Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

    Rumi groped wildly across the bedside table for her phone, the alarm - while admittedly on the quieter side - still blitzing her tired, early morning senses. With fog clouding her mind, she let out a soft groan as she finally found her charging cable, yanking it and her phone to the edge of the table where she was finally able to grab it and hold it lamely in front of her face - squinting at the already dimming display unhelpfully providing the time as [4:00 am] and entirely too early for Rumi to be awake.

    Which would've been true, if it was any day other than today.

'Rumi? You awake?'

'Mmmmf. Fmph.'

'I'll take that as a yes,' Bobby chuckled - her uncle maintaining his permanently positive persona even before the sun rose. 'Pancakes are ready when you want them.'

    In lieu of an actual response requiring brainpower - especially in English like Bobby had been insisting recently - Rumi opted to raise a hand limply and wave it for a moment, letting it fall back to the mattress with a soft whump seconds later. After a few more precious moments of blissful ignorance, Rumi blinked open her eyes properly and sat up, wiping at the sleepers caught in the corner of her eye with one hand - the other still holding onto her phone like she would lose it if she dropped it - which in all fairness, she probably would.

    Her room had been stripped to its basic components - the bed she was currently sat on, her bedside table, a set of drawers with a mirror and stool for makeup as well as her desk - though there was no longer anything on it aside from her headphones. The walls were bare - deprived of posters and drawings and other decorations long since removed leaving only the dark purple walls that created the confines of her little space in Bobby's apartment.

    With a sigh, she reached for her water bottle - taking a quick drink and returning it to its place before stumbling to her feet, shuffling over to the drawers and sinking to her knees. For a moment she remained unmoving, brain processing her actions, before finally shaking her head - reaching for the drawers in turn until she eventually settled on a pair of sweatpants and boxers alongside a simple bra, a t-shirt and slightly oversized hoodie. She pulled off her pyjamas, slinging them back into her bed before slipping into her clothing of choice alongside a pair of fluffy socks.

    It wasn't what she would usually wear for going out, but Bobby, being far more experienced with travelling, had told her to dress comfortable - and she was hardly going to ignore his advice. Casting another glance around her room, Rumi grabbed her backpack with the travel pillow wrapped around it, checking the back pocket briefly for her laptop before collecting her charger, keys and, most importantly, one of her photos of her parents and carefully placing them all in various pockets. Slinging the bag over her shoulder, she snagged her headphones, carefully sliding them around her neck, as well as collecting her phone and wallet, then made her way to the main room.

    Bobby's apartment was on the larger side and well decorated in a modern style, though the past years had seen Rumi's touch leak through in little things, like a plant or some kitchen thing she'd seen either online or in the market. The 'main room' was comprised of the living room as well as decently sized kitchenette, though it saw less use than it probably should - and there were also the two side rooms. One was an actual bedroom with an en-suite, but that was Bobby's - so the office room had been loosely converted to Rumi's room with the main bathroom practically becoming hers as well.

    Bobby himself was humming a tune, stood by the table as he idly scrolled the news on his phone, so Rumi let her bag slide across the floor until it came to a rest near her suitcase, plopping herself down in front of the pancakes that were already decorated with strawberries and syrup.

'You made these?'

    Bobby looked up from his phone, a smile forming on his face.

'You don't have to sound so surprised! I can cook, thank you very much.'

'No, I know, it's just..,' Rumi blinked, 'different, I guess?'

    Bobby's smile turned softer, then he moved behind Rumi to begin braiding her hair.

'It'll be strange, having the place to myself again. But, you'll be back at christmas, right?'

'Yeah, I will.'

'And by then, I will have built a Criminal empire from this very room!'

    Rumi giggled - the nerves that had been building since her mind caught up to the date lessening slightly.

'Now eat up! I will not have you starving yourself before the flight.'

    She rolled her eyes, then began eating, savouring the taste in each bite of the delightfully fluffy plates, and equally enjoying the relaxing familiarity of Bobby braiding her hair - a comfort to her brain in all the chaos that the day brought to her usual schedule. They settled into silence for a while, Bobby moving to open the curtains after he'd finished with her hair, the large floor-to-ceiling windows revealing the Osaka skyline around them, mismatched lights in each skyscraper replacing the stars that she knew existed but rarely saw. She couldn't see the street below from the table, but if she could she knew there'd be at least a few lines of traffic already forming.

    Swallowing the last of her pancakes, Rumi leaned back with a sigh before shifting out of her seat to fill up her backpacks water bottle, eyes drifting to the clock on the wall which now denoted the time as [4:30].

'You ready to go?' Called Bobby, having now - finally - forsaken English for the much more familiar Japanese.

'Yes, Uncle.'

    Bobby nodded happily, slipping his keys off of the counter as Rumi stepped into her ankle high boots, zipping them up on the inside then grabbing her backpack and her suitcase, the former making a familiar jingle as her mother's Norigae brushed against the backpack zips - her hand moving instinctively to her side for her own but not finding it - a moment of panic before she reminded herself it was inside her suitcase.

    The hallways of the building had long become familiar to Rumi, but there was a kind of bittersweet feeling to the light grey walls and marble-ish green-blue carpet now, even though she knew she'd be returning eventually. She shook it off; trailing after Bobby to the lift which was mercifully left to just them as it sped through the thirty-two floors it took to get to the ground floor. The building lobby was already bright, a few night-shift employees hustling around and giving the pair loose waves.

    The air on the street outside was definitely on the colder side, but Rumi didn't find it too bad underneath the hoodie. Not that it mattered, as soon after Rumi was ushered into a taxi Bobby had obviously booked in advance. She could already feel her nerves building again, so she huffed a deep breath and attempted to turn her focus outside the window; back to the lights of Osaka and away from their journey to the train station. Bobby rested a hand just above her knee to give a comforting squeeze, which she met with a soft smile before turning back to the window.

