Starlit Bonds

XXIX

Chapter 29: Unfamiliarly Familiar
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It was difficult for Minji to wrap her head around the idea of picking up a pen again, considering all that had transpired in Crestwood. Sleep remained a precious commodity, something she craved deeply, and she couldn't help but long for the familiar comforts of home, especially the food. As night fell, Minji fell into her nightly routine, adapted to her life in a boarding school, just like before.

She waited her turn to brush her teeth and wash her face, moving swiftly but quietly so as not to disturb her roommate. In the dim light of the bathroom, she hastily changed her clothes, ensuring that no part of her body was exposed that she didn't want others to see. It was an act of self-preservation, a habit formed in the wake of past experiences.

Minji couldn't help but feel a pang of concern for Hanni, knowing the turmoil she was going through. While it should have been Hanni who was cautious, given her past penchant for late-night revelries, this semester was different. This year, Minji was determined to focus on herself, to delve into the mysteries of her own burgeoning powers and to help Hanni navigate her condition.

And then there was the matter of her relationship with Haerin—a possibility that lingered in the back of Minji's mind, tempting her with its potential for connection and understanding. As she slipped into bed, Minji couldn't help but wonder what the future held, and whether she would find the answers she sought.

Just as Minji queued up in line, she felt arms enveloping her, the sensation feeling uncomfortably intimate. Yet, in the same breath, it seemed as though every moment shared between the two of them was swiftly snatched away. Minji let out a resigned sigh as Haerin murmured, her voice too close to Minji's ear for comfort.

"Can't sleep?" Haerin's voice broke the silence, causing Minji to shiver involuntarily. Was the window open, she wondered, or was it the pulse point behind her ear being tormented by Haerin's 'innocent' whispers.

"Not with you in my ear," Minji grumbled, feigning annoyance as she shifted uncomfortably. She could practically hear Haerin's smirk in response.

"You're overthinking, that's why you can't relax," Haerin observed, her voice low and soothing.

Minji scoffed lightly, trying to brush off Haerin's insight. "Stop looking into my thoughts," she retorted, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Haerin pretended to sigh exasperatedly. "Yet you make it so accessible. It's almost as if you want me to know what's going on in your head," she teased, her tone playful yet knowing.

Minji rolled her eyes, unable to deny the truth in Haerin's words. "Sorry I'm not all 'incognito' like you," she grumbled, feeling a mix of frustration and amusement.

Suddenly, the bed dipped and Minji felt Haerin prop herself up on her elbow, her long hair tickling Minji's skin as she leaned closer. The scent of lavender enveloped Minji, calming her nerves despite the unexpected closeness.

"I'll pretend I know what 'incognito' means," Haerin remarked with a playful glint in her eyes.

Minji chuckled softly, rolling onto her back to meet Haerin's gaze. "It means you're in disguise," she explained, her voice laced with amusement.

Haerin pondered Minji's words for a moment before flashing a mischievous smile. "Seems about right," she agreed, before Minji could react, Haerin was straddling her, the sudden closeness sending a jolt of electricity through Minji's veins.

Minji huffed, her frustration palpable in the air. "You know, you really are like a cat," she remarked, her voice tinged with a mixture of amusement and exasperation.