On the sand of time

Chapter -18: Danielle's opening up

Summer vacation starts today, every student sleeps in, in the morning but not Haerin and Danielle. They have been talking to each other on the phone from the moment their alarm goes off.

D: So, will you guys visit Hanni in the evening again?

H: Yeah. You can come along if you want.

D: I don't think I can come in the evening. I'll be free only after
     7 today.

Haerin's line went quiet for sometime, Danielle could hear her breathing and it's calming so she stayed listening to it silently.

H: Do you want to come over for dinner?

D: I was actually planning to ask you to come over to my place.
     You haven't been here...

Haerin was elated, Danielle was finally inviting her to her place. That means she's letting her in, she's lowering her walls for her.

H: I'll be happy to be able to finally see where you live after so
      many years of knowing you.

Danielle laughed,
D: I wished i could invite you home back in Busan.. this is just a hotel room anyway I'll come and get you at 7:30. Is it fine?

H: Yes. Then I'll go and help my mum with the breakfast. Bye

D: okay bye~

H: Wait, are you going for a run?

D: Yeah. Why?

H: Don't forget to text me when you come back.

D: sure. Bye..

Fast forward to the evening, Danielle came to pick Haerin up at exact 7:30. Haerin's mom got the door and invited her in. Haerin was already ready but her parents kept Danielle sitting in the living room for some good minutes. Danielle engaged in a conversation with her parents and took the chance to ask them if their daughter could spend the night at her place and they agreed happily. After all, its their summer vacation and the girls should get to enjoy themselves.

"You dared to ask my parents to let me sleep with you!"

Haerin was so shy infront of her parents, she didn't expect Danielle to ask them in person. It's different from any sleepover she had with her friends before because this time it's only she and Danielle alone and her parents know that Danielle is not just a friend to her. She might not have voiced it out but her feelings toward the Aussie girl wasn't a secret in the household. Her mom has expressed her disapproval before but now she has become more welcoming towards Danielle.

"I wanted to spend more time with you." Danielle replied nonchalantly.
Haerin could only huff at her.

.

"I can't believe you actually lives in a hotel!" Haerin said for the nth time.

"I'm staying here for only 3 years so my dad won't bear the headache of finding a flat and I came in a hurry so.. it's the best option."

Getting reminded of Danielle's departure after High School made Haerin's heart constricted.
"I keep forgetting that you are going to leave after High school." Haerin whispered.

"I have no other choice Haerin. But I want to be with you now and always, and it's something that will remain constant for the rest of my life. I want you to love me but if you only have friendship to offer, I'll gladly take it. Something is better than nothing." Danielle chuckled, trying to hide her sadness.

"You were never and would never be just a friend to me Dani, you know that." Haerin replied her voice cracking.

"Then why won't you be with me?" Danielle sounded desperate.