Divine Enmity (Catnipz)

XII. Best Friend?

It had been a few days since Capture the Flag and since Haerin got beaten up. During those days, she stuck to Danielle all the time, except for meals that they had to have with their cabin. During meals, she laughed with her siblings; she was feeling more comfortable being around them each time. Slowly, she felt more included.

Wonyoung and Yuna helped her a lot. They lent her clothes and advised her on how to dress. Haerin finally felt comfortable with her physical appearance and gained confidence, leaving behind her shy self, although it was still there deep down. She still blushed easily and didn't know how to act in many situations, but at least she knew how to handle it differently.

Many guys invited her on dates, but she turned them all down. Most of them took it well and backed off quickly, while others persisted more. That's why Heeseung and Soobin were always watching out for her in case someone became more persistent than normal.

Soobin was truly an older brother to her. They teased each other, but he was really protective of Haerin. Along with Yuna, Wonyoung, and a bit of Sakura, she felt like she was truly part of a big family with many siblings, and they were the ones she was closest to.

On the other hand, Heeseung also looked out for her. He was more like a best friend who teased you constantly but also protected you. And over time, she treated him like a brother too because he spent all his time with Danielle.

Danielle had become the closest thing Haerin had ever had to a best friend. They were always together, walking around the camp, singing together, or teaching each other their new talents. Danielle sang very well, had an angelic voice, and one of her brothers taught her how to play the guitar and lyre. On the other hand, Haerin occasionally did Danielle's makeup or managed to design a small piece of clothing for her with Yuna's help, as Yuna was very skilled in all things related to fashion. Haerin would never have thought she'd enjoy fashion design, but she was slowly discovering herself.

Right at that moment, she was heading to the stables with Danielle, as Danielle had promised to take Haerin for a ride on the pegasi.

They arrived at the stables, and a terrible smell of horse manure filled their nostrils.

"Ugh," Danielle complained.

"Same here."

Danielle started walking, inspecting the horses. Haerin saw the beautiful black pegasus that Wonyoung had shown her, Nero, but she didn't dare approach him.

"Hey, Hae! Come here!"

Danielle had stepped out of the stables into the adjacent outdoor area with fences, where several pegasi were grazing. The daughter of Apollo approached slowly with several carrots to a chestnut-coated one with beautiful wings. The pegasus approached her eagerly, and Danielle petted its head while feeding it.

"This is Calix. I've been taking care of him for several years here, and he's super loyal."

Haerin approached slowly and started stroking its back.

"He 's beautiful."

The pegasus neighed and took a little trot.

"He really is," Danielle handed a carrot to Haerin, "Go get one for yourself now."

Haerin widened her eyes. "Are you crazy? It might kick me if I go alone."

Danielle shook her head. "Come on, they won't do anything to you."

"I'm not so sure..."

"The ones grazing here are gentle; they wouldn't leave the ones with a bad temper unsupervised."

"Alright, fine," she looked around, "But which one do I choose?"

Danielle continued to pet Calix. "Whichever one you want, Haerin. You don't have to make a pros and cons list about which pegasus to ride."