Enchanted Forest (Daerin // Bbangsaz)

Ch. 7

A/N: A little late of age introduction. the time setting is in year 2031. So, Minji and Hanni are 27 years old. Danielle is 26 years old. And Haerin is 25 years old here. and also...

WARNING: Mention of gRape

Minji awoke before Hanni, the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. She glanced down at the peaceful form of Hanni beside her, noting the tear stains still visible on her cheeks from the night before. Minji's heart ached for her, but she knew that pushing Hanni to talk about it too soon wouldn't help. She slipped out of bed quietly, making her way to the kitchen where she found Haerin and Danielle already preparing breakfast.

"Morning," Minji greeted, her voice subdued.

"Good morning," Haerin replied, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied Minji. "Everything okay? You seem a bit off today."

Minji forced a smile. "I'm fine. Just thinking about some things."

Haerin, unconvinced, decided to probe further. "You sure? You're usually more... bubbly."

Minji sighed, realising she couldn't hide her emotions from Haerin. "Can we step outside for a moment?"

They walked out of the cottage, the morning air cool and fresh. Once they were alone, Minji took a deep breath. "Last night... Hanni and I were about to, you know, get intimate, but she suddenly started crying. She seemed so scared, and I didn't know what to do. I stopped, of course, but it really shook me."

Haerin's expression softened, her worry for Minji and Hanni evident. "That must have been tough. I'm sorry you had to go through that. Do you think it has something to do with her past?"

Minji nodded slowly. "It has to be. But I don't know what happened to her, and I don't want to push her into talking before she's ready."

Haerin reached out, giving Minji's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You did the right thing by stopping. Hanni will open up when she's ready, and when she does, you'll be there for her."

They stood in silence for a moment, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on them. Eventually, they headed back inside the cottage. Minji made tea for Hanni, carefully pouring it into a cup before bringing it to the bedroom. She gently woke Hanni, who blinked sleepily up at her.

"Good morning," Minji whispered, offering a cup of tea.

Hanni smiled faintly, accepting the tea. "Good morning. Thank you."

Minji sat on the edge of the bed, watching as Hanni took a sip. "Are you feeling okay?"

Hanni hesitated, then nodded. "I'm okay. Just... I feel like I need to rest today. I hope that's alright."

"Of course it is," Minji replied, her voice gentle. "You don't have to apologise for needing time. I'll take care of everything."

Hanni smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thank you, Minji. I'm really sorry about last night."

Minji shook her head. "Please don't apologise. You don't need to explain anything until you're ready."

After ensuring Hanni had eaten breakfast, Minji tucked her back into bed, staying with her until she fell asleep. Once she was sure Hanni was resting comfortably, Minji quietly left the room, closing the door behind her.

Needing some fresh air, Minji decided to take a walk outside. She found Haerin near the cottage, alone, as Danielle was tending to the garden. Haerin looked up as Minji approached.

"Want to go for a stroll?" Minji asked.

Haerin nodded, and the two of them set off along a familiar path, the soft sounds of the forest surrounding them. They walked in comfortable silence for a while until a sudden movement caught their attention. A giant butterfly, its wings shimmering with rainbow-like colours, appeared before them.