    The half hour ride to the train station passed faster than it felt like it should have - at least to Rumi - the lights having all blurred into each other as she'd rester her head on her palm. Getting out, her brain registered loosely that she hadn't put on her headphones during the ride, but she simply tutted at herself as she tugged out her suitcase, then following Bobby into the station. Given that Bobby already had tickets, they were able to ignore the small groups forming around ticket machines and desks, simply making their way to the platform - with the exception of Bobby stopping to get them both a milkshake.

'What times the train again?'

'Six o'clock,' he answered, eyes drifting to his watch, 'so we still have another hour, or there about.'

    Rumi nodded, following Bobby to some seats and lifting her headphones to her ears and pressing the play button on the side. She then pulled her current in-progress book from her backpack, settling into her seat to read after making sure nothing had fallen out. Despite the comforts, she could still tell she was undeniably nervous - but she supposed that was fair. Moving to a different country was no small business, and Bobby's encouragement was almost entirely the reason she'd decided to move for university instead of staying in Japan.

    It probably helped that Bobby had gone through every step of the journey with her in advance, so she knew what she was doing, and that he'd agreed to take her all the way to Tokyo for the flight so she didn't have to divert through Korea.

    Eventually, she was able to lose herself in the pages until Bobby nudged her - pointing at the train that was now pulling into the station. She checked her phone briefly, surprised it had already reached [6:07] - the train running slightly late even, but she nodded and stood, following Bobby onto the train and to a set of seats near to the exit, keeping her book and phone in one hand while the other held her suitcase handle. 

    Another comforting smile from Bobby as the train began moving, and she was able to settle into a small routine - flicking between her book, the window, and her phone - the latter eventually chiming with an incoming message.

Jinu - 7:13

    Good luck on your flight tomorrow! Or, today there, right? Sorry again I can't meet you at the airport, but I'll swing by to see you once you've settled in :)

    Rumi couldn't help but smile - at the very least, there would be one familiar face for her when she eventually got there, even if it was a face she hadn't actually seen in a few years. Jinu was one of her childhood friends from Korea, and the only one she'd actually kept in contact with after she'd.. moved.. to Japan. As the ride continued, similar messages of encouragement began filtering in from her other friends, that were awakening at actually reasonable times, but she supposed that was the trade off when moving abroad, and finally one from Bobby's side from the group he managed.

    Arriving in Tokyo an hour later came with more looming skyscrapers and a kind of familiarity - it was, after all, the environment she'd been in all her life. With a nod from Bobby, they disembarked and made their way to the streets, as Bobby had given them about half an hour to spend in Tokyo. 

    After five minutes wandering, they came to a little bookshop tucked into a corner with wooden panelling around the door and window. There was a small bell that rang above the door as Rumi entered, her eyes flicking over the warm decorations before fixing on the old woman behind the counter. She gave Rumi a smile as she bowed respectfully, then turned her attention back to the book in her hands leaving Rumi to browse. She took the opportunity to wander aimlessly along the aisles, having left her suitcase outside with Bobby, letting her hand brush over the covers until she saw a title that caught her interest. 

    After repeating the action a few times, she eventually settled on a book and brought it over to the counter, freeing her wallet as she placed the book down. After a moments indecision, she added a cute little bookmark - purple with a cherry tree on the front with the top half inside a bright pink circle, and a pink boundary. The woman hummed slightly, as though approving of her choice.

'One of my favourite designs, that one.'

'Oh, it - it is really pretty, yeah.'

    The woman smiled at her again, and Rumi paid for the items before slipping them both into her backpack and moving to rejoin Bobby on the street.

'Ah, don't forget your change!'

'What? I paid with card-'

    Rumi turned to see the woman holding out a small charm.

'You put it in your hair - to ward off the evil spirits.'

'I- oh. Uhm, thank you?'

    The woman closed her eyes and nodded as Rumi took the charm tentatively.

'It is often those that need it most that find it where they least expect it.'

    Rumi nodded politely, watching the woman for a few extra moments, then made her way out of the store, shifting her shoulders slightly with nerves. She paused outside, glancing back briefly.

'Are you okay?'

'Yeah, just..'

    She turned to Bobby, holding out the little charm.

'Can you put this in my hair?'

'Of course!'

    A few moments later, they were moving again, towards the monorail to the airport. She didn't see it, but the woman smiled again as Rumi passed the window, letting out a soft sigh at the charm now on Rumi's hair. The walk to the monorail was uneventful - and again, all too soon, they were in the airport, Rumi promptly glancing at her phone to see [8:48]. They joined the check in line, soon reaching the front where Rumi was able to drop off her suitcase and collect her boarding pass with no issues. It was then the reality of what came next began to sink in.

'Okay, Rumi, you remember where you're going?'

'Yes.'

'Alright.'

    Bobby paused, and Rumi turned to him, seeing tears in the corner of his eyes - feeling her own begin to well up as well.

'Okay, just. Remember. You can do this, and if you need me I will be here for. Literally anything you need,' his voice broke slightly, the first tear slipping free, 'And if you want to come home, or if you want me to visit, at all, just call, okay?'

    Rumi nodded, then, after a moments pause wrapped her arms around him for a hug that was quickly reciprocating, tears now free on both faces.

'I love you, Uncle.'

'I love you too, Ru. Don't Leave the plane waiting.'

    Rumi was half tempted to ignore him - stay in the hug. Instead, she nodded against his chest before breaking away, taking a deep breath, and turning to face the security area.

    And promptly turning back around, diving into another hug that managed to draw a slight chuckle out of Bobby.

'Rumi!'

'I know, I know. Just, let me have this.'

    Bobby didn't say anything, instead opting to lay a hand comfortingly on her back, and after what was, in her opinion, entirely too short a time, she was moving away again, and into the security line - one eye on Bobby until she could no longer see him around a corner. She waved in his direction, regardless - then refocused herself on the line.

