One Week Later
Erika peeks into Mei's room, her voice soft.
"Sis, can I sleep with you tonight?"
Mei smiles gently.
"Of course. You don't even have to ask."
They settle on the bed, the night air calm and heavy with unspoken emotions.
Erika looks down, eyes glistening.
"I'm really going to miss you. But I am happy that you will finally be free from your father's control, free to start over in Seoul."
Mei nods faintly.
"Yes... It feels unreal."
Erika chuckles softly.
"You are really lucky, you know that?"
Mei's smile fades.
"lf I am so lucky, why does he call me a jinx, a curse."
Erika's tone turns firm and possessive.
"He doesn't see you the way we do. You're talented and brave, Mei. Don't let his words define you. You've built your own world. You are a social media icon for a reason. "
Mei exhales slowly, and a faint smile returning.
"Thanks…" Let's change the topic."
Erika grins, knowing.
"To what? Let me guess you want me to teach a little bit about Koreans or maybe the language."
Mei denies politely
"No."
Erika responds,
"Then you want me to tell you it is necessary that you are able to speak Korean?"
Mei laughs lightly.
"Not quite. I barely speak Korean, though."
Erika teases,
"And you call yourself a Japanese-Korean? Yet you can fluently speak Korean."
Mei pouts.
"Not my fault. That's not even what I wanted to ask.
Erika leans closer.
"Then what?"
Mei's lips curve mischievously.
"I am not a fan of love and all that. Tell me about Xiao."
Erika freezes cheek, turning pink. She blushes deeply, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
" I'm going to sleep. You should do the same."
Mei giggles
"Come on, please."
Erika sighs, then smiles softly.
"You really want to know, right?"
Mei nods eagerly.
"More than anyone."
Erika smiles softly, her expression dreamy.
"He has been my colleague for years. I have always admired his kindness and sense of justice. The night he saved me from Kage, that's when I knew my feelings were real. I realised my feelings for him went beyond friendship. "
Mei smiles warmly, seeing the radiant side of her cousin. Her eyes soften.
"I am happy for you. You deserve someone like that."
Mei squeezes her hand reassuringly.
Erika squeezes her hand.
"And you wil find someone who loves you just as much."
Mei rolls her eyes, her expression sceptical. She snorts playfully.
" Erika, no offence, but for me, love is a sham. Love? Please. It's just a word men use who trap women's heart. Watashi wa ai ni shinjinai – I don't believe in love."
Erika teases, her eyes sparkling with amusement
"You won't be saying that forever."
Mei frowns, her expression playful.
"Yeesh, Erika, don't annoy me! Love and I will never mix."
Erika remarks, her voice filled with conviction.
"You are really something else."
Mei smiles
"I know. Let's sleep."
They fall silent for a moment. Then Erika's gaze shifts to Mei's arm.
"Your arm it's not bleeding?"
Mei glances down, her expression relieved
"Thankfully."
Erika comments, her voiced filled with admiration
"With all the stress of today, that's a miracle."
Mei smiles, her eyes filled with gratitude
"It's beecause I have you and Aunt by my side."
Erika smiles, her expression warm
"Then let's get some sleep."
The two sisters lie down side by side, the moonlight spilling through the window wrapping them in quiet comfort.