In Ten Universes (Catnipz)

Universe 3.0

The lake shimmered in the distance, the water still and inviting. She picked up her pace, drawn to its quiet promise of relief.

Reaching the edge, she crouched down, cupping the cool water in her hands before splashing it on her face. A sigh escaped her lips.

Her fingers twitched at the hem of her hat. She wanted nothing more than to take it off, to let the wind cool her burning skin. But she couldn't.

She never could.

Instead, she sat by the water's edge, hugging her knees to her chest. The reflection staring back at her was the same as always; her face half-hidden by fabric, her eyes tired.

The wind blew softly, rustling the trees around her. And for a moment, Haerin closed her eyes, pretending she was someone else, someone who didn't have to hide.

Haerin stiffened at the sound of rustling leaves behind her. Instinctively, her hands shot up to her hat, clutching it tightly as if it would disappear the moment she loosened her grip. Her pulse quickened. Had someone followed her? Had those girls from school come after her?

Slowly, she turned around.

A girl stood a few feet away, watching her with quiet curiosity. She was taller than Haerin, her black hair falling just past her shoulders, her features soft and warm, gentle in a way that reminded Haerin of a bear.

She didn't speak. Neither of them did.

For a moment, they only stared at each other, the silence stretching between them, broken only by the rustling of trees and the distant chirping of birds.

Haerin's fingers curled even tighter around the fabric of her hat. She didn't know why, but something about this girl unsettled her. Not in a bad way, just enough to make her chest feel oddly tight.

The girl took a step closer, her gaze calm and steady. Then, in a quiet voice, she asked, "Can I sit here?"

Haerin hesitated.

She wasn't used to people asking. Usually, they just sat. Usually, they didn't even bother looking at her.

Her grip on her hat remained firm, but after a long pause, she gave a small nod.

The girl lowered herself onto the grass beside Haerin, leaving just enough space between them. She didn't say anything else, didn't try to force a conversation. She just sat there, watching the lake with a peaceful expression.

Haerin stole a glance at her.

She still didn't know why, but there was something about this girl that made her uneasy. Not in fear, but in a way that made her feel seen. And she wasn't sure if she liked that.

The girl glanced at Haerin before turning her gaze back to the lake. Her voice was soft when she spoke.

"I'm Minji."

Haerin didn't respond right away. She kept her fingers curled tightly around the brim of her hat, her eyes flickering between Minji and the water.

Minji didn't push for an answer. She simply sat there, letting the quiet settle between them like an old friend.

After a long pause, Haerin finally mumbled, "...Haerin."

Minji smiled, just a little. "Nice to meet you, Haerin."

Haerin wasn't sure what to make of her. She didn't seem like the others; didn't pry, didn't tease, didn't reach for the hat Haerin held onto like her life depended on it.

She was just... there. Sitting beside her. Not expecting anything in return.

Haerin barely had time to react.