In Ten Universes (Catnipz)

Universe 3.0

"You're sweating," Minji said casually before reaching over.

Before Haerin could stop her, Minji's fingers brushed against the brim of her hat, lifting it off in one swift motion.

Haerin's breath caught in her throat.

The world seemed to freeze for a split second as the warm breeze ran through her hair, the weight of the fabric no longer shielding her. And in that fleeting moment, Minji saw them; curved, dark horns peeking from beneath Haerin's hair.

Minji's eyes widened.

Haerin's heart pounded violently in her chest as she snatched the hat back, shoving it onto her head so fast it nearly slipped off again. Her hands trembled as she pressed the fabric down, her grip so tight her knuckles turned white.

Minji blinked, still processing what she had seen.

Haerin didn't give her the chance.

"Forget it." Her voice was sharp, defensive. "You didn't see anything."

She turned away, her shoulders tense, waiting for the inevitable reaction; fear, disgust, mockery.

But Minji said nothing.

The silence stretched between them, heavy and uncertain.

Haerin buried her face in her knees, gripping the fabric of her pants so tightly her fingers ached. Shame curled in her chest, a familiar, suffocating weight. She should've run. She should've pushed Minji away. She should've- 

Her thoughts halted when she felt something.

A gentle touch.

Her hat was lifted off again, but this time, it wasn't sudden or forceful. It was careful. Deliberate.

Haerin stiffened.

Then; warm fingers. Tracing the curve of her horns, soft and slow.

Her breath hitched. No one had ever touched them before. Not like this.

"They're cute."

Minji's voice was light, almost amused, as if she had just made a simple observation. Like she was complimenting a stray cat she found on the street.

Haerin's entire body tensed.

She should be angry. She should be shoving Minji away, snatching her hat back, running as far as possible.

But she couldn't move.

Because for the first time in her life, someone wasn't looking at her with fear. Or disgust. Or ridicule.

Just warmth. Just curiosity. Just Minji.

Haerin slowly lifted her head, her eyes meeting Minji's.

And there it was; the smile. A simple, effortless smile that made Minji's dimples appear, her expression warm and genuine. It was the kind of smile that didn't make Haerin feel small or ashamed. It was the kind of smile that made her feel... noticed, but not in the way she feared.

Before Haerin could fully process the warmth in Minji's gaze, she felt Minji's arm gently pulling her closer, drawing her into the safety of her embrace.

Haerin froze.

Minji's hold was light but comforting, as if she was protecting something fragile. Something Haerin never thought she could be.

For a moment, Haerin hesitated, unsure if she should pull away. But the longer she stayed there, the more she realized she didn't want to.

She didn't want to pull away.