The lion's paw

I wanted to set you free. You did. You gave me my soul back. And now… I give it to you. Flames engulfed his body, and his soul soared and gave Rumi new strength to fight the Gwi-Ma. His sacrifice was not in vain. He helped the girl achieve what she had always dreamed of: sealing Honmoon forever so that no more demons would enter people and take away souls. Jinu… He redeemed himself, saved her, but at the cost of his life. He probably needed it to finally stop being ashamed of his past mistakes. Rumi met him as a lost, desperate and lonely man, regretting his sins. She fell in love with this one, but remembered him as a brave, determined, loving and caring demon. HER demon with the brightest and most vibrant soul. This is what it sounds like. She would always remember him. - Hey, Rumi, look, we finally found a place where we can spend the last weekend before our UNFORGETTABLE tour! - Zoey stormed into the living room like a hurricane with her proposal, pulling the girl out of her thoughts. - Yes, it was difficult, but we came to a consensus after reviewing... all 68 options that Zoya had... - Mira's voice sounded tired - We had to find the best option for our walk, which we did! - Zoey replied enthusiastically. Many will envy her optimism. - Well, since you've decided, that's great. Where are we going? - Rumi asked. - TO THE HWADAM BOTANICAL GARDEN! - replied Mira and Zoey at the same time. - Tanphun is the best time to enjoy the incredible nature of Korea, experience the pleasure of contemplating all the bright colors of autumn and perhaps find inspiration for our next songs. The fans will love it! - Zoey continued her reasoning. - Great, we all need to relax and unwind after hard work, and it will be easiest to do this outdoors. No one will bother us there. - Rumi added. The color abundance of the Hwadam forest was amazing and gave aesthetic pleasure. The red maples season is a truly unforgettable time of the year, for which a huge number of tourists come to Korea just to admire the red, yellow and golden colors of autumn, go on a picnic or a walk, and maybe arrange a gorgeous photo shoot with their loved ones. Rumi, Mira and Zoey settled down in the alpine garden of this huge forest. In addition to the fact that in this place you can observe all kinds of rare mountain plants, there are also few people here, relative to other areas of the huge park, which is only to the advantage of hunters who have arrived for a picnic. The girls found a glade where they could accommodate themselves, brewed ramen, laid out sushi, kimchi and other food that they took with them. - That's what I mean, rest. - Mira started the conversation. - Only the bathhouse is better, which we will definitely go to after this walk. - Mira looked at Rumi and winked at her. - We need to make up for lost time spent in the bathhouse without you. Now you can't get away. – Mira said. - Yes, a bathhouse! This day will be perfect! - Zoey supported her friend. - Undoubtedly, I realized that I was giving up the best time with you, girls - Rumi agreed with a laugh. The sun was shining brightly high above the girls' heads. Mira and Zoey were actively discussing the concept of the next comeback, and Rumi was a little depressed. She looked at the stunning Edelweiss flowers that grew in the mountains and remembered one of her meetings with Jinu (okay, a date with Jinu). Looking into each other's eyes, they stood opposite and didn't seem to notice anything else that was happening around them.Another meeting. Jinu had a bracelet that Rumi had given him on one hand, and he was holding flowers in the other.A small bouquet of edelweiss, symbolizing hope and love. This is his confession and promise. This includes promising himself that he will try not to give up, even though the voices in his head are too strong and the guilt doesn't go away. After their last meeting, he really believed that he might be able to free himself from the influence of Gwi-Ma. What does it feel right Every time I let you in? - What if we find a way to escape it? - Jinu sang softly - We could be… free…- Rumi continued, smiling at him. - Uh, this is for you, - blushing a little, Jinu awkwardly handed the bouquet to Rumi. - Oh, thank you, - the girl replied shyly, - that's very nice of you, - she smiled. In fact, she was very pleased, a gentle and warm feeling spread in the chest area from the charming gesture of the guy. Yes, a guy, even if he was over four hundred years old. His cautious and timid attentions suggested that it was perhaps the first time he had encountered such tender feelings, which Rumi awakened in him. - You know what these flowers mean, right? - she asked. - Yes, this flower symbolizes courage, devotion and purity. The literal translation from Greek is Lion's Paw. In Alpine countries, it also embodies fortitude and endurance. It suits you. - It is also believed that edelweiss is a symbol of happiness and love. - looking warmly into his gorgeous honey–colored brown eyes, Rumi took a step forward. - They are resistant to cold weather and can grow not only in valleys, but also on rocks. Nothing