Chapter 4: Looking For Attention
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"So where's your cousin?" Yunjin's inquiry cut through the conversation, directed at Minji. "In her dorm," Minji replied, though the nonchalant response didn't entirely convince Yunjin, who still held a sense of skepticism. Hyein, on the other hand, was positively effervescent. "She's so pretty, like a delicate flower," she gushed with enthusiasm, her excitement palpable. Hanni found amusement in Hyein's description, her laughter rippling through the group.
"A flower?" Hanni echoed, arching a playful eyebrow. Hyein nodded fervently, her eyes sparkling. "You should've seen her. Her eyes are so big and beautiful," Hyein continued, her admiration evident in her animated expressions. Yunjin draped an arm around Hyein's shoulder, the affectionate gesture prompting Hyein to lean into her, their camaraderie apparent.
As the conversation flowed, Minji allowed herself to relax, leaning back slightly. The topic seemed innocuous enough, centered around her mysterious cousin, and she appreciated the break from the intensity of recent events. However, Hanni's curiosity led the conversation to shift towards the reason for her cousin's sudden appearance. Minji's brows furrowed slightly as she quickly fabricated a lie. "Well, her parents got a job here," she offered, her tone casual but intentional. Hanni nodded in acceptance, seemingly satisfied with the explanation.
Yunjin's curiosity persisted as she leaned into the conversation. "When do we all get to meet her?" she inquired, her eyes glinting with interest. Minji's lips curled into a smile. "Soon," she replied, her response vague yet promising.
The gentle chime of the school bell disrupted the conversation, signaling the end of their leisurely time on the field. With a sense of shared camaraderie, they began to disperse, each heading in their own direction toward their respective classes. As they parted ways, the anticipation of the impending meeting with Minji's cousin hung in the air, casting a veil of curiosity and intrigue over their ordinary school day. Unbeknownst to them, their world was on the cusp of irrevocable change, and the threads of fate were weaving a tapestry that would bind them all in ways they couldn't yet imagine.
The school day progressed, the minutes ticking away as classes came and went. Minji found herself distracted, her thoughts often straying to her enigmatic cousin, Haerin. With each passing hour, her anticipation grew, mingling with a growing sense of unease. She wondered how Haerin was faring on her first day at Crestwood Heights, blending in among the students with her own unique charm.
The lunch break finally arrived, and Minji's friends gathered once more at their usual spot beneath the shade of a grand oak tree. The conversation flowed effortlessly, with topics ranging from upcoming exams to weekend plans. Despite the mundane chatter, an undercurrent of anticipation lingered among them.
As the group discussed their afternoon classes and the latest school gossip, Minji's gaze occasionally drifted to the entrance of the school building. She couldn't help but wonder when Haerin would make her appearance. Would she be able to seamlessly integrate into the student body, as she had during her meeting with Principal Anderson earlier that morning?
Just as Minji was beginning to resign herself to the possibility that Haerin might not join them for lunch, a figure caught her attention. Emerging from the school building, clad in the Crestwood Heights uniform, was none other than Haerin. Minji's heart skipped a beat as she took in the sight of her cousin, her gaze unwavering and her movements graceful.
Haerin approached their gathering with a sense of quiet confidence. Her presence was magnetic, drawing the attention of Minji's friends, who watched with curiosity as she joined the circle. The atmosphere shifted, a blend of intrigue and uncertainty settling among them. Haerin's appearance was undeniably striking, her features ethereal in the daylight.
"Hey, guys," Haerin greeted with a polite nod, her voice carrying an air of formality that seemed out of place in their casual group. Minji introduced her to her friends, and while the initial interactions were polite, there was an undeniable tension that hung in the air. Haerin's unique aura seemed to both intrigue and unsettle Minji's friends, leaving them with more questions than answers.
