more heat. The heating system was barely even noticeable, it felt like it was just a minuscule machine that exerted heat rather than a proper building generator.
The heat only really felt like a passing breeze during the summer. It graced you with its quick presence - making you breathe in that fresh air that you so yearned for in the scolding heat - only to speed away and leave you with the searing rays of the sun. It felt like that, but this time it's looking for the warmth during the harsh winters.
Yerim let out a huff as she took in a deep breath and walked across the floor. Her feet slid against the cold surface and each time Yerim's face would contort into one of cringe.
Yerim glanced at the time illuminated on their oven, her eyes widening when it read 5:45 pm, "Oh crap! Kahei is gonna be here soon and I didn't even bake any cookies for her!" She whined at her own carelessness and sped around the kitchen, hoping to squeeze in at least a portion but all was too late as a doorbell rang in the apartment.
With a pout, Yerim trudged towards the door and slowly opened it, much to the amusement of the visitor. "What's wrong?" Kahei giggled, stepping in.
Whining, Yerim met her eyes, "I was supposed to surprise you with cookies but I lost track of time! Dang, and I even promised Jungeun that I'll make some extras for her." She muttered, helping Kahei out with the small containers of food she brought in. Kahei tried to wave off Yerim's assistance but the younger girl insisted, to which Kahei smiled warmly at.
"It's fine Yerim. Besides I bought a few deserts from this nearby bakery so no need to over work yourself with the sweets." Kahei giggled, following Yerim into the kitchen. Catching the pout that still lingered on Yerim's lips, Kahei let out a sigh, "But if you want cookies so bad then why don't I bake you some?"
Yerim's eyes lit up instantly as she stared back at Kahei with the most childish smile she could flash - Kahei found it adorable. Without much talking, the older of the two quickly got to work and rolled up her sleeves, gesturing Yerim to go and sit in the living room.
"What? Let me help you!" Yerim was trying her best to reach over to some ingredients but Kahei kept nudging her way, to which the younger girl only huffed at. She stood still and crossed her arms, "C'mon, you made the effort to come here and buy us some pastries, least I could do is help you out with baking cookies." She smiled, pulling off her best puppy-eyes.
Kahei shook her head, "What you can do for me is rest in the living room." She didn't spare Yerim a glance as she walked around in the small kitchen, pulling down a few things from cupboards and muttering measurements under her breath.
The lack of response made Kahei thing the younger girl had left.
"This doesn't have anything to do with Jinsoul.. does it?"
The name riddled silence into the apartment home, making the clatter of metal dissolve quickly into the depths of the cold walls, as if trapping every noise within its space. Kahei's body stilled and her hand slowly fell from the flour she was reaching for, lightly tapping against the counter. Yerim didn't bother looking up and searching for answers; all the body movement gave it away.
"I want to make it up to you."
Yerim chuckled nervously, "But Kahei, how many times do I have to tell you that I'm-"
"Yerim, you're her little sister." Kahei's voice was stern and far from her normal mellow, soft voice. It demanded authority and Yerim was quick to follow as her mouth clamped shut - even if she wanted to protest. "I promised her to take care of you just like she took care of me, I want to be there for you Yerim. So please, let me do this. At least."
Yerim stared at Kahei's back, wondering foolishly if the older girl was shedding tears. If she was she did a damn good job at hiding it. Yerim's hand instinctively reached out, her fingers hovered over the flat surface of Kahei's back but she dropped it once she saw the tremble in the older girl.
With a nod, Yerim walked away, letting the pad of her feet against the floor notify Kahei that she was following her instructions loud and clear. She tried her best not to turn around and argue - protest - but willed herself not to do so.
Yerim pushed away the frustrations building up in her stomach and forced her eyes on the show, choosing to ignore the nagging anger in the corner of her brain.
"Unnie." Yerim's voice somehow overpowered the volume of the television as she called for Kahei's attention.
The kitchen was pretty much overlooking the living room and considering that the apartment wasn't quite the spacious living space, the kitchen and living room were in the same vicinity of each other. Yerim could see Kahei move around in the kitchen while the latter could watch Yerim lounge in the living room; it was a good choice on whoever designed this section of the apartment.
Yerim heard a faint hum from the kitchen but Kahei wasn't looking at her.
"You know I love you just as much as Jinsoul unnie did, right?" Yerim voice was small and soft, she wondered if Kahei caught it. The growing silence and the muffled voices of the show was starting to confirm that her voice was too low to even be heard but she was proven wrong when she heard Kahei let out a light chuckle, one that was warm and endearing.
