They treasure her, as they treasure everyone else. In Minhyuk's settlement, it feels like home.
April 17, 2023, 6:11am, Minhyuk's Settlement, Daegu, South Korea.
Event: Ryujin's Birthday
Ryujin stirs to a loud knocking on her door. She slowly opens her eyes.
It took a while before she actually sat up. She still can't believe she's in a place where there are people around her once more.
She takes a deep breath as she stretches as the knocking continues.
"Coming, y'all..." Ryujin said as she stands up and opens the door.
"Happy birthday, Ryujin!"
Ryujin's eyes widen as she sees Jihyo holding a simple cake with a candle on it. Around her was Zeke, Hyungwon, Hangyeol, Minji, and Minhyuk, all smiling at her.
She actually forgot that it was her birthday today, and she was shocked that they were all gathered up to celebrate it with her.
"Sorry, if we only prepared a simple cake... Everyone is busy lately... Plus, we didn't really wanna bother you last night because you were sleeping soundly. I'm guessing you haven't had that kind of sleep in months so we just decided to do it in the morning..." Jihyo said as she pouted.
Ryujin was speechless as she just stood there, feeling a mix of both shock, happiness, and sleepiness at the same time.
She grins sleepily as she yawns.
"Well... it's alright, I understand, Jihyo-unnie... I actually forgot that it was my birthday today. I'm honestly glad you remembered, I never thought I would have such a simple yet amazing surprise... Thank you." Ryujin said as she stretches her arms.
"Aww, you're welcome! Make a wish, Ryujin!" Miyeon said as she smiled. Ryujin smiles back, closes her eyes, and makes a wish. She then blows the candle.
"Yey!" Hangyeol said as they clapped.
"So, what do you want to do today?" Minhyuk asked. "We can give you anything you want, we'll provide it for you."
"I... honestly don't wanna interrupt the people around here much, Minhyuk-nim..." Ryujin said. "I think I just want to spend my birthday getting to know your settlement and probably help if needed. That way, I can be productive and enjoy my birthday at the same time."
"Hm, that's a wise idea, Miss Ryujin. Alright. We'll be going back to our places soon, just ask anyone here where we are, and you can drop by anytime."
"Oh, and I'll leave this to you, Ryujin-ssi!" Minji said as she gave her the birthday cake.
"We'll be taking our leave," Zeke said. "It seems like you're still sleepy, so you should go get some rest, okay? And again, happy happy birthday."
"Thanks, Zeke, everyone. I'll see you guys later!" Ryujin smiled as everyone left and went back to their places in the settlement.
Ryujin just stands at the door, quietly observing her simple, yet elegant chocolate birthday cake. She smiled as she went back inside and took a few extra hours of sleep.
April 17, 2023, 3:12 pm, Minhyuk's Settlement, Daegu, South Korea.
Ryujin pretty much overslept, but was now fully awake, and outside of her place. She was wearing a grey, striped coat, black t-shirt, and black slacks.
She leisurely walks around the settlement for a good while, trying to familiarize herself with her newfound home. She looks at the busy food stalls, the places were the other apartments are, and small, open spaces where people are just chatting to each other.
Best of all, her privacy and space is respected here, thanks to Minhyuk's strict idol privacy rule.
This is the first time she ever went out without having the need to conceal her face with a mask, or surround herself with guards. She was free, in that sense, and she tried to savor every second of it.
Ryujin soon arrives at a workshop, where she hears the sound of heavy metal clanking. Curious, she walks toward the source of the noise and discovers a man with a dark t-shirt with safety equipment around him, as well as a welding mask on his face. He was seemingly tinkering with something.
"H...hi?" Ryujin began speaking.
"I heard you come." He removes his helmet, revealing to be Hyungwon. "Hi, Ryujin-ssi. Happy birthday again."
"Oh... its you, Hyungwon! Hi. Thank you, thank you!" Ryujin said.
"What are you doing here? Do you need anything?" Hyungwon asked as he immediately dusted his safety gear and went to her.
"Well... like I said earlier, I'd like to see your settlement more, so I wandered around, trying to see if I can be of help or anything to anyone. Theeen I saw your place." Ryujin replied.
"Ah, well, I have no need of extra hands, honestly, I'm pretty much okay by my own. But you know, you're actually right on time for something."
Hyungwon then shows her the otherworldly armor she had given him. It was in pieces, as Hyungwon dismantled it, and she discovers glowing parts inside that she didn't know existed.
"So... I've been trying to dissect and test this armor for quite some time now, and I'm proud to say to you that I have completely figured it out. I'm honestly surprised that this armor has great functionality and features more than what you naturally use. Would you like to see?"
"Definitely!" Ryujin replied giddly as she drags a stool towards Hyungwon's workbench and sits down.
The talented mechanic then proceeds to explain to Ryujin his discoveries.
He explains to her that her armored gloves and boots magnify her strength by fourfold, and it's distributed evenly throughout her armor to prevent injury.
Her exoskeletal armor also seems to be durable even in the face of explosions, and for some odd reason, even the wearer's head will possess the same durability as well, even without protective headgear.
He then brings out his tablet and shows her some of the videos of the tests he made. He says that he watches them over and over to see if he had missed any details.
Ryujin just watches Hyungwon continue to intrically explain the capabilities of the armor. She is astounded of his knowledge and expertise on the matter.
And for some reason, his presence and way of talking made her remember some semblance of herself: A person that is hardworking and passionate.
"And that's all for the armor. I'm still trying to figure out what your icy alien gun can do, so that may take a while." Hyungwon added.
"Wow you're really well-versed in this... But wait... How long did it take you to figure this out?" Ryujin asked.
"At least 8 hours straight yesterday." Hyungwon replied. "2 to 10."
"No way. You're kidding." Ryujin said as her eyes widen in surprise.
"I'm not. All I say are just facts." Hyungwon replied.
"Haven't you had any rest, then...?" Ryujin asked him with a worried look on her face.
"I don't really rest unless it's break time, bedtime, or when the situation really needs it." Hyungwon replied. "I honestly can't rest, Ryujin-ssi. Out of everyone here, I'm the only mechanic capable of dealing with Koul'in technology, plus, I lead the expeditions outside the settlement. I gotta move and move because if I don't, there would be a delay in intel and data about the enemy. And in our current predicament, we can't afford delays."