As the conversation continued, Minji noticed that Haerin's responses were measured and calculated, as if she were carefully choosing her words. It was a stark contrast to her typically reserved demeanor. Minji's friends exchanged subtle glances, their curiosity only intensifying.
As lunch drew to a close, Haerin excused herself, explaining that she had to attend to something. Minji watched her cousin depart, her mind racing with thoughts about the complexities of Haerin's situation and the challenges that lay ahead. She knew that integrating into human society would be no easy task, and the mysteries surrounding their connection deepened with each passing moment.
With Haerin's departure, the group resumed their usual banter, but an undercurrent of intrigue lingered. Minji's mind was consumed with thoughts of her cousin and the enigmatic bond they shared. As the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the campus, the world seemed to hold its breath, bracing for the revelations and adventures that awaited in the days to come.
Minji departed from the long wooden lunch table, her friends' perplexed glances lingering unnoticed in her determination. She trailed after Haerin, a silent figure with nearly noiseless footsteps, as they ventured through the hushed corridors of the antiquated building. The inherent stealthiness of a vampire granted Haerin the ability to traverse these halls in a near-mute fashion.
Eventually, Minji's pursuit led her to a dimly lit dormitory bathroom. Within, Haerin stood in contemplation, her gaze locked upon the toilet as though it held profound meaning. Minji's curiosity got the better of her, and she voiced her question. "What are you doing?" Her inquiry echoed in the small space. Haerin turned her attention towards Minji, her demeanor composed. "I have to get rid of the food," she responded, her tone low and solemn, her gaze never leaving the toilet.
Minji furrowed her brows, processing Haerin's words. "So... vampires can't eat?" Minji ventured, seeking to understand the unique intricacies of Haerin's existence. A gentle smile curved Haerin's lips. "We can eat, but the food remains undigested. The taste is akin to cardboard," she explained, her tone retaining its formal quality. Minji couldn't help but cringe at the notion. "Oh, well, I'll leave you to it, I guess," Minji said, her curiosity sated for the moment. She began to turn away, only to be halted by Haerin's words.
"You don't have to walk all the way back," Haerin's voice reached her, a reminder of the peculiar connection they shared. Minji paused, her attention returning to Haerin. "I can hear your thoughts, remember?" Haerin offered as a reminder. A hint of discomfort crossed Minji's features. "Yes, although I'd prefer you not to delve into my mind without my knowledge," Minji responded, voicing her privacy concerns. Haerin's gaze remained steady. "Then shield me out," she suggested, her words a straightforward solution.
Minji's brow furrowed, briefly considering the suggestion before deciding to let it go for the moment. "Think of your destination, focus, and open your eyes," Haerin instructed, steering the conversation into a new direction. Minji regarded her cousin skeptically, attempting to grasp the mechanism behind Haerin's guidance. "What?" Minji questioned after a short silence, seeking clarification.
With an assured demeanor, Haerin turned away. Minji took a deep breath, closing her eyes and concentrating on the image of the lunch table. Moments later, she opened her eyes to find herself back at the table, her friends gazing at her with incredulity. The astonishment in their expressions was only matched by the enigma that Haerin brought into her life.
A sudden clatter reverberated through the cafeteria as Danielle's spoon, which had been hovering mid-air, abruptly tumbled to her tray. Minji's eyes widened in amazement. "Holy shit, it actually worked," she muttered under her breath, the astonishment evident in her voice. The unexpected disturbance drew the attention of the table's occupants, causing them to pause their conversations.
"What the fuck was that?" Hanni exclaimed, her half-eaten bread momentarily forgotten. Danielle furrowed her brows, her attention fixed on Minji. "Did you just teleport?" she questioned with a mix of surprise and intrigue. Minji let out a nervous chuckle, her mind racing to concoct an explanation. "No, I got here ages ago, remember?" she responded, her tone a blend of uncertainty and a hint of defensiveness.