    It was - perhaps unsurprisingly - a long affair, but she remembered that security was always the worst bit. Getting out the other side was like a breath of fresh air, even if she could still feel the tear tracks on her face. She took a moment - wiping a sleeve against her cheeks before checking her boarding pass for the gate number and checking loosely which direction it was in before heading that way, pausing to go to the toilet and buy a hot chocolate from one of the few local places in the airport.

    She felt her phone vibrate in her pocker, glancing at it briefly to see a message from Bobby -

Bobby - 9:51

    Miss you already!

    She smiled and tapped out a quick response before slipping her phone into her pocket and making her way steadily towards the gate itself - stopping to check out a few stores with her spare time but not much else, eventually just settling with heading to the gate to help settle her nerves - with the added bonus of being able to read and listen to music, to tune out the crowds around her.

    It made it easier, just a little bit - and after about two hours and a growing crowd, the gate finally opened. Bobby had bought her ticket, so Rumi wasn't totally surprised she was in first class, though she certainly appreciated the extra space it gave her, as well as a chance to catch up on some of the sleep she'd lost that morning. Which, in fairness, was probably what Bobby was thinking of when he got it. That, and an opportunity to spoil Rumi a little bit.

    She kept her backpack with her in her little closed in area, taking a moment to feel the blankets and pillows provided, eventually deciding she didn't like one of them, throwing it under her seat and replacing it with her travel pillow. The safety briefing wasn't anything unexpected, so she glossed through it and tried her best to focus on her book through the following take off - though she still felt the nerves in her stomach and the small indents left on the book covers by her fingers.

    Reaching the end of the chapter, Rumi reached for the page corner out of habit before stopping, hand hovering halfway for a moment before diverting back to her backpack and the new bookmark, which she slipped in between the pages before putting the book down beside her and reaching forward to the tablet-screen thingy, taking a quick glance through the movies and shows before switching to the flight information, eyes resting on the [10 hour 30] flight time before she sighed, readjusting herself and the seat until it was comfortable, as well as swapping her music to something calmer and finally wrapping herself up with the blanket.

    Sleep came uneasily, whether by the unfamiliar setting or the dim awareness of so many others around her, she wasn't sure, but it did eventually come - albeit restless, waking up every so often. She gave up after five hours. Soon after she was offered a choice between chicken, beef or vegetarian, so she opted for the former and scrolled mindlessly until she found a vaguely interesting movie to watch. 

    The hours seemed to blend together, with Rumi flicking between movies and reading, but it did help quell her nerves slightly. Then finally, they were landing - a steady affair that was relatively quick in comparison to the wait to then get off afterwards, though Rumi took the time to thoroughly check and make sure she hadn't lost or forgotten anything as people filtered past.

    The immigration process was, frankly, surprisingly quick, comprising of a few questions, a check of her passport and a flurry of paperwork she'd been keeping at the top of her backpack which she'd been expecting to take at least half an hour - but the officer, for the most part, gave a cursory glance at most of her eagerly offered paperwork before waving her on. It was then a matter of navigating to baggage claim and collecting her suitcase, and finally headed to the taxi rank, each step lightening the stress in her chest.

    It took a little while to get a taxi, but before long Rumi was settled into the backseat, eyes narrowing as she worked through the notifications on her phone, having already sent a reassuring message to Bobby that was met by a little heart emoji despite it already being 11:21 in Japan, and, comparatively, only 7:21 in Seattle, Washington - a whole three and a half hours after she'd originally awoken in Osaka.

    Her eyes eventually fixed on the world outside the window, taking in what small details she could about America until the city skyline eventually came into view, and the nerves began building again, until, finally - she was outside her new 'home'. She swallowed nervously before paying the driver and collecting her suitcase, making her way towards the front door. The building was fairly tall and made mostly of brick with frequent windows, as well as a bunch of little arches and details that she was sure came from a more interesting era of architecture.

    There was a man sat behind what seemed like the front desk when she entered, but she glanced down at the directions on her phone before mercifully getting to ignore him and instead making for the elevator, punching in the fourth floor, and, after a short wait, finding the door helpfully labelled 402. 

    She paused, replacing her headphones around her neck and doing a quick inspection of her braid and then... knocked.

    There was silence for a moment, then a distant, muffled, 

'I'll get it!'

    The door opened, and Rumi found herself facing a freckled woman, slightly smaller than her and around her age with brown eyes and black hair loosely tied back in two buns, wearing an oversized yellow tiger hoodie and what seemed to be denim shorts peeking out underneath. They said nothing for a moment, just looking up at Rumi with curious eyes.

'You're pretty..'

'What?'

'Oh, I mean, hi! You must be our new roomie, right?'

'I- uhm, yeah, I'm Rumi.'

'Great!' Their eyes lit up, and they offered a hand, 'I'm Zoey, it's great to finally meet you!'

    Rumi nodded lamely, taking the hand tentatively before offering a gentle shake. Zoey smiled at her before standing to the side, one hand holding the door and the other making a sweeping gesture as though to give Rumi a grand entrance.

'So, uh, what happened to your old Rumi?'

'Oh, she's still here. Just hiding in her room because she doesn't know how to be interesting~!'

    One of the doors creaked open, and soon after another woman appeared in the room, this time slightly taller than Rumi, with long pink hair that was lazily tied back. She wore a plain white T-Shirt with a pair of jeans, and focused a loose glare at Zoey.

'Eheheee, Rumi, this is Mira, Mira, Rumi.'

'I thought you said she was also your Rumi?'

'Wha? Oh! No, no I meant, like, roommate. Shortened to roomie.'

'Oh.'

    There was a moment of silence, Zoey fiddling with her hands, before Mira started laughing, Zoey offering a few awkward chuckles too, before Mira walked over to Rumi, offering a hand.

'Yeah, I'm Mira. It's nice to meet you.'

