#will mostly write minhyeok's pov throughout the whole thing later on

[wordsvomit101]

1. The funeral

(2 weeks after the death of Mr and Mrs Lee)

"It's raining," Minhyeok stood there, his eyes fixed on the people who were leaving. He couldn't help but ponder over their departure.

It was pouring rain, with each droplet hitting the ground creating a soft thud. He felt that the weather was fitting for the occasion. The sound of the raindrops filled his ears, creating a peaceful atmosphere that served as a sort of cool-down after the events of the day. It had been quiet and dreadful, with a heavy cloud of sadness looming over everyone. It was as if the rain was a reflection of their collective sorrow, slowly washing away the remnants of the day. Despite the dreariness of the weather, there was something calming and soothing about it all. The sound of the rain, combined with the emptiness of the streets, made him feel as though the world had come to a standstill, just for a moment.

The funeral had just ended five minutes ago, and the guests had finished paying their respects to the deceased and exchanging mourning. They were now leaving and heading back home.

"There is not much food or wine to delay them further anyway" 

He walked over to the violet-haired girl in the room and looked at the last person still remaining before the two portraits, eyes red and hollow, unnervingly so. His heart clenched as he remembered the once-brightly grinning girl who jokingly accepted his childish proposal, a face, and memory that seemed far too distant at this point.

"It doesn't fit her... no, she wasn't supposed to lose them" Her parents, her smile, her happiness, he knew there were more but it hurt to think more of what was lost that day. 

He's grateful that his parents would assist Raon in obtaining her parents' death certificates and managing other complex matters following the funeral. It would be tedious, he was quite sure. However, the fact that he couldn't do much more for Raon besides holding and comforting her is upsetting, it doesn't sit right with his skin. He doesn't know why he was praised for getting Raon out of that house that day, as much as he likes compliments, it felt empty that time, even more so when he saw Raon's passed out later.

He noticed the girl's slight movement in his embrace before he realized that his shoulder was damp with tears.

"She used to be a loud crier" 

He was aware of her tendency to throw tantrums when she got frustrated. Sometimes, offering her snacks could calm her down, but if that didn't work, she would cry even louder. Once, he had helped her parents calm her down for three hours when one of her favorite toys went missing. But now, her hiccups were barely audible, and her pained whine sounded like someone being choked. Her chest heaved painfully and uncontrollably. However, she calmed down a little when he gently ran his hands in a circular motion on her back. 

"..."

It would have been silence if it wasn't for her sniffling and slow breathing.

"..."

"..."

"I miss them already" She let out a sudden, quivering voice, her head still nestled in the safety of his shoulder.

"... Me too" 

"I want to eat Mom's Galbi Jjim"

"Yeah, she always makes it less spicy than the usual recipe for you"

"I want to show Dad my last semester grades"

"Your math improved a lot, I bet he would brag about it to my old man afterward"

"They promised to take me to Japan on New Year... They said it was Shiga Agricultural Park in Hino City"

"I heard the view there was great, they did told us they used to have a date there"

They keep talking like that for a while, Raon will say what she wants and Minhyeok will answer her, letting her relive in a happier time of the past that won't come back. He thinks he heard his parents and brother talking outside the room at some point, but they left them be. 

He had to relocate Raon to a more comfortable position to lean on the wall but never stopped listening and answering her rambles. They stayed like that, with her buried on his shoulder and him comforting her with his arms, and talked for an hour until...

"I want to kill the bastard that killed them" She said softly, eyes distant.

"..."

He was supposed to be surprised but... he can't, he knows he wouldn't be different if it were his parents or his brother. He's not as forgiving and "mature" as most people give him credit for. 

He softly breathes in the rain scent from outside the window, letting it ease his bones and sag him down the wall beside her. He thought about it when Raon quietly waited for him to answer her. 

"... Then no one will find out your secret from me"

He doesn't know if it is the right answer but the girl leaning on his shoulder seems to be relaxed enough to pass out to sleep. He should carry her back to her room in his home, but his legs don't seem to move nor does his arms. He only sits there and watches the rain that slowly lessen over time. 

It was a strangely mind-numbingly boring and calming activity, usually, he would rather swing his baseball bat or run around the park to think more clearly after. This doesn't feel so bad.

"..."

He turned to look at the two portraits again. They each depicted the faces of a confidently smiling, beautiful man and a handsome woman with fierce eyes. It feels like they're expecting something from him, to swear a promise, and give out his loyalty to the girl sleeping next to him. He can't hear them saying "Look after our silly daughter" anymore but he likes to think he is correct in his understanding this time at least.

He bows twice in the direction of the portraits, there is a burning in his veins and a sting in his slightly red eyes when he does it. Then, quietly, almost like a whisper, he said:

"Me and my family will keep her safe, Mr and Mrs Lee"

The exhaustion must have get to him if he think they seem pleased for a moment.

"I believe peace will wait for you two in the afterlife"

✎﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏﹏

End notes:

Galbi-jjim (braised beef short ribs) is one of the most popular Korean dishes. It’s made with beef short ribs and is often prepared for special occasions.