Seoul – Legacy Plaza

The first protest was small. Dozens gathered at the marble base of the Legacy Network HQ, holding signs with slogans like:

“Strength Shouldn’t Silence.”
“Share the Code. Share the Cure.”
“Heroes Don’t Get to Hide Truth.”

But across the street—just as many held signs of support:

“Pain Makes Us Human.”
“The Do Sisters Chose Us.”
“Legacy Is Not a Weapon.”

Do Rae stood at the upper level window, watching both crowds ripple with energy.

“We lit a fire,” she murmured.

Jin Seok stood beside her, arms crossed. “Yeah. But not all fires destroy.”

He handed her a folder—public approval data, policy reaction summaries. Rae barely glanced at it.

“Let them think what they want,” she said. “We didn’t do this to be popular.”

“No,” Jin replied, “but it’s nice to know people are still fighting with you.”

She looked at him.

Really looked.

“You always fight with me. Even when you’re scared. Even when you don’t understand everything.”

He grinned. “Well, that’s because I’m either stupid… or in love.”

She blinked.

“Are those my only two options?”

“Not quite.”

He reached into his jacket and pulled out something small. A steel band, polished smooth, engraved with the word:

“Rooted.”

“I don’t have a dramatic rooftop or a ring box. I’ve got scars and a half-decent job and an irrational fear of heights.”

“But if you’ll let me… I want to be where your strength comes to rest. Every day. For as long as I’m allowed.”

Rae stared at him.

Then laughed—full, raw, real.

She took the ring and slid it on.

“It’s not stupid. And I love you too, idiot.”

They kissed, not because it was the right time—but because every time felt right now.

Elsewhere – Legacy HQ Quiet Wing

Do Rin stood alone in the memory chamber, scrolling through footage of past generations. Her mother. Her grandmother. Herself at 12, furious at the world. At the weight.

Kang Jae appeared in the doorway, holding two mugs of tea.

“You missed the fireworks outside,” he said.

“I saw something brighter in here.”

He handed her the tea.

“You ever think you were meant to break the mold?”

She nodded slowly.

“But not to stand alone while doing it.”

They didn’t touch.

But they didn’t have to.