GASLIGHTER // BBANGSAZ

17| unspoken feelings 🚬

Hanni's mind was a whirlpool of emotions, each step echoing with the uncertainties that had plagued her since the previous night in the basement.

They parted ways at the bottom of the stairs, each heading to their respective classes. Hanni's thoughts were consumed by the tender yet unsettling moments she had shared with Minji. Was it a bond born out of necessity and survival, or something deeper, more profound?

In her first class, the teacher's words faded into a blur as Hanni's thoughts drifted. She recalled the way Minji's touch had lingered on her skin, a mixture of care and control. The line between friendship and something more seemed to blur with every encounter.

Hanni wondered if her feelings for Minji were merely platonic or if they harbored a hidden passion she was too afraid to confront.

By lunchtime, Hanni's inner turmoil had only intensified.

She picked at her food absentmindedly, her mind replaying the scenes from the rooftop.

Minji's touch, her words, the intensity of her gaze-everything seemed to carry a weight that Hanni couldn't shake off. She glanced at Minji across the cafeteria, who was engrossed in a conversation with some classmates, her demeanor as guarded as ever.

She couldn't help but feel upset that minji didn't sit with her today.
_

Even during their car ride home, Hanni remained lost in thought. Minji glanced at her from time to time, her concern growing with each passing moment of Hanni's silence.

The ride was punctuated by the hum of the engine and the occasional rustle of leaves outside, yet inside the car, an unspoken tension lingered.

That evening, as they sat down for dinner, Minji couldn't contain her worry any longer.

She watched Hanni push her food around her plate, her brows furrowed in thought.

"Hanni," Minji began, her voice gentle but firm. "Are you okay? You've been really quiet today."

Hanni looked up, meeting Minji's concerned gaze. The question jolted her out of her reverie, and for a moment, she considered sharing her conflicted feelings. But then she remembered Danielle's hurt expression, the way Minji had insisted on their isolation. A pang of guilt twisted in her chest.

"I'm fine," Hanni replied, forcing a small smile. "Just tired, I guess."

Minji's eyes narrowed slightly, her worry morphing into something sharper. "Is this about Danielle?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of irritation.

Hanni's heart skipped a beat. The mention of Danielle brought back the memory of Minji's grip on her thigh, the silent command to keep her distance. She shook her head, trying to dispel the unease. "No, it's not that."

Minji leaned back, crossing her arms as she studied Hanni. "You're not lying to me, are you? Because if you are still upset over Danielle-"

"I'm not!" Hanni interrupted, her voice louder than she intended. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. "I'm not upset over Danielle. It's just...everything feels so complicated."

Minji's gaze softened, and she reached across the table to take Hanni's hand. "I know it's hard," she said quietly. "But we have to stick together. You and me, remember?"

Hanni nodded, the warmth of Minji's hand a stark contrast to the coldness that had settled in her heart. She squeezed Minji's hand back, trying to draw strength from the contact. "I know," she whispered. "I just need some time to sort through my thoughts."

Minji smiled, a flicker of relief passing over her features. "Take all the time you need. I'm here for you."

As they finished dinner, Hanni's mind was still a tangled web of emotions. The line between friendly love and passionate affection seemed to blur even further. She was drawn to Minji's unwavering support and protection, yet she couldn't ignore the nagging feeling of something deeper stirring within her.