Enchanted (Bbangsaz)

60

Minji woke slowly, sunlight filtering through the curtains and painting the room in a gentle glow. She blinked, disoriented for a moment, until the weight pressed against her side pulled her back to reality. Her breath hitched.

Hanni.

Her eyes dropped to the figure curled up against her, Hanni's head resting on her shoulder, her hand lightly gripping Minji's sweatshirt. Her hair was a mess, her cheeks slightly flushed, and her lips parted as she breathed softly.

Minji's heart swelled, but there was a flicker of nervousness too. Last night had been... nice. But what if Hanni woke up and panicked? What if the vulnerability she had shown faded into fear? What if—

Hanni stirred, a small groan slipping from her lips as her brows knitted together. She squeezed her eyes shut tighter before they fluttered open, her gaze unfocused as she adjusted to the light.

"Ugh," Hanni groaned, pressing her forehead into Minji's shoulder. "Why is the sun trying to kill me?"

Minji let out a soft laugh, her nerves easing slightly at Hanni's grumble. "Good morning," she said gently, her voice warm.

Hanni groaned again, lifting her head slightly to squint up at Minji. "Morning," she mumbled, her voice raspy and thick with sleep. Her expression shifted into a grimace. "Why does my head feel like it's been run over by a truck?"

Minji's lips quirked up. "That's called a hangover," she said teasingly. "Classic side effect of drinking too much."

Hanni groaned louder, dropping her head back onto Minji's shoulder. "I don't want it. Take it back," she muttered.

Minji chuckled, brushing a strand of hair out of Hanni's face. "Afraid I can't help you there," she said softly.

Hanni grumbled something incoherent before slowly lifting her head again. She blinked a few times, her gaze finally focusing on Minji's face. She stared for a moment, her lips parting slightly as her expression shifted.

Minji held her breath, her heart pounding. Here it comes.

"Minji," Hanni said softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Last night... did that really happen, or was I just dreaming?"

Minji blinked, surprised by the lack of panic in Hanni's tone. She tilted her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "You dream about me often?" she teased lightly, trying to mask her own nerves.

Hanni's face turned crimson, and she slapped Minji's arm lightly. "Don't do that," she mumbled, pouting.

Minji laughed softly, the sound warm and reassuring. "Sorry," she said, though her smile didn't fade. "But no, it wasn't a dream. It was very real."

Hanni's eyes widened slightly, her cheeks still flushed. She looked down, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of Minji's sweatshirt. "Oh," she murmured.

Minji watched her carefully, her smile softening. "Are you okay?" she asked gently, her voice laced with concern.

Hanni was quiet for a moment, her fingers still playing with the fabric. "I... I think so," she said finally. She glanced up at Minji, her eyes vulnerable. "I'm just... scared, I guess. I don't want to mess this up. Or get hurt."

Minji's heart ached at the raw honesty in Hanni's voice. She reached out, her fingers brushing against Hanni's cheek. "Hey," she said softly, her tone steady. "You're not going to mess this up. And I'll do everything I can to make sure you don't get hurt, okay? You don't have to be scared."

Hanni's eyes searched Minji's, as if looking for any hint of doubt. But all she found was warmth and sincerity. She swallowed hard, nodding slightly. "Okay," she whispered.