FRAGILE - Hierarchy

• 006 •

Rian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I need your help to sort out this mess with Jae-i. The fake relationship idea-"

Ellie cut him off. "The fake relationship idea was a bad one from the start. You and Jae-i need to figure things out on your own. I'm not getting involved in your drama anymore."

Rian looked at her, frustration evident in his eyes. "But I need-"

She interrupted him, her patience wearing thin. "The fake relationship idea was idiotic. I'm not going to be a part of your drama anymore. You and Jae-i need to figure this out yourselves."

"But you were the one who suggested making her jealous in the first place!" Rian argued, stepping closer. "You can't back out now."

Ellie sighed deeply, her frustration boiling over. "I suggested it, yes. But it was a mistake. And I said Hera not me idiot "

Suddenly, a loud crack of thunder interrupted their argument, and rain began to pour outside. Ellie glanced out the window, seeing the storm worsen by the second. Rian followed her gaze and sighed.

"Looks like the weather's not in my favor either," he muttered, running a hand through his hair.

Ellie groaned in frustration as she rummaged through her small kitchen, looking for something to eat. She found a few cups of instant noodles and decided it would have to do.

She started boiling water and preparing the noodles, her mind still buzzing with irritation at the situation.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed Rian unbuttoning his uniform shirt, preparing to get comfortable for the night. "What are you doing?" she snapped, causing Rian to pause.

"Relax, I'm just getting more comfortable. This couch isn't exactly a five-star hotel," he replied, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Ellie rolled her eyes and returned her attention to the noodles. Once they were ready, she handed a cup to Rian. "Here. Eat this."

Rian looked at the cup of noodles with curiosity. "I've never had these before," he admitted, taking the cup from her.

Ellie raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? You've never had cup noodles? What planet are you from?" She shook her head, grabbed a beer from the fridge, and popped it open.

Rian took a tentative bite of the noodles, his eyes widening in surprise. "This is actually pretty good," he said, sounding impressed.

Ellie took a swig of her beer, watching him with mild amusement. "Welcome to the real world, your highness," she said dryly, taking another drink.

Rian ate the noodles with genuine enjoyment, while Ellie leaned back in her chair, sipping her beer. The room was filled with the sound of rain pounding against the windows and the occasional slurp of noodles.

Rian looked at Ellie curiously as she took another sip of her beer. "How do you manage to drink beer like that?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.

Ellie didn't bother to answer him. Instead, she reached into the fridge, grabbed another beer, and handed it to him. "Here. Try it."

Rian hesitated for a moment before accepting the bottle. He took a cautious sip and then a deeper one, seeming to appreciate the taste. "It's not bad," he admitted.

Ellie gave a small, satisfied nod and picked up the remote. "Let's watch something," she said, flipping through channels until she found a movie that looked decent. They settled into an uneasy silence, both focused on the screen.