Enchanted (Bbangsaz)

45

The days blurred together for Hanni. Between the adrenaline of performing and the crushing weight of her own thoughts, she felt like she was barely keeping it together. She had successfully avoided Jake, dodging his attempts to talk and even skipping out on group hangouts to keep her distance.

But while one problem was held at bay, another one grew: the space she was putting between herself and Minji. It wasn't obvious—at least she hoped not—but Hanni could feel it. Every text she left unanswered a little too long, every call she kept shorter than usual. And Minji, always so kind and patient, didn't push. Instead, she gave Hanni space, even if it was clear she didn't quite understand why.

Hanni had just gotten back to her hotel room after another exhausting day. She threw her hoodie on the bed and stared at her phone, her thumb hovering over Minji's contact. A part of her wanted to put it down and crash, but the guilt wouldn't let her. With a sigh, she hit the call button.

Minji answered after just one ring. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Pham Hanni, world-famous superstar, finally gracing me with a phone call!"

"Minji," Hanni groaned, flopping onto her bed. "Don't start."

"Don't start what?" Minji teased. "Appreciating my girlfriend for finally remembering I exist? My bad."

Hanni laughed softly, even as her chest ached. "I've just been busy. You know how it is."

"Uh-huh. Busy avoiding me?" Minji's tone was light, but Hanni knew her well enough to catch the undercurrent of concern. "Is it my gym TikTok? Be honest. Did I get too cocky in the comments?"

"Minji, please," Hanni said, shaking her head. "You're ridiculous."

"Ridiculously cute?" Minji quipped, making Hanni laugh again.

"Stop fishing for compliments," Hanni said, rolling onto her side.

Minji hummed. "Alright, I'll chill. But seriously, you good? You sound... off. And don't try to 'I'm fine' me."

Hanni hesitated. She wanted to tell Minji everything—that she was struggling, that the weight of her lies was getting harder to bear. But the words caught in her throat. "I'm fine. Just tired, you know? The tour schedule is crazy."

"Yeah, no kidding," Minji said softly. "But, babe, if you need me, just say the word. I don't care if it's 3 a.m. or if I have to fight your manager. I'll hop on a plane. No hesitation."

Hanni's stomach twisted. "You don't have to do that, Min. I'm fine, really. Don't waste a flight on me."

"Waste?" Minji scoffed. "Pham Hanni, you're my favorite person in the entire world. Flying to see you isn't a waste; it's the literal definition of a good investment."

Hanni forced a smile. "You're too much."

"I know," Minji said with a playful sigh. "But seriously, take care of yourself, okay? You've been working so hard. I'm so proud of you."

Hanni swallowed hard, her guilt threatening to choke her. "Thanks, Minji."

"Wow. Just thanks? No, 'Minji, you're the light of my life, please never leave me'?"

Hanni laughed nervously. "You're so full of yourself."

"I love you," Minji said suddenly, her voice warm and certain.

Hanni's heart stopped for a beat. She wanted to say it back—she *needed* to—but instead, she mumbled, "You're the best, Minji."

Minji laughed, completely oblivious. "You're lucky I'm obsessed with you. Okay, I gotta go rehearse, but we'll talk later, yeah?"