"I know, Yerim." Kahei answered back, "But that doesn't mean I'll break your sister's promise. A promise is a promise and I intend to keep it."
Yerim nodded knowingly, letting their conversation end as it is. She knew that Kahei wasn't convinced, she never really was. As soft spoken as she is, as honestly kind and generous as Kahei is, the older girl never let herself relax after what had happened.
Only the slight noise of the television echoed in the apartment for an hour, the two girls leaving the silence to its own devices as they both figured forcing a conversation won't do any good. Kahei knows Yerim is itching to protest against her wishes, to try and comfort her but she doesn't want to hear any of it.
Kahei chuckles at the thought - Yerim and Jinsoul were quite similar now that she thought about it. They were both kind in nature, naturally wanting to help those in need, always wanting to plaster a permanent smile on their faces for the sake of others and always avoiding being a burden on others. They both willed themselves to put on a brave facade, never letting their kindness falter - even at their own expense.
At their own expense.
Kahei herself knew she was considered to be generous as well - paired with her soft spoken manner, many assumed she too was selfless. But compared to Yerim and Jinsoul? She disagrees. On the inside, Kahei thought of herself as someone who is selfish. Like almost every other person, she would most likely jump to the opportunity that benefits her most.
That's why it always angered her when she remembered the day Jinsoul proudly presented her new role in society because maybe, just maybe, she would've prevented this.
"I'm a hero now baby!"
"Y-You... what?"
"A hero! I can save people, protect them and use my quirk for good!"
"Jinsoul, you know quirks aren't always going to save-"
"I know, I know but I want to use my quirk, Kahei. It can help people, I can save lives. Something you know I'm good at; just like how i'm a hero to you."
"Ok, ok now stop flirting with me so much and help me out. Your sister loves my food just as much as you do and I want to make sure Yerim enjoys it."
"Anything for you Kahei - and for Yerim - anyways, I love you!"
"I love you too."
Kahei never understood that. She never understood how someone can be so selfless and so giving. Yes, she would help someone in a heart beat had the situation forced it but to that extent- it all seemed too surreal. And as much as she understood the interest in heroes and quirks, what good did any of that bring? Nothing. Nothing but pain and sorrow.
"Ah-" Kahei winced at the flash of heat that touched her fingertips, quickly she drew her hand back and blew at the red spot. She shook her head free of those thoughts and focused on the task at hand.
With a careful hand, Kahei placed the tray of cookies down on the counter. "Yerim, I'm do-"
Her eyes widened as she practically saw Yerim jump from the couch and dash towards the counter; Kahei was sure she saw stars in the younger girl's eyes.
"Wait!" Kahei slapped Yerim's lingering hand away, quick to stop her from burning herself. Although Yerim's quirk was Inferno Fire, she wasn't really immune to heat so Yerim had no choice but to wait patiently. "You're going to burn your tongue if you eat it right away." Kahei threw the oven mittens aside.
"It smells so good!" Yerim beamed, bringing her nose above the little steam that rose from the freshly baked cookies.
"Were you even paying attention to the show you were watching?" Kahei placed her hands on her hips, eyebrows raised in question. Yerim shook her head sheepishly and giggled when the older girl of the two rolled her eyes playfully. "I can't blame you though, I'm quite the chef."
Yerim nodded in agreement but Kahei doubted she was even listening. After a few lengthy minutes, Kahei met Yerim's eyes and sighed. Although the cookies were probably still a little hot, she figured Yerim wouldn't be able to hold back if she had asked her to wait longer. Kahei gestured for the younger girl to go and Yerim squealed in delight, grabbing one and chucking it into her mouth.
Yerim let out a gasp, probably out of slight pain from the heat but also due to the sweet taste of Kahei's cookies. The brunette smiled brightly at Kahei and offered her a sloppy thumbs up, mumbling how fulfilling it was and how it was worth the wait.
"Do you think Jungeun unnie's gonna come home late today?" Yerim looked up and Kahei bit a giggle in as she saw cookie crumbs on corner of Yerim's lips.
Kahei leaned forward, wiping them away, "Well, probably. She did say she was trying to try out this job that Haseul recommended so maybe she's there right now."
Yerim nodded, knowingly, "I hope she comes home soon." The brunette let out a shallow sigh, pouting as she pressed her cheek against her palm, "I need to apologize."
