Aelin could swear she felt more alive than she felt ten minutes ago, as if Hye's life energy has been sucked into her body, filling every empty corner with vital energy, like satisfying an unfamiliar hunger.

She breathed out. Smiling, she walked away.

•••

"Yes, and make sure to bring some take out fries," Aelin reminded before ending the call.

She felt like a new person the day after she shot Hye. Or rather, more revived. She didn't notice that she was growing weak due to the stress of the situation, but the next morning, she felt life fueling her core.

Jimin insisted she'd hang out with him, so she invited him to her house for the evening. Only with the condition of him buying take out.

"You seem to have shut down," Jimin said, tearing open the hard packagings of the food.

"Me?" Aelin said halfheartedly; she had an idea on where this was going.

"Yes, Aelin, you," Jimin responded, whether patiently or not, she couldn't tell. For how long had he wanted to have this conversation?

"Well, I've been busy."

His movements did not seem to falter. She guessed he already expected the answer she gave. Handing her her portion of chicken wings, he sat down next to her on the couch.

Taking a bite of his chicken, he asked, "Busy with what?"

That startled her. She hadn't expected Jimin to question her further. It was true that they used to spend more time together, and after what had happened with the grim reaper, she almost forgot how things used to be before. She didn't blame him for being curious or concerned. "Just...things."

"Hm," was all he said.

~