My Deer Girlfriend

12

Soyeon looks through her sniper scope as she places her target on the crosshair. The sound of her rifle echoes through the trees, a testament to her dedication and skill. The peaceful but intense atmosphere is suddenly disrupted by a cracking sound underfoot. Soyeon instantly whirls around, rifle at the ready, only to lower it when she sees Yuqi standing there, a sheepish look on her face. "Yuqi, what are you doing in here?"

Yuqi shifts awkwardly, her eyes darting to the rifle then back to Soyeon. "I don't know, I'm bored," she admits, shrugging. Her antlers seem to catch the light as she moves, giving her an otherworldly appearance even in the simplicity of the moment.

Soyeon sighs, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth despite her initial irritation. She knows all too well the restlessness that can take hold in the quiet of the forest. "Bored, huh?" Soyeon lowers her rifle, leaning against it like a crutch. "Why don't you help me here then? It could be... educational."

Yuqi's eyes light up, interest piqued. "Really? You'd teach me how to shoot?" There's a mix of excitement and disbelief in her voice. Despite her rough exterior and hunter instincts, Soyeon has always maintained a careful distance from teaching anyone her skills, especially something as dangerous as shooting.

"Yeah, why not?" Soyeon begins, her tone more gentle now. "But only if you promise to be serious about it. Shooting isn't a game, Yuqi. It's about survival, protecting ourselves and each other."

Yuqi nods eagerly, understanding the gravity of Soyeon's words. "I promise, Soyeon. I want to learn, to be able to protect everyone too."

As Soyeon begins to explain the basics, positioning Yuqi's hands on the rifle, guiding her stance, and teaching her how to aim, there's a sense of camaraderie between them. The lesson becomes more than just about shooting; it's a moment of bonding, of sharing knowledge and preparing for whatever uncertainties lie ahead.

As Soyeon's hands guided Yuqi's to the correct position on the rifle, Yuqi found herself acutely aware of every point of contact between them. The warmth of Soyeon's breath brushed against her ear, sending a wave of warmth cascading down her neck and setting her skin ablaze with a sensation she couldn't quite name.

"Steady," Soyeon's voice was a soothing whisper, yet it was laced with a firmness that demanded focus. Yuqi tried to heed her advice, to concentrate on the target ahead, but Soyeon's proximity was a distraction she hadn't anticipated, stirring feelings within her that she struggled to compartmentalize.

"You need to relax your shoulders," Soyeon continued, her tone patient. She adjusted Yuqi's posture with gentle yet deliberate movements, her hands firm and reassuring on Yuqi's shoulders. The tension Yuqi hadn't even realized she was holding began to melt away under Soyeon's skilled touch.

"Now, take a deep breath and hold it," Soyeon instructed. "Aim, and when you're ready, gently squeeze the trigger." Her guidance was precise, and Yuqi found herself following it almost automatically, drawn into the rhythm Soyeon set.

As Yuqi exhaled slowly and prepared to take the shot, she couldn't help but lean back slightly, her back pressing against Soyeon's chest. The moment seemed to stretch, filled with an intensity that went beyond the mechanics of shooting. Yuqi's focus narrowed to the target, the rifle, and the comforting presence behind her, creating a bubble around them that held everything else at bay.

The shot, when it came, was almost a surprise. The recoil nudged her back into Soyeon, who steadied her with a gentle pressure on her hips. "Good shot," Soyeon praised, her voice tinged with pride.

As they reviewed Yuqi's shot, Soyeon couldn't help but let a small, impressed smirk grace her lips. "See? You're a natural," she said, clapping Yuqi on the back lightly. The touch was brief, but it reignited the warmth Yuqi felt earlier.