Enchanted (Bbangsaz)

40

After the door clicked shut behind her mom and sister, Minji leaned against it, exhaling a soft sigh of relief. Hanni, who had been quietly observing from the couch, grinned.

"Survived your family dinner," Hanni teased, her tone warm.

Minji gave her a playful glare before letting her lips curve into a smile. "Barely. My mom was so proud of herself for cornering you into trying her kimchi."

"She didn't corner me!" Hanni protested, laughing. "She just had that... very persuasive mom energy. And for the record, it was delicious."

"Good," Minji replied, her smile softening. She took a step closer. "Cuddles?"

Hanni's grin widened as she stood, pulling Minji gently into her arms. "Whatever you want, my love."

They changed into their pyjamas in comfortable silence, brushing shoulders and exchanging little glances as they got ready for bed. Minji was the first to slip into the bed, patting the space beside her with a quiet smile. Hanni joined her, wrapping her arms around Minji as they settled into the warm comfort of each other.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the rhythm of their breathing syncing in the quiet of the room.

"Your mom is incredible," Hanni murmured eventually, her fingers absentmindedly tracing small circles on Minji's back. "She's like... everything I imagined and a little terrifying at the same time."

Minji chuckled softly. "That sounds about right. What about Jennie? How bad was she?"

"Oh," Hanni said with a laugh that was a little too nervous. "She's... intense. But, you know, she's a caring sister"

Minji raised an eyebrow, tilting her head up slightly to meet Hanni's gaze. "Really, huh?"

"I mean it!" Hanni insisted. "She told me some... stories about how you were in high school."

Minji groaned, burying her face into Hanni's shoulder. "What did she say?"

Hanni chuckled, pressing a kiss to Minji's temple. "Nothing too bad. Just... how much she looks out for you. It's sweet in her scary way."

Minji's voice softened. "She's always been like that. It's annoying sometimes, but... I know she means well."

"She definitely does," Hanni agreed, her tone gentle. "It was really nice, though. Seeing you with your family. The way your mom talks about you, the way Jennie look after you—it's like they know you're going to change the world."

Minji's cheeks flushed, and she buried herself deeper into Hanni's embrace. "I'm not sure about changing the world..."

"You already are," Hanni said firmly. "You're amazing, Minji. And tonight just proved it even more."

Minji was quiet for a moment before lifting her head to look at Hanni. There was a vulnerability in her eyes, one Hanni rarely saw. "It feels like a lot sometimes," Minji admitted. "Trying to live up to what people expect. Even my own family..."

Hanni held her tighter, her voice unwavering. "You don't have to live up to anything, Minji. Just be you. That's more than enough."

Minji smiled, her expression softening as she tucked herself closer into Hanni's warmth. "How are you always so sure?"

"I just am," Hanni replied simply, her fingers trailing soothing patterns along Minji's arm. "And you know what else I'm sure of? We'll be okay."

Minji sighed, the sound heavy with emotion. "I want to believe that."

"Then believe it," Hanni said, her voice growing more determined. "You're going to New York to do something amazing. And when you come back, I'll be here, waiting for you. Then I'll leave for my tour, and you'll be waiting for me. We'll make it work, Minji."