Three Lives, One Journey
Their Death
Lilia sat on the couch, aggressively scooping ice cream into her mouth like she was on a time limit. Her eyes were swollen from crying, but her dedication to emotional eating was impressive.
Nyra
Slow down before you choke and die
Nyra warned, closing her laptop
Nyra
And I doubt we could afford the hospital bill. Or your funeral. Cremation costs are crazy nowadays
Seraphina added, kicking off her shoes.
Seraphina
Like, if you die, we might just have to toss you in the backyard and say a few words
Seraphina dramatically collapsing onto the couch
Seraphina
We’d probably have to set up a GoFundMe. 'Help us burn our best friend—every dollar counts!'
Lilia wailed, tears rolling down her cheeks as she kept shoving ice cream in her mouth
Lilia
I can’t believe he cheated on me! That two-timing, fake Rolex-wearing, barely-employed, walking red flag of a man!
Nyra and Seraphina said in unison
Nyra
He gave you a promise ring, babe
Nyra said, sitting beside her
Nyra
Not a marriage certificate. The only thing he promised was audacity.
Lilia gasped dramatically
Seraphina sighed, standing up
Seraphina
I’m gonna get some water before you start crying so hard you dehydrate yourself, and we have to scrape together coins for a damn IV drip.
As Seraphina walked to the kitchen, Lilia let out a hiccup and suddenly froze. She blinked. Her hands flew to her throat
Lilia started smacking her chest, her face turning a concerning shade of purple
Nyra
Oh shit—Seraphina, she's actually choking
Seraphina peeked from the kitchen
Seraphina
Are you serious?
Nyra
No, she’s doing a performance piece. YES, SHE’S SERIOUS—HELP HER!
Lilia made a garbled, strangled noise
Nyra yelled, shaking Lilia, who was now turning a concerning shade of blue.
Nyra
Okay, okay, okay—Lilia, just breathe!
Nyra started, rushing toward her
A single, forgotten potato chip
The universe moved in slow motion.
As her body lifted off the floor like she’d been possessed.
Her head met the sharp edge of the table with an ungodly crack.
Seraphina
Nyra, don’t die on me! Who’s gonna help me pay the rent?!
Seraphina cried, pressing a paper towel to her friend’s head.
Nyra wheezed from the floor, holding her bleeding forehead
Nyra
Tell my mom I love her. Actually, no. Tell her I still hate her for making me pay rent at 16.
Lilia, still choking, started flailing like a fish out of water.
Nyra gasped, weakly pointing at Lilia.
Seraphina scrambled for her phone but, in her panic, opened the calculator app
Seraphina
WAIT, WAIT! I'M DOING IT!
Seraphina yelled, trying to switch apps. But in her panic, she stood up too fast, slipped on the SAME FUCKING POTATO CHIP, and went flying backward.
Her head slammed against the coffee table
Nyra, barely alive, turned her head slightly, looking at Seraphina's lifeless body
Nyra
No...way...you just died too...
She let out a weak laugh, then groaned in pain
Nyra
Bro, this is so dumb.
Lilia, now very much dead, lay face-first in the ice cream tub
Nyra, realizing she was the last survivor, reached a trembling hand toward her phone
Nyra
I fucking hate this life, man.
Then, as if on cue, she heard an incoming call from Nyra’s phone
It vibrated against the floor, and the screen lit up.
Debt Collector: "Ms. Nyra, your rent is due in two days. Please arrange payment immediately."
Seraphina let out one final, painful wheeze.
Nyra
Not even in death...can we escape...the bills...
And with that, she flopped over, defeated.
Nyra (29)
Personality: The "mom" of the group, kind and caring, always looking out for her friends. Clumsy and sometimes says the wrong thing at the wrong time, and can be pretty dumb
Likes: Comfort, food, travel, and self-help books.
Dislikes: Dishonesty, loud noises, and irresponsibility.
Money: Loves stability, works hard for it, but doesn’t flaunt it.
Seraphina (28)
Personality: The cute, clumsy one with a sharp academic mind. She's kind, funny, and often self-deprecating.
Likes: Reading, rom-coms, late-night chats, and finding deals.
Dislikes: Self-absorbed people, confrontation.
Money: Sees money as a means to freedom but isn’t materialistic. Chases opportunities when needed.
Lilia (30)
Personality: Protective, cold and dramatic with her friends, but fiercely loyal and loves them deeply. She’s the one who’ll always have their back.
Likes: Luxury, fine dining, trashy TV, and planning events.
Dislikes: Wasting time, disorganization, and weakness in herself.
Money: Sees money as power and independence and is willing to do whatever it takes to get it.
Heaven!
Nyra groaned as she opened her eyes, her body feeling like it had just been run over by a bus
Selene Moretti
Can't believe I died such an embarrassing death
She muttered to herself, rubbing her forehead.
Selene Moretti
Wait... is this heaven?
