Enchanted Forest (Daerin // Bbangsaz)

Ch. 2

-First night-

The journey from their car back to Hanni and Danielle's cottage had been exhausting, and luckily they arrived before the sun set. The two hosts guide them to their bedroom which is located beside the living area. Haerin and Minji were grateful for the warm, inviting glow of Danielle and Hanni's cottage. Inside their bedroom, there's a quaint space with a large bed covered in soft blankets and pillows. The window offered a view of the moonlit forest, its silvery light creating a serene and magical atmosphere. They noticed that the cottage had an upper floor as well so it seemed like the other two's bedrooms were located upstairs. The flickering candlelight and the aroma of herbs and freshly baked cookies welcomed them as they stepped inside.

Afterwards, Danielle led them to a cozy living room where a fire crackled in the hearth, casting a soft, golden light around the room. Plush cushions and blankets were strewn about, creating an atmosphere of comfort and warmth. "Make yourselves at home," Danielle said with a gentle smile.

Hanni emerged from the kitchen, carrying a tray laden with a pot of tea, cups, and a plate of homemade cookies. "You must be hungry and tired. Please, sit and relax."

Haerin and Minji exchanged grateful looks as they settled onto the cushioned seats near the fireplace. The tension from their long day of travel and the anxiety of being lost in the forest began to melt away. Hanni poured tea into delicate cups and handed them to their guests, her eyes filled with kindness.

"This place is beautiful," Minji remarked, looking around the room. "It feels like a sanctuary."

Danielle and Hanni shared a knowing smile. "It is," Hanni replied. "The forest has a way of embracing you, making you feel at peace." Minji nodded while Haerin looked outside of the window, admiring the beautiful orange hue coming from the sunset.

As they sipped their tea, the conversation flowed naturally. Haerin and Minji spoke of their journey, their friendship, and their unexpected detour into the forest.

"We were actually on our way to our little vacation, to get out from the stressful work in the city. We never went to this side of the country so everything is so foreign to us then we took a wrong turn which led us here." Minji explained.

"Yeah, meeting you guys is like the luckiest thing we have ever encountered so far. Despite everything we've been through today." Haerin continued.

Danielle and Hanni listened intently, occasionally sharing stories about the forest and its enchanting qualities. The best friends were so focused on their stories which led them to questioning themselves how the hell did Hanni and Danielle live in a place so isolated from any villages, and that thought gave Minji and Haerin a deep thinking mode that didn't go unnoticed by the two owners of the cottage.

"You must be curious about how we ended up here," Danielle said after a while. "It's a long story, but this forest called to us, and we answered. It's been our home ever since."

Hanni nodded. "There's a magic here, something that binds everything together. It's not just the beauty of nature, but a deeper connection that you can feel in your soul."

Haerin felt a shiver run down her spine, a mixture of intrigue and awe. "I think we've felt it too," she admitted. "There's something special about this place."

As the evening wore on, the fire crackled and the room grew warmer. Hanni and Danielle brought out a simple yet delicious dinner of stew and freshly baked bread. "Wow, smells amazing!" Minji can almost hear her own stomach growling.

"Please, have a seat and enjoy the meal together" Hanni offered. All four of them sat down and started to dig in. The meal was hearty and comforting, filling Haerin and Minji with a sense of contentment. Of course it is also filled with funny stories from Minji and Haerin about their friendship memories, of how they are sometimes being dumb and dumber and ended up bickering and being sarcastic with each other. Giggles coming from the short haired and the curly haired girls as they look at the duo in awe, enjoying every single words and actions coming from them.

After dinner, Minji and Haerin helped them clean up the table and wash the dishes after they insisted a few times to help them. Then, they make their way to their bedroom.

"I hope you'll be comfortable here," Danielle said, her voice soft. "If you need anything, just let us know."

Haerin and Minji thanked their hosts and settled into the cozy bed in their bedroom. As they lay there, listening to the sounds of the forest outside, they talked quietly about the day's events.

"This place is incredible," Minji whispered, her voice filled with wonder. "I feel like we've stepped into another world. I almost forgot about our trip already."

Haerin nodded, her eyes heavy with sleep. "Me too. And Danielle and Hanni... there's something about them. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I feel a connection."

"No way, you feel it too? I thought I was the only one. But nevertheless, we gotta find a way to solve my car's problem soon." Minji starts to get cozy in bed.

As they drifted off to sleep, their thoughts were filled with the magic of the forest and the kindness of their hosts. The warmth of the fire, the comfort of the bed, and the gentle presence of Danielle and Hanni lulled them into a deep, restful slumber.

Meanwhile, Hanni is inside Danielle's bedroom, laying on her stomach while looking at her sister, who went through her closet while they're having a conversation between themselves.

"I still can't believe we finally met them!!" Hanni said as she stared into the walls, daydreaming.

"Me too!" Danielle squealed. "I want to keep them forever here with us."

"You know that in order for us to keep them, we need to form an intimate bond with them, right?" Hanni frowned as she also wanted to keep Minji with her here, but she felt guilty as she knew that the travellers were just staying here to shelter themselves for a few nights before continuing their journey. Danielle also felt the same after she heard that.

"I know, but the forest tells us that it is our destiny to meet them, we never had this strong feeling of fate whenever we met the other travellers! We just attend to them and let them go." Danielle trying to cheer Hanni up. She's very confident that Haerin and Minji are the one for them.

"Now, turn those frowns upside down and help me pick which one I should wear" Hanni looks up to Danielle, who showed her two different yet similar white blouses. She wanted to look good for Haerin. She wanted Haerin to look at her only starting tomorrow.

"I think the right one is suitable, it looks very youthful and fresh." Hanni pointed out the blouse that she chose which made her sister satisfied.

"You should pick out a dress as well to attract Minji, Hanni. How about this one?" Danielle pulled out a one piece knee length off white dress and showed it to Hanni. Hanni smiles at her sister's cheerful side.

"I love that dress. Is it okay for me to wear it?"

"Hanni, we have always been sharing our clothes with each other." Hanni looked at Danielle "But this is your favourite dress. I feel bad if I might ruin it" Danielle shook her head "Nonsense, my dear sister. My favourite dress or not, you can still wear my clothes. Even you let me wear your favourite blouse a few times before." Hanni took her dress and both of them tried the dresses and the room filled with giggles and happiness before Hanni went back to her room which is located in front of Danielle's and both of them went to bed, excited to bond with Haerin and Minji soon.

The night passed peacefully, the forest's magic wrapping around them like a protective embrace. For the first time in a long while, Haerin and Minji felt truly at peace, as if they had found a place where they belonged.

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A/N: Hanni and Danielle has a unique background, don't you think? To be completely honest. I have a lot of plot for this story only. Like I want to unfold their background and how they ended up like that but maybe I will keep it as a bonus chapter because as of now, I don't know how to put it into the main plot. and also I have 2 types of ending, so I don't know which part am I going to upload hehehe

Well anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter as well. don't forget to vote!! :))