In Ten Universes (Catnipz)

Universe 4.0

Minji had always known her father was a hunter, but the truth was, she didn't know much beyond that. Her dad never spoke about his work, and she was never curious enough to ask. He was strict, quiet, and often away on long trips. There was always something unsettling about him when he returned, something in his eyes that Minji couldn't place.

But there was one thing she did know: her dad hated werewolves.

It wasn't something he openly discussed with her, but the few times Minji caught glimpses of his work, the hints were undeniable. The weapons, the maps, the cryptic conversations with other hunters; it all pointed to one thing.

Minji's father hunted werewolves.

It wasn't until recently, when she was old enough to understand the weight of his profession, that the realization sank in. His hatred wasn't just a passing sentiment; it was a deep, relentless drive that seemed to consume him. The stories she overheard, the way he avoided certain topics, the things she saw hidden away in the attic; clawed weapons, traps, and ancient books about werewolf lore told her all she needed to know.

But Minji never questioned him. She had grown up in a household where the unspoken rule was clear: stay out of his way and don't ask questions. 

Minji was walking to school, her mind occupied with the usual thoughts of classes and the day ahead, when she spotted something unusual by the creek. There, lying motionless on the grassy bank, was a girl. Her long hair cascaded around her like a dark curtain, and her body was limp, as if she had collapsed from exhaustion or something worse.

Minji's steps slowed, concern flickering in her chest. She approached the girl cautiously, kneeling beside her. Gently, Minji shook her, whispering, "Hey, are you alright?"

The girl's body stiffened at the touch, her eyes snapping open. Minji was startled by the sudden change, but before she could react, the girl quickly scrambled to her feet, darting behind the nearest tree as if to shield herself from Minji.

Minji took a step back, hands raised in a gesture of peace. "Hey, I'm not going to hurt you," she said, her voice soft. "I just saw you lying there. You're not hurt, are you?"

The girl's wide, wary eyes peeked around the tree, her body tense, ready to flee at a moment's notice. Minji could tell she was frightened, and that made her heart ache.

"I'm not here to cause trouble," Minji added gently, trying to offer reassurance. "I just wanted to make sure you're okay."

The girl stayed silent for a moment, the tension in her body slowly easing but still unsure. Minji waited, her gaze softening as she watched the girl, unsure of how to bridge the gap between them.

After a long pause, the girl stepped slightly out from behind the tree, her eyes still cautious but not as frightened. She didn't say anything, but Minji could tell there was something about her; a vulnerability, a wariness, as if she wasn't used to being helped, or perhaps didn't trust it.

Minji smiled softly, a warmth in her eyes. "I don't bite, you know," she teased lightly, trying to break the silence.

The girl's lips twitched, just barely, and Minji took it as a small victory. Maybe this wasn't a lost cause after all.

The girl's eyes darted around the area, her body stiffening again as if she was searching for something; or someone. Her breathing quickened, and she glanced over her shoulder nervously, as if she feared someone was watching.

Minji noticed the shift in her demeanor, her concern deepening. "Hey, who are you looking for?" Minji asked softly, trying to keep her voice steady and calm to avoid startling her.