In Ten Universes (Catnipz)

Universe 2.4

Minji's arms remained around her, offering as much comfort as she could, her hands gently rubbing Haerin's back in a slow, calming rhythm. She didn't try to rush or force words onto her; she just let her be, offering the one thing Haerin needed most in that moment: someone who would stay.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Haerin's sobs stopped entirely. Her body grew slack in Minji's arms, her head resting against Minji's chest, and her breathing shifted from frantic gasps to the quiet, steady rhythm of sleep.

Minji took a deep breath, her own body sore from staying in the same position for so long. Carefully, she adjusted her hold on Haerin, making sure not to disturb her. She didn't want to let go just yet, but she knew Haerin needed to be back in her bed, to rest properly.

With a soft sigh, Minji lifted Haerin into her arms, cradling the girl gently as she stood. Haerin's head lilted against her shoulder, still deep in her slumber, unaware of the careful movements Minji made to settle her back into her bed.

Minji lowered her gently onto the mattress, tucking the blankets around her, making sure Haerin was comfortable. The girl's face was peaceful now, free from the tension and fear that had overtaken her only moments ago. Minji paused for a moment, watching Haerin sleep, her heart aching for all the pain she knew Haerin had been carrying alone.

Minji sat down at the edge of the bed, her fingers lightly brushing a stray lock of hair from Haerin's face. The room was quiet now, the only sound the soft rhythm of Haerin's breath as she slept, finally at peace for the moment.

Minji stayed there, her gaze fixed on the girl she had come to care about so quickly. There was still so much she didn't understand, so much she hadn't uncovered about Haerin's past, about the darkness she seemed to be running from. But in that moment, Minji knew one thing for certain: she wouldn't leave Haerin to face it alone.

Her fingers remained gently resting on the bed, her presence a steady reassurance. She wasn't going anywhere. Not tonight.

The next morning, Minji stirred slowly, her body still heavy with the weight of the previous night. She hadn't meant to fall asleep, but the exhaustion from staying up with Haerin had caught up with her. She blinked a few times, her surroundings blurry for a moment before they cleared.

It wasn't the soft, rhythmic sound of Haerin's breathing that roused her, but the soft thud of something tapping her head. Minji blinked again, slightly disoriented, and felt a small jolt of surprise when she realized Haerin was sitting beside her.

Haerin's gaze was focused intently on Minji, her expression somewhat softer than usual, though there was a hint of amusement in her eyes. She had raised her hand and lightly smacked Minji on the head, just hard enough to get her attention.

Minji chuckled softly, rubbing the spot where Haerin had tapped her. "Ouch," she said, though the smile on her lips betrayed her playful tone. "Is this how you wake people up around here?"

Haerin said nothing for a moment, just looking at Minji with that unreadable, quiet gaze. Then, as if realizing she had done something unexpected, she looked away quickly, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks. It was the first time Minji had seen Haerin's face soften like that, almost shy.