Enchanted Forest (Daerin // Bbangsaz)

Ch. 6 (M)

The next morning, Minji and Hanni woke up early, the sunlight filtering through the curtains of the cottage. After a hearty breakfast, they decided to spend the day exploring the forest on horseback. Hanni led the way, guiding Minji through the dense woods and out into the open fields where the lavender swayed gently in the breeze.

Minji found herself unwinding as they rode, her body at ease with the horse's pace. She sneaked a few glances at Hanni, who looked completely comfortable and had a strong connection to the forest based on how confidently she led her horse.

They rode in comfortable silence for a while longer until Hanni suddenly veered off the path, leading Minji deeper into the forest. The trees grew denser, their canopies thickening to block out much of the sunlight. Minji followed, intrigued.

"Where are we going?" Minji asked, a note of curiosity in her voice.

Hanni turned to her with a mysterious smile. "You'll see. It's a hidden gem, something I've wanted to show you."

After a few more minutes of riding, they emerged into a small, secluded clearing. In the centre was a hot spring, steam rising gently from its surface, surrounded by smooth rocks and lush greenery. Minji's eyes widened in awe at the sight.

"Hanni, this is incredible," Minji breathed, dismounting her horse and approaching the edge of the hot spring.

Hanni smiled, pleased with Minji's reaction. "It's one of my favourite places. I come here to relax when I need to think."

Without hesitation, Hanni began removing her clothes, revealing her bare, curvy body as she stepped closer to the hot spring. Minji watched, her breath catching in her throat as she took in Hanni's form, her heart racing.

Hanni turned to Minji, her expression softening when she saw the hesitation in Minji's eyes. "Minji, you can join me, you know. It's just us here."

Minji swallowed nervously, her hands fumbling with the hem of her shirt. "Hanni, I... I need to tell you something first."

Hanni tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

Minji took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "I'm... I'm not like most girls. I'm intersex. I just... I didn't want to surprise you or make you uncomfortable."

Hanni's eyes widened in surprise, but then a gentle smile spread across her face. She stepped closer to Minji, reaching out to touch her arm reassuringly. "Minji, that doesn't change anything for me. You're still you, and I still want you here with me."

Minji felt a wave of relief wash over her, and she finally allowed herself to relax. She removed her clothes, her movements more confident now as she joined Hanni by the edge of the hot spring. Together, they slipped into the warm water, the steam rising around them as they settled into a comfortable position.

The hot spring was spacious, but Hanni chose to lean against Minji, finding comfort in her presence. Minji rested her head on Hanni's, feeling the tension in her body melt away in the soothing warmth of the water.

They talked for a while, their conversation flowing easily from one topic to another, until Minji's voice grew soft and contemplative.

"Hanni, do you want to come with me? To see the world outside?" Minji asked, her tone gentle.

Hanni froze for a moment, her eyes staring off into the distance. "I'm scared," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Minji frowned, sensing there was more to Hanni's fear than she was letting on. But she didn't want to press too hard, not wanting to make Hanni uncomfortable. So, instead, she changed the subject, trying to lighten the mood.