𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀

Seven

【CHAPTER 7】

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Haerin stayed there for a while, lost in her thoughts, the image of Minji's pained expression etched into her mind. She resolved to find a way to bridge the gap between them, to understand what had caused Minji to look at her with such fear. But for now, all she could do was watch from a distance, hoping that one day she could be a part of the support Minji so desperately needed.

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As the week drew to a close, Minji did everything in her power to avoid Haerin. She couldn't risk another encounter that might further expose her fears. Every time Haerin entered a room, Minji found an excuse to leave. When their paths crossed in the hallways, Minji kept her head down, refusing to meet the princess's gaze. The weight of her mother's illness and the complexity of her feelings toward Haerin made it unbearable to face her.

Haerin, on the other hand, was silently struggling with the situation. The princess might not have shown it outwardly, but she was deeply hurt. She couldn't understand why Minji was avoiding her, what she had done to cause such distress. Each time she caught a glimpse of Minji's retreating figure, a pang of sadness and confusion struck her heart.

She replayed their interactions over and over in her mind, searching for clues. Had she said something wrong? Done something to offend her? Haerin couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness that gnawed at her, the invisible barrier that seemed to widen the gap between them with each passing day.

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Minji was dragged by Hanni and Hyein, her feet rubbing the ground as she tried to resist. Hanni, I don't have time, I have to go back," said Minji, trying to fight their hard catches.

« Come on, Minji, by the way, my mom wants to give you something », insista Hanni, tirant plus fort avec l'aide de Hyein.

"Yes, unnie, it won't be long, I promise," added Hyein, smiling.

Minji sighed, realizing that she could not be released easily. "Okay, but quickly then. I can't stay long," she finally gave in.

They passed through the gardens of the academy, the afternoon sun casting long and soft shadows on the ground. The three girls soon arrived in front of the big house where Hanni's family lived. Hanni's mother, a warm and welcoming woman, was waiting for them on the doorstep.

"Ah, Minji! I'm glad you came," she says, smiling widely.

"Good morning, madam," replied Minji politely, bowing slightly.

Minji glanced around nervously, feeling out of place in the comfortable house. "Thank you, Mrs. Pham, but I really need to get home soon."

"Just a moment, dear," Mrs. Pham replied, disappearing into the kitchen. She returned with a small package wrapped in cloth. "Here, this is for you and your mother."

Minji took the package with hesitation. "What is it?"

Mrs. Pham smiled warmly. "It's a special herbal remedy. It might help your mother feel better. I've been preparing it for a while now, and I think it could ease her pain."

Minji's eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you so much, Mrs. Pham. This means a lot to me."

Hanni and Hyein exchanged relieved glances, happy that they had convinced Minji to come. "We told you it was important," Hanni said with a smile.

Minji hugged the package to her chest, feeling a glimmer of hope. "I can't thank you enough. You don't know what this means for me and my mother."

Mrs. Pham patted Minji's shoulder gently. "You're always welcome here, Minji. And if you ever need anything else, don't hesitate to ask."