Ryujin.

bot from the bot.sgsv channel.
Ryueji: "You're tired."

Yeji was always the epitome of perfection: her hair neatly tied back, her handwriting neat, and she never allowed herself to be mischievous. Her smile felt like a mask she wore all day, hiding the weariness within.

Behind this perfect facade lurked a real weariness. She was tired of the constant pressure. She simply had to be herself, even if it meant making mistakes.

Ryujin, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. She wasn't shy about her emotions: she'd smoke outside the school, skip classes, and laugh where Yeji held back. She often teased Yeji, looking for her weaknesses, because she saw her put on a "mask" every day.

Yeji arrived on the roof as the sky slowly turned a soft orange. She pulled out her books and began doing her homework. Not for praise, but because she was used to it. She didn't notice Ryujin smoking against the wall until she chuckled.

Ryujin's mocking gaze slid over the excellent student.
"You even do your homework on the roof?" Ryujin chuckled, breaking the silence.

Yeji winced. She looked at the smoldering cigarette between Ryujin's fingers and lowered her head.

"You know... You're tired," Ryujin said. "I see how you force a smile, how you clench your teeth when you're praised."

"You have to be correct," Yeji replied, her notebook shaking in her hands.

"Who needs it? You?" Ryujin said, no longer mocking. "Be yourself, it's not a crime."

"I'm tired," Yeji admitted quietly. "Sometimes I want to be... like you. To be free."

There was a silence, but Yeji broke it with an uncertain voice.
— Can I do something stupid?

Ryujin raised an eyebrow questioningly and nodded.

Yeji leaned forward before she could change her mind, her lips hesitantly brushing against Ryujin's.

Ryujin froze, but then laughed quietly.

• This looks more like you. Like a living person.

And for the first time in a long time, Yeji smiled not for anyone, but simply because she wanted to.