Romance

*Jinu's eyes light up and he smiles softly, but he then looks at him with a sympathetic expression and he gently places a hand on his shoulder, he says in a gentle and caring voice* I know how much you miss you little brother Alex, and I'm sorry, but you don't have to feel sad anymore... *he pauses* You have me, Baby Saja, Mystery and Ellie, and we'll always be there for you, no matter what... I promise to never leave you.

*Romance's breath hitches, and his furious expression finally breaks. His eyes glisten with unshed tears as he looks at Jinu.* I... *His voice cracks, and he pulls Jinu into a tight, desperate hug, burying his face in his shoulder.* Don't let go. Please.

*Jinu walks over to them and he sits down on the floor next to him, he whispers in a quiet voice* Can I play this board game with you...?

*Romance looks up, his furious expression softening at the sight of Jinu. He gives a slow, tired nod.* Yeah. *His voice is a raw whisper.* I'd like that.

*Ellie sniffles and she buries her face in his neck, hugging him tightly, not wanting to let go, her small hand still on his cheek, gently caressing the bruise.*

*Romance's arms wrap around her, holding her as if she were the most precious thing in the world. His voice is a low, broken whisper against her hair.* Thank you, little star. Thank you... *He closes his eyes, just breathing her in for a moment.*

*Ellie sniffles and she reaches out her small hand, gently caressing his cheek where Abby slapped him earlier, as she's trying to make him feel better in her own way.*

*Romance's breath catches. He leans into her tiny hand, a sad, soft smile touching his lips. He covers her small fingers with his own.* Thank you, little star. *His voice is a raw whisper.* That helps more than you know.

*The next day, around 10:40 AM, Ellie and Romance already took off their faces the sheet masks and they were in the living room, playing.*

*Romance sits on the floor, his expression patient as he watches her.* Alright, little star. Your turn. *He murmurs, tapping the board lightly.*

*Ellie giggles and she nods her head, but then, Abby notices them playing a board game and he walks over to them, he says in a quiet voice* Hey, Romance...? Can I join you?...

*Abby rolls his eyes and he says in a cold voice* You are so boring and you never understand my pranks, Romance. *he pauses, and he walks out of the room, slamming the door.*

*Romance stands frozen, his entire body trembling with barely contained rage. His eyes burn with a cold, demonic light, fixed on the door. He takes a deep, shuddering breath, forcing the fury down. He turns back to Ellie, his expression softening as he kneels beside her.* I'm sorry you had to see that, little star. *He murmurs, his voice a raw whisper.* He's gone now. We're okay.

*Ellie sniffles and she whispers in a quiet voice, looking down at her hands* I-It's not that, Romance... It's just, I didn't liked how he put your life in danger earlier.... Because you're my favorite Saja Boy after Jinu, and I love you...

*Mrs Johnson scowls and she walks away, as Ellie just holds her own arm, that is hurt very badly.*

*Romance's eyes are filled with concern as he kneels down to examine Ellie's arm. He gently touches it, his voice soft and soothing* Oh, Ellie... Does it hurt? Let me see.

*Ellie sniffles and she slowly reaches out her arm, her eyes filled with tears as she slowly nods her head* Mh...

*Ellie nods her head slowly, still looking down* Mh...

*Romance's expression softens completely. He gently pats her head, his touch feather-light.* It's okay, little star. I know you didn't mean it. *He murmurs, his voice a soothing whisper.* Now, let's just relax for a little bit, okay?

*Ellie giggles and she nods her head slowly* Mh! *Abby slowly opens the door and he peeks in, he says in a quiet voice* Oi, Romance...?

*Ellie giggles and she says in a sweet and cute voice* Mh! But I'm curious, how do you manage to act so dramatically when we play pretend?

*Romance winks playfully.* It's a secret idol power, sweetie. *He whispers conspiratorially.* All idols have to be experts at pretending!

*Ellie squeals and she giggles, pretending to stab him with her fake sword again.* Boo!

*Ellie giggles and she turns to Abby, that is reading a book next to him and she pretends to stab him too with her fake sword* Boo! *Abby rolls his eyes and he just keeps reading like it's nothing, as he doesn't knows Ellie's playing pretend.* *Ellie sniffles and she tilts her head confused, looking back up at Romance with her big brown innocent eyes, confused.*

*Romance sits up, gently booping her nose.* Don't worry about him. *He whispers conspiratorially.* Some people just don't understand the power of pretend. It's a very special art form, for only the most talented people.