Starlit Bonds

VII

Chapter 7: "It's Your Blood"
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Minji found herself in a state of bewilderment as another day at the school unfolded. Haerin, who had been by her side through thick and thin, had become an elusive shadow. It was as if their heartfelt reconciliation from the previous day hadn't even occurred. Minji couldn't fathom what had gone wrong.

Sitting beneath the sprawling branches of a tree, Minji absentmindedly picked at the grass beneath her fingers. She watched as nature went about its business, indifferent to the turmoil in her heart.

"Maybe you should try and talk to her?" Danielle's voice broke through her thoughts. Minji turned her gaze away from the grass to look at her friend. Her expression was a mix of concern and empathy.

Minji sighed, the weight of her confusion and frustration pressing upon her shoulders. "There's no use," she grumbled in response, her voice carrying a hint of bitterness.

Danielle regarded her with a gentle but determined look. "Well, you're bound to make up. You're cousins, after all," she said, trying to inject some optimism into the situation.

Minji let her head fall back against the sturdy trunk of the tree, staring up at the leaves that rustled gently in the breeze. "Yeah, cousins," she muttered, her words laced with uncertainty and a touch of resignation.

The bell's ringing disrupted their conversation, signaling the end of their break. With a heavy heart and unresolved feelings, Minji and Danielle rose from their spot beneath the tree and made their way to their next class. The unspoken wounds between Minji and Haerin remained, casting a shadow over their once-unbreakable bond.

As they entered the classroom, Minji couldn't help but wonder if this silence would be their undoing or if, in time, their connection would find a way to heal the rift that had formed.

Minji couldn't shake the bittersweet feeling that had settled within her. Watching Haerin seamlessly blend in with the other students was a stark reminder of the bond they shared, a bond that was currently fractured. She muttered to herself softly, "She's supposed to be my mate," her voice a mixture of longing and frustration.

The days that Haerin spent avoiding her seemed to take a toll on Minji. Not only did she feel emotionally drained, but there was also a peculiar sensation of psychic weakness, as if their bond weakened with each passing moment. It was an unsettling feeling that she couldn't ignore.

Then, a glimmer of hope. Haerin suddenly rose from her seat in class, requesting permission to visit the bathroom. Minji glanced around, seizing the opportunity that had presented itself. She shut her eyes tightly, focusing on her intent, and with a mental push, she teleported to the location where Haerin had gone.

When Minji opened her eyes, she found herself inside one of the bathroom stalls. The silence in the bathroom was deafening, and she could hear the distant sound of running water from the faucet. Her heart pounded with anticipation. There was no turning back now.

Slowly, she pushed open the stall door, revealing Haerin standing by the sink. The moment stretched on, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved tension. Minji couldn't bring herself to speak; instead, she waited, hoping that Haerin would break the silence that hung between them.

Haerin remained still, her gaze locked onto Minji's. The air was thick with unspoken emotions, and it felt like the entire world had disappeared, leaving only the two of them in this charged moment.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Haerin took a deep breath. Her voice was quiet, almost hesitant, as she said, "Minji..."

The name hung in the air, heavy with the weight of their strained relationship. Minji waited, her heart in her throat, hoping that this would be the moment when they could start to mend what had been broken.