Anytime, Anywhere | DAERIN

chapter 11: countless excuses

Danielle

Waking up to that soft morning light sneaking through the curtains was kinda nice. It was all cozy and warm, tangled up in a bunch of blankets and some.. limbs? My mind was still foggy from sleep making me feel all lazy and tired, longing to snuggle in my bed all day.

Thankfully, it's Sunday—blessed, beautiful Sunday—a day free from work, and I thank the heavens, angels, and God for this tiny mercy. Otherwise, I'd be sprinting out the door, late again, and facing another endless barrage from Mr. Jung's bazooka mouth.

As I shifted slightly, I felt a weight across my waist and realized I was tangled up with Haerin. Oh, how could I forget? She stayed over here because I, in a moment of folishness, offered her so.

No, actually I was being polite and also feeling a bit guilty. Polite because, well, it's not every day you offer your boss a place to crash, and guilty because we ended up... you know... and I actually enjoyed every single moment of it. That's something I can't deny but would never, ever admit. Hell no!

Haerin's arm draped over me with her body pressed against mine and our legs intertwined to each other. I just lay there for a sec, feeling her skin against mine, her even breaths, and that subtle scent of hers hanging around. It was both comforting and unsettling just enough to remind me about her real life and the intense night we had shared.

I studied Haerin's face as she slept. Her usual sharp features had soften and became serene. Her long eyelashes rested gently against her cheeks, and there was a peacefulness etched on her resting face which was far different from how smug and intimidating she looks when she's conscious.

My eyes traced the lines of her face, from the curve of her jaw to the slight parting of her lips. I felt the energy to reach out and touch her and brush a strand of hair away from her face, but I held back not wanting to disturb her slumber.

I was lost in my thoughts that I almost missed the faint sound of knocking coming from the front door.

I glanced at Haerin but she barely stirred and I carefully began to get myself up quietly, trying not to wake her. I swung my legs over the side of the bed only to feel sharp pain shot through my body.

"Ow–!" I winced when my muscles were protesting with every movement I make.

Haerin is going to make me paralyzed, if not bedridden.

The knocking grew louder and more insistent. It's probably the landlord's ass pestering me or maybe some preventive maintenance to do their monthly inspection.

I tried to stand but my legs gave out and I collapsed back onto the bed with a soft groan. Haerin remained blissfully unaware and still lost in her dreams.

Gritting my teeth, I tried again, this time using the wall for support as I hobbled towards my closet grabbing my track jacket and zipped it up to my neck to cover some few mark bites Haerin left, then made my way out. The knocking continued and it was definitely grating on my nerves.

"I'm coming!" I shouted with a hoarsed voice. Can't they wait? I'm literally limping here.

I was still careful and clutching the wall for balance and finally reached my front door. I sighed and swung it open.

But what I saw was an all-too familiar five watermelons tall figure standing infront of me. My blood ran cold and I felt like running away.

Before Hanni could speak, panic overtook me and I slammed the door right in her face.

I leaned against the door, breathing heavily, trying to process what just happened. Hanni is here. What am I going to say to her? The timing was playing with me. My mind was thinking with a thousand thoughts but none of them was helpful.