Shuhua sighed contentedly as she blinked awake in Soojin’s arms. The weak morning sun peeked through gap in the curtains, illuminating the bare room. They were huddled beneath the blankets on Shuhua’s bed, Shuhua’s head on Soojin’s chest. Soojin pulled the blanket higher, tucking it securely under Shuhua’s chin.

“Jjin-Jjin, I thought I’d never get a morning with you again,” Shuhua lovingly whined as she snuggled closer into Soojin’s neck.

“Me neither. But I’m glad we’re able to, now at least,” Soojin replied, planting a light kiss on Shuhua’s forehead.

Shuhua stretched luxuriously and propped herself up on her elbows. She gazed down at Soojin who smiled up at her. Shuhua giggled and quickly gave Soojin a peck. Soojin grasped the back of Shuhua’s neck and recaptured Shuhua’s lips, her strong arms pulling Shuhua’s body flush against her own. Shuhua felt her bones turn to jelly as Soojin deepened the kiss, slipping her tongue inside Shuhua’s mouth.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Three loud knocks suddenly penetrated the quiet of the morning. Shuhua felt herself shunted backwards as Soojin roughly sprang into a defensive crouch in front of her.

“Who is it?” Soojin growled.

“It’s Soyeon. We’re having a team meeting now so please put on your clothes and join us,” came the muffled reply.

“Yah! I’m wearing clothes you sick ert!” Shuhua shouted from behind Soojin’s .

“Oh? Then in that case you won’t mind if I open this door?”

“N-no! Please don’t do that!” Soojin screamed, mortified as she dived under the sheets and tried to cover herself.  

“Yeah, I thought so. Hurry up. Breakfast’s waiting for you.”

Shuhua and Soojin listened to the sound of Soyeon’s retreating footsteps. They looked at each other and burst out laughing.

“I told you not to get with other people in this house Unnie!”

“Yeah, well it’s more comfortable sleeping ,” Soojin shot back, cheeks still red as she got up and slipped into her tunic. Shuhua stood and ran her hands through her long black hair. She bathed last night, finally able to wash off all the grime and blood that had accumulated since her capture.

“I guess old habits die hard Unnie?”

“Hm?”

“Just when you jumped in front of me like that, I felt like we’re still back in the castle and you were protecting me from some assassin.”

“Oh,” Soojin turned to give Shuhua a wink. “No one’s going to hurt you while I’m alive,” Soojin promised, holding out her hand. Shuhua reached out unhesitatingly and interlocked their fingers. They walked out of the room and down to the kitchen where a group of people were gathered.

“Yuqi! How did you get here?” Shuhua squealed as Yuqi peeked out from behind Minnie and gave her a small wave. Shuhua bounded forward and wrapped Yuqi up in a bone crushing hug. Yuqi hugged her back equally as tightly and Shuhua thought she heard her sniffle.

“Yah! Are you seriously crying again? Be happy! Don’t cry!” chided Shuhua as Yuqi started bawling.

“She’s emotional. We all know that. Here, eat some of these hotcakes. Krystal made them,” Minnie laughed as she handed Shuhua and Soojin t