Kahei tilted her head at the mention, "Apologize? Did you two get into a fight?"
The younger girl shook her head, a guilty expression evident on her face, "Not necessarily. I guess I kind of snapped at her."
Kahei figured not to ask what the conversation was about considering Yerim seemed as though she didn't want to dwell on the subject any longer.
With a warm smile, she placed her palm over Yerim's, "Why don't you take a nap first? I'll call you once Jungeun gets home. Besides, it's my turn to watch." She chuckled at Yerim's attempt at acting betrayed.
Yerim yawned and nodded, "I'll actually go do that. G'night for now I guess! Oh and if you're gonna leave, just wake me up and I'll lock up for you." She offered a tired smile and trudged slowly towards her, with a childish wave, Yerim closed the door behind her; the click strangely echoing in the apartment.
Kahei took a deep breath and left the cookies to itself, figuring Jungeun would probably come home in time to be starving. She rounded the kitchen, settling on the living room couch, her knees probably cheering for the rest that it finally got.
Kahei increased the volume of the television.
The silence was dreadful; it reminded her too much of what she feared most.
****
"Kahei?"
"Ah," Kahei rose from the couch, lazily wiping away the sleep from her eyes. "You're home. I baked some cookies, if you want some. I can cook some noodles if you haven't eaten a proper meal yet."
Jungeun chuckled, placing her keys on the counter. The clanking of the metal material scratched against the surface, waking Kahei up more as it made her cringe.
"You sounds like my wife."
Kahei turned to her, eyes filled with slight mischief, "You wish."
Jungeun snickered at the snap back before grabbing a cookie and stuffing her face. Albeit not being related, Kahei found it interesting that Yerim and Jungeun ate similarly.
"Did Yerim like them?" Jungeun's husky voice seemed to prove her exhaustion - aside from the obvious slump of her shoulders. Kahei nodded but didn't say anything after.
The two watched in silence - both had no words to muster up and it was either from the lack of energy or the need for a wordless conversation. As dreadful as it may be, the day was nearing and they both knew it all too well. But it was a topic better left unsaid - something they'd rather avoid and keep under wraps.
"Well," Kahei stood up - the blanket flew down her sides and onto the cushion making her shiver. "I have to get going, it's almost ten." Kahei was quick with her pace and she didn't exactly know why.
Jungeun isn't intimidating, she's warm and almost motherly. Albeit being one to usually hide her affections with a bashful look and an array of excuses, Jungeun was still kind and generous. She wasn't one to be cynical - though maybe not as ingenious as Jinsoul - and she certainly wasn't one to accuse.
So Kahei wasn't quite sure what brought up the anxiety piling up in her stomach.
She took in a shallow breath, hoping Jungeun wouldn't notice her hasty attempts at calming her nerves.
Just as Kahei got ready to sling her bag over her shoulder, she heard a squeak of a chair and - "How long has it been since you last used your quirk?" The question was quick, almost as if it was practiced beforehand.
Kahei felt her feet plant into the ground, her heart practically busted out of her chest - probably trying to free itself from the cage she built.
Slowly, Kahei turned to Jungeun, "What?"
"You heard my question." Jungeun was answering with simple and direct answers - Kahei found it a little off putting.
Kahei met Jungeun's eyes and she was searching for something, what that something is is unbeknownst to herself. Jungeun has this expression that masked any possibly emotion to seep out - it's almost as if she were keeping a storm hidden behind a thick forest, waiting.
Kahei couldn't decipher any of it though. Whatever she had done to try and pry off that mask off of Jungeun's face had come to only waste time. She figured she'd just answer truthfully rather than lie. The truth wouldn't hurt anyways.
"2 years."
There was a tense silence that fell on them and it was sudden. It wasn't calm - not even gentle - the silence that abruptly followed their short conversation portrayed the worries and the questions that started to bombard each of their minds. Both Jungeun and Kahei had rushing thoughts; ones that they know weren't new and were just buried under the rumble called reality.
Jungeun spoke first, "You should practice again. With a quirk like yours-"
Out of all the emotions that her brain had conjured up - figuring out which one to show - Kahei's anger seemed to have been the main priority, "With a quirk like mine, it's useless to my everyday life. I don't need to use my quirk, just like how you don't need to use your own." Kahei felt her heart crack as she saw Jungeun wince at her venomous tone but she brushed her guilt aside.