'Uhm, yeah. Rumi. Nice to meet you too.'

'C'mon, I'll show you your room while Zoey makes us hot chocolates.'

'Hey! Why do I have to do it?!'

    Mira grinned, placing a hand on Zoey's head before ruffling her hair, which earned a squeak of protest.

'Because I asked.'

'Ugh, fine.'

    Rumi giggled, feeling her nerves ease slightly, then turned to follow Mira to the small hallway.

'So, my room is this one, yours is in the middle and Zoey's is on the end.'

    She paused in front of the middle door - Rumi's door - before gesturing over her shoulder with a thumb at another door.

'That's the bathroom, and the wider space over there,' she pointed at a corner in front of Zoey's room, 'Is the washer and dryer.'

    She held open the door to Rumi's room, revealing a space that was slightly smaller than her room in Osaka, but there was already a wardrobe, large bed, desk, set of drawers and a bedside table present, as well as several boxes placed haphazardly in the middle of the room.

'So this is your space, you can do whatever you want with it. If you want help unpacking just let me or Zoey know.'

'This is... great. Thank you.'

'Yeah, sure. No problem.'

    With that, Mira left - the door shutting softly behind her. Rumi stood in silence for a few moments, until the distant sounds of conversation between Zoey and Mira spurred her into action. She put her backpack down on the bed, immediately opening it and searching for her photo of her parents, as well as her other photo - of her and Bobby - before placing them both on the nightstand. She then grabbed her washbag before diving across the hall to the bathroom, putting her things in the empty spaces - taking the opportunity to go to the toilet then returning to her new room.

    The walls were, unsurprisingly, bare - but all of her things had been sent ahead, so she didn't have to worry about that for too long. What caught her eye, though, was the lava lamp already on the desk. Curiously, she walked over, quickly finding a sticky note attached to the side.

Roomwarming present! It's great to meet you :)

-Zoey <3

    There was also a pair of phone numbers scrawled out at the bottom, one attached to Zoey's name and the other to Mira's. Rumi smiled at the gesture, finding her laptop out of her backpack while still watching the note before putting the former on the desk and sticking the latter to it.

    Before she could continue unpacking, though, she found herself settling onto the desk chair, just looking around the room once more like this time it might sink in - she was in America. She was on her own - no Bobby, not even a risk of Celine, just herself, Jinu and now, Mira and Zoey. And she'd made it without any problems.

    She let out a sigh of relief, leaning back into the chair.

'Rumi! Hot chocolate's ready!'

'Yeah, coming!'

    She felt another smile forming on her face, and a rare sense of hope filled her even as her hand drifted to her arm absent mindedly. Another seconds pause, and then she stood, grabbing her phone in one hand and reaching for the door with the other.

Chapter Text

    Rumi's hand tightened around the mug reflexively, a holdover from times long past at this point, but despite Bobby's best efforts Rumi had been unable to shake it - though to his credit Rumi had managed to shrug off most of the major reflexes and habits she'd picked up living with her, while living with him. 

    The warmth of the hot chocolate seeped through the white and black zig-zag ceramic mug and into her hands, having now placed both upon it as though she could draw its warmth into herself. As she marvelled at the warmth, Zoey placed her mug on a coaster before damn near throwing herself onto the sofa, maneuvering quickly to draw herself into something akin to a 'Z' shape that leaned against the armrest while Mira sat calmly before lifting her legs to rest on the small ottoman, leaving the small snug sofa slightly off to the side for Rumi to settle onto, which suited her fine.

    She could feel Mira's eyes tracking her across the room, but she tried to ignore the prickling feeling in her spine as she settled onto the seat, resting the hot chocolate in her lap with hands firmly resting around the mug.

'You know you can relax, right?' 

'...huh?' Rumi blinked, eyes finding Mira who looked at her with a slight smirk on her face.

'You can relax. This isn't an interview.'

'I don't - oh.' 

    Rumi settled back into the seat more completely in comparison to the default straight-backed sitting position she took in unfamiliar environments with a sheepish grin that drew a light chuckle from Zoey - Mira only shaking her head with a smile as she took a sip of Hot Chocolate. After a moment, Rumi looked down at her own drink - watching the little marshmallows for a moment before electing to take a drink as well, at which point she was greeted by a rush of warm, rich chocolate and possibly a hint of something like Cinnamon, though she couldn't decipher the specifics.

'Whoa, Zoey, this is.. really good!'

'Aww, thanks!'

'She's right, actually, Zo. This is great. How'd you do it?'

'I can't just give away my secrets!' Zoey replied, eyes narrowing playfully at Mira across the sofa, 'You'll have to torture them out of me-'

'Or, I could just remember that next time you want me to teach you something.'

'Wha - hey! That's totally unfair!'

    Rumi smiled at the pout that materialised on Zoey's face, Mira breaking into a chuckle.

"Is it? Seems like a good deal to me.'

'You- you're insufferable!'

    Mira said nothing, instead taking another drink with a smug grin fitted firmly to her face. There was a few beats' silence before Zoey relented with a groan, placing her own mug down then fixing a finger at Mira.

'I'm telling you this in confidence. If anyone else finds out, you're dead.'

'Don't make promises you can't keep.'

    Zoey huffed before shuffling over the sofa to whisper into Mira's ear, the latter nodding sagely as she did so before retreating to her own side of the sofa, seeking out her hot chocolate once more.

'And, for the record, I could totally kill you.'

'You could certainly try.'

    Rumi watched the interaction from behind the safety of her mug, chuckling occasionally but primarily focused on her own drink - enjoying the taste and mentally noting to find a way to force the method out of Zoey for herself. 

