Reluctant Hero ✔️

Sixteen

Haerin trembled violently as they headed outside into the cold winter night, wringing her hands as Danielle and Hyein quickly went to set up towels and a jacket for Haerin to change into in Danielle's mother's minivan.

Danielle's mother frowned at the cat's condition as they all settled into the car.

"I made some soup for you girls to eat once you all clean yourselves up okay? Let me know if the heater's too hot or not enough back there."

"T-thank y-you..."

Haerin hugged the jacket tighter around herself as she sat in the middle of the back row, Danielle holding her hand next to her while Minji sat on the other side of her. Hanni and Hyein were in the row before them, all of them staring in concern at the cat as Danielle's mother began to drive home.

The eldest slightly turned her body to face Haerin, "I don't know how much this can help but... Can I use some magic on you? It could help you warm up."

The cat nodded, "g-go ahead..."

With her permission, Minji began to make intricate motions with her hands, her long locks of hair beginning to float alongside Haerin's the longer it went on.

Minji gently tapped Haerin's forehead and their hair began to rest once more.

"Better?"

The younger girl was shivering less violently, "better... Thanks."

The bear nodded, the rest of the way home silent...

...

...

...

"You can shower first in our room, Dani-unnie."

"Huh? Why?"

Minji nodded at Hyein's statement, "Haerin is going to need you to be there Dani, it's better to shower first alongside Haerin so she's not waiting or anything once she's done."

"Okay... Thanks guys."

The siblings nodded, talking amongst themselves alongside Hanni as Danielle quickly showered.

The third oldest went back to her own bedroom once she finished, sitting at the edge of her bed while the other three showered or ate the soup her mother made.

Soon enough she heard the water in her bedroom's bathroom turn off, and she glanced up when the bathroom door opened a few minutes later.

"Hey..."

Haerin walked out in sweats and a long-sleeve, rubbing her face as she held a tired frown.

"Hey-"

A shiver cut her off.

"Still cold?"

With a nod from the younger girl, Danielle stood up and began to rummage through her closet.

"Hmm..."

She took out a thick, big hoodie, handing it to the cat, "here."

Haerin pulled the hoodie on, hugging the thick piece of clothing immediately as she mumbled quietly.

"Thank you..."

Danielle gently rubbed Haerin's slightly wet hair, "of course..."

'She looks so small...'

Haerin sniffed the hoodie, "it smells like you."

She then sniffed a lock of her wet hair, "I smell like you."

"Well you're wearing my clothes and you used my shampoo."

Danielle doubled back once it all processed in her head, "wait- is that a good thing?"