Enchanted (Bbangsaz)

20

Minji stood under the bright lights of the studio, trying to focus on her photoshoot, but her mind was elsewhere. The Dispatch article had been released earlier in the day, and she was on edge, wondering how Hanni was handling it. She couldn't get the thought of her out of her mind, and the constant buzz of her phone didn't help either.

"Minji, let's take five!" the photographer called out.

Nodding absentmindedly, Minji stepped away from the set, glancing at her phone. The notifications were nonstop—messages from friends, colleagues, and fans reacting to the news—but her eyes locked on one message in particular.

Hanni: Can you call me?

Her heart skipped a beat as she quickly dialed Hanni's number, waiting anxiously as it rang.

"Minji?" Hanni's voice was quiet, almost fragile.

"Love?" Minji said softly, her heart aching at how anxious she sounded. "You okay?"

There was a pause on the other end, and Minji could hear Hanni take a shaky breath. "I don't know," Hanni admitted. "Everything's so crazy right now. The article, the company statements... I feel like I can't breathe."

Minji frowned, her protective instincts kicking in. "Babe, I know it's overwhelming, but you don't have to go through this alone. I'm here for you, no matter what."

"I know," Hanni said, her voice wavering. "It's just... I'm freaking out, Minji. I didn't expect it to blow up like this. People are saying all sorts of things, and I don't know how to deal with it."

Minji sighed, feeling powerless. She hated knowing Hanni was struggling and that she wasn't there to hold her. "I'll come over," Minji said quickly. "We can talk about it, figure it out together."

"No," Hanni said softly. "I know you're busy. You shouldn't leave your photoshoot because of me."

Minji's heart clenched. "Hanni, you're more important than some shoot. I don't care how busy I am. If you need me, I'm coming over."

Hanni sniffled quietly, and Minji's chest tightened even more. "I just wanted to hear your voice," Hanni whispered. "I needed to hear you."

Minji closed her eyes for a moment, wishing she could be there to hold her. "I'll always be here when you need me. Always."

Hanni let out a shaky breath. "Okay... okay. I'm just... sorry, Minji."

"Sorry? What for?" Minji asked, confused.

"For not being ready," Hanni said softly. "I know you, deep down, didn't want to deny it, and I feel awful because I'm just... not ready to confirm it, yet. I'm scared."

Minji's heart sank. She had hoped they would both be on the same page about facing this together. But hearing Hanni's fears broke her a little. "You don't have to apologize," Minji said quietly, though the disappointment was evident in her voice. "I get it. I understand if you're not ready."

Hanni's voice wavered. "You're not mad, right?"

Minji let out a soft sigh. "No, I'm not mad. Just... I thought maybe this could be a fresh start for us. No more hiding, no more worrying. But it's okay, Hanni. We'll figure it out when you're ready."

"I'm really sorry," Hanni whispered again, sounding so vulnerable that Minji's heart ached all over again.

"It's okay," Minji repeated, trying to sound reassuring even though she felt a bit deflated. "I love you, Hanni. That's what matters most."

"I love you too," Hanni whispered back, her voice filled with emotion. "So much."

"Stay put, okay?" Minji said. "I'm coming over. I don't care if I'm supposed to be working. You're more important."