She shot up in bed, her voice filling the room with excitement
Selene Moretti
I GOT INTO HEAVEN!!
The door suddenly burst open, and in walked a guy with white hair, looking like he just stepped out of a manga. Nyra squinted, sizing him up, then froze
Selene Moretti
💭Who's white kid is this?💭
She thought, her face confused. Then, it hit her. She gasped
Selene Moretti
💭Wait, I’m in heaven! That means we’re all family here, right? So... I guess it’s normal to call each other sister and brother!💭
Her face quickly morphed from excitement to dramatic concern
Selene Moretti
My brother you lost your life at such a young age,
She said, patting him on the back
Selene Moretti
You had a lot of potential, my guy,
She added with a fake tear wiping motion.
Matteo Moretti(Selene Brother)
Uh, are you high?
Matteo Moretti(Selene Brother)
Nyra gasped, her hand going to his mouth
Selene Moretti
Shh! You're not supposed to say such things in this holy place!
She quickly darted her eyes around, inspecting every shiny thing in the room.
Selene Moretti
💭Hmm... how much would these sell for?💭
Selene Moretti
Greedy thoughts! That’s a sin!
Matteo Moretti(Selene Brother)
Matteo Moretti(Selene Brother)
You know what? I'm just going to go. The maids are ready to help you get dressed
he said, walking out of the room like he was done with this chaos
Nyra sighed deeply, dramatically sinking to her knees
Selene Moretti
Even in the most heavenly places, there are servants... Thank you for letting me be served rather than serving
She muttered under her breath.
Before she could continue her self-pity, a maid’s voice cut through the air
"Umm, Miss, are you ready?"
Nyra snapped back to reality, her eyes lighting up
Selene Moretti
Of course I am!
She beamed, her confidence fully restored.
The maids helped her to the bathroom, and she was pampered like royalty
Selene Moretti
Aww, this is the life,
She sighed happily, as they washed her up.
Selene Moretti
I could get used to this...
Selene Moretti
💭Wait... what about the others? Did they make it up here? I have to ask... God!💭
She snapped her fingers, her sudden idea hitting her like a ton of bricks.
Selene Moretti
Hey! Where’s God?
She called out, wiggling her eyebrows like she was trying to be sneaky.
The maid gave her a confused look
Selene Moretti
You know, God? The big guy upstairs? Where is he? Can I talk to him?
The maid exchanged a glance with another and mumbled
Nyra just grinned like it was the most normal thing in the world
Selene Moretti
Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?
The maids looked worried, one of them quickly scurrying out of the room. Nyra shrugged and, after a moment, was dressed in something that felt like it cost more than her last three years' worth of rent.
When she walked back into the room, she was met with a crowd. Among them stood a man who looked like he could bench press a small building.
Selene Moretti
💭who the heck are those people?💭
Antonio Moretti(Selene Father)
Selena Moretti
His voice was cold, making her jump.
Selene Moretti
💭The F-...what the hell?💭
Nyra thought, but then her brain switched gears.
Selene Moretti
💭Wait, he looks heavily... like, really strong. He must be God, right? Oh my god, I figured it out!💭
She thought, as if she had solved the biggest mystery of her life.
Selene Moretti
OH! Father, thank you for this second chance! But may I ask, where are my friends?
She asked, bowing dramatically
The guy from before snorted
Matteo Moretti(Selene Brother)
Told you, she’s gone crazy.
Nyra frowned, narrowing her eyes
Selene Moretti
💭The heck is his problem?💭
She thought, but her attention was quickly drawn to a woman who entered the room. She had a voice that could melt butter.
Carmela Moretti (Selena Mother)
My daughter, what has gotten into you?
The woman said, taking Nyra’s hand.
Selene Moretti
Wait... what did God just call me?
Carmela Moretti (Selena Mother)
Selene Moretti, my sweetheart
The woman said, gazing softly into her eyes.
Selene Moretti
My gosh, this can't be happening,
She whispered, backing up a few steps
Selene Moretti
Nah, no way, this can't be real.
The man who had called her name pointed at the doctor.
Antonio Moretti(Selene Father)
We brought you here for a reason, check her,
Nyra’s brain was officially spiraling. She glanced around the room and suddenly bolted toward the window
Selene Moretti
💭nuh uh bye fuckers!!!💭
Selena Moretti
Age: 19
Personality: A spoiled, confident socialite who always gets what she wants. Self-centered, but with a sharp wit and a taste for luxury. Her charm hides a deeper, calculating side when it comes to getting her way.
Matteo Moretti
Age: 18
Personality: A sarcastic, indifferent young man who’s always bored by his sister’s antics. Cold and distant, he has a sharp tongue and doesn’t care for the family drama, preferring to stay out of the spotlight.
Carmela Moretti
Age: 40
Personality: A sweet and warm-hearted mother with a hidden cold, calculating nature. Known for her nurturing demeanor, but when pushed, she is just as ruthless as her husband. She balances kindness with a sharp edge.
