The Silent Canvas (Catnipz)

|| 5 ||

The next day, as the bell rang signaling the start of lunch, Minji's usual group of friends called out to her, their voices full of cheer. "Minji, lunch is ready! Come join us!"

But Minji, with a slight shake of her head, offered them a polite smile. "Sorry, I've got some things to take care of today. You guys go ahead."

Her friends didn't push her, having grown accustomed to Minji's quiet, serious demeanor. With a shrug, they went ahead, leaving Minji standing in the hallway. But as soon as they were out of sight, her expression shifted, the walls she'd built up all morning starting to crack.

She didn't have any real tasks to take care of. The truth was, she needed a break, and she knew exactly where she was going. She glanced down the hallway, her heart racing slightly at the thought of seeing someone, someone she missed deeply but hadn't quite been able to reach out to in the way she wanted to.

Minji started walking, her steps slow but deliberate, as if the very act of looking for that person gave her a sense of purpose. She moved through the school's hallways, her mind replaying their last moments together. The warmth of Hanni's presence, the way Hanni always seemed to know exactly what she needed, lingered in her thoughts.

It wasn't long before Minji found herself near the area where she knew Haerin often passed between classes. She wasn't sure what she was hoping for; a simple glimpse, a brief word, anything that could break the ache inside her. She had missed Haerin more than she realized. 

Minji's eyes scanned the hallway, her heart pounding with anticipation. It wasn't long before she spotted Haerin at her locker, her back turned as she sorted through her things, the familiar stillness in her posture making Minji's chest tighten. But before she could take another step closer, a familiar voice caught her off guard.

"Minji?"

Minji froze, her breath catching in her throat as she turned toward the sound. Standing just a few feet away was Hanni, a soft smile on her lips as she waved. Her presence was an unexpected but welcome surprise. Minji's eyes widened in surprise. "Hanni? What are you doing here?"

Hanni chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with a warmth that seemed to chase away the lingering tension in Minji's chest. "I'm here because my dad's meeting is nearby. I thought I'd surprise you." She tilted her head playfully.

Minji's smile faltered, though it was brief, as her gaze shifted back toward Haerin, who was still standing at her locker, seemingly unaware of their conversation. The sight of her, so quiet and withdrawn, tugged at Minji's heart.

"I... I didn't expect to see you here," Minji muttered, her voice quieter now, her mind racing. "I was actually looking for someone..."

Hanni's smile faded as she saw the distant look in Minji's eyes, a look that was unfamiliar to her, one she had never seen before. It wasn't the usual guarded expression Minji wore; it was something softer, almost... longing. It made Hanni's heart skip a beat, a small frown tugging at her lips.

"Minji," Hanni began, her voice gentle but probing, "do you like someone?"

Minji blinked, taken aback by the question. She looked at Hanni with confusion in her eyes. "What do you mean?"

Hanni studied her for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly. "I've never seen you look like this before, not with anyone. Not even with me." She paused, her gaze shifting briefly to where Haerin stood by her locker, still oblivious to their conversation. "Is it her?"

Her gaze flickered back to Haerin before she quickly looked away, unsure of how to answer. Her heart was heavy, and the words felt stuck in her throat.