GASLIGHTER // BBANGSAZ

20| frantic efforts 🚭❗

⚠️warning ⚠️

-death
-murder
-sexual assault

As Minji stood in the dimly lit living room, her forehead pressed against Hanni's, a flood of emotions coursed through her.

She had kissed Hanni again out of a surge of jealousy, driven by the fear of losing her to Danielle's influence.

But now, as she felt Hanni's breath against her skin and saw the confusion in her eyes, a deep sense of unease began to settle in Minji's chest.

The kiss had been wrong. Minji knew it the moment their lips parted.

She had acted on impulse, not out of genuine affection but out of a desperate need to assert control.

The possessive, almost predatory desire to claim Hanni as her own had overridden her better judgment. She had crossed a line, and now the consequences of that impulsive act weighed heavily on her.

As Hanni withdrew, Minji forced a smile, masking the turmoil within. She watched Hanni's retreating form, her heart pounding with a mix of regret and triumph.

The kiss had achieved its immediate goal: Hanni was more deeply ensnared in her web.

But the price of that victory gnawed at her conscience.

Minji's thoughts swirled as she sat alone in the living room.

Why had she felt so intensely jealous? Why did the mere idea of Hanni being close to Danielle ignite such a visceral reaction within her? She had always prided herself on being in control, on maintaining a cool detachment.

But with Hanni, everything felt different.

Her mind drifted back to the moment in the schoolyard when she had watched Hanni and Danielle from afar.

The anger, the possessiveness-it had all surged to the surface, consuming her rationality.

She clenched her fists, the memory of the kiss replaying in her mind. Hanni's response had been hesitant, confused, yet she had not pushed Minji away.

That gave Minji a twisted sense of satisfaction.

Hanni was under her control, and that knowledge brought a dark smile to Minji's lips.

She could manipulate Hanni's emotions, steer her actions, and keep her isolated from anyone who might pose a threat to their bond.

Hanni's dependency on her was a tool, a means to maintain dominance.

The rest of the evening passed in a haze.

Minji tried to focus on her homework, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Hanni, to the kiss, and to the dangerous game she was playing.

She knew she was walking a fine line, but the power she held over Hanni was intoxicating.

---

The next morning, the schoolyard was bustling with students, the air filled with laughter and chatter. Minji walked through the crowd, her eyes scanning for Hanni. She spotted her near the science building, talking to Natty, a girl from their class. Hanni's expression was earnest as she spoke, her hand reaching out to Natty's notebook.

A wave of anger surged through Minji. She marched over, her steps quick and determined. "Hanni, what are you doing?" she demanded, her voice sharp.

Hanni looked up, startled. "Minji, I was just asking Natty for the notes I missed."

Natty, sensing the tension, stepped back. "I'll just leave these here," she mumbled, placing the notebook on a nearby bench before hurrying away.

Minji turned her glare on Hanni. "Why are you talking to her? You know she's been trying to get close to you for weeks. She's not to be trusted."