The Price Of Redemption

9.

"You didn't tell her, right?" Hanni asked, her voice soft but anxious as she glanced at the girl sitting beside her on the plane.

"I didn't," Minji replied, sounding tired, her frustration clear. She had lost count of how many times Hanni had asked her that same question, and it was wearing on her.

"Then what did you two talk about for so long earlier?" Hanni pressed, her curiosity piqued. Minji had excused herself not too long ago, disappearing to take a phone call, leaving Hanni alone in the busy boarding area of the airport. 

Minji raised an eyebrow. "How do you know I was talking to Haerin?" she asked, not remembering when or how she had mentioned anything to Hanni about that call.

Hanni chuckled softly, a playful glimmer in her eyes. "Just a guess."

Minji couldn't help but smile, watching the girl beside her chuckle as if the world around them didn't matter. She was captivated by the way Hanni's whole face lit up when she smiled, the corners of her lips curving upward with an innocent joy that made her eyes sparkle. It was a smile that made Minji's heart ache.

Minji was in love with Hanni. Deeply, painfully in love. It was the kind of love she had kept hidden, a love she felt wasn't necessary, a love that could ruin everything if spoken aloud. She had fallen first, but Hanni? She had fallen harder—only not for Minji.Hanni had fallen for Haerin two years ago. Minji had never confessed her feelings, and she had no plans to. There was no point in risking what was already fragile.

"What did you guys talk about?" Hanni's voice cut through Minji's thoughts, pulling her back to the present moment. Minji cleared her throat, forcing herself to focus, and looked ahead at the flight attendants preparing the cabin.

"We talked about you," Minji said softly, offering a warm smile. "She said she misses you."

"Really?" Hanni asked, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. She fumbled for her phone, her fingers moving quickly as she messaged someone, her cheeks now a light shade of pink.

Minji watched quietly as Hanni hurriedly texted Haerin, clearly flustered.It was a lie but a one that won't hurt anyone. Hanni turned off her phone just as the announcement for takeoff began, her attention momentarily diverted.

Minji sighed quietly, her heart heavy but her smile still soft. It's fine this way... she thought, convincing herself that maybe some things were better left unsaid.

Haerin brushed Dani's hand off her arm, stepping back to maintain distance. "I'll go change. Wait here," she said, her voice cold and distant, as she walked briskly into the mansion, leaving Dani behind in the driveway.

The minutes dragged on, each one feeling like an eternity for Dani as she waited by the sleek, freshly washed bike. Finally, Haerin returned,  wearing a new simple t-shirt and sneakers, her expression unreadable. The cat eyed girl signaled the guard to open the gate. Dani straightened up when she saw the cat looking girl pacing towards her bike. she then climbed on it. Dani was ready to get on the bike with her. But just as she was about to climb on, Haerin revved the engine, the loud roar startling Dani, making her flinch.

Haerin's gaze stayed cold. "Your ride isn't this one," she clarified. As if on cue, the front door of the mansion opened again, revealing Soobin, dressed sharply in his office attire.

"Hey, Dani," Soobin said, striding over to them with a smile. "Haerin told me Dad wants me to drop you off at the office. I was just heading there anyway." He gave Dani a quick hug, a friendly gesture that Haerin ignored completely.