Enchanted (Bbangsaz)

71

The late afternoon sun bathed the garden in a golden glow, the warm breeze carrying the scent of fresh grass and the soft crash of waves in the distance. It was the kind of peaceful atmosphere that made everything feel right, like time itself had slowed just for them.

Hanni was in full focus mode, dragging chairs across the patio, adjusting the table settings, and making sure everything was perfect for the BBQ. Minji, however, was doing absolutely nothing. Or rather, she was doing something—she was staring.

Not subtly, either.

She was just leaning against the porch railing, arms crossed, head tilted slightly, eyes locked onto Hanni like she was the most captivating thing in the world.

Hanni glanced up mid-task and instantly caught Minji's gaze. Her hands faltered for a second, a small frown appearing.

"...What?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Minji smirked. "Nothing."

Hanni gave her a skeptical look. "You're staring."

"Yeah," Minji admitted shamelessly.

"Why?"

Minji shrugged, stepping closer with a lazy smile. "Can't help it."

Hanni's cheeks warmed immediately. She ducked her head, pretending to adjust the table to avoid Minji's intense gaze. "You're so annoying."

Minji chuckled, her voice low and teasing. "And you love it."

Before Hanni could protest, Minji snuck up behind her, wrapping her arms around her waist, resting her chin on her shoulder.

"Baby," Hanni whined, squirming slightly. "Someone's gonna see—"

"No one's here yet," Minji murmured against her skin, grinning as she pressed a quick, soft kiss to the side of Hanni's neck.

Hanni let out a breathy laugh, her hands resting over Minji's. God, this girl.

Their quiet moment was interrupted by the sound of a car pulling up in the driveway.

Hanni's family had arrived.

Minji reluctantly let go as Mrs. Pham stepped out of the car, already calling out, "Hanni, help your dad with the bags. Minji, come with me—we need to start prepping the side dishes."

Minji gave Hanni a lingering look before following Mrs. Pham into the kitchen.

The kitchen smelled like home—garlic, lemongrass, and the comforting warmth of spices blending together as Mrs. Pham worked on the marinade. Minji stood beside her, chopping vegetables carefully, feeling an odd sense of peace in the simple domesticity of it all.

After a moment, Mrs. Pham spoke.

"You know, I think it was really sweet of you to come all the way to Australia just for Hanni," she said, not looking up from her work. "She missed you a lot."

Minji swallowed, nodding slightly. "I missed her too."

Mrs. Pham gave a knowing hum. "It's been a long time since I've seen her this happy."

Minji's hands paused for a second before continuing. She had expected this conversation, but it didn't make it any easier.

"When you two broke up..." Mrs. Pham started carefully, "it was really hard on her."

Minji put down the knife, pressing her palms flat against the counter. "I know," she admitted softly. "I want to say I'm so sorry—"

But before she could finish, Mrs. Pham cut her off with a small smile. "I don't need an apology, Minji."