Enchanted (Bbangsaz)

17

They stayed in bed for a few minutes, just enjoying the comfort of the morning and the sound of waves gently crashing against the shore outside.

"We should get up," Minji murmured, her voice soft as she ran her fingers through Hanni's hair.

Hanni groaned lightly, snuggling closer. "Do we have to?"

Minji chuckled, kissing the top of Hanni's head. "We've got plans today. And I promise, it'll be worth it."

After a lazy breakfast, they got ready and headed out. The air was crisp and fresh as Minji and Hanni strolled hand-in-hand through the gates of the Busan Aquarium. The vibrant colors of the ocean life on display matched the energy between them, and the occasional quiet brush of their fingers felt electric.

"This is like a living painting," Hanni marveled, her voice soft, entranced by the beauty of the scene.

Minji smiled, leaning into her. "Yeah, it's kind of crazy how much life is happening under the surface. We get so caught up in everything on land, but there's this whole other world right beneath our noses."

Hanni looked over at Minji, her gaze playful. "You get all deep on me, huh? I think you'd be a great oceanographer or something. You'd look cute with a clipboard."

Minji laughed softly, nudging Hanni with her shoulder. "I think you'd be a great marine biologist."

Hanni grinned. "I'd be the best at it. And I could teach you all about the animals... maybe even make you my assistant."

They continued through the aquarium, hand in hand, stopping at each exhibit to admire the creatures inside. As they reached the penguin section, Minji couldn't resist leaning in close to Hanni. "Look at those little guys," she said, pointing to a group of penguins waddling about. "They're like... us. I bet you'd be the bossy penguin, and I'd be the one trying to keep up."

Hanni raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smile. "Excuse me? I'm not bossy. I'm just... efficient." She grinned at Minji, nudging her playfully. "I can definitely see you being the penguin who gets distracted and falls behind."

Minji snorted, nudging her back. "Hey, I get *things* done! You just... lead the way and boss people around."

"Sounds about right," Hanni replied with a smirk. "But don't worry. I'll keep you out of trouble."

As they made their way through more exhibits, they stopped at a massive tank filled with stingrays gliding effortlessly through the water. The tranquility of the moment wasn't lost on them as they stood in front of the tank, watching the rays move through the water with an almost ethereal grace.

Hanni turned to Minji, her voice quiet. "You ever think about how everything in the ocean is connected? Like, we're all part of this bigger system, and everything matters. Every little piece, every creature, no matter how small."

Minji nodded thoughtfully, squeezing Hanni's hand. "I think about that a lot, actually. How we're all just part of something bigger... but sometimes it's hard to see it when you're stuck in the noise. Being here, though... it feels like everything slows down. Like it's okay to just exist, without all the pressure."

They shared a quiet moment, standing side by side, watching the stingrays float by.

"So, you ever thought about what you want for the future?" Minji asked after a while, turning to Hanni with a curious smile. "Like, beyond all the chaos of our careers?"

Hanni took a deep breath, her eyes thoughtful. "Yeah, I've thought about it. I think... I want something real, you know? Something that's just... me and someone else. Without all the expectations, just... enjoying the moment."