It had been exactly one year since Rumi turned good.

One year since she realized she was on the wrong side.

One year since she realized she actually had feelings for Lloyd.

Rumi sat on her bed, holding three frames. The first one was her parents. The second were the king and queen.

And the third was Rumi and Lloyd sleeping together.

She brushed the picture, smiling bitterly. She turned to her pillow and burried her face into it. And she let her emotions out.

The door opened, and there was a soft gasp and the door closing. Before she knew it two green sleeves wrapped her into a tight hug.

Lloyd wrapped his green sleeves around Rumi, enveloping her in a warm, comforting embrace. The gentle pressure of his arms against her back was a soothing balm to her trembling frame. He could feel her body shaking slightly as she tried to stifle her sobs into the pillow.

He carefully pulled her away from the pillow, cradling her in his lap. His fingers traced soothing circles along her back, the soft fabric of his sleeves brushing against her skin. The room was quiet except for the muted sounds of Rumi’s cries and Lloyd’s calming murmurs.

“Sweet pea, what happened?” Lloyd asked softly, his voice laced with concern. He held her closer, his breath warm against her ear. “You’re okay. I’m here.”

Rumi’s voice was barely a whisper, thick with emotion. “Lloyd, I… I don’t deserve you. I don’t deserve any of this.” Her words were punctuated by hiccups as she fought to regain her composure.

Lloyd’s hand gently stroked her hair, his touch both tender and reassuring. “Hey,” he said softly, trying to meet her gaze. “You don’t have to talk if you’re not ready. Just know that I’m here for you. Whatever it is, we’ll face it together.”

Rumi pulled back slightly, her eyes red and glistening. She looked at Lloyd, her heart aching with a mixture of guilt and love. “I just… I keep thinking about everything I’ve done. The people I’ve hurt. And then, here you are, being so perfect and understanding. It feels like I don’t deserve this second chance.”

Lloyd cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs gently wiping away her tears. “Rumi, you’ve come so far. You’ve changed, and you’ve shown that you’re willing to make things right. No one’s perfect. We all make mistakes, but it’s how we learn and grow from them that matters.”

Rumi’s eyes searched his, trying to find the reassurance she needed. “But what if I’m not enough? What if I mess up again?”

Lloyd shook his head, his expression resolute. “You are more than enough. And you’re not alone in this. We’re a team. I believe in you, Rumi. I believe in us.”

Rumi took a shaky breath, feeling a small measure of comfort from his words. “Thank you, Lloyd. I just… I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Lloyd pulled her back into his embrace, resting his chin on top of her head. “You don’t have to worry about that. I’m not going anywhere. We’re in this together, every step of the way.”

The silence that followed was filled with the comforting rhythm of Lloyd’s heartbeat and the steady rise and fall of their breaths. Rumi nestled closer, letting the warmth of Lloyd’s presence soothe her.

For a while, they simply held each other, the world outside seeming to fade away. In that quiet moment, Rumi began to feel a flicker of hope, a small but persistent belief that maybe, just maybe, she could find her way through the darkness with Lloyd by her side.

Lloyd gently pressed a kiss to Rumi’s head, his lips lingering for a moment before he whispered, “I have to go. I’ll come back quickly.” Rumi nodded, a small, hopeful smile breaking through her tears as she watched him leave.

As Lloyd stepped out of the room, he almost collided with Kai, who was standing in the hallway with a stern expression on his face. Kai’s eyes were narrowed, and his posture was tense. “What’s going on here, Lloyd?” he demanded, clearly displeased.

Lloyd frowned, sensing the tension. “Kai, this isn’t the time. Rumi’s having a rough moment. I’m just trying to help.”

Kai’s frustration boiled over. “Help? It’s more like you’re enabling her! She’s hurt people, Lloyd. She doesn’t just get to walk back into our lives like nothing happened!”

The argument escalated quickly. Lloyd’s voice rose as he tried to defend his actions, while Kai’s anger seemed to grow with each passing second. They exchanged heated words, their faces flushed with emotion. The disagreement quickly turned into a physical altercation, with Kai pushing Lloyd, who pushed back in defense.

Nya, who had been nearby, heard the commotion and rushed over. She immediately stepped between the two men, her voice firm and commanding. “Enough! Both of you, stop this now!” She grabbed Kai’s arm and tried to pull him away from Lloyd.