    As the other two chattered, Rumi found herself taking a better look around the living room - the sofas they were all perched on were on a shade of dark green, with curtains on the window that Rumi figured probably didn't see a lot of use, but there were also a few bookshelves along one wall as well as a carpet and coffee table situated between the sofas. There were a couple things on the walls - a few pictures of Mira and Zoey but for the most part what seemed to be overflow from their own rooms in the form of an occasional poster or group photos. The floor itself was a generic cream coloured carpet, and the walls weren't much better, but the apartment did have a general sense of quirk about it from the placement of the kitchen - along the wall that split the front door from the rest of the house.

    To say the layout was strange to Rumi would be generous at best, but at the same time she could almost attribute that just to being more used to Bobby's incredibly open apartment, which was around the same size while intended for less people. There was also the small differences - the little things like the smell of the room that reminded her she wasn't at home anymore - even though she technically was - not to mention the ever-present knowledge she wasn't in the same country as her uncle. It was almost enough to send her diving for her phone to send a string of SOS messages, but she managed to refrain via some miracle, instead focusing back on the room - on Zoey, on Mira. Whatever conversation they had been having was obviously starting to taper off, if the way Zoey kept throwing glances at Rumi was any indicator.

'So, Rumi?'

'Hmm?'

'Where are you from?'

'Korea. Originally, but I'm uh, also Japanese. Father's side.'

    Mira stood with a sigh, walking over to the kitchen before reaching up to look in one of the cabinets, but Rumi returned her attention to her mug as Mira's t-shirt began to ride up her stomach.

'I'm from Korea, too - though I wish I could've left the country earlier.'

'Only left recently, then?'

    Mira nodded, eyes closing as her hands seemingly worked on autopilot.

'Parents wanted to keep an eye on me, so I only managed to escape when I turned eighteen.'

    Zoey watched the pair of them for a moment, a frown of sorts etched onto her face before she lay down across the sofa, taking the space Mira had previously occupied, a hum vibrating in her throat.

'Zoey?'

'Oh, me? American, born and raised.' She pointed finger guns at Rumi, pulling the makeshift trigger, reacting to imagined recoil. 'Though my mother's korean, she just... never really lived there.'

    Rumi nodded slightly, to show she'd listened as she took another sip - only to register in disappointment that her mug was now empty.

'Basically, she's warning you not to be surprised if she begs you for Korean lessons.'

'Only every now and then. If you don't mind?'

    Zoey was grinning - eyes sparkling dangerously, if Rumi was reading her correctly.

'I.. sure?'

'Yay! Thank you~'

    Mira rolled her eyes, an affectionate smirk on her face as she strolled back into the living room.

'You'll regret that when she knocks on your door at three a.m.'

'That was once!'

    Mira - realising Zoey was lying across both seats - hesitated for a moment before trying to push Zoey's legs off, though she stubbornly refused to move them, which promptly resulted in Mira moving to sit on Zoey's legs - her eyes widening as she snapped her legs out of the way upon realisation. 

'That's how it starts - next thing you know it's five in the morning and we haven't slept.'

'Now that just sounds like a fun time.'

'Not for me,' Rumi giggled, 'My body throws a fit if I don't get enough sleep.'

'Ay! I feel ya, girl. Doesn't make it any less fun.'

'But Zoey, you're a psychopath.'

    Zoey pouted at Mira for a moment before falling into giggles, Rumi and Mira ultimately not far behind. After half a minute passing, Rumi stood, moving to the kitchen to return her mug. The kitchen itself seemingly rather well equipped - though Rumi quickly noticed a small yellow post-it note stuck on the glass door of the microwave simply reading, If I catch you using this, you're dead. Mira <3

    The counters were a pearlescent white marble while cabinet and drawer doors were all a light wood that Rumi guessed was probably oak or birch, and the handles were all a cool silver metal. In a way it reminded her of Bobby's kitchen in Osaka, though there were a few subtle differences alongside the more notable entirely different countertop setup.

'So.. no using the microwave?'

'You can use it. Just when I don't see you.'

'Mira's like, the only cooking student who actually cares about doing it ''right''.' Zoey sighed. 'Unfortunately for us.'

'Culinary arts and management, thank you very much.'

'Eh, details,' Zoey replied, waving a hand nonchalantly.

'So what about you, Zoey?'

'Hmm?'

'What, uh, degree are you doing?'

'Oh! Marine Biology! I'm a bit of an ocean girlie.'

'A bit is an understatement.'

    Rumi and Mira both chuckled as Zoey aimed a loose slap at the latter girl, though it thumped harmlessly against her shoulder.

'Alright, fair exchange - what are you doing, Rumi?'

'Ah, English Language and Creative Writing.'

'Oh, cool! So you're gonna be the next big author, right?'

'Yeah, uhm.. Something like that?'

'Nah, you will be. I know it.'

    For a moment Rumi glanced at the cabinets, debating a snack before ultimately deciding against and retreating back to the smaller sofa, reclaiming her phone from the pillows it had started to be buried under at the same time.

'What time is it anyway?'

'Uhm -' Rumi looked down at her freshly reclaimed phone, registering both the time and a notification for a message, 'Just gone.. eight-thirty?'

'Wh- shit!'

    Zoey shot up from the sofa, head whiplashing from one side to the other with such ferocity that Rumi almost flinched.

'Oh, no no nooooooo! I'm so late - uh - fuck - one moment!'

    She darted down the corridor, skidding on the wooden floor before all but slamming through her doorway, which was then thrown shut behind her.

'... Is she okay?'

'Yah, she's probably got morning shift. Starts at nine.'

    Silence settled over the pair left in the living room.

'Thats... not very long.'

'Nope.'

'How far away is it?'

'Mm. Twenty minutes car ride, maybe?'

'Oh.'

    Zoey re-emerged, now wearing grey waterproof pants and a blue long sleeve t-shirt obscured by a second blue t-shirt - this time with short sleeves. She held her phone, a lanyard and a small bag in one hand while simultaneously tugging on a jacket.

'Mira! Keys! Where?!'

'Kitchen? Zoey!'

