Divine Enmity (Catnipz)

XXXIX. They can try.

She knew it wasn't right, Haerin knew it. Every part of her being screamed that she should explain herself, that she should approach Minji and sort things out. But she couldn't; it wasn't as simple as she had already said. Besides, a part of her was still somewhat distrustful. For the Gods' sake, Minji and she had never been friends; how could she even tell her that?

Her week had already been hard enough, and although she knew it was her fault, she didn't want to deal with Minji at that moment.

And so, days went by.

Haerin got up every morning searching for the strength and courage to approach Minji, wishing for something to magically change between them; if they lived in a world with Greek gods, anything could happen. But reality hit her hard when she encountered Minji's cold stare or, worse, when Minji didn't even look at her.

In the end, it was as if the only thing they had agreed on since they met was to avoid each other. Haerin woke up very early, too early, to have breakfast and not run into her in the pavilion, while Minji delayed her arrival, knowing that by then, she wouldn't see Haerin at all. Then, during the rest of the meals, one of them stayed late training until the meal time was almost over, and that's when she summoned something simple and left. It was a silent agreement that worked perfectly.

That morning, Haerin was heading to the archery field, frustrated with everything that had happened and also because she had to practice with the bow. She hated it. But at least the concentration required for it allowed her to clear her mind.

When she arrived, Niki was already there, waiting for her. These days, she hadn't been alone thanks to him; he was a great support, he calmed her. The boy had a lot of patience and was easy to trust. He gave her peace. But that was as far as her feelings for him went.

"Hey, early as always," he smiled at her.

"Yeah... You know, later it gets hotter, and I don't like sweating."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it," he looked at her, observing her. "Did you sleep well?"

Haerin shook her head. "More or less, you know... It's complicated."

He sighed. "I believe you... You know, I'm here for you."

She nodded. "Yeah, I know, thanks."

Niki started stretching. "Well, I don't think starting with archery is the best idea, don't you think?"

Haerin looked at him, puzzled. "What do you mean? If I don't do it, Chiron will probably kick me."

He laughed out loud. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But I don't think you have enough focus to do it right now. How about some light sword training?"

Haerin would have agreed to anything that allowed her to postpone archery practice, but sword training seemed complicated. She hadn't eaten anything yet, not even the pavilion was open for breakfast. If she trained with swords now, she would probably faint.

Niki seemed to understand what Haerin was thinking; they had been like this for days, and he knew Haerin got up early to take walks and clear her mind, do some light training with him, or just talk, and then go with him to the pavilion.

Before Haerin could reject the offer, he showed her a small enchanted bag, from which he proceeded to pull out some apples, bottles of water and juice, and some sandwiches.

"I had it all planned," he winked at her.

Haerin laughed. "Wow, I didn't think you were that worried. Thanks."

"It's nothing, my lady," he smiled as he also took out a small blanket. "A picnic isn't bad, but I usually don't have them this early."

"I see you do this often, huh?" she joked as she sat in front of him. "Is this how you court your girls, Nishimura?"