In Ten Universes (Catnipz)

Universe 6.0

Minji stayed where she was, her heart aching with every second of silence. She wasn't sure how long it would take, or if Haerin would ever step down. But she couldn't give up. Not when she knew there was so much more to this girl; there had to be a reason, something deeper than the pain she was showing on the surface.

"I know you're hurting, Haerin," Minji said quietly, her voice filled with compassion. "But there are people who care about you. You don't have to face this alone."

Haerin remained silent, her body a tense silhouette against the dark sky, still as the world spun around her. Minji's breath caught in her chest, her hands trembling slightly as she fought to keep her composure.

All Minji could do now was wait. Wait for Haerin to make the choice, to step down, to give her a chance to reach her.

Haerin's voice was barely a whisper, but it hit Minji like a wave. She finally turned her head slightly, her gaze distant and clouded with despair.

"My entire family hates me," Haerin said, her voice thick with emotion. "And so do I. I don't even know why I'm still here... I just want to start over. But there's only one way to do that."

Minji's breath caught in her throat. She took another cautious step forward, trying to close the distance between them, her voice calm but urgent. "Haerin, that's not true. You're not alone. There's always another way. You don't have to do this."

Haerin's lips quivered as she looked down at the ground below her, the city lights flickering like distant stars. "You don't get it. Every time I try, it's the same thing. They're never happy with me. No matter what I do, I'm just... I'm just a disappointment."

Minji's heart broke at the pain in Haerin's voice. She couldn't begin to imagine what it was like, feeling so lost, so unloved. But Minji wasn't going to let her give up. Not like this.

"You're not a disappointment," Minji said softly, her voice unwavering. "I don't know your family, but I know you. You matter. You don't have to prove anything to anyone. And you don't have to carry this burden on your own."

Haerin's eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she didn't let them fall. She clenched her fists at her sides, her entire body tense with the weight of her emotions. "I'm so tired of trying to fix everything," she murmured. "I don't know how much longer I can keep pretending that it's okay when it's not."

Minji's heart broke for her, but she refused to let Haerin give up on herself. "You don't have to fix everything on your own. You just need to take one step at a time. Let me help you. I don't know exactly what you're going through, but I'm here for you."

Haerin stayed silent for a moment, her gaze still fixed on the ground below. The air between them hung heavy with unspoken words, and for a moment, it felt like time itself had frozen.

But then Haerin's shoulders slumped, the tension leaving her body. Slowly, she took a step back from the ledge, her legs trembling as she steadied herself. Her voice was quieter this time, almost fragile. "I don't know if I can do it."

Minji reached out, gently taking Haerin's hand in hers. "You don't have to do it alone," she said softly. "You just have to take the first step. Let's do it together."

Haerin's hands trembled as they wrapped around Minji's waist, her head still hung low, eyes avoiding Minji's gaze. It was like she was holding onto Minji for support, as though this simple act was the only thing anchoring her to the moment.

Minji, feeling the weight of Haerin's touch, placed a gentle hand on the back of Haerin's head, her thumb brushing through her hair in a silent gesture of comfort. The air between them was filled with a quiet understanding, both of them aware of the unspoken connection that had begun to form in the span of a few minutes.

Minji stayed still, letting Haerin take her time, giving her the space she needed without pulling away. She could feel Haerin's breath against her chest, shaky and uneven, but steadying.

Haerin's voice came out almost in a whisper, her words barely audible. "I'm scared," she admitted, the vulnerability in her tone making Minji's heart ache.

Minji tightened her grip on Haerin, holding her a little closer, her voice soft but firm. "I'm here. And you don't have to be scared. Not anymore."

Still, Haerin didn't look up, but Minji could feel the weight of her emotions, the storm inside her beginning to calm just a little. It was a small step, but it was something.

Eros smirked, his voice teasing as he leaned back. "Told you you should've just believed me. Maybe you wouldn't have looked so embarrassed."

Eris shot him a sharp glare, her cheeks flushed with frustration. "I don't need you to remind me," she snapped, crossing her arms over her chest. "It's not like you did anything impressive."

Eros chuckled, unfazed by her irritation. "You were the one doubting me. If you'd trusted me, you wouldn't have gotten all worked up. You could've saved face."

Eris rolled her eyes, but there was a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips despite herself. "Don't get too smug. It won't happen again."

Eros raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "Oh, I'm counting on it. Keep doubting me, and I'll just keep proving you wrong."