3RD PERSON POV
Hanni was conspicuously absent from the dinner table, but neither Eunchae nor their mother seemed to notice—or care. It was a regular occurrence, so much so that her name wasn't even mentioned during their conversation. Haerin, however, couldn't suppress her curiosity.
"Where's Hanni?" she asked, her voice tentative.
The two women exchanged knowing glances before rolling their eyes in unison.
"She's... just Hanni," Eunchae said dismissively, returning to her meal without further elaboration.
Sensing the awkward tension, Haerin chose not to press the issue. Still, a small knot of intrigue formed in her chest. Hanni seemed to be an enigma in this otherwise warm household.
The ajumma, ever doting, ensured Haerin's bowl of rice was never empty. "Eat up, Haerin-ah. You're too thin," she said, her tone both scolding and affectionate.
For a moment, Haerin felt a pang of something she hadn't experienced in a long time—being cared for like family. It wrapped around her like a soft blanket, and she couldn't help but smile faintly.
After dinner, Haerin insisted on helping Eunchae wash the dishes. Though initially hesitant, the ajumma relented after some pleading from her daughter. Together, the two girls worked side by side, chatting and laughing softly as they cleaned up.
Later, Haerin settled on a mattress in Eunchae's room, comforted by its neatness compared to Hanni's chaotic space. As sleep took her, she silently thanked the universe for the small mercies of kindness she'd found here.
That same night, Hanni sat alone on a swing in the nearby park, her feet dragging lightly against the gravel. The cool night air brushed against her skin, but her thoughts ran hot and heavy. She stared blankly ahead, consumed by a whirlwind of emotions she didn't fully understand.
"Still here, huh?"
The familiar voice startled Hanni, pulling her out of her reverie. She turned to see Yunjin standing nearby, arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips.
"Oh, it's you," Hanni said flatly, her tone lacking its usual spark.
Yunjin's brows furrowed. "What's up with you? Not like you to look so... I don't know, mopey."
Hanni shrugged and stood up, brushing off her shorts. "I'll let you slide this once," she said, her voice tinged with uncharacteristic softness.
"What?" Yunjin tilted her head in confusion. "Are you serious? You've always been itching for a fight, and now you're backing out?"
But Hanni didn't respond. She patted Yunjin's shoulder and walked away without another word, leaving her bewildered and slightly unnerved.
The next morning, the sun blazed hotter than usual, making the air heavy and stifling. Haerin and Eunchae sat together for breakfast in the quiet house. The ajumma had left early to open her shop, leaving the two girls to their own devices.
Just as they were about to leave for school, a groggy Hanni stumbled into the room. Her white T-shirt hung loosely over her frame, and her black shorts were slightly crumpled. She scratched the back of her head, her eyes barely open.
"Eunchae, did Mom already leave?" she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.
"She did," Eunchae replied, her tone tinged with irritation.
YOU ARE READING
Love In Convenience
Fanfiction| Hanni is the most feared delinquent student at ADOR HIGH. Despite her baby face and short figure, she is almost everyday involved in fights. Everything was going well for her until a new girl joined the school and now the latter seems to be fall...
