My lawyer {BBANGSAZ}

Chapter 18

Minji

The moon is out, stretching and glowing softly, illuminating the now dark hospital room. This scene feels all too familiar and I hate it. Hanni doesn't deserve any of this shit, according to Sakura, Hanni was only 3 years old when she was diagnosed with a severe heart disease. How could she have known any better? There were still missing parts to this complicated puzzle, but things were finally starting to put itself together, which is good. These past few weeks feel like an intense chess showdown. Each move has to be carefully calculated to ensure the chances of trapping your opponent in a checkmate position are only increasing. I won, but I was so close to having my King snatched up right in front of my eyes. 

The exhaustion hits me like a tonne of bricks, or a soccer ball to the head as I lean back in the chair, closing my eyes and holding Hanni's hand in mine, our fingers intertwined, a sign of the connection I wish we had, the knot I wish she would let me tie.

It's no secret or enigma to me anymore. There's something special about Hanni that sends tidal waves of warmth through me, and makes me want to shield her from the cruelness of the world's grasp in my arms. This is definitely not the way a CEO would feel for her secretary, but I've come to accept it. Because Hanni is not just my secretary to me. I've been so afraid this whole time, fearing my feelings towards her and running away from them as though they were a rabid rabbit, but I now realise, that it's actually a cute bunny I want to hug. 

My train of thought is interrupted when the almost unheard click of the door sounds in the almost silent room. Dani, Hyein and Haerin all come in, their footsteps mingling with the sound of the heart monitor as Hanni sleeps, her features being illuminated by the moon, making her look effortlessly ethereal.

"Mission success?" Hyein asks, a small smile on her face as she takes in the hospital room. 

I nod wordlessly, my thumb rubbing small circles on the palm of Hanni's small hand. Once again, I feel like the girl lying next to me is a delicate flower, threatening to turn into ashes even at the slightest touch. I hope perhaps I can revive this flower, and I hope she gives me the chance.

Dani seems to have noticed my action, because she lets a smirk walk on her face as a giggle escapes her. I raise an eyebrow at her, kind of expecting what she's going to say next, but I pretend to be oblivious for the sake of my cheeks that are threatening to let the blush walk in. 

"Do you like Hanni Unnie?" Haerin suddenly speaks up, as though she read the fashion designer's mind. They both high five, their giggles combining together in a sweet melody. Damn, it was already bad enough with two clowns but now I have to deal with three. But to be honest, it's a genuine question I've also been asking myself. 

The sunshine and the kitten seemed to have sensed my seriousness, because their playful mood dissipates like gas. I looked up at the three girls, hesitating before I nod. I mean, I do find myself thinking about the lawyer 24/7, always wondering how she's doing. And whenever I see her, even if it's just a little bit, I get this warm feeling in my chest and no matter how much of a frown I have plastered on my face, a smile paints itself in its place. 

Hyein lets out a loud exaggerated gasp, her hand flying to her mouth, her eyes as wide as saucers, her jaw dropping to the ground. I have to fight the urge to roll my eyes at this exaggerated reaction. This time, I can tell she has her actress mode on. A loud squeal of joy escapes Danielle and Haerin just stands there, blinking at me like the cat she is, as though she doesn't believe me. But soon she turns to Danielle and they both start squealing, stupid grins plastered across their faces as they hold hands, jumping up and down like little kids.

"Dani Unnie, you owe me lunch," Hyein smirks, crossing her arms and leaning on her hip sassily. 

Dani's joy disappears in an instant and she sulks. Did they make a bet? 

"When did you make a bet?" I asked in confusion.

"When Hanni Unnie got stabbed," Dani sighs out, looking extremely depressed now. 

Hyein only continues smirking at her while the older amongst the two keeps pouting. Haerin soon comes over and wraps her arms about the sunshine, resting her head against Dani's back. Dani seems to have forgotten all about owing the tall girl lunch, because her signature smile is back on her face now as she turns around to hug the cat eyed girl back. 

"They're delusional," Hyein comes over and whispers to me, earning a giggle from me. 

"Indeed, looks like Haerin can tell the future," I say, making Hyein look at me confusedly. 

I simply shrug, a soft smile on my face as I turn back to Hanni, pressing a kiss to her forehead, still keeping our hands intertwined. A blush sprinkles itself all over my cheeks like icing sugar when she suddenly begins to stir. 

Her eyes flutter open, and she blinks slowly, trying to regain her sense of her surroundings. When she finally does, the heart monitor indicates a spike in her heart rate and she shoots up as straight as a right angle. 

Hanni

No no no no! Not the hospital again! Panic washes over me unforgivingly like waves against rocks in a horrible storm or tsunami. The memories come back to me, overwhelming me like a stampede of elephants, my breathing as ragged as mountain tops, my heart rate as fast as a cheetah. 

I feel someone's hand in mine and I whip my head to the side, coming face to face with Minji who is looking at me with worried eyes. No no no no! She can't get close to me! She can't, she's already come so close to dying because of me! 

I try to pull my trembling hand out of her grasp, but she only holds on tighter, as though afraid I'll disappear if she does. 

"Minji you can't! You'll get hurt from being too close to me! I...I'm not even meant to be here, I...I'm nothing and you're something and-!" my eyes that are already as wide as saucers get even wider if possible when Minji suddenly leans in and presses her lips against mine.

My body immediately relaxes as though she had cast a spell on me and I immediately shut up. It feels so nice, the kiss is so soft and full of love, something I never thought anyone would ever want to give me again. It feels so wrong, but also like it's just meant to be this way.

When Minji finally pulls away, I could only stare at her, panting a little because I'm out of breath. She looks at me with such warmth in her eyes that I can't help but let it melt my worries for the time being. She pulls me into her embrace, hugging me and pressing another kiss to the top of my head. 

"You're not nothing, you're everything," she states firmly, looking me in the eyes. "And I know this is sudden, but I want you to know something," she continues on.

My heart is knocking on my chest, echoing in my ears while a group of butterflies throws a wild party in my stomach. For some reason I feel like the next few seconds is going to change my life forever.

"Pham Hanni, I like you, and if you will, I'm asking for a chance to be your girlfriend,"