The Devil Doesn't Bargain | Daerin

20 | The Art of Obsession

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐣𝐢 𝐏𝐎𝐕

Today, unlike any other day, I'm picking up Hanni from school. It's been a while since we last met and ate together, so I want to try something different. I want to surprise her.

Thousands of students flood out of the main building, their white coats flutter in the gentle breeze. A sea of future professionals dispersing after a long day.

Among the crowd, I instantly spot Hanni. Her petite frame and bright eyes make her stand out. My heart beats a little faster at the sight of her—looking a little exhausted but still radiating an inner glow after hours of classes.

"Hanni-ah!" I call out, waving from the parking lot.

Her eyes find mine. Her face lights up with a smile that makes my heart race.

"Minji-ah!" she shouts back excitedly.

Leaning against my Lamborghini, I watch as she starts to run towards me, her bag bouncing at her side. I chuckle. Could she be any cuter?

But then, as she picks up speed, her foot catches on an uneven part of the pavement. My breath catches as I see her stumble, unable to react in time.

"Hanni!" I scream.

She falls, and my heart stops for a moment. She hits the ground hard, a cry of pain escaping her lips.

Oh shit. What have you done, Minji? You should be the one coming to her, not her running to you!

I rush to her side and kneel in front of her as she struggles to sit up, clearly in pain.

"Sweetie, are you okay? Where does it hurt?" My voice trembles as I ask.

She winces, trying to sit up, but a sharp intake of breath tells me she's in more pain than she's letting on. 

Oh dear, you don't have to hide your pain from me.

"I... I think I twisted my ankle," she mutters.

I gently cradle her face, searching her eyes for any other signs of injury. For a moment, time freezes, and I notice a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. I hold back a smirk. It's so easy to make her blush, huh?

"Hold still, let me take a look." I quickly assessing her leg.

Her ankle is already swelling, and there's a nasty scrape on her knee.

"Minji, I'm fine, really," she tries to reassure me, but the pain in her eyes tells a different story. 

Is she blind? Can't she see that nasty scrape of hers?

Without a word, I lift her into my arms, carrying her bridal style.

She gasps, clutching my shoulders. "Minji, you don't have to—"

"Yes, I have to," I say firmly, cutting her off. "I'm taking you to the clinic. You need to get that treated properly."

"But—"

"No buts."

"You're... you're carrying me in public," she mumbles, burying her face in my neck.

I chuckle, adjusting my arms to hold her more securely. 

Why is she so cute? And small.

"It's okay. You have to learn not to give a fuck about what people think, Hanni. Let them see." I resist the urge to kiss her forehead after saying that.