In Ten Universes (Catnipz)

Universe 2.4

"You're not supposed to fall asleep here," Haerin muttered quietly, her voice still soft and a little unsure, as though trying to brush off the intimacy of the moment.

Minji smiled and sat up, stretching a little as she did. "Well, I guess I broke the rules then," she said gently, her tone teasing but full of warmth. "But I couldn't leave you alone last night."

Haerin's gaze flickered back to Minji, her eyes a little more guarded now. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but hesitated. Minji caught the uncertainty in her gaze, and the protective instinct she had for the girl stirred again.

"You don't have to worry about last night," Minji said, her voice calm but earnest. "It's okay. I'm here."

For a moment, there was silence between them. Haerin didn't respond right away, but Minji could see her weighing the words, maybe even trying to understand them.

Then, as if deciding to leave the topic behind, Haerin stood up from the bed and glanced at the window. The sunlight was already pouring through the curtains, painting the room with warm hues.

"I'll be fine," Haerin said, her voice steady, but Minji noticed the faint tremble in her hands as she pulled the blankets up, making the bed neatly. "I didn't need you to stay. I'm not a child."

Minji observed her, noting the deflection in Haerin's words. She was used to pushing people away, shutting down in the face of kindness. But Minji wasn't going to let her do it this time.

"I know," Minji replied softly, rising to her feet. "But that doesn't mean I'm going anywhere."

Haerin didn't say anything further, but the briefest flicker of something unspoken passed between them. It was as if Haerin had accepted Minji's presence, even if she wasn't ready to fully accept the care that came with it.

As Minji stood by the window, her eyes still on Haerin, the door creaked open, and the familiar figure of Minji's supervisor, Dr. Lee, stepped inside. She was a middle-aged woman with a stern demeanor, always calm and precise in her actions. Dr. Lee's gaze immediately fell on Haerin, who was still sitting quietly on the edge of the bed, her fingers nervously gripping the sheets.

Minji stepped aside, sensing the doctor's intent to check on Haerin. But as Dr. Lee moved toward the bed, Haerin flinched slightly, her eyes darting to Minji. Without a second thought, Haerin reached out, her small hands gripping Minji's sleeve tightly as if seeking some form of reassurance.

Minji looked down at Haerin, surprised by the girl's sudden clinginess, but there was no hesitation in her actions. She gently placed her hand over Haerin's, her thumb lightly stroking the back of her hand in a calm, soothing motion.

Dr. Lee noticed the interaction and raised an eyebrow but said nothing at first. She walked to the side of the bed and began reviewing Haerin's file. "How is she doing today, Minji?" she asked, her voice even and clinical.

Minji hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting to Haerin, whose grip on her sleeve had tightened even more. Haerin hadn't spoken a word, her face still as guarded as ever, but there was an obvious discomfort in her posture.

"She's... a bit better than yesterday," Minji replied slowly, her voice steady but tinged with concern.

Dr. Lee nodded, flipping through Haerin's file as she continued her evaluation. "We need to be careful with her, Minji. The trauma she's been through is profound. We'll need to take a gentle approach."

Minji's gaze softened, glancing down at Haerin again, who was still clutching her tightly. Haerin's eyes, usually so distant, were now filled with a quiet desperation. She looked up at Minji, but her face remained unreadable, the vulnerability in her posture unmistakable.

"I understand," Minji said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes meeting the doctor's.

Dr. Lee watched the exchange carefully, observing how tightly Haerin was holding onto Minji. There was no denying that the bond between them was already forming, fragile as it might be, but it was there.

"Well, I'll need to examine her," Dr. Lee said, turning her attention back to Haerin, who hadn't let go of Minji's sleeve. "But we can do this gently. Haerin, I just need to check a few things, alright?"

Haerin's response was to shrink back slightly, her grip on Minji tightening. Minji didn't miss it, her heart aching for the girl who was so terrified of the simplest interactions.

"Haerin," Minji said softly, her voice soothing. She gently cupped Haerin's face in her hands, tilting her head to meet her gaze. "It's okay. Dr. Lee is here to help you. I'll be right here the entire time."

Haerin's eyes flickered with uncertainty, but after a moment, she nodded slowly, though the tension in her body didn't dissipate. Minji turned to Dr. Lee and gave a small nod, silently signaling for the doctor to proceed.

Dr. Lee moved closer, carefully and slowly starting her examination. Haerin flinched at first but didn't pull away. Minji kept her hand on Haerin's, rubbing her fingers gently, whispering reassurances as Dr. Lee conducted her checks.