    Her call went largely unheard as Zoey scurried to the kitchen, her phone clattering slightly on the counter as she dug around the counters for her keys.

'Zoey, if you're taking the bike you need your helmet!'

'There's, ah, no time! Don't know where it is. Sorry!'

'Oh, for.. fine! At least drive slow-ish?'

'Yeah, yep, I'll do that, Mir. Don't worry bout me!'

    Rumi wasn't entirely sure she saw it - but for a moment Mira's hand tightened around her phone, then loosened. Before she could help herself, her eyes flicked up to Mira's face for any other sign of worry, but found none, the pink haired girl simply regarding her phone.

'You alright?'

'Oh! uhm, yeah. Sorry.'

'Didn't do anything wrong.'

'Aha!'

    There was a fresh clattering sound - presumably Zoey's keys - and Rumi turned to look, her eyes catching on a white helmet decorated with a few stickers that also had a camera attached to the top.

'Zoey - is that your helmet?'

'...I uh, plead the fifth?'

'What?'

'It's an American thing. And that, is Zoey's helmet.'

'I- uhm- kinda in a rush so uh, have fun girlsi'llseeyouinabitbye-'

'Zoey Choi-Cortés.'

    Zoey flinched. Rumi watched as the girl stopped, mid reach for the door and halfway around the corner, Mira's voice having somehow literally halted her in her tracks.

'...yes?'

'Take your helmet.'

'...okay.'

    Zoey steadily made her way over to where Rumi had pointed out the helmet before picking it up and setting the camera, then tucking it under her arm - any chaotic disposition she had previously displayed shattered and swept away under Mira's watchful glare.

'Good. You can go.'

'Uh huh.'

    Zoey blinked as though in a daze before shaking her head and mumbling something under her breath.

'What was that?'

'Nothing bye~!'

    A slam echoed from the hallway as Zoey left, leaving Mira shaking her head.

'..what?'

'Don't question it.'

    Rumi waited a few extra seconds, but when Mira offered no elaboration she heaved herself up and began making her way down the hallway to her room. Zoey's door had been left slightly open, the edges of what seemed to be a beanbag visible - and for a split second part of her wanted to sneak in and look around but she decided against it, reaching over to pull the door gently shut. 

    Entering her own room, Rumi stared at the spread of boxes across the space before ultimately ignoring them all, padding over to her new bed and falling onto it, rolling over to face the ceiling, partially hoping sleep would claim her. As it became progressively clearer she would have no such luck, she returned to her phone and the message from Jinu she'd already forgotten about.

Jinu - 8:17

    My shift today ends at 2, so if you text me an address I'll swing by and pick you up ltr :)

Rumiii -  9:41

ugh, you're so American.

''swing by'' ''ltr''

Sounds good though, let me find the address 

    She typed out the address before abandoning her phone to the bedside table, sitting up to observe the mess before reaching over to her bag and digging into it, searching the various pockets until she eventually came up with her pocket knife. Rumi then slipped on her headphones, eyes flicking to the door as she debated asking Mira for help - a debate she continued having internally as she dug the knife into the tape of the first box, the sharp blade tearing through the tape with ease.

    Unpacking, at the very least, was a rather mindless task that Rumi could just lose herself in, finding a pattern in open, sort, flatten, open, even if she wasn't actually organising her room as much as getting everything out of the boxes. 

'Rumi!'

    Rumi startled, making a surprised noise as she jolted, nearly dropping the knife, eyes immediately flicking back to the doorway which was now occupied by Mira, who was watching with a smirk. 

'When did you get there?!' She asked, pulling down her headphones.

'A minute or two ago. I was just asking if you wanted some help.'

'Oh, uhm... sure?'

'Cool. Let me grab a knife or something.'

    Mira reappeared fairly quickly, reaching for one of the boxes on the opposite side of the room to Rumi, carving it open with her knife before raising the blade to point at the nightstand where Rumi's phone now lay.

'Who're they?'

'Oh, that's... my mom and my dad. And me with my uncle Bobby.'

'Cute family.'

'Yeah.. I- I guess? My parents died when I was.. five.'

'Oh, shit. Rumi, I'm so sorry -'

'No, no! It's fine, really. I don't.. remember them all that well anymore.'

    Mira's frown seemed to grow, but Rumi quickly turned her attention back to the box she was working on - eyes drifting over the picture frames that held some of her other photos or posters deemed precious enough for a frame.

'Well, I.. I'm glad you had your uncle.'

'Yeah, Bobby.. Bobby's great.'

    They settled into a silence, working around each other in the small space and Rumi took some peace from the... normalcy, that Mira managed to bring to the activity - almost ridiculous considering how decidedly unnormal unpacking at a new place in a new country was.

    Yet, Mira tearing through the boxes and organising contents into small piles that Rumi then began placing around her room gave her a sense of calm - finding little sticky hooks for her framed things or blue tack for the posters. Moving her pen mug into position by her laptop and then filling it with some of the pencils and pens that had traveled in a small plastic box, so on and so forth until all of the boxes were reduced to a flattened pile on the floor by the door, Mira looking around in satisfaction.

'Looks good, Rumi.'

'Thanks. It's about the same size as my room in Japan, so I..'

'Reminds you of home?'

'Yeah... I, uh - thanks again for helping.'

'Hey, no problem.' Mira gestured to the room loosely with her spare hand. 'Getting settled in is no small thing. I'll take the boxes out for you.'

'Thanks.'

    Mira hummed slightly before resting her knife atop the pile, picking it all up in one go before maneuvering herself through the doorway. Alone once more, Rumi moved for her phone before falling onto the bed again, hands raising the device above her face as she looked for the time.

'Twelve? Ugh.' 

    She sighed - slipping back into Japanese before she could help herself.

'And now I'm talking to myself. Great.'

