(Originally posted on 7/28)

Epilogue: Kris Ending

Kris froze as soon as he saw her. They stood there, just taking in each other. Kris hesitantly approached her, concern clear in his eyes. She stared at him as he slowly sunk onto the couch next to her. She could see that Kris was at a loss. She didn’t exactly blame him either; it’s not every day you find the girl you love crying in front of you.

“S-should I…” Kris said while hesitantly opening his arms a little. Ileana sniffled and stared at his chest. Before long, she leaned forward and clung onto him. He stiffened up at first but shortly eased into the embrace. Memories of her family rushed back to her again and she sobbed harder. Instead of shying away like expected, Kris held onto her stronger. He remained silent and patiently listened to her pained cries. He calmed her through simple ways like a gentle and warm hand rubbing her back or letting his fingers run lightly through her hair.  She rested her head on his shoulder and could feel his steady pulse from his neck. It was a little like a lullaby. Having cried so much and being in such a comfortable position, Ileana let the exhaustion overcome her and she fell asleep in Kris’ arms.

And that’s how the majority of her next nights went. Kris would visit her, kindly supplying her with dinner every night. It took her the entire week before she could muster up the right words and explain that she couldn’t go home, that her home didn’t exist anymore. She would tell him the memories that replayed in her mind and he would in return rock her back and forth when the tears would escape her eyes. She would fall asleep in his arms but wake up with an empty bed.

It was after a few weeks of this same routine that she grew selfish. She understood Kris had great responsibilities to take part in but, she wanted to be a part of it. She wanted to be a part of Kris’ life. And she wanted Kris to be a part of hers. One morning, she managed to catch Kris leaving and latched onto him. She told him of her self-centred desires and his smile never seemed so bright or so happy at that moment. He told her he thought she’d never ask and took her away.

She moved into his apartment and she was pleased to be able to be near him while he worked and to wake up to his face every morning. She would linger around his office silently and watch exactly how much effort he put into remolding the Sectors. He tried so hard to get them back onto their feet and start anew. Inspired by him, she decided to follow Kris’ lead and do the same for herself.

She went back to work for Lay. It mostly kept her busy and Lay was a good companion. He didn’t act any different to her and didn’t give her the pitiful eyes like some of the others. Sehun was one of the others.

He grabbed her one day as she was trekking back to Kris’ apartment. They sat down at a nearby café and had a little chat. Sehun didn’t bother giving her a direct proposal because he must have known he had already lost to Kris. She was thankful that he gave her up gracefully. He even told her that Kris was doing a great job as leader and that the laboratories had never functioned smoother. With sad departing smiles, they walked away from each other.

Ileana started noticing the changes in the Sectors after that. The divide was no longer there between the Sectors. People were quicker to smile and easier to laugh and Ileana found herself changing in that aspect as well. She had a life to live. A life she wanted her family to look down on and be proud of. She couldn’t waste half her time wallowing away and the other regretting it.

When the things started to regulate between the Sectors, Kris told her of a surprising offer. The Women’s Quarter wanted her to join their ranks. The Women’s Quarters had changed since the take-over and they over saw women’s care in general rather than just the and espionage trade.  After some time and convincing, she agreed to their offer.

One day, Ileana and Kris were curled up on a couch and discussing over documents together. Ileana grew thirsty and asked Kris to pour her a glass of water. Kris did so without fight and came back to her with a tall glass of water along with something else inside of it. Once on his knees, he spoke words filled with promise and love. She could only try to hold back the tears and smiles as she agreed to his proposal. Thus, they took the next step in their lives together.

Although the Tree of Life told her that love was the most powerful tool in the world, Kris was the one to prove it to her. Love tore her world apart and love created a new one. Together, Kris and her walked along a new path together and found themselves changed for the better. They held hands as they walked on and soon smaller hands joined in between them.

Ileana subconsciously created a new mission for herself. It came more naturally than imagined. Before long, it became second nature to her. She allowed herself to love those around her and to be loved in return. And that, is how this story ends.