The Silent Canvas (Catnipz)

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Minji walked through the front door of her house, the familiar smell of dinner and the echoing sounds of her father's raised voice greeting her. Her heart still carried the warmth of the moment she'd shared with Haerin, but that warmth was quickly overshadowed by the cold tension that filled the air in her home.

Her father stood by the living room, eyes narrowed and lips pressed into a thin line. As soon as he saw her, his voice rang out, harsh and cutting. "Where have you been? You're late; again. You should be at home, studying, not out running around like some child!"

Minji stood frozen in place, the words sinking in, but she didn't respond right away. She knew better than to argue, not when her father's temper was already frayed. He stepped closer, his tone sharp, accusing. "I've spent so much money on your education, on your future. You think you can just waste your time fooling around outside? How much longer do you think I'm going to keep putting up with this nonsense?"

The weight of his words pressed down on her, but Minji didn't flinch. She didn't bow her head, even though she felt the sting of his accusations. Instead, she stood tall, her posture firm, her fingers curling around the strap of her bag. The familiar anger and frustration that always followed her father's berating had settled into a quiet resolve within her.

Her father's glare didn't waver as he added, "Go get changed. The Phams are coming over for dinner, and I expect you to behave. No more of this nonsense. You'll sit at that table and show them the respect they deserve."

Minji's heart sank a little at the mention of the Phams, particularly Hanni. She hadn't seen her in a while, and the thought of facing her family right after the argument with her father felt exhausting. But she knew better than to protest. Instead, she nodded silently, turning on her heel and making her way up the stairs to her room.

As she reached her room, she let out a quiet sigh, dropping her bag on the bed and leaning against the door for a moment. The warmth of her earlier time with Haerin still lingered, but now it was mixed with the cold weight of her father's expectations. She glanced at herself in the mirror, the weariness evident in her eyes, before pulling out a simple dress from her closet.

Changing quickly, she brushed her hair and gave herself a once-over. The reflection staring back at her seemed distant, a version of herself that had learned to mask her true feelings behind a composed exterior. With one last deep breath, she steeled herself for the evening ahead and made her way back downstairs.

The dining table was already set, her father pacing near the entrance as he waited for their guests. Minji forced a polite smile, the practiced facade slipping into place as the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of the Phams.

The door swung open, revealing the familiar, warm faces of the Pham family. Hanni stood beside her parents, her ever-present gentle smile lighting up the room. Her eyes met Minji's, and for a brief moment, the tension in Minji's chest eased. Hanni's presence was like a balm to the storm brewing inside her.

"Come in, come in," Minji's father said, his tone suddenly cordial, as if the harshness from earlier had never existed. He extended a hand, welcoming the Phams inside with practiced charm. Minji followed suit, greeting them politely and offering to take their coats.

As they settled into the living room, the adults quickly fell into conversation about work, investments, and the future, topics that always seemed to dominate these gatherings. Minji kept her attention divided, nodding along when necessary but stealing glances at Hanni. Hanni, perceptive as always, caught Minji's gaze and tilted her head slightly, a silent question in her eyes.

"Are you okay?" Hanni mouthed, her expression soft with concern.

Minji gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, not trusting herself to speak in that moment. The weight of her father's words still lingered, but she knew Hanni's presence would make the evening a bit more bearable.