Fate of the Moon

Jungeun blinked at Yerim, her mind in a haze as she tried to process though it proved to be useless. What is there to process? The words were said, Yerim said it and they were clear as day. 

"What?"

Yerim's eyes flashed with unfounded determination, "I want to join LOONA and become a pro hero, just like you."

For years - even before the incident - Jungeun has been trying to convince Yerim into joining their team. Aside from the reason being that she would love to work along side her friend, it was also because Yerim's quirk would serve as valuable aid in battle. Yerim, albeit always denying it, has a powerful quirk and Jungeun would sometimes speak on her envy about it. 

But this, this didn't quite sit right with Jungeun.

Yerim's reason for not wanting to join LOONA or become a pro hero was always the same thing every single time she was offered an opportunity. 

"I want to live a normal life. I use my quirk, I know, but I don't want to live on that. I just- I want to have a normal job, normal life, normal everything."

And to Jungeun's pride, Yerim stuck to that motto for all those years. The younger girl always denied the request no matter how big the payment and the reason was the same thing, always the same sentence accompanied by the same smile and the same polite giggle. Jungeun took it well, understanding where Yerim was coming from but she always wondered what it would really take to have Yerim join their team.

However, as powerful as Yerim would be with her quirk, Jungeun never really pushed her to join LOONA in the last 2 years. She wanted to respect her wishes of wanting to take time alone and knowing what had happened to Jinsoul - Jungeun was certain Yerim would outright refuse any offer.

With this in mind, never once did Jungeun consider the thought of Yerim asking her, herself. And something within that request sent a wave of uncertainty through Jungeun's head.

"You want to be a hero?" Jungeun said, turning her body to the younger girl. She knew what Yerim asked but deep inside she was hoping that it was her ears playing a trick on her.

Yerim nodded, "I do. I want to be part of LOONA and be a pro hero." She looked away, "You said that my quirk can serve as an advantage for the group before, so I'm willing to do just that. Remember? You always offered me a position in LOONA, saying that you guys are always open, well - now I actually want to join. I want to be part-"

"Yerim." Jungeun blinked at the younger girl and she noticed Yerim's hands shaking. She ignored it and met her eyes, "Are you sure you want to join?"

"I asked you myself didn't I?" Yerim's answer was quick; she seemed eager.

Jungeun nodded slowly but she wasn't convinced. She opened her mouth, attempting to voice her hesitation but stopped when she saw how Yerim was looking at her with an expression of plead, as if pleading her desperately for this offer to go through. She shut her lips, opting to mutter a statement of consideration but Jungeun felt wrong about doing so.

Without thinking much, Jungeun ignored the need of tip toeing around and let her mouth speak, "Are you joining because you want to help or is this about something else?"

Yerim stopped, her expression softening in surprise at the hint of venom hidden beneath Jungeun's voice. 

Jungeun continued, "I understand you only found out about MOON coming back, but if you're joining for the sole purpose of thinking that you'll have more access to them then you're wrong. Yerim, you aren't thinking properly right now." She ran her fingers through her hair, taking a deep breath, "You never wanted to be a hero and now, you suddenly want to. You're being rash." She muttered, hoping Yerim wouldn't hear. 

She turned on her heel, her heart felt heavy against her chest knowing she probably hurt Yerim by being so straightforward. But Jungeun just feared for Yerim's impulsive thinking; her impulsive decision to join the group only for the sake of wanting to avenge her sister. 

"I'm going to sleep." Jungeun sighed, taking small strides towards her door.

"Please."

Jungeun stopped, her shoulders sinking as she heard the frail voice echo rather subtly in their living room. It was small but clear enough to counter the buzz of their air conditioner. Jungeun hears movement behind her, slow and steady. 

Yerim's pleas felt as if a large boulder just dropped onto Jungeun. The younger girl continued, "I'll help people, I'll work with you and the members so - please. Please Jungeun, please let me have the chance to do something."

Jungeun turned around, watching as Yerim had her head low with her body squished together as if protecting herself. 

She knew - no - Jungeun was aware of the pain and grief that Yerim went through in those 2 years. Jinsoul was, really, her only family. Her only family that protected her, stayed with her, took care of her and everything in between. Jinsoul was the ideal older sister and Jungeun remembers being envious of Yerim having such a loving sister who loved her unconditionally. 

The day they told Yerim of the news was a memory that was etched in her mind. It played like a broken record in her thoughts, repeatedly singing Yerim's screams of denial, her muffled sobs and weak attempts at trying to salvage what's left of her only family. It continued on, every single day for Jungeun. 

But she can only imagine the mere surface of what it might have been like for Yerim.