will stop them from their goal to break through to the heights and reach the light in order to absorb it and become stronger. - Jinu seriously remarked and, looking at the girl with tenderness, gently cupped her fingertips. Their faces got a few centimeters closer. - If I'm not mistaken, there's even a legend. - In general, there are many legends. - I heard one about a moody princess who wanted to get this flower and promised to marry the one who would bring it to her. - And how? Did she find a lucky guy? - he gently stroked her fingertips. - Yes, he brought her these flowers, but he did not marry her, because the princess was already old at that time. Jinu laughed at this sadly funny story. His mood was also picked up by Rumi. They stood facing each other, enjoying the moments of peace and quiet. - What legend do you know? - Rumi continued the dialogue, afraid that if she didn't do it, then what she was dreaming about and dreading at the same time would happen. - The story is quite tragic. A flower can only be picked by someone who has sincere pure love in his heart. One day, the Snow Queen fell in love with a handsome hunter. I know it sounds strange, but a bright feeling settled in her soul, which melted the ice in her heart. However, this did not please her goblin servants. They believed that the queen was not allowed to love anyone, so they decided to throw her lover off a cliff. The feeling of deep sadness has forever become the companion of the Snow Beauty's life. It is said that when she mourned her first and only love, white shaggy stars, later known to all as Edelweiss, began to sprout from the fallen drops of her bitter tears. - Never was a story of more woe… It's very sad that this happened to her lover. They got a couple of centimeters closer. - Rumi, I... you are for me... - Jinu was afraid to say these words, not knowing what awaits them next. - I understand, - the girl interrupted him, slowly running her hand up his forearm. Their gentle touches, loving glances.The night helped them hide their secret desires, and the stars illuminated the way to each other. The last millimeters of the distance were easily overcome in the atmosphere of complete trust and sincerity that reigned between them. Jinu gently lifted Rumi's chin with his fingertips, bent down slightly and gently touched the alluring lips of his beloved girl, who had already risen slightly on tiptoe, hugged his shoulders and kissed him back, pulling him closer to her.Tremulous and affectionate touches, at first cautious, and later confident movements of the lips, developing into a sensual and ardent kiss. A pleasantly cool summer night.Two lovers under the stars in the shade of the trees of an abandoned park. Music that is known only to them, talking about freedom and giving hope. Free, free… Who knew that this would be their first and last kiss? Fate is a villain. - RUMI! - the girls have already called their friend several times, who is lost in memories. - I'm here. – the main vocalist of the band replied. - We're not sure about that. - Mira challenged her statement. - What's bothering you? You can share your feelings with us. - Rumi, we are always ready to support you, don't be afraid, we are a family. You, girls, are my closest people. - Zoey said, almost crying. - Zoey, you and Mira are so dear to me. - Rumi replied. Mira continued the universal explanation of affection. - You are my dearest people, - the dancer said, almost with tears in her eyes. The girls were already almost crying, sitting in their clearing in the park, bursting into declarations of love. - And yet, what happened? – Mira continued the topic after a while. After gathering her strength and overcoming her sadness, Rumi finally decided to confess. - I miss... Jinu. – the girl replied sadly, an unbearable longing was reflected on her face. The rest of the band members sat closer and hugged her from both sides, expressing support and trying to cheer her up. - Rumi, we sympathize with you. - Zoey said with understanding. - It is quite normal to grieve for the departed loved ones. This is a difficult period of your life, but know that we are always there for you and will support you. - Mira looked at her friend sympathetically. - If you need to talk, cry, or hug, then we are always here for you. - Zoey continued. - Thank you, girls, really, I appreciate your concern and appreciate your help. – the hugs came out strong, promising a better future and giving hope that the pain of loss will subside over time and will not be so overwhelming. It was getting close to sunset. The melancholy gradually faded away. The girls have already gathered to leave the park. Rumi took one last look at the beautiful white terrestrial stars that sprout even in harsh weather conditions on the rocks of the mountains, and realized that they left only boundless warmth and a feeling of endless love in her soul from pleasant memories. What if we heal what's broken?(Free,free) I tried to hide but something broke I couldn't sing, but you give me hope We can't fix it if we never face it Let the past be the past 'til it's weightless