Different

04 - Abyss.

Yujin smiled warmly, about to greet Hanni, when Haerin's sharp movement startled her. Haerin subtly shoved Hanni away, then grabbed Yujin's arm, pulling her into a secluded corner.

"What do you need from Hanni." Hearing asks in a serious tone.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Yujin replied, confusion etched on her face.

Haerin's grip tightened. "Don't play dumb, your hawk is watching us by the lake."

Yujin's eyes widened in confusion. "I didn't order my hawk to do anything yesterday."

Haerin's gaze intensified. "I know. Its eyes were sapphire."

Yujin's breath caught. "You know my eyes are jade.

Haerin's expression turned grim. "But you know who owns the sapphire eyes."

Yujin's scoffed. "So, you're thinking Minji is spying on you and hanni? That girl doesn't even waste her time to peel a banana."

Haerin let her go. "Nevermind."

---

Hanni's eyes scanned the library shelves, searching for a specific tome. Tomorrow's test loomed, and she still hadn't discovered her unique magical creature. Frustration gnawed at her.

Reaching for a high shelf, Hanni tiptoed, straining to grasp the book. But it slipped, falling toward her head.

A hand shot out, catching the book inches from her skull. Minji stood there, expressionless.

"Are you really that clumsy or are you just dumb?" Minji asked, her tone dripping with disdain.

Hanni felt heat creeping up her neck, her gaze dropping to the floor. "Thanks for catching the book...I guess."

Minji raised an eyebrow. "Thought you had telekinesis, but you're tiptoeing to reach that book from your height. Interesting."

Hanni's eyes widened, feeling a mix of embarrassment and defensiveness.

Minji walked away, her blank stare lingering in Hanni's mind. She sat in the corner, her eyes fixed on a book.

Hanni searched for an empty seat, but the library was crowded. Her eyes scanned the room, spotting a single vacant chair - directly across from Minji.

Hanni hesitated, unsure if she wanted to sit near the enigmatic girl. But the alternative was standing, and her legs ached from searching for books.

Taking a deep breath, Hanni approached the chair and sat, trying to focus on her studies. Minji didn't acknowledge her, lost in her own reading.

The air was thick with tension, Hanni sensing Minji's intense gaze.

Minji's eyes drifted from her book to Hanni's, scanning the pages. Her gaze locked onto the title: "Magical Creatures: Unlocking Your True Potential."

Minji asked, "Haven't you unlocked yours yet?"

Hanni nodded sheepishly.

Minji scoffed, "Too bad. Tomorrow's the test, right? There's punishment if you don't have one yet."

Hanni's eyes widened, anxious.

Minji warned, "You'll have to... sing the school song in front of the whole cafeteria."

Hanni's face turned bright red. "S-sing in front of the whole cafeteria?!"

Minji's expression remained stern before cracking into a sly smile.

Minji chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Don't worry, no singing required."

Hanni breathed a sigh of relief, laughing nervously. "You scared me!"