Losing your own family. Losing them to a battle that you thought they could conquer, losing them in a way where you were never able to bid a proper farewell - losing them with the thought that you could have done more had you been there. Jungeun knew those doubts, those intoxicating thoughts, ran through Yerim's mind like an endless road. 

Jungeun still remembers that day vividly.

She remembers her voice shaking - Kahei by her side, sobbing into her hands to hide her face from the younger girl - as she told Yerim. Every word that left her lips, trembled. Her eyes desperately avoided Yerim's, afraid that her resolve will crumble even further after she sees her reaction. 

Before she could finish the last of her clumsy report on Jinsoul, Yerim was already shaking her head. She remembers Yerim blinking away her tears, flashing a broken smile and pushing through them in an attempt to run to the center of the city waste land. Yerim was sobbing tears but her crooked smile stayed on - struggling - as she would call for Jinsoul's name, ranting how it wasn't a funny joke, how she wanted to go for another road trip; it went on for hours.

Yerim was left to wander the city ruins, desperately searching for more - for Jinsoul. She would shake her head in denial, shouting how Jinsoul wouldn't leave her without a goodbye, without a parting gift, or without sloppy kiss on the forehead. Yerim went on and on about all the things Jinsoul would do only to then drop to her knees when everything was made clear.

When Yerim's mind had finally caught up with the rush of grief, she cried into Kahei's shoulders. Thrashing clumsily around as she continued to plead for Jinsoul to be alive.

Ever since that day, Yerim had closed herself off from anyone. She was still kind, giving and selfless but she always put herself at a distance. 

Everyone she met only saw the mere surface of her sorrows, even Jungeun and Kahei. Yerim forced the lasting grief into her throat, pushing herself to overcome the doubts in her mind with a faint smile on her tired features. 

Jungeun's heart wrenched, her eyes closing shut as she felt something prick her eyes. She didn't know if this was the right decision and she considered calling Haseul out of frustration for her lack of ability to answer such a simple yet rather troubling request. 

She took in a shallow breath, "Tomorrow, lets go to Haseul." Jungeun muttered - still, the weight on her shoulders stayed.

Yerim looked up and her eyes brightened a tad bit but it was no better than any other day. It was still dull, the fire in her eyes was a mere exhausted flame that was failed to be put out. "Thank you." Is all she said, and her body seemed to relax.

"Just promise me one thing Yerim."

"Anything." Yerim quickly answered. Her expression seemed hopeful; it made Jungeun chuckle silently.

"Promise me you won't let what's in here-" Jungeun pointed to her head, "-Control you."

Yerim nodded, eagerly, "Of course."

****

"Jiwoo, did Yeji mention anything to you?"

"Nothing. Jisu and Ryujin looked for anything out of place but there was nothing." Jiwoo sighed, groaning as she leaned against the chair. She watched as their leader pace around the basement, a pensive look on her face. "There's been a few people on the streets lately. They keep saying the same thing about MOON. Something about how they'll come soon, or they will save them soon? It's almost like a-"

"-Cult?" Haseul finished. She let out a sigh as Jiwoo nodded, "The only thing that's been changing these past few weeks were the rise in criminal activity. It's only a matter of time before the government starts issuing curfews in each city and town." Haseul said. 

"Isn't that a clue though? Rise in criminals, quirk or no quirk. What if they're making small groups to slowly sabotage each town - think of it as a way to slowly push themselves in." Jiwoo explained, finally meeting Haseul's eyes. "You and Jungeun said something about waiting but for this... I think maybe we should start pushing ourselves to look for more."

Haseul raised an eyebrow, "You mean go on night patrols again?"

Jiwoo nodded, "Yeah. I know we stopped after considering that everything is at a much better state than before but we should start moving again." She hummed, "Going in our previous groups and looking around the city at night. Recent crimes take place near midnight, it's perfect for us to search and prevent these things rather than rushing, right?"

Haseul waited a while, glancing at the news that was playing on their television. Although the volume was on mute, it was obvious the anchor was talking about yet another attempted crime that took place near where ITZY is based - the other group of pro heroes. Haseul was thankful to those five for saving the day.

They stopped night patrols in the last 2 years because truth be told, after the battle was settled, the crimes were somehow decreasing. Sure you had the occasional theft and what not but nothing extremely threatening to the point it called for extreme measures. Haseul, knowing night patrols take a toll on everyone's health, considered it was best to put a stop to the routine. There was no need for it anymore. 

They needed rest.

