The next morning, the sun cast a warm glow over the quaint house where Y/n lived with her housemates. The past few days had been intense, filled with strategic meetings and new responsibilities. But today was a rare moment.
Y/n only needed to go to the kingdom three days a week, as the black-market activities were detected at midnight between Monday and Tuesday. This left her with some precious free time to spend with her housemates.
She found herself in the kitchen, helping Hanni with the chores. The scent of fresh bread filled the air, and the gentle hum of a morning routine created a soothing backdrop.
"Thanks for helping out, Y/n," Hanni said with a smile, her hands busy kneading dough. "I know you've got a lot on your plate."
Y/n returned the smile, "It's no problem. I need the distraction anyway. Plus, it feels good to do something normal for a change."
Hanni laughed softly, "Normal is good. Keeps us grounded."
As they worked together, Y/n felt a sense of calm settle over her. The simple act of cleaning and cooking with Hanni was a welcome break from the high-stakes world of The Elites and their mission.
"So," Hanni began, her tone casual but curious, "how's it going with the new team? They seem like an interesting bunch."
Y/n nodded, wiping her hands on a towel. "They are. It's been... intense, but I think we're starting to get along. Yujin's been really helpful. It's nice having someone who understands."
Hanni raised an eyebrow. "Yujin, huh? You two getting close? What's Yujin like?"
Y/n looked up, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Yujin? She's... well, she's strong and confident, but not in an intimidating way? She's got this calm presence that makes you feel like everything's going to be okay."
Hanni nodded, "Sounds like a good person. What else?"
A small smile tugged at Y/n's lips as she continued. "She's got a great sense of humour. We've shared a lot of laughs, even in the middle of all the serious stuff. And she's really dedicated to the mission. I can tell she genuinely cares about making a difference."
"Seems like you two get along pretty well," Hanni's grin widened.
Y/n shrugged, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Yeah, we do. It's just nice to have someone who understands what it's like to be a demon in this world."
Hanni leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "So, is there a spark?"
Y/n laughed, shaking her head. "It's not like that, Hanni. We're just friends. Good friends."
"Well, sometimes good friends make the best partners. Just saying," Hanni winked.
Y/n rolled her eyes playfully, "Well, her personality kind of matches yours, maybe I'll bring her here one day to meet you. How about YOU become her best partner instead?"
"Naaahhh, pass it to Minji," Hanni giggled with her own suggestion.
Y/n looked up once again, her face showed disbelief, "I can't imagine them being together... but they will create a power couple"
And they both laughed. Hanni smiled knowingly. "Well, it's good to have someone you can trust. Especially with everything going on."
They continued their chores in companionable silence for a while. Y/n found herself relaxing more, the weight of her worries easing slightly.
"Do you know Minji sometimes involves herself in something dangerous?" Y/n asked to Hanni. They have been living together, longer than Y/n with them, Hanni must knew something about it.
"Well, I do know about it," Hanni said, her tone more serious. "I know you're worried about Minji. We all are. But she's strong, and she's got all of us behind her."
Y/n looked at Hanni, "I know. I just... I've already seen Dani get hurt. I don't want to see another case."
Hanni reached out, squeezing Y/n's hand reassuringly. "And how about you? We don't want to see you getting hurt as well. We won't let that happen to each other, okay?"
Y/n nodded, "Thanks, Hanni"
They finished their chores, the house now spotless and filled with the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread.
The sun was beginning its slow descent, casting long shadows over the house as Minji, Dani, Hyein, and Haerin returned from their expedition. They were greeted with warm smiles and open arms by Y/n and Hanni, who had just finished their chores.
"Welcome back!" Hanni called out, waving a flour-dusted hand.
"Looks like you two have been busy, bbang Hanni make some bbang (bread)" Minji observed with a grin, noticing the spotless kitchen and the aroma of freshly baked bread.
"It's been a productive day," Y/n replied, giggling at Minji's joke.
The group settled into a comfortable routine, the house buzzing with activity and laughter. They decided to spend the rest of the day engaging in various fun activities to unwind. Games were played and stories were shared.
"So, how did you all meet?" Y/n asked suddenly.
Haerin and Dani exchanged a glance before Haerin spoke up. "Dani and I met Hyein when we were really young. Our families were close, so we practically grew up together."
"Yeah, they've always been like sisters to me."Â Hyein nodded.
Minji, who had been quietly listening, added, "After I graduated, I was recruited by Hyein's family, they offered me the position."
"And what about you, Hanni?" Y/n asked, turning to her.
"I joined the group the latest. I used to live in the city, but when the opportunity came to be part of this family, of course I couldn't resist."
Y/n nodded, absorbing their stories. "Did any of you ever wander around in the forest?" she asked, curious about their experiences.
The group exchanged puzzled glances before shaking their heads. "No, we mostly stayed within our usual areas, we moved to this place around 3 years ago" Hyein said.
Y/n shrugged, a thoughtful look on her face. "Then, have any of you ever heard of the 'girl wandering in the forest'?"
"No, I've never heard of that," Minji said, glancing at the others for confirmation.
"Me neither," Hyein added, a frown creasing her forehead. "Who is she?"
Y/n leaned back, her eyes distant as she recalled the stories from her childhood. "My parents used to tell me stories about a girl who wandered the forest. They said she used to help our family, always appearing when we were in need."
Hanni suddenly intervened a little bit, "Hmm, my teacher lives in the forest for a long time, and she is known to help those who seek her out. Maybe it's her?"
Y/n's memory of Sakura resurfaced, if Sakura is Hanni's teacher, then she must be a lot older than Hanni.
Y/n shook her head, "I don't think so, my parents always said this girl and I would make great friends. Doesn't that mean she's around the same age as me?"
The room fell silent as everyone considered this new information. Haerin was the first to break the silence. "So, if she's not Sakura and she's around our age, who could she be?"
Dani leaned forward, her interest piqued. "Do you think she's still out there, helping people in the forest?"
Y/n shrugged once again, "I don't know. But it's something I've always wondered about."
"If your parents believed you'd be great friends, maybe there's a connection we're missing. Something that ties you to her," Hanni tapped her chin thoughtfully.
Y/n nodded.
Minji placed a reassuring hand on Y/n's shoulder. "Well, maybe we can explore it together sometime. Maybe one day we can find her."
The conversation shifted to other topics, flowing naturally as they shared more about their lives and experiences.