Hyein shook her head, her curiosity evident. "You seemed to appear out of nowhere, though. What was that?" she prodded, her brow furrowing in puzzlement. Yunjin's gaze bore into Minji, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Since when did you gain that power?" she mused, her voice tinged with curiosity. Minji found herself grappling with the unexpected attention and questions.
With a hint of awkwardness, Minji attempted to offer an explanation. "Well, uh, I sort of... learned it from a spell book?" she lied, her words slightly hesitant. Hyein took a sip of her orange juice, skepticism apparent in her eyes. "I don't buy it," Hanni interjected, her skepticism echoing Hyein's sentiments. Danielle, meanwhile, reclaimed her spoon manually, a slight smirk on her face.
Minji sighed inwardly, realizing her makeshift explanation wasn't holding up well. Hyein's inquisitive gaze remained fixed on her. "I thought you said you weren't born with powers," Hyein pointed out, her tone curious yet somewhat accusatory. Minji nodded, acknowledging her past claims. "Yeah, I did say that. It's just... it just happened, okay? Can we drop it?" she pleaded, her attempt to steer the conversation away from her newfound abilities palpable.
Yunjin's lips curled into a knowing smile, her words carrying a hint of humor. "Likely never will," she remarked, her observation earning nods of agreement from her friends. Danielle resumed eating her cake.
Amidst the chatter and camaraderie, Minji couldn't shake the feeling that her once-normal life had been irrevocably altered. The emergence of newfound powers and the undeniable connection with Haerin had woven intricate threads into the tapestry of her existence.
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Lunchtime eventually came to a close, and as the minutes ticked away, Minji rose from her seat, preparing herself for her upcoming class. As she made her way to the next room, her gaze inadvertently landed on Haerin, who was already seated in her assigned spot. Minji settled into the chair beside her, the familiarity of Haerin's presence bringing a certain level of comfort amid the bustling hallways.
Glancing over her shoulder, Minji noticed that Haerin had chosen a seat by the window. She could easily imagine her tuning into the symphony of sounds outside – the chirping birds, the distant hum of traffic – with heightened senses that surpassed those of an ordinary student. Minji, too, was gifted with acute hearing, a consequence of her own newfound powers.
As the classroom filled with the influx of students, Minji couldn't help but notice the curious glances directed at Haerin. It was a rare sight to witness a newcomer, especially within the confines of a prestigious academy where entry was hard-earned and sought-after. Yet, it wasn't just Haerin's status as a new student that drew attention; it was the undeniable allure that emanated from her, a delicate charm that seemed to captivate those who looked upon her.
Whispers and stolen glances followed Haerin's every move, and Minji could almost feel the weight of the stares upon her. Haerin's presence had turned her into an unwitting spectacle, an anomaly in the world of the familiar. Minji couldn't help but notice that some of the gazes lingered a bit too long, fueled by curiosity and intrigue. Haerin's captivating appearance – porcelain skin, enchanting eyes, and an air of elegance – had quickly garnered the attention she might have preferred to avoid.
In that moment, as the buzz of speculation swirled around the room, Minji was acutely aware of the rift that seemed to form between Haerin and the rest of the class. The boundary that separated their worlds, human and otherworldly, was starkly defined in the reactions Haerin elicited. The magic school was a realm where acceptance of differences was paramount, yet the lingering glances and hushed conversations indicated that old prejudices still had their hold.
Minji couldn't help but feel a mixture of sympathy and frustration for Haerin, who had been thrust into this world of scrutiny and judgment. As the day continued, Minji's thoughts oscillated between her ordinary classmates and the extraordinary girl seated behind her, a reminder of the complexities of their intertwined fates and the challenges that lay ahead.
Minji attempted to immerse herself in her schoolwork, determined to concentrate on the task at hand. However, the persistent murmur of hushed whispers that echoed around her made it increasingly difficult to find her focus. The curious glances and covert conversations seemed to encroach upon her thoughts, preventing her from achieving any semblance of concentration.