Jungeun looked away, averting her eyes but Kahei knew it wasn't out of shame. It most likely wasn't out of regret either. "You were given that quirk for a reason, Kahei."
The lack of honorifics sparked a jolt of frustration within Kahei but she didn't know why. Jungeun never really addressed her with those meek respectful terms - Kahei never berated her for it, she was actually fine with it. But this moment caused her to feel bothered.
"And so were the thousands of other people on this planet Jungeun but some of them don't harness it as much as others do." Kahei snarled, though she tried to hide it.
Jungeun snapped her head at the older girl, kicking off from her chair as she stood a few feet across Kahei. Her face flashed with vexation. "The reason we're doing this is because we want to use our abilities for good! We aren't just playing superhero, we're trying our best. Quirks may not be your thing but don't degrade us for wanting to be good."
"To be good? You and-and all the other members - heroes - always talk about how important quirks are but are they really? Humanity once lived without these inhumane abilities, we can do it again. I can live without it." Kahei raised her voice, fuming at Jungeun's remarks. She was always so strong about her opinions regarding quirks; it's one of the only things Kahei disagrees heavily with.
Jungeun growled, "But that doesn't mean quirks aren't useless! We're using our abilities to protect people Kahei. To protect the people who weren't born with the same abilities but you're here not doing anything-" she took a deep breath, "-when you can help people-"
Kahei threw her bag to the wall, furiously switching her attention towards the younger girl. Her eyes flashed with hot anger, her chest heaving heavily as she gasped after the oxygen she was losing every time she took in a sharp breath; crystal tears formed at the corner, threatening to roll down her cheekbones.
Jungeun's eyes widened, her heart falling to her stomach as she felt her thoughts try to muster up some form of an apology for causing a ruckus during such a serene evening.
"IF QUIRKS WERE USED TO SAVE PEOPLE THEN WHY IS JINSOUL DEAD!"
Kahei screamed, the timbre of her voice made Jungeun wince, "You ALWAYS say how quirks were given to save the weak, to-to save the people who need help but how is that even true when we weren't even able to save Jinsoul, Jungeun! Tell me - LOONA are heroes but they couldn't even save their own members!"
Jungeun's guilt was left to dissolve in the bubble of anger that rose in her throat. Offended, Jungeun anchored her foot in front of her, "Do you think we didn't want to save her?! We wanted to save all of them Kahei, but how can we do that when we lost! Do you even understand how much I hated myself for years because I couldn't-"
"But she never gave up did she?! Neither did you but when everything seemed wrong, when you all lost your quirks for even a second you all lost hope; you were supposed to fight for what's right even if it meant being human for once!" Kahei roared, her fists balled tightly and her throat flushing red with pressure.
Jungeun felt an arrow shoot right through her chest, piercing her as it deepened its arrowhead into her poorly healed heart.
Kahei hung her head low and Jungeun could see the older girl's tears fall onto their tiles, "Do you know how difficult it is to look at Yerim, Jungeun?" Kahei muttered. The question made Jungeun take in a sharp - much needed - breath. "Every day, when I see her eyes, her smile - everything. I'm reminded of Jinsoul and how much they cherished each other. I'm reminded of the day we told Yerim and how devastated she was-"
Jungeun reached out but kept her hand back as she new Kahei would only flinch away.
"-I'm reminded of how we failed to even protect Jinsoul - how we failed Yerim. Because every time I see Yerim, I see the girl who cried every night calling for her older sister only to be left in the dark. Every time I see Yerim - I remember how my quirk, how our quirk did nothing to prevent this from happening." Kahei's tremble slowly fell into her throat, only leaving her rough voice to scratch against her mouth.
The lack of response proved her right even more.
Kahei slowly looked up, meeting Jungeun's crestfallen expression. Her eyes were pointed down, eyelashes grazed her cheekbones as she squeezed them shut - fear of meeting Kahei's empty irises. The younger girl felt her knees buckle, her head pounding with this damned headache that's been bothering her since this morning.
Everything seems to be going down again.
Much to her dismay.
With movement, Jungeun figured Kahei was gathering her things. She could hear light shuffling - the dangling of keys as she saw Kahei's figure bend down only showed that the older girl had lost her voice to argue further.
Jungeun peered up, afraid to meet the same fire that flew in Kahei's eyes when their quarrel had began. She saw the dark haired girl's back turn towards her, it was quick and swift.
Kahei stopped briefly before shutting the door behind her.
"Don't ask me that question again, Jungeun."