Kai resisted, still fuming. “She doesn’t deserve this, Nya! She’s caused too much pain!”

Nya, with a look of exasperation, managed to drag Kai a few steps away, using all her strength to separate him from Lloyd. “Kai, stop! This isn’t helping anyone!”

Rumi, having heard the commotion and sensing the urgency, ran out of the room. Her heart raced as she spotted Lloyd, who was looking back toward the hallway. Without hesitation, she dashed toward him, her emotions in turmoil. “Lloyd!” she called out, her voice filled with desperation.

Lloyd turned to see Rumi running toward him, her face a mix of worry and relief. He reached out to her, their hands clasping tightly. “Rumi, it’s okay,” he said, trying to reassure her as he pulled her into a protective embrace.

Nya, having successfully restrained Kai, moved to Lloyd’s side. “We need to get out of here before this gets worse,” she said, her tone urgent. “Kai’s not in a state to talk right now.”

Lloyd nodded, his focus entirely on Rumi. “Let’s go. We’ll find somewhere safe to talk.”

********

Dinner had come and gone, but Rumi was conspicuously absent. The meal was filled with forced conversation and uneasy glances as the group tried to move past the earlier confrontation. Lloyd, however, couldn’t shake his worry about Rumi’s whereabouts. His concern grew as he noticed her absence from the dinner table, leading him to a search for her.

He first checked her room, but it was empty, the bed made, and the room silent. Panic began to rise within him, and he hurried down the hall to his own room, a nagging feeling in the back of his mind guiding him there.

When Lloyd opened his bedroom door, he was greeted by the soft glow of a bedside lamp casting warm light across the room. The bed was messed up, and the blanket was slightly askew. As he stepped closer, he noticed a small, familiar lump nestled under the covers.

The sound of soft, rhythmic snoring filled the quiet room. Lloyd's heart ached as he saw Rumi curled up, her face partially hidden beneath the blanket. He approached the bed slowly, his steps light to avoid waking her.

With a gentle touch, Lloyd smoothed back a strand of hair from Rumi's face, tucking it behind her ear. He sat down carefully on the edge of the bed, his heart heavy with the day's events. Rumi stirred slightly, but the peaceful expression on her face remained unchanged. Lloyd took her hand in his, feeling the warmth of her skin against his.

“Rumi,” he whispered, his voice soft and tender. “I’m sorry for what happened earlier. I just want you to know I’m here for you, always.”

He stroked her hand gently, the motion soothing both her and himself. The room was filled with a serene quiet, broken only by the occasional sound of her breathing and the hum of the air conditioning. Lloyd’s heart swelled with both love and sadness as he looked at her, resting so peacefully despite the turmoil of the day.

Feeling a deep sense of responsibility and care, Lloyd decided to stay by her side. He carefully removed his shoes and slipped into bed beside her, mindful not to disturb her rest. He positioned himself so that he was lying next to her, his body close enough to offer comfort but not so close as to crowd her.

Rumi shifted slightly, and Lloyd wrapped an arm gently around her, pulling her a little closer. The warmth of her body against his was both comforting and heart-wrenching. He rested his head on the pillow, his gaze fixed on her serene face.

“Everything will be okay,” he murmured, his voice barely audible. “We’ll get through this. I promise.”

Lloyd’s arm stayed protectively around Rumi as he closed his eyes, trying to find solace in her presence. The room was quiet except for the sound of their breathing, creating a peaceful atmosphere that was a stark contrast to the day’s earlier chaos. Lloyd felt a mix of emotions—guilt, love, and a deep-seated hope that things would improve.

********

Rumi awoke to the soft rays of morning sunlight filtering through the curtains of Lloyd’s room. Her eyes fluttered open, and she found herself nestled under the warm blanket, cocooned in the comforting presence of Lloyd beside her. She felt the steady rise and fall of his chest, and the memories of the previous day came rushing back.

Her first instinct was to apologize profusely, her voice trembling slightly as she began to stir. “Lloyd, I’m so sorry,” she murmured, her tone filled with regret. “I didn’t mean to cause any trouble or distress.”

Lloyd, still half-asleep, felt her move beside him and opened his eyes slowly. He looked at her with a sleepy yet affectionate expression, his arms instinctively tightening around her.

“Rumi,” he said softly, his voice carrying a reassuring warmth. “There’s nothing to apologize for. You’re here now, and that’s what matters.”

