My Deer Girlfriend

6

As she rinses the shampoo away, Soyeon can't help but marvel at the transformation. Yuqi's hair, once matted and tangled, now flows smoothly between Soyeon's fingers.

With the hair washing complete, Soyeon ensures every bit of shampoo is rinsed away, leaving Yuqi's hair clean and glistening. As Yuqi tilts her head back to let the water run through her hair, Soyeon takes a moment to appreciate the genuine smile on her friend's face.

"Feeling better?" Soyeon asks, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Yuqi nods enthusiastically, water droplets splashing around her. "Yeah, thanks, Soyeon! It's like my own little spa day."

Soyeon chuckles, "Well, we could all use a bit of pampering now and then, even in the heart of the forest."

Satisfied with the bath, Soyeon guides Yuqi out of the tub, wrapping her in a towel. "Let's get you dressed," she says, leading Yuqi to the closet where she had discovered an assortment of abandoned clothes.

Soyeon rummages through the closet, pulling out various articles of clothing. "Hmm, let's see what we have here." She holds up a loose-fitting sweater and a pair of comfortable pants. "How about these?"

Yuqi, still wrapped in the towel, nods in agreement. "Sure, those look cozy."

As Soyeon helps Yuqi into the borrowed attire, the forest hybrid takes a moment to appreciate the warmth and softness of the clothes. It's a stark contrast to the rough existence she's accustomed to.

Soyeon, adjusting the sweater, smiles. "There we go. Now you're a true fashionista of the forest."

Yuqi giggles, feeling a sense of belonging in her new ensemble. "Thanks, Soyeon. I've never worn clothes like this before."

Soyeon grins, "Well, get used to it. We'll make sure you're the trendiest hybrid in the woods."

In the ensuing days, Soyeon and Yuqi settle into a routine, forging a unique friendship amidst the tranquility of the forest. The cozy cabin becomes a haven for shared laughter, stories, and simple joys.

As the sun rises and sets, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, Soyeon and Yuqi explore the woods together. They discover hidden clearings, sparkling streams, and patches of sunlight that filter through the dense canopy. The forest, once a solitary domain for Soyeon, transforms into a realm of shared wonder.

Meanwhile, Yuqi's antlers begin to regrow, a testament to the vitality of her hybrid nature. Soyeon observes this gradual transformation with fascination, recognizing the innate beauty in Yuqi's connection to the natural world.

One evening, as they sit by the fire, Soyeon glances at Yuqi's antlers. "They're growing back beautifully," she remarks.

Yuqi smiles, "Yeah, it happens every now and then. Part of being a forest creature, I guess."

Soyeon's hand gently stroked Yuqi's hair as they huddled on the porch in front of the fire. The sudden intrusion of multiple footsteps and male voices outside sent a surge of fear through Soyeon. She grabbed Yuqi's hand and led her back into the cabin, urgency in her movements.

"What's happening?" Yuqi whispered, her eyes wide with apprehension.

Soyeon hushed her, realizing the gravity of the situation. Inside the cabin, Soyeon discovered a hidden cubby beneath the bookshelf. It could be their refuge. She gestured for Yuqi to get in, and the deer hybrid followed suit.

Soyeon's heart pounded in her chest as she listened to the voices outside grow louder. She could make out at least three different men talking, their footsteps crunching on the leaves and twigs that carpeted the ground around the cabin.

Yuqi's eyes were wide with fear, unaccustomed to such danger. Soyeon could feel Yuqi's breath quicken under her palm but squeezed her hand reassuringly, trying to convey a sense of calm despite her own racing thoughts.

The voices outside began to disperse around the cabin, their words now muffled but still ominous. "Check around back," one voice commanded. "And look for signs of that hybrid they've been talkin' about," added another.

Soyeon's mind raced. The hunters, undoubtedly searching for hybrids, had no idea she and Yuqi were inside.

As the minutes dragged on, each second felt like an eternity. Soyeon listened intently, trying to gauge the hunters' movements. Yuqi, understanding the gravity of the situation, remained as still as possible, her trust in Soyeon absolute.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, the voices and footsteps began to fade away. Soyeon waited, counting out several long, tense minutes to ensure their departure wasn't a ruse. When she felt confident the hunters had moved on, she gently removed her hand from Yuqi's mouth.

"They're gone," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Yuqi nodded, her expression one of relief mixed with lingering fear.

Carefully, Soyeon opened the cubby and peered out. The cabin was silent, the danger seemingly passed. She helped Yuqi out of their cramped hiding spot, and they both took a moment to stretch and breathe.

"That was too close," Soyeon murmured, her eyes scanning the room as if the threat might materialize from the shadows. Yuqi, still shaken, stayed close to Soyeon, her sense of security momentarily shattered by the encounter.

"We need to be more careful," Soyeon concluded, her mind already working through plans to ensure their safety. Yuqi nodded, her usual playfulness subdued by the evening's events.

The next day dawned with a tentative stillness, the echoes of the previous night's danger still lingering in the air. Soyeon and Yuqi, determined to evade any further threats, exchanged silent glances that spoke volumes.

With a shared understanding, they decided it was time to leave the cabin, their temporary sanctuary no longer providing the safety it once did. As they stepped into the daylight filtering through the dense foliage, a sense of vulnerability accompanied their every move.

The forest, once familiar to Soyeon, now seemed both a friend and a potential foe. Their journey unfolded with caution, each step resonating with the weight of uncertainty. Soyeon, clutching her sniper, scanned the surroundings with a watchful eye, while Yuqi's senses attuned to the subtle rhythms of the natural world.