Starlit Bonds

V

Chapter 5: "Comforting"
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The past two days had been a whirlwind of challenges for both Minji and Haerin. Every morning, they'd make their way to campus, blending into the sea of students. Haerin seemed like a machine, methodically transcribing lecture notes, while Minji did her best to focus on her studies, despite the constant attention they received.
It was rather annoying.

Minji couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment as she observed Hyein's fascination with Haerin. Her closest friend was acting like everyone else, putting Haerin on a pedestal, and Minji had hoped that her friends would see Haerin as someone special, just as she did.

Lunchtimes were particularly tough for Haerin. She'd excuse herself, claiming she needed to dispose of the bland food she'd barely touched. Minji felt a sense of guilt; Haerin was denied the simple pleasures of enjoying a meal, something Minji cherished.

After school, the trio would regroup, either with Minji and Hanni or with Haerin, who occasionally filled in for Hanni's mysterious absences. They communicated using their newfound telepathic connection, a surreal and novel experience for Minji. Sometimes it went disastrously wrong, with thoughts and emotions jumbled together, creating a chaotic mental storm. But on other occasions, it was a blessing, allowing them to share thoughts and feelings with unparalleled intimacy.

On this particular night, Haerin was in the room just a door away, fervently explaining everything that had gone wrong during their history lesson earlier in the day. Minji, on the other hand, sat at her desk, surrounded by textbooks and homework assignments, her brow furrowed in concentration. Haerin's voice resonated in her mind as she dissected the nuances of their school day, "Hanni has left, why don't you just come back here?" Minji suggested telepathically.

In that instant, Minji felt a peculiar sensation—a part of herself disconnecting. It was something she would need to grow accustomed to; when Haerin withdrew from her mind, there was a palpable void. But Haerin, with her quiet demeanor, was not one to make a grand entrance. She simply materialized in the room without a word, Minji's intuition having sensed her presence even before she appeared.

Swiveling around on her creaky wooden chair, Minji faced Haerin, her eyes locking onto those of her enigmatic friend. "So, Mr. Khan, is he really that bad?" she inquired, a soft smile gracing her lips as she regarded Haerin. The vampire's eyes flashed with annoyance; she had given up on hiding her emotions, and Minji couldn't help but notice that they were often as clear as day, etched onto her face. Despite Haerin's irritation, Minji maintained her nonchalant demeanor. "He's just a product of his upbringing. Can't blame him for that," she remarked, her voice carrying an air of indifference.

Haerin cast Minji an incredulous look, the unspoken message clear in her eyes—Minji's tolerance and understanding were a source of both fascination and mystery to her.

"I dislike Mr. Khan; his thoughts are corrupt," Haerin declared, her voice taking on that characteristic tone that bespoke her centuries-old existence. Her brow furrowed ever so slightly, revealing the depth of her displeasure with their history teacher.

Minji, sensing the tension in the room, rose from her chair, her expression a mix of concern and determination. "Well, maybe don't invade his mind next time," she retorted, her voice tinged with an unmistakable edge of frustration. "Have you ever seen me trying to delve into anyone's thoughts?" she challenged, her gaze locked onto Haerin's.

Haerin's penetrating stare met Minji's unwavering eyes. "I've seen you try," she replied matter-of-factly, her words delivered with the weight of a long-forgotten history.