The Lie She Never Told

‎‧₊˚✧[10]✧˚₊‧

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She reached Danielle's room and took a deep breath. This was the moment she had been waiting for, the moment she could see Danielle face to face without the window.

With a mix of nerves and excitement, Haerin pushed open the door and stepped inside.

As she entered the room, Haerin's eyes immediately found Danielle who was sitting on her bed.

Seeing her there, in their shared space, was like a small weight lifting off Haerin's shoulders.

Danielle looked up as Haerin entered, and the usual bright smiled crossed her face.

"Haerin!" she said happily.

Hearing Danielle say her name sent a wave of relief and affection through Haerin.

She couldn't help but smile back, the sight of Danielle sitting there, speaking and smiling, was the best thing she had seen in days.

"Hey," Haerin said.

Danielle patted the spot on the bed next to her, the invitation clear. Haerin didn't hesitate. She crossed the room and sat down on the bed next to Danielle, the closeness making her heart beat faster.

"How are you feeling?" Haerin asked, her eyes studying Danielle's face closely.

She seemed so much better, more alive, but there was still a hint of tiredness and paleness in her features.

Danielle didn't answer and just pulled the other girl into a hug.

The sudden contact caught Haerin off guard, but she melted into it instantly.

She wrapped her own arms around Danielle in return, holding onto her tightly.

They sat like that for a while and just taking comfort in each other's presence.

Haerin could feel the steady beat of Danielle's heart against her own chest, a comforting reminder that Danielle was there and she was alive.

Finally, Haerin pulled back slightly, just enough that they could look at each other without breaking the contact.

"I was worried," Haerin said softly, her voice catching in her throat a little.

"I'm sorry. I probably scared you, didn't I," Danielle said smiling sadly, slowly grabbing Haerin's cheek with both of her hands. "It's okay now."

Haerin felt her heart flutter at the touch of Danielle's hands on her cheek. It was a simple gesture, but it felt so intimate, so calming.

She wasn't used to being touched by someone else, who wasn't her mom. It made her uncomfortable, but she didn't mind Danielle. Not her.

"Are we going to the rooftop today?" Danielle asked changing the subject.

Haerin smiled at the subject change. She knew Danielle didn't want to talk about her illness.

"Yeah, we can do that," she replied.

"You might have to help me out tho. My legs feels like jelly," Danielle laughed.

Haerin couldn't help but laugh at Danielle's comment.

"I'll be your personal crutch," Haerin joked back. "After all, I'm the strong one in this duo," she added quickly.

She stood up from the bed and held out her arm, offering to help Danielle stand.

"Yeah, and the colorblind one too."

Haerin rolled her eyes at Danielle's comment.

"Hey, leave my colorblindness out of this," she replied with mock indignation. "At least I can tell apart two shades of grey."