    She shook her head, allowing her hands to fall to the bed with a soft whump against the sheets, her head rolling to the side to look at the photos on the nightstand when she noticed a box that had escaped their notice previously - half tucked under the desk, and half under the chair. For a second she watched it, mild annoyance running through her, but then she groaned, grabbing the knife and descending upon the box. 

    Inside was - at first glance - a large roll of bubble wrap with a note on top.

Rumi, 

    I know you were unsure, but I couldn't let you leave it behind! You might want to keep practicing, or just for when you need something to do. And don't forget your videos! Proud of you.

    Bobby x

   A smile settled on her face before she could help it, a soft laughter escaping her lips. Reaching for the packet, she unwrapped it from the layers, resisting the temptation to sit and pop all the bubbles, eventually revealing the soft shell of her guitar case, and inside, her guitar - the wood slightly darker where it has avoided bleaching in the light, mostly where her arm rested while playing. The strings seemed mercifully intact - and after a moments hesitation she settled back onto the bed, arms automatically moving to their standard positions - a position she just remained in, for a while, before finally beginning to play, to tune, just notes at first then small melodies, building how they wanted until she half settled, half stumbled onto a song to play.

    After a while, she sighed, letting herself relax as the guitar slumped against her body, one hand resting limply over the top while the other held the neck like it could snap if she held too hard - a position she held before brushing the former hand over the body, over the stickers - the few that there were. Then she smiled, taking the stand out from the box where it was hidden under the bubble wrap, setting up in the corner next to the desk to give it pride of place - at least when observed from the bed.

'That was good.'

    Rumi jumped. Near flew, backwards, tripping over the bed and falling back onto it with a surprised yelp - arms cartwheeling helplessly for a moment before submitting to the downward course. She stared at the ceiling as Mira laughed, warmth building on her cheeks.

'That - that was rude. Is this going to be a thing?'

'I thought you heard me coming!'

'Urgh.'

'For - for what it's worth,' Mira began, before interrupting herself with more laughter - Rumi promptly covering her face with her hands, 'That was an amazing reaction.'

'No one hears about this.'

    Mira laughed harder before a soft clinking of keys signaled her holding up her hands.

'A- anyway - I need to go take this to Zoey. So uhm, house is yours?'

'Oh, uhm.. okay?'

"Try to take a nap, if you can. I'll be back in an hour or so - what do you want to eat tonight, actually?'

'I, uhm, was probably going to go out with a friend I haven't seen for a few years.'

    She cringed inwardly - a few years was an understatement.

'Oh, that's cool. I'll make sure we leave something out in case you're hungry when you get back.'

'Thanks.'

'Yeah, no problem.'

    Mira disappeared around the doorway, the door itself being pulled shut behind her, voice getting progressively quieter as she approached the door.

"I'll see you in a while, then.'

'Yeah, talk to you later.'

    The front door clicked shut once more, leaving Rumi alone. She heaved a deep breath, letting her hands fall away from her face, blinking to readjust to the light filing in through the windows until Rumi found herself reappraising the space. Next to the doorway was the wardrobe and drawers, the desk positioned under the window with the bed to the left on entry - head placed against the wall that backed onto the laundry space. A dark blue curtain was tucked behind the desk and the walls around it were now well decorated, and Rumi turned in the bed - her bed, to face the wall, resting on her side with a slight sigh.

    Embarrassing herself in front of one of her new roommates aside, they both seemed nice - though Zoey seemed like she had the potential to be... energetic. Mira was much harder to read, but, again - seemed nice enough - so Rumi didn't feel too worried about getting on well with them. Although the feeling like a guest would take much longer to fade, it seemed like the kind of space where she could confidently say she'd get over it. 

    With a soft yawn, Rumi let her eyes slip closed, her body relaxing into the sheets now she was alone and at no risk of being snuck up on. Before she knew it, the bed was swallowing her up, sleep finally claiming her body once more.

    She awoke with a start - bleary eyes facing an unfamiliar wall as a familiar buzzing sounded from her bedside table. Rumi flung an arm behind her, groping wildly across the surface until her hand found the device. She rolled over to look at it - for a moment freezing at the unfamiliar surroundings before her brain began rebooting, and the vague sense of déjà vu set in as it caught up. Her eyes flicked back to her phone to reveal the culprit.

'Mmgfh. Hi Bobby.'

'Hey sweetie - I'm sorry did I wake you?'

'Yeah, but -' she interrupted herself with a yawn - 'I need to be up anyway. Seeing Jinu this afternoon.'

'Ooo, yes - the elusive Jinu. Let me know how it goes and if I should be having the ''talk'' with him!'

    Rumi sat up sharply, warmth building rapidly on her cheeks.

'No, what? No, Bobby-'

    Her uncles laughter cut through the sleep, and she let out a frustrated groan before slumping back.

'You're mean.'

'I- I'm sorry, Rumi -' he giggled, 'Really. I know you don't like him like that.'

'So, why'd you call?'

'Am I not allowed to call my niece?'

'I mean, you are - but...'

'I'm serious, Rumi. I just wanted to check how you were settling.'

'Oh, uhm. Sorry, I'm - I'm fine? It hasn't been a day yet so...'

'Oh, of course! Of course! You'd think I'd be better with time zones, honestly.'

'What is the time in Osaka, anyway?'

'Uhm... just gone eight fifteen.'

'Okay, well, I'll let you go then - just don't forget breakfast!'

'Awh, Rumi - I bought breakfast, don't worry - though it's not as good as yours.'

'...mine were normally store bought cereals.'

'But you put them together with love!'

    Rumi sighed.

'Alright, alright. I've got a few meetings today, but I'll message you later, okay? Love you, Rumi.'

'I love you too, Bobby. Talk to you soon.'

'Bye!'

