Starlit Bonds

IV

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.