The Heir (BBANGSAZ)

Chapter 12: Change

THIRD PERSON'S POV [ MINJI ]

A week had passed since their argument, and Minji found herself wandering the quiet halls of their mansion, her thoughts consumed by the unresolved tension between her and Hanni. As she passed by Hanni's room, she noticed the door ajar and paused, curious despite herself.

Peeking inside, Minji caught sight of Hanni standing by the window, dressed in a soft cardigan over a flowing skirt that swayed gently with each movement. The soft hues of the outfit complemented Hanni's delicate features, casting a subtle glow around her.

For a moment, Minji hesitated, admiring the way Hanni's presence seemed to illuminate the room. There was a quiet grace in the way Hanni carried herself, a strength that Minji couldn’t help but admire despite the distance that had grown between them.

Steeling herself, Minji stepped into the room, clearing her throat softly to announce her presence. Hanni turned, her expression a mix of surprise and apprehension as she met Minji’s gaze.

"Hanni," Minji began, her voice steady yet tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "We need to talk."

Hanni nodded, her eyes betraying a flicker of hope mingled with hesitation. "I know," she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Minji took a breath, trying to organize the jumble of thoughts racing through her mind. She had rehearsed the conversation countless times in her head, but now that the moment had arrived, words seemed to elude her.

"I... I've been thinking," Minji started, her gaze drifting momentarily to the floor before meeting Hanni’s eyes again. "About us."

Hanni listened intently, her fingers twisting nervously around the edge of her cardigan. "Me too," she admitted quietly, her voice filled with a vulnerability that struck a chord within Minji.

Minji took a step closer, the distance between them suddenly feeling insurmountable despite the mere few feet that separated them. "I've been... conflicted," she confessed, her voice betraying a rare vulnerability. "About how I feel."

Hanni’s eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and hope crossing her features. "Minji..."

"I..." Minji paused, searching for the right words. "I admire you, Hanni," she admitted softly, her gaze never leaving Hanni’s. "I admire your strength, your kindness... the way you make everything seem effortless."

Hanni’s breath caught in her throat, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Minji, I..."

"But," Minji continued, her voice tinged with sadness, "I’ve been afraid to admit what this all means. Afraid to acknowledge the depth of what I feel for you."

Hanni took a tentative step back, her expression clouding with uncertainty. "Minji, I... I don't feel the same way," she admitted quietly, her voice barely audible.

Minji’s heart clenched at Hanni’s words, the weight of disappointment settling heavily in her chest. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Hanni looked away, her fingers twisting nervously in the fabric of her cardigan. "I... I lost those feelings a long time ago," she confessed, her voice cracking with emotion. "This... this was never more than an arranged marriage to me."

Minji felt as if the ground had shifted beneath her feet, the truth landing like a blow to her fragile hopes. She had allowed herself to believe there was something more between them, something worth fighting for. But now, faced with Hanni’s admission, Minji struggled to comprehend the depth of her own feelings and the reality of their situation.

"I..." Minji’s voice faltered, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "I see."

Hanni met her gaze, her own eyes filled with regret and sorrow. "I'm sorry, Minji," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I never meant to hurt you."