    The line disconnected with a click, and Rumi shuddered slightly at the cool air that hung over her room - a soft reminder that she hadn't actually checked the window, and was actually propped barely open. After closing it, and pausing to throw on a warmer hoodie, Rumi stepped out into the corridor, pulling the door shut behind her, with her phone hanging from a strap around her wrist, wandering aimlessly towards the kitchen, then stooping to begin rummaging through the cabinets and drawers for a snack.

'Uhm.. Rumi?'

    Her head snapped up, eyes going wide as they settled on Zoey, who was curled up on the sofa in front of the t.v. with curious eyes watching her.

'I thought Mira said you were going out?'

'I.. am.. wait.'

[16: 21]

13 Messages from 3 Chats

    Jinu (8)

    Ejae (1)

    Rei (4)

2 Missed Calls

'...kuso.'

'Missed them?'

'Yeah, I must've been asleep still when he came by.'

'Oh, well... if you still want to go out, I'll come with you? Or, or! We can watch movies while we wait for Mira to get back!'

    Rumi blinked.

'Mira's out?'

'Rare afternoon class,' Zoey responded, waving a hand dismissively, 'I'll text her to bring food back with her! Now c'mon, come sit!'

'Uhm.. okay?'

    Rumi cast a brief longing glance at the cabinets before straightening fully and making her way over to the sofa, hovering for a moment until Zoey shuffled along slightly and patted the sofa next to her - at which point Rumi was promptly offered a range of snacks. Rumi picked out some of the dried rice cakes as the sound from the t.v resumed, flicking her way over to Jinu's texts.

Jinu - 2:03

    All finished, I'm headed your way now.

    And for what it's worth, I've not been americanised 

    you just never text

2:41

    I'm outside 

    Rumi?

    Helloooooooo

Missed Call (2:42)

Missed Call (2:46)

2:48

    I'm guessing you're sleeping so I'm gonna meet up with the guys

    If you still want to meet up, we'll be at the Twilight Exit

'Hey, Zoey? Do you know the... Twilight Exit?'

'Uhm, yeah, actually - it's a Cocktail bar not too far from here. Me and Mira went there once but we didn't like it too much.'

'Okay, I- I think I'll stay here then.'

'Yay! c'mon, c'mon - I'll get the popcorn, you go grab some blankets and plushies from my room, 'k?'

'Are you sure?'

'Totally!'

    Zoey shot up, bounding over to the kitchen and rifling through one of the cabinets as Rumi began towards the rooms - though she paused at the hallway entrance and spinning on her heels to face Zoey.

'Zoey?'

'Mm?'

'Korean lesson; you could use Kaja instead of come on.'

    Zoey's eyes lit up, a wide grin spreading across her face - a cute little squeal of excitement even escaping her.

'Ka-ja?'

'Kah-jah. It's like, let's go, or come on, just informal.'

'I like it. Kaja. Thank you, so much!'

'Uhm, yeah. It's nothing, really.'

    Zoey's smile proved infectious, however, as Rumi promptly found herself smiling the entire short distance to Zoey's room, typing out a brief apology to Jinu as she went, eventually reaching and pushing the door open carefully and stepping in to reveal a beanbag, as she had suspected earlier, as well as a large fluffy carpet that acted as a base for Zoey's bed - covered in turtle pattern sheets. Her desk held two monitors as well as laptop, with a decently sized PC tower underneath it. In addition was a smaller, longer desk nestled under the first to form an 'L' shape that was covered in papers and notebooks. There was a small array of lava lamps scattered on various thigh-height cabinets, one of which instead sported a small aquarium with a white bottle of fish food next to it - though Rumi couldn't help but notice the pill bottles on a different cabinet and wonder internally if they'd ever been mixed.

    Finally, Zoey's walls held several movie and band posters, including some that Rumi recognised and one especially stood out to her as the group Bobby managed. Turning back towards the door revealed a hamper stuffed full of plushies, and the room itself had more randomly assorted across it, with concentrations around the bed and desk. Underneath the hamper was a large pile of blankets.

    Rumi grabbed a handful of blankets before taking an armful of plushies, balancing then carefully before retreating from Zoey's room. She dropped a plushie upon closing the door, but rather than bending down to pick it up and releasing a veritable tsunami of plushies, she resolved to kicking it along the floor into the living room where she dumped the supplies on the couch, turning to find Zoey nibbling at her thumb as she stared at the phone.

'Okay, I got the blankets.'

    Zoey snapped back into action, darting over to the microwave to pull a bowl of popcorn to join the other snacks she'd already had out.

'Okay! Great - do you want anything else? A drink maybe?'

'Uhm, could I have another hot chocolate, actually?'

'Yes! Of course! Why don't you start looking for a movie to watch?'

    Rumi turned her attention to the remote, picking it up as Zoey began humming behind her, the occasional noise from the kitchen the only sound beside the rhythmic click, click of Rumi searching the catalogue. She passed through a few apps before opening one she'd heard of in the past, selecting Zoey's account before continuing to search the catalogue.

'Oh, Disney! Disney movie's are great - Mira always complains they're childish, or whatever, but I know she likes them.'

    Zoey appeared next to Rumi, offering her a hot chocolate with both hands before sinking back onto the sofa next to her, a similar drink having seemingly materialised out of thin air.

'I never really watched any.. but uh, I'd heard of them so figured..'

    Rumi shrugged, and Zoey responded by nodding enthusiastically.

'Yeah, then you definitely need to watch, like... all of these. But! Your pick!'

    Rumi searched for a few moments more before settling on one that had a cute deer and some other animals.

'How about this one? Bambi?'

    Zoey stiffened - just the smallest amount, before closing her eyes and biting her lip as if going through some kind of internal monologue.

'Yeah, sure.'

    She rested a hand on Rumi's shoulder.

'Bambi is a classic - I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Probably.'

    For a split second Rumi hesitated - something in Zoey's voice combined with the whisper at the end alerting her before she brushed it off, starting the movie. After all, it was a kids movie about deer - how bad could it possibly be?