However, Jiwoo was right. Crimes are increasing, people with quirks are using their abilities for their own selfishness even if it was at the cost of others; those without quirks have resulted to brutal actions to take what they want or for the sake of just doing so. These past weeks heroes and other departments were called on the streets, in buildings, in other areas to save a life every day. 

And almost every crime took place at night. 

"Besides-" Jiwoo started, bashfully pointed her eyes down, "Maybe it's my chance to talk to Hyejoo again."

Haseul's ears perked as she looked away from the bright television screen. Her face softened at the way Jiwoo held her head low, as if she was ashamed to meet Haseul's eyes. It chipped at the leader's heart, knowing her efforts will only serve as a temporary gateway for Jiwoo. Sighing, Haseul pulled a chair beside the younger girl, a warm smile on her face, "She'll come around, Jiwoo. I'm sure Hyejoo doesn't hate or blame you - she's just hurting."

Jiwoo nodded, though it was obvious that she wasn't convinced by Haseul's words. As soft and warm they were, she could never get rid of the guilt that rested in her heart whenever Hyejoo would spare her a mere glance or, sometimes, not even acknowledge her existence at all. It hurt Jiwoo - they were close, considered as sisters before, but now it's as if they were strangers. She wanted to try and rekindle that crack in between them, maybe even break down the wall; Jiwoo misses Hyejoo. 

"But I want to try." Jiwoo said, "I gave Hyejoo space and now I- I just want to talk to her. But she keeps hiding from me - Haseul, she treats me like I'm not here."

"I know." Haseul mumbled, her hand ran up and down Jiwoo's back, "And you're going to get this chance with the night patrols." She turned to the brunette, "But it's really not your fault, Jiwoo. What happened to Sooyoung wasn't your fault, it never will be. If she was here, she would say the same."

Haseul always had a way of putting your heart at ease. Just a simple hand on your shoulder, accompanied with her warm smile and her soothing words - Haseul was the epitome of all things good.

Jiwoo always found it fitting that Haseul's quirk were wings.

With a chuckle and a grunt, Jiwoo wiped away the coming tears and faced the leader, "So we're really doing the night patrols?"

Haseul left two pats on Jiwoo's shoulders before standing up, a heavy sigh leaving her lips as she thought about it. "I think it's our best bet right now. Besides, knowing Hyejoo she's probably itching to investigate too." Both girls giggle at Haseul's statement knowing it was right, "I'll inform the other girls and tell them about it - I'm sure they'll understand - and we can start tomorrow night."

"Tomorrow?" Jiwoo's eyebrow raised, baffled at the urgency, "That's quick and tomorrow is..." 

Haseul nodded, "I know, but it's better to start sooner than later. That way we have no regrets." She mumbled the last part - Jiwoo seemingly didn't catch it. 

"Same groups right?" Jiwoo hummed, expression turning to one of both concern and light confusion, "How about you and Jungeun? Both of you are gonna be alone." Albeit not wanting to say it aloud, Jiwoo had to be a little straightforward considering the thought of members going out, patrolling, on their own was something she didn't quite like.

"Jungeun and I will be fine. We'll be careful, and I'll make sure to assign Jungeun in an area where it isn't as a crime heavy." Haseul smiled, throwing Jiwoo a thumbs up.

But Jiwoo was yet to grow fond of that idea, "But still. Maybe it's better if you two team up for now."

"I know you're worried, Jiwoo." Haseul inwardly grew soft at the way Jiwoo voiced her concern but Haseul was alright with being alone during patrols. The feeling of loneliness was there and Haseul was more than aware of it; however, she didn't want to call Hyunjin and force her back in. The girl made it clear that she left, and Haseul doesn't want to pester her about it. "But we need to cover more ground to find more. As for Jungeun I can-"

A bell chimed amongst the two, interrupting their conversation. Haseul glanced at her phone, a familiar name blinking on the screen - unknowingly making her smile. Jiwoo raised an eyebrow as Haseul expression grows into one of subtle shock and confusion. 

Jiwoo stood up and pat the leader's shoulders, "Something happen?"

Haseul shook her head, taking in a deep breath, "No, I was just taken back by Jungeun."

"What'd she say?" Jiwoo didn't want to pry into their business; however, whatever it is that Jungeun said must've caught their leader off guard considering she seems more than confused. "Is it anything bad?"

"No- Well, I don't think so." Haseul huffed, putting her phone down, "Never mind what I said before. Jungeun won't be alone."

Jiwoo tilted her head slightly, "Are you going with her?"

Haseul smiled, but something about it made Jiwoo think that it looked a little uncertain. As if something in the back of Haseul's mind was nagging her. Jiwoo wanted to ask but she was too late as Haseul spoke first.

"No, but she'll be going with our new member."