He gently lifted his head and placed a tender kiss on her forehead. The touch was soothing, and Rumi felt a wave of relief wash over her. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and vulnerability.

“I just… I didn’t want to make things worse,” Rumi admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I thought I’d be better off alone.”

Lloyd shook his head, his expression tender and sincere. “You don’t have to face things alone. We’re a team, remember? We get through everything together.”

He pulled her into a gentle hug, his embrace offering warmth and comfort. Rumi melted into the hug, her tension easing as she buried her face in his shoulder. Lloyd’s presence was a balm to her frayed nerves, and she clung to him, feeling safe and cared for.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice muffled against his chest. “For everything. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Lloyd simply held her closer, his hand stroking her back in slow, comforting circles. “You’ll never have to find out,” he promised softly. “We’ll face everything together, no matter what.”

They remained in that embrace for a while, the quiet of the room enveloping them in a cocoon of intimacy and reassurance. The warmth of Lloyd’s body and the steady beat of his heart created a sense of peace that helped Rumi begin to let go of her worries.

As the morning light grew stronger, Lloyd finally pulled back slightly to look at Rumi. “How about we start the day with a nice breakfast?” he suggested, a hopeful smile on his face.

Rumi nodded, her own smile returning as she looked at him. “That sounds perfect.”

* Fifteen minutes later*

Lloyd and Rumi entered the kitchen to find Nya, Cole, and Zane already gathered around the table. The room fell silent as the three of them glanced up at Rumi, who was still looking a bit uncomfortable. She gave Lloyd a small, reassuring smile before turning to leave.

“It’s fine, Lloyd. I’ll be in my room,” she said softly.

Lloyd watched her go, his expression hardening as he turned to face the others. “What’s your problem?” he demanded, his tone carrying a note of frustration.

Nya, who had been fiddling with her cup, looked up first. “It’s not about her,” she said, though her voice was tinged with unease. “It’s just… things have been tense lately, and we didn’t expect her to be here. We’re trying to adjust, that’s all.”

Cole shifted in his seat, trying to offer an explanation. “It’s just a lot to process. Rumi’s past and everything that happened… it’s hard to get used to.”

Zane nodded in agreement, his usually calm demeanor showing a hint of concern. “We’re still figuring out how to move forward, especially with everything that happened with Nadakhan and the fallout from it.”

Lloyd’s frustration didn’t wane immediately. “I understand it’s a lot to handle, but she’s trying to make amends. She’s part of this team now. If we’re going to move forward, we need to support each other, not push each other away.”

Nya looked down at her cup, her expression conflicted. “I know you’re right, Lloyd. It’s just… we need time. We all do. Rumi’s presence is a reminder of a difficult time, and we’re trying to deal with that.”

Lloyd sighed, feeling the weight of the situation pressing on him. “I get it. But pushing Rumi away isn’t going to help. It’s only going to make things worse. We need to give her a chance, and we need to be there for each other, especially now.”

The room was quiet for a moment, each person absorbing Lloyd’s words. Finally, Cole spoke up, his tone more conciliatory. “Alright, Lloyd. We’ll try to be more understanding. It’s just going to take some time.”

Nya nodded, her eyes meeting Lloyd’s. “We’ll try to be more supportive. We just need to find a way to adjust to everything.”

Lloyd gave a small nod, relieved that they were willing to work on it. “Thanks. I appreciate it. I know it’s not easy, but we’re in this together. We’ll get through it.”

****

When the smell of pancakes wafted through the ship, Lloyd made his way to Rumi’s room, carrying a plate stacked high with the breakfast treat. He knocked gently on the door before opening it, finding Rumi seated on the edge of the bed, her gaze fixed on the floor.

“I brought you some pancakes,” Lloyd said, setting the plate down on a nearby table.

Rumi looked up, a faint smile touching her lips. “You didn’t need to. I don’t really eat breakfast. You should have it.”

Lloyd shook his head, his expression concerned. “Rumi, you haven’t had lunch or dinner yesterday. You need to eat.”

He reached out and gently placed his hand on her forehead. “You’re getting weaker. This isn’t just about breakfast.”

Rumi shifted uncomfortably, her gaze dropping again. “Lloyd, it’s fine. Really. Save it for the others.”

Lloyd frowned, his concern growing. “No, Rumi. It’s not fine. I’m worried about you. You can’t go without food like this. You need to take care of yourself.”

