The Silent Canvas (Catnipz)

|| 14 ||

The steady patter of the rain against the library windows created a soothing rhythm, and the warm, quiet atmosphere wrapped around Minji like a blanket. She had spent the entire Sunday buried in textbooks and notes, trying to catch up on everything her father had demanded of her. The pressure was suffocating, but she kept pushing herself, the thought of disappointing him gnawing at her every step.

By Monday, her mind was exhausted. She hadn't gotten enough rest, and the lack of sleep made everything feel distant, blurry. As she sat in the library, surrounded by stacks of books, Minji tried to focus, but her eyelids felt heavier with each passing minute. Her head nodded slightly, and before she knew it, her body slumped forward, the book in front of her providing little support.

Her breathing slowed as she drifted into an uneasy nap, the weight of the long hours and stress pulling her under. The quiet rustling of papers and the occasional sound of a book being flipped were the only sounds in the library, and Minji, for a brief moment, found herself lost in a peaceful, dreamless slumber.

She had become accustomed to pushing herself to the limit, but today, her body betrayed her, needing rest more than she was willing to give it. As her head continued to droop, a slight draft from the window sent a chill through her skin, but the sensation barely registered in her tired mind.

Her hands remained loosely clutching the textbook in front of her, but it was clear that Minji, for once, had given in to the exhaustion.

Haerin walked into the library, her footsteps soft against the polished floor, careful not to disturb the quiet atmosphere. Her eyes immediately found Minji, hunched over the book in front of her, the faint rise and fall of her chest the only indication of life. Haerin's heart tightened at the sight; Minji looked so small and fragile in that moment, a stark contrast to the sharp, commanding presence she usually carried.

Haerin hesitated for a moment, studying Minji's peaceful face. She could see the exhaustion etched into her features, the way her brow furrowed even in sleep, as if the weight of the world still rested on her shoulders. Haerin bit her lip, then, quietly, without a word, she reached over and gently pulled the book away from Minji's hands. The action was done with care, not wanting to startle her.

With the book set aside, Haerin draped her sweater around Minji's shoulders, the fabric warm from her own body. She moved carefully, wanting to make sure Minji was comfortable, not wanting to disrupt her brief moment of rest. Haerin's eyes softened as she watched Minji sleep, the soft rise and fall of her chest the only thing that grounded her to this fleeting, peaceful moment.

Haerin sat down in front of her, folding her legs beneath her as she let out a quiet sigh. She stayed there for a while, just watching Minji, letting her own mind settle. There was a comfort in this silence, an unspoken understanding between them that made her feel a sense of peace, even amidst all the chaos and pressure Minji faced.

She wanted to do more, to protect her from all the things that hurt her, but in this moment, all she could do was be here, silent and present, just as Minji had been for her so many times before.

Haerin had been about to stand up, quietly preparing to leave the library and let Minji rest, but then she felt it, a small, unexpected tug on her wrist. She paused, looking down in surprise. Minji's hand, though still slightly limp with sleep, held onto her wrist, a gentle grip that was enough to stop her in her tracks.

For a moment, Haerin stayed perfectly still, unsure whether Minji was fully awake or still lost in her dreams. She looked up to see Minji's face, still calm, her eyes half-open, but there was a soft vulnerability in her gaze that tugged at Haerin's heart.

Minji's grip on Haerin's wrist tightened just a little, as if to silently ask her to stay. Haerin didn't sign anything, not wanting to disturb the quiet moment, but she could feel the unspoken words between them. Minji didn't need to say anything; Haerin understood. With a soft smile, Haerin sat back down in front of Minji, the gesture small but filled with an unspoken promise to stay.

Minji slowly woke up, her head feeling heavy as the warmth of the library surrounded her. Her eyes fluttered open, and she blinked a few times to clear the grogginess. She turned her head to find Haerin sitting across from her, watching her with concern. Haerin's soft eyes were focused on her, and Minji could tell she had been waiting patiently.

Haerin signed, her hands moving slowly and gracefully. "Why are you so tired?" she asked, her expression gentle but full of concern. "You haven't been sleeping well?"

Minji took a deep breath, trying to shake off the exhaustion that seemed to settle deeper within her. She hadn't realized how drained she truly was until she woke up. It had been a long stretch of late nights and early mornings, all focused on her studies, and now, it was catching up with her.

She gave a small, tired smile, her eyes not quite meeting Haerin's. "I've been studying all weekend," Minji signed back, her hands slow, deliberate. "Trying to catch up... trying to make up for everything. I guess it's just a lot."

Haerin's fingers moved in a series of swift, fluid signs, her eyes never leaving Minji. "Why are you studying so much? Finals aren't even close," she asked, her expression a mix of confusion and concern.

Minji let out a quiet sigh, her gaze falling to the table in front of her. "I feel like I need to catch up," she signed back slowly. "Everyone expects a lot from me. My family, my parents... I don't want to disappoint them. I can't fall behind."

Haerin's hands moved again, her fingers more deliberate this time, conveying her thoughts with clear emphasis. "You should do what's best for you, not for the people around you," she signed gently but firmly. "You're the smartest person I know, Minji. You don't have to prove anything."

Minji's eyes softened at the sincerity in Haerin's expression. The weight of her words hung in the air, settling on Minji's chest like a comforting warmth. She looked at Haerin, the quiet kindness in her gaze taking her by surprise. For a moment, she found herself at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond to the unexpected support.

Haerin smiled softly, her hands resting calmly in her lap. "You're already enough, Minji. Don't forget that," she signed, her fingers moving with care, as if each word was a gentle reminder.

Minji felt a lump form in her throat, emotions she hadn't been allowing herself to feel rising up. She nodded slowly, a wave of gratitude washing over her. Haerin's words were like a lifeline, something she hadn't realized she desperately needed to hear.

"Thank you," Minji signed quietly, her hands shaky as she finally allowed herself to release some of the pressure that had been building within her. Haerin's understanding felt like a soft embrace, one that helped her breathe a little easier.