Enchanted (Bbangsaz)

53

The doorbell rang, echoing through Minji's quiet apartment. She had been sprawled on her couch, staring blankly at the ceiling, the weight of everything pressing down on her like a stone. With a sigh, she forced herself to her feet, padding barefoot to the door. She opened it, and there Sullyoon stood, holding a neatly folded shirt in one hand and a few bottles of soju in the other.

"Hey," Sullyoon said, her lips curving into a soft smile. "Figured I'd bring this back before I forget."

Minji blinked at her, then at the shirt. It was one of hers, a simple black tee Sullyoon had borrowed. Minji's memory felt hazy, muddled by everything that had happened.

"Oh," Minji said, her voice hoarse from disuse. "Thanks. You didn't have to."

Sullyoon shrugged, stepping closer. "It was about time. And," she raised the soju bottle with a playful grin, "I thought you could use some company. You've been hiding out too long."

Minji exhaled a short laugh—her first in days. "You're not wrong." She stepped aside, gesturing Sullyoon inside. "Come in."

The apartment was dimly lit, the late evening glow filtering in through the curtains. Sullyoon slipped off her shoes and walked in like she belonged there, like she'd done this a hundred times before. And maybe she had, but tonight felt different. The air between them was heavy with unspoken things, an almost electric tension that neither seemed to address.

Minji dropped onto the couch, Sullyoon following her lead and setting the shirt and soju on the coffee table. Without waiting for permission, Sullyoon got up to grab two glasses from the kitchen, moving around the space with the ease of familiarity.

"You really should turn on some lights in here," Sullyoon teased as she returned, handing Minji a glass. "It's like a cave."

Minji chuckled lightly, taking the glass from her. "I like it this way. Less to think about."

The first bottle was cracked open quickly, and Sullyoon poured out two shots. She slid one across the table to Minji, who took it without hesitation. The burn of the alcohol was almost comforting, a brief distraction from the storm raging inside her.

"So," Sullyoon began, "how's it going with... everything?"

Minji hesitated, her fingers toying with the rim of her glass. She poured herself another shot and knocked it back without answering.

Sullyoon winced at the silence. "That bad, huh?"

Minji sighed, her shoulders slumping. "You could say that."

Sullyoon leaned back, seeing Minji. "I guess," she began, "You told your girlfriend that you cheated,"

"Ex," she muttered bitterly.

Sullyoon winced. "I–I'm so sorry, really..."

Minji let out a bitter laugh. "It's okay."

Sullyoon, leaning back against the couch, "how's it going with, you know... the break up?"

Minji snorted softly, pouring herself another shot. She didn't answer, instead downing the drink in one gulp... Again.

Sullyoon winced at the silence. "Good answer,"

Minji sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Yeah."

Sullyoon gave her a sympathetic look, then leaned forward conspiratorially. "Okay, but real talk—who was the mystery girl? You didn't give me a name."

"It's Hanni."

"Wait—Hanni PHAM HANNI?!" Sullyoon exclaimed, eyes wide in disbelief. She wiped at her soaked shirt, half-laughing in embarrassment. "Are you fucking serious?"