Starlit Bonds

XXXVI

Chapter 36: Absolute Fools
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In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, Minji couldn't help but question the purpose of school anymore. Everything seemed to be spiraling out of control. The whereabouts of the principal remained unknown, drowned out by the absence of battle cries that should have echoed outside. It was as if the school had descended into an involuntary lockdown, shrouded in secrecy and apprehension.

Yet, amidst the turmoil, there was a strange sense of camaraderie among their group. In the disarray of their surroundings, everything felt oddly right. They garnered curious looks from their peers, and the whispers of rumors surrounded them like a cloak of uncertainty. While these rumors likely held some truth, no one dared to confirm them. To do so would require confronting their group directly, and no one seemed to have the courage to do so.

Hanni remained in her panther form, making communication challenging for everyone. Two days had passed since the chaos unfolded, and as she sat on the bed, Minji and Danielle pondered their next steps.

"Can she talk?" Hyein inquired, eyeing the panther cautiously.

"She's a panther, of course she can't talk," Danielle replied with a hint of frustration.

"Maybe we should give her a pen and paper," Hyein suggested, hoping for a solution.

Turning to Hanni, Danielle asked, "Hanni, nod if you can understand me." To their relief, Hanni nodded in response.

"How do we turn you back?" Danielle pressed, but the panther merely shrugged its sinewy shoulders in response.

Hyein couldn't help but snort at the comical exchange. "Maybe we should call the vet," she joked, earning a disapproving glance from Danielle.

"We'll have to call Winter or something," Danielle concluded, recognizing the need for assistance beyond their current means.

Hyein winced, her expression troubled. "I don't think she'll be of much help," she confessed.

"Why?" Danielle pressed, growing exasperated with the vague response.

"Well, I went to the prefect dorm the other day and..." Hyein hesitated, choosing her words carefully.

"And what?" Danielle urged, her curiosity piqued.

"...She seemed a little preoccupied," Hyein finally admitted.

"Preoccupied? With what?" Danielle demanded, sensing there was more to the story.

Hyein pursed her lips, reluctant to divulge further details. "I'd rather not say," she replied cryptically.

Winter was indeed preoccupied. Karina gasped, her grip tightening on Winter's firm arms as her knees threatened to buckle. The two of them had been spending their time either engaged in passionate kisses or sharing blood, a ritual apparently seen as their way of "making up" for the events of the past two davs.

The room was dimly lit, casting soft shadows across the scattered clothes strewn on the chair, which sat ironically beside the hamper. The music played softly on the radio, filling the room with melodies in a foreign language that Winter claimed was their preferred genre. Karina paid little attention to the music; all she wanted was to feel Winter close.

Despite the messiness of the room, there was an air of intimacy that surrounded them. They finally had the time to explore each other, to delve into the depths of their souls, to communicate without words. It was a moment of connection, of shared vulnerability, and Karina cherished every second of it.