Frustration gnawed at her as she shifted in her seat, searching for a way to escape the persistent background noise. At a loss for how to combat the incessant distractions, she resorted to a desperate measure – she covered her ears, hoping to drown out the disconcerting chatter that permeated the air.
In the midst of her distress, a singular voice cut through the cacophony, addressing her in her own mind. "Block them out," the voice advised, its presence an unexpected intrusion into her thoughts. Minji's brows furrowed in confusion as she struggled to identify the source of this newfound auditory presence. Who was this mysterious voice that seemed to speak directly to her mind, offering guidance amid the chaos?
The suddenness of the encounter left Minji momentarily stunned. She cast an intrigued glance around the classroom, wondering if anyone else had heard the voice or shared her experience. Yet, the appearance of normalcy prevailed – her classmates appeared engrossed in their own pursuits, completely unaware of the internal dialogue she had just engaged in.
Turning her attention inward, Minji pondered the implications of the voice's message. "Block them out," it had said, as if offering a solution to her dilemma. Could it be that she possessed an ability she hadn't been aware of – a unique skill that allowed her to shield her mind from the intruding thoughts of others?
As the murmurs persisted around her, Minji took a deep breath, determined to follow the voice's advice. She closed her eyes momentarily, focusing on the task at hand. Slowly, she envisioned a mental barrier forming around her thoughts, like a protective shield against the outside world. Gradually, the noise began to recede, replaced by a newfound sense of calm within her own mind.
Opening her eyes, Minji was surprised to find that the classroom had grown quieter. The whispers that had once inundated her senses seemed to have lost their potency, subdued by the newfound sense of control she had discovered. With a renewed determination, she turned her attention back to her work, grateful for the unexpected guidance that had allowed her to find solace amid the tumultuous sea of thoughts.
As the bell rang, signaling the end of the class, the room transformed into a buzzing hive of activity. Boys and girls, drawn like moths to a flame, converged around Haerin's table. Their eyes were wide with curiosity, their voices animated as they attempted to engage with the enigmatic new student. Minji's gaze swept across the scene, her bag slung over her shoulder as she watched the spectacle unfold. She couldn't help but offer a wry smile at the irony of it all.
Adjusting her bag on her shoulder, Minji's expression shifted to one of subtle annoyance as she squinted at the crowd that had formed around Haerin. The way they fawned over her bordered on obsession, their curiosity bordering on intrusive. Haerin, for her part, seemed to navigate the attention with practiced ease, playing her role as the center of attention with grace.
However, Minji's patience wore thin as she observed a guy audaciously reach out to touch Haerin's hair. Determined to put an end to the spectacle, Minji stepped forward. The noise and chatter of the crowd seemed to fade into the background as she cleared her throat, her voice ringing out with a command that demanded attention. The room fell into an unexpected silence, all eyes shifting to Minji as they awaited her next words.
"Excuse me," Minji's tone was firm, and her words carried a weight that resonated through the room. The sudden interruption acted like a spell, causing the crowd to gradually disperse, their fascination overridden by the presence of someone who clearly held authority. Amid the fading murmur, Haerin's table was left with significantly fewer occupants, offering her a respite from the overwhelming attention.
In the midst of the dispersing crowd, Haerin's gaze met Minji's, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. With a subtle nod, Minji conveyed that her intervention was meant to protect Haerin from the invasive scrutiny. Haerin's response was equally subtle but conveyed a deep gratitude for Minji's actions.
As the atmosphere settled, Minji and Haerin stood together – a united front against the tide of curiosity that had threatened to engulf Haerin. Their connection was unspoken but palpable, a testament to the bond that had formed between them. And as the crowd dispersed, leaving behind a space of quiet, Minji turned to Haerin with a determined expression.
"We need to talk," Minji's words were deliberate, their meaning clear. Haerin met her gaze, her expression serious yet open. With a simple nod, Haerin stood up from her seat,