Antonio Moretti
Age: 50
Personality: A cold, calculating mafia boss with a strong sense of family loyalty. Though strict and intimidating, he deeply cares for his family. He disapproves of his daughter's reckless behavior but remains fiercely protective.
Car
Seraphina groaned, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. Her neck felt like it had been twisted by a demonic chiropractor, and her head pounded like she’d been hit with a frying pan. Slowly, she cracked her eyes open
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
Damn, Nyra actually managed to call 911? I take back every insult I’ve ever said about her intelligence.
Fancy leather seats. A mini-bar. A chandelier.
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
Damn
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
911 really stepped up their game. This is luxury service.
She smiled, feeling oddly proud—until she noticed something worse.
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
Oh, hell no. Am I being kidnapped?!
Takeshi Hwang
Oh, hell yes, because we have so much free time to abduct dumbasses like you
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
Alright, no need to be mean. Just tell me how much my ransom is, so I can let you down easy. My friends? They’re broke.
Ryuji Hwang
Is she still high?
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
💭A handsome man infront of me this must be hell!!💭
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
I’m dead. I actually died.
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
This is hell, right? I must’ve died because of that fucking chip—AND NOW SATAN LOOKS LIKE A HOT MAFIA BOSS TO TORMENT ME
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
YOU CAN'T FOOL ME WITH YOUR ATTRACTIVE FACE, DEMON!
Ryuji Hwang
She's gone insane
Takeshi Hwang
unfortunately yes
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
Oh my God, do I have to fight to escape hell? I’m not mentally prepared! Can we schedule my torture session for next Tuesday?
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
This is my karma for stealing Wi-Fi from my neighbors.
Ryuji Hwang
Or for being an Idiot
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
EXACTLY! WAIT—HEY!
The older one looked done with her
Takeshi Hwang
Shut up. You’re not dead, and you’re not in hell.
Takeshi Hwang
We are your brothers.
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
...LIES!
Ryuji Hwang
No, for real. We’re your brothers. You good?
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
You think I’m dumb?!
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
Shut up, Bobby.
Ryuji actually fell over laughing
Ryuji Hwang
Bobby?! Who the hell is Bobby?!
Takeshi Hwang
His name is Ryuji
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
No one asked you chad
Takeshi Hwang
It's Takeshi
Ryuji Hwang
Yeah, well, Yumi Hwang would. And you are Yumi Hwang.
Seraphina opened her mouth to argue—then she caught her reflection in the tinted window.
A face from her favorite mafia video game, "Blood & Banter."
She turned back to the men.
They raised their eyebrows.
She turned back to the window
The face was still there.
She turned back to the men.
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
...Listen
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
I know this is going to sound crazy, but I am going to start screaming in exactly three seconds.
The older man opened his mouth to respond
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH—
The younger man burst out laughing
Ryuji Hwang
Holy shit, she’s completely lost it!
Takeshi Hwang
unbelievable
Seraphina grabbed the older man’s suit and shook him.
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE?!!
Takeshi Hwang
I've already told you now sit your ass down
Seraphina let go of Takeshi’s suit and stared at them in horror.
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
NO. NO WAY. I REFUSE. I’M NOT RELATED TO EITHER OF YOU.
Ryuji Hwang
You sure? Because we had to drag your half-dead ass out of a club last night.
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
club?
Takeshi rubbed his temples again
Takeshi Hwang
You were drinking. Again. You got into a fight. Again. And now we have to clean up your mess. Again.
Ryuji Hwang
Have all the drugs you’ve done finally fried your last brain cell?
Seraphina gasped, offended
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
Excuse you? Do I fucking look like someone who does drugs?
Ryuji Hwang
With that amount of ink on your skin? Yeah, actually.
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
Ink
She glanced down at her arms—only to see them covered in tattoos. Beautifully done, expensive-looking, but still TATTOOS.
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
Who the hell let me do that?! WHERE WAS THE ADULT SUPERVISION?!
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
It’s all Lilia’s fault
Ryuji Hwang
Yeah, we need to get her check she's lost it
Yumi Hwang (Seraphina)
💭I rather die than stay in this fucking game💭
Takeshi Hwang
we don't have time for this we have a meeting with the Moretti's
Yumi Hwang
Age: 19
Personality: Cold, bossy, and rebellious. Yumi lives a life of excess, using drugs and making reckless decisions that worry her family. Despite her tough exterior, she's deeply troubled and pushes everyone away, constantly seeking control over her chaotic life.
Takeshi Hwang
Age: 24
Personality: Calm, cold, and ruthless. Takeshi is the leader of the Hwang mafia and despises his sister's self-destructive behavior. He handles his business with precision, but feels helpless when it comes to saving Yumi, despite his growing resentment toward her.
Ryuji Hwang
Age: 18
Personality: Funny and charming, but with a cold side. Ryuji hides his ruthlessness behind a playful exterior. Though he jokes around, he’s just as dangerous as his older brother when it matters
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