Starlit Bonds

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Yet, Minji's curiosity and unease kept pulling her gaze back to the girl who had accompanied Haerin. She was an enigma, her pallor striking in the dimly lit chapel. Dark brown hair framed her face in a short, neat style, and her eyes, though dark, seemed to hold a hidden depth. There was a coldness about her, especially when she wasn't smiling, but Minji couldn't forget the mischievous spark she had seen in those eyes the previous night.

Their eyes met, a fleeting moment of connection that sent a shiver down Minji's spine. The girl's gaze seemed to glint with a hint of amusement, as if she had unraveled a fascinating secret. Minji felt frustration bubbling within her. 'What do they know that I don't?' she wondered, the question echoing in her mind like a haunting refrain.

Suddenly, the girl's focus shifted, her gaze directed at someone behind Minji. She turned as well, her eyes landing on Karina, a senior prefect standing near the staff along the sides of the chapel. Karina, beloved by all, was the epitome of a model student and the best choice as a representative of the school. Minji furrowed her brows, her curiosity now compounded by confusion. 'What's going on?' she pondered, a sense of unease settling over her as the pieces of this intricate puzzle began to shift into place.

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Breakfast in the school cafeteria proceeded as it usually did, with Minji indulging in her meal with a voracious appetite. Her friends, as usual, joined the table a bit later, and Hanni couldn't help but comment on the state of Minji's emptied bowl of Coco Pops.

"Finished already? Woah," Hanni remarked, her eyes widening at the sight of the once-full bowl now devoid of cereal. Minji grinned, her mouth still partially full. Food had always been a source of comfort for her, and she was never one to shy away from seconds—or thirds, for that matter.

Minji eagerly poured more cereal from the refill bowl, while Danielle, with her unique telekinetic abilities, summoned the milk and poured it into Minji's bowl with a graceful flourish. Minji gave Danielle a grateful nod before digging back in, savoring the combination of flavors.

Amid their cheerful morning routine, Hyein suddenly spoke up, curiosity etched on her face. "Who's that girl with your cousin?" she inquired, her gaze drifting toward the unfamiliar girl who had accompanied Haerin.

The mention of the girl drew the attention of everyone at the table. Minji looked over at the separate table where Haerin and the mysterious girl sat, their unbroken eye contact resembling a silent staring contest. Eventually, Haerin stood and walked away, leaving Minji to shrug in response to Hyein's question.

"No idea," Minji replied, her expression reflecting genuine puzzlement. "I've never seen her before."

Danielle, ever observant, directed her gaze toward the girl. "She must be new," she deduced, her smile warm. "Her uniform looks so crisp." Then, she couldn't help but pout slightly. "And she's so pale, like a doll."

Hyein playfully teased Danielle, drawing laughter from the entire table. "Hey, maybe stop eating so many carrots, and you won't be yellow like a banana."

The banter and camaraderie at the table continued, their breakfast moments filled with laughter and light-hearted exchanges, momentarily pushing aside the mysteries that had piqued their curiosity.

Laughter continued to ripple through the breakfast table as the friends playfully teased one another. The camaraderie they shared was a cherished part of their daily routine, a source of comfort and support in the midst of the unknown complexities that surrounded them.