Rumi’s eyes met his, a mix of gratitude and stubbornness in them. “I appreciate it, Lloyd, but I’m just not very hungry. I’m okay.”

Lloyd sat down beside her, his hand gently taking hers. “It’s not just about being hungry. Your body needs energy to recover and to stay healthy. Please, for me, just have a few bites. It’s important.”

Rumi sighed but nodded reluctantly. “Alright, alright. I’ll try.”

Lloyd smiled, relief visible on his face. “Thank you. I just want you to be okay.”

*****

During their training session, Lloyd took a brief pause and turned to the others. “Hey, we should invite Rumi to join us for training.”

The others exchanged confused glances. “What? Why?” Nya asked, her brow furrowing.

Lloyd nodded, his expression serious. “Because she doesn’t have high immunity. Her body’s still adjusting and getting stronger after everything that’s happened. If she’s with us during training, she can gradually build up her stamina and immunity in a safe environment.”

Cole looked thoughtful. “I hadn’t considered that. But wouldn’t it be tough for her, especially if she’s still recovering?”

Lloyd nodded. “It might be challenging at first, but it’s important for her to regain her strength and confidence. Plus, training together can help her feel more integrated with the team and less isolated.”

Zane added, “It sounds like a good idea, but we’ll need to ensure the training is adjusted to her current condition and abilities.”

Kai, still skeptical, crossed his arms. “We can’t push her too hard. She needs to be eased into it, not overwhelmed.”

Lloyd agreed. “Absolutely. We’ll start with lighter exercises and gradually increase the intensity as she feels more comfortable. It’s about supporting her, not pushing her.”

As the team discussed their plan, Rumi overheard them and stepped in. “I appreciate the offer, but I don’t think I’m ready for training yet,” she said firmly.

Lloyd frowned. “Why not? We’re all here to support you. Why would you think anyone would hurt you?”

Rumi’s eyes shifted uneasily. “It’s not about that. I just don’t want to risk… I don’t want to be a burden or get in the way.”

“Rumi,” Lloyd said gently, stepping closer, “none of us would ever hurt you. We’re here to help you, not to cause you pain. If you’re worried about getting in the way, we’ll make sure to adjust the training so it’s safe for you.”

Rumi shook her head, a look of distress on her face. “No reason. I just… I don’t want to be around everyone right now. It’s better if I stay away.”

Before Lloyd could say anything more, Rumi turned and left the room. Lloyd stood there, troubled by her reaction. He knew there was more to her fears but wasn’t sure how to reach her without pushing too hard.

The team exchanged concerned looks. “What do you think is really going on?” Nya asked.

“I don’t know,” Lloyd admitted. “But I’m going to find out. She needs to understand that we’re here for her, no matter what.”

Jay shifted uncomfortably, glancing around at the others before speaking. "I might know what's going on," he said quietly.

Lloyd turned to him, concern etched on his face. "What is it, Jay?"

Jay hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. "I think Rumi is afraid... that we’ll kill her."

The room fell silent, the weight of Jay's words sinking in. Kai crossed his arms, a skeptical look on his face. "We would have already done that if we wanted to," he said bluntly.

Before anyone could react, Mia shot Kai a sharp glare and hissed, "Not now, Kai!"

Lloyd’s brow furrowed in concern. “Jay, why would she think that?”

Jay shrugged, looking troubled. “I’m not sure, but she’s been through a lot. It’s possible she thinks we still see her as the enemy. Maybe she’s worried about being judged for her past.”

Nya nodded thoughtfully. “That makes sense. She’s still adjusting to being part of the team. Maybe she feels like she doesn’t belong.”

Mia sighed, her expression softening. “She’s scared, and she’s trying to protect herself. But she doesn’t need to. We’ve all made mistakes.”

Lloyd nodded, determination filling his eyes. “We need to show her that she’s one of us now, that she doesn’t need to be afraid. I’ll talk to her, but we all need to do our part to make her feel welcome.”

Kai sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Fine. But let’s be clear—if she tries anything—”

“Kai!” Mia snapped again, cutting him off.

Kai threw up his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright! I’ll behave.”

Lloyd gave his sister a grateful nod before turning back to Jay. “Thanks for telling me. I’ll go find her and talk to her.”

Jay nodded, a hint of relief in his eyes. “Good luck, Lloyd.”