The Silent Canvas (Catnipz)

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She stayed there for a moment, unmoving, as if her body refused to respond. The weight of everything; of the arguments, the confusion, the isolation, crushed her all at once. Her breathing became shallow, uneven, and she fought against the rising panic in her chest. She couldn't breathe, couldn't think, could only feel the sharp ache of everything she was trying to hide.

From the corner of the room, Minji had seen the sudden collapse. Her heart skipped a beat, her instincts kicking in, and she rushed to Haerin's side.

"Haerin!" Minji's voice was laced with panic, her hand reaching out before she even thought about it, pulling Haerin's trembling form into her arms, holding her close. "Hey, hey, are you okay?"

Haerin didn't answer, her face pale and her body still shaking in Minji's arms. Minji's heart raced as she gently stroked Haerin's hair, trying to steady her breathing, hoping the contact would ground her.

"Haerin, please..." Minji whispered, her voice barely above a breath, a quiet plea escaping her lips. She wasn't sure what to do, but all she could think about was being there for Haerin, hoping she could help her in some way, even if it was just by being close.

Haerin remained silent, her fragile frame resting against Minji's, too overwhelmed to speak or respond.

Minji froze, her hand already on the door handle, ready to rush for help. But then she heard it; a soft sound, almost imperceptible at first, a quiet stirring from Haerin. Minji turned back quickly, her breath catching in her throat as she saw Haerin's eyes flutter open, the dazed expression on her face making Minji's heart ache.

Minji stayed still, her heart beating quickly in her chest as she watched Haerin slowly regain her awareness. Haerin's eyes still looked clouded with confusion, but she was starting to focus. Minji hesitated for a moment, then signed gently, her hands slow and clear.

"Are you alright?" Minji asked, her movements careful, each word laced with concern.

Haerin didn't respond with words. Instead, she reached out, her hands trembling slightly, and pulled Minji closer, her movements desperate but quiet. Without a word, Haerin buried her face in Minji's chest, her hands clutching Minji's clothes as if she was holding onto the last bit of security she could find.

Minji's breath caught in her throat at the sudden movement, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around Haerin, holding her close. The weight of Haerin's quiet vulnerability settled heavily in her arms, and Minji felt a wave of protectiveness wash over her. Haerin's body shook slightly, but there were no words, no explanations, just the warmth of her presence and the quiet comfort of being held.

Minji held her tighter, her hand gently resting on Haerin's back, her fingers brushing soothingly. She didn't say anything, knowing that sometimes, in moments like this, words weren't necessary. She could feel Haerin's emotions, the rawness of what she'd been holding inside. And in that moment, Minji knew, she wouldn't let go.

Minji gently pulled away, giving Haerin some space but still staying close. She was about to sign, to ask how she could help, when Haerin's hands moved quickly, the signs full of frustration and pain.

"I'm sorry," Haerin signed, her fingers trembling. "I shouldn't have said all that. I was just so frustrated with myself. I feel... so helpless. I'm useless. And I shouldn't have blamed you for trying to protect me."

Her hands fell slightly, the weight of her words hanging heavy in the room. Haerin's eyes were downcast, her shoulders slumped as if the confession itself had drained the last bit of strength from her. The air between them seemed to grow thick, and Minji could feel the tension in Haerin's every movement, the guilt, the frustration, the struggle she was carrying inside.

Minji didn't hesitate this time. She moved closer, her hands slow but firm as she signed back, her eyes soft with understanding.

"You're not useless," Minji signed, her fingers brushing against Haerin's in a reassuring gesture. "You're not helpless, Haerin. And you never have to apologize to me for trying to protect you. I care about you. You don't have to carry this alone."

Haerin's eyes flickered up at Minji, her expression still burdened with doubt, but there was a flicker of something softer, something vulnerable. Minji offered a small, comforting smile, silently urging Haerin to let go of the weight she was carrying, even if just for a moment.

Minji took a deep breath, her hands gently moving as she signed again, her gaze never leaving Haerin's face.

"I'm sorry too," Minji signed, her fingers slow and deliberate, the sincerity in her movements clear. "I understand now. You didn't want me to get hurt for you. I should have listened. I won't do anything like that again. I promise."

Her words were simple, but the weight of them was heavy with the realization of how her actions had affected Haerin. She looked at Haerin with genuine regret, her heart aching at the thought of making her feel responsible for Minji's pain.

Haerin's expression softened slightly, but she still seemed hesitant. Minji reached out, her hand hovering for a moment before she gently touched Haerin's arm.

"I'll always protect you," Minji signed, her eyes filled with a quiet determination. "But I'll never do it in a way that puts you or me at risk again. We're in this together."

Haerin's eyes softened, the weight of her frustrations slowly giving way to the warmth of Minji's understanding. 

Haerin nodded slowly, her eyes still heavy with emotion as she reached out to pull Minji into another hug. The warmth of Minji's embrace was comforting, a silent promise of support, and Haerin clung to it, letting the sense of safety wash over her. She stayed there for a moment, unwilling to let go, savouring the feeling of not being alone.

When Minji finally pulled back, her hands moved gently, signing the question Haerin had been avoiding. "Why did you collapse?" Minji signed, her brow furrowed with concern, her eyes searching Haerin's face for an answer.

Haerin hesitated, her gaze drifting to the floor as she bit her lip. Her hands trembled slightly as she signed back, her voice quiet in the form of her movements. "I... I didn't eat enough today. I haven't been taking care of myself... And everything just... piled up."

Her voice, though silent, carried a weight that Minji could feel in the way her hands moved; shaky and unsure. Haerin's vulnerability was raw in the moment, and Minji's heart tightened at the thought of her pushing herself so hard, even when it seemed like no one was watching.

Minji's expression softened, her hands moving to gently touch Haerin's arms. "You have to take care of yourself, Haerin. Don't forget that," Minji signed, her fingers moving tenderly, as if to emphasize the importance of what she was saying.

Haerin looked up at Minji, the corners of her lips lifting just slightly in a silent acknowledgment of her words. She nodded again, understanding the weight of what Minji was offering, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she felt a little lighter.