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elryuse · 3 days ago

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Pt. 5 First Kiss

BABEL'S CHAINS MASTERLIST : HERE

Y/n's Pov

A New Day

The next morning, the air felt heavier than usual as I dragged myself out of bed. I checked my phone almost instinctively, hoping—praying—that Karina, Winter, Giselle, or Ningning had sent me something. An explanation, an apology—anything to acknowledge what had happened last night.

But my notifications were empty. No calls, no texts. Just silence.

I stared at the blank screen for a while before setting it down with a sigh. I couldn’t force them to care, I told myself. Maybe they were too busy dealing with the fallout of the rumors. Maybe they were just protecting themselves. Either way, I had to move on.

When I arrived at college, the bustling energy of Babel felt different, almost suffocating. People whispered as I walked past, some even pointing. I didn’t need to hear their words to know what they were saying.

"That’s him. The guy from the post."

"Why would Karina even talk to someone like that?"

"Pathetic."

I kept my head down and pushed through the crowd until I reached the classroom. Karina was already there, sitting at her usual spot near the front. I hesitated, debating whether to wave or greet her. But she didn’t even glance my way.

She just stared straight ahead, her eyes fixed on the professor as he set up his materials. The distance between us felt like a chasm.

I took my seat across the room, trying not to look at her, but it was impossible. She was still as beautiful as ever—her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, her sharp features glowing under the soft light. But no. I had to keep my distance. It was for her own good.

The class felt like it dragged on forever, the professor’s voice blending into background noise. When it finally ended, I slipped out before anyone could stop me.

The cafeteria was my next destination. Usually, I’d sit with Karina or one of the others, but today, I found a quiet corner by myself. I picked at my food, the loneliness settling in like an old, unwelcome friend.

I was mid-bite when I felt hands cover my eyes.

“Guess who?”

The voice was teasing, playful, and all too familiar.

“Yuna,” I said, my tone flat as I gently removed her hands.

“Bingo!” she grinned, pulling up a chair and sitting next to me. Her friends—Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, and Chaeryeong—followed suit, crowding around the table.

“What are you doing here all alone?” Yuna asked, leaning in closer with that mischievous glint in her eyes.

“I’m eating,” I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral.

“No,” she said, waving her hand dismissively. “I mean, where are your friends? Karina, Winter, and the rest of the Aespa crew?”

My grip on my fork tightened. “They’re... busy.”

Yuna raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Busy, huh? Or are they just ignoring you after last night’s mess?”

The words stung, but I didn’t let it show. “It’s not like that,” I said, though even I didn’t believe it.

Ryujin smirked, resting her chin on her hand as she watched me. “You’re an interesting guy, Y/n. Getting tangled up with Aespa? Bold move.”

“I didn’t get tangled up with anyone,” I muttered, focusing on my food.

Yuna laughed, the sound light and carefree. “Relax. We’re just messing with you.” She nudged me playfully, her smile softening. “But seriously, if they’re treating you like this, maybe you should hang out with us instead. We’re much more fun, don’t you think?”

I glanced around the table. Yeji offered me a kind smile, Lia looked curious but kind, while Chaeryeong seemed shy but genuine. Ryujin, on the other hand, looked like she was plotting something, her smirk never fading.

“I’ll think about it,” I said, not wanting to commit to anything.

Yuna leaned back, satisfied with my answer. “Good. Because I have a feeling we’re going to get along just fine.”

For the first time that day, I felt a flicker of warmth. Maybe things weren’t as hopeless as they seemed. But as I watched Yuna’s confident smile, a part of me couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something far more complicated.

Karaoke?

After finishing my meal, I sat there for a moment, staring at the empty plate in front of me. Normally, this would be the time I’d head to Aespa’s apartment. Maybe I’d cook them something comforting, hear their laughter echo through the space, and for a brief moment, feel like I belonged somewhere.

But not today.

I sighed, standing up and heading toward the exit when a familiar voice stopped me.

“You wanna hang out?” Yuna’s voice was lively, cutting through the dull haze in my head. I turned to see her walking toward me, her trademark grin plastered on her face. Behind her, Ryujin, Yeji, and the rest of her group trailed along, their expressions a mix of curiosity and mischief.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I replied hesitantly, scratching the back of my neck. “Your group is just as popular as Aespa. I don’t want to ruin your image.”

Yuna tilted her head slightly, her lips curving into a softer smile. “And you think we care about that?” she said, her voice gentler this time. Her warm gaze locked onto mine, almost disarming in its sincerity.

Ryujin, standing a few steps behind, let out a loud chuckle. “Do you think we give a damn about what those internet vampires say about us? Please.” She crossed her arms, smirking. “They’re gonna talk no matter what. Might as well have fun while they do it.”

“Exactly,” Yuna chimed in, taking a step closer. “Look, I know things are messy for you right now, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Come with us. We’ll hit up a karaoke place, sing our hearts out, and forget all the bullshit for a while.”

I hesitated, glancing at the group. Yeji gave me a reassuring nod, while Lia and Chaeryeong smiled encouragingly. Even Ryujin, in her usual teasing way, seemed genuine in her offer.

“I don’t know…” I trailed off, unsure if this was really the best move.

Yuna reached out and lightly tugged at my sleeve. “Come on, Y/n. You need this. We all do.” Her voice was soft but firm, her expression leaving no room for argument.

Before I could overthink it, I found myself nodding. “Alright. But just for a little while.”

Yuna’s face lit up, her excitement contagious. “Yes! Trust me, you won’t regret it.”

Ryujin clapped me on the back as we started walking out of the cafeteria. “You’re gonna have a blast. And if not, well, at least you’ll hear Yuna butcher a few songs.”

“Hey!” Yuna protested, laughing as she swatted at Ryujin.

For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt a flicker of light cutting through the darkness. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.

The ride to the karaoke place with Itzy was surprisingly lively. The girls joked, laughed, and bickered like they didn’t have a care in the world. For a moment, I felt a strange sense of comfort, like I wasn’t just some outsider navigating this unfamiliar world.

When we arrived, Yuna grabbed my arm, leading me inside with that radiant, unyielding energy she always seemed to carry. Her grip was firm yet gentle, a warmth I hadn’t realized I’d been craving.

“Let’s take the room in the back!” Yeji suggested, her voice decisive.

“Of course,” Ryujin said, smirking. “Far away from prying eyes.”

The staff guided us down a dimly lit hallway to a private room at the end. As the door closed behind us, it felt like we’d stepped into another world—a small sanctuary, away from all the chaos and gossip.

The room was cozy, with colorful lights flashing in sync with the music playing in the background. The girls immediately sprang into action, flipping through the song list and arguing over what to sing first.

“Ballads are boring!” Ryujin protested as Chaeryeong hovered over the screen.

“But they’re emotional!” Chaeryeong retorted, her pout earning a laugh from Lia.

While the girls debated, Yuna handed me a small bottle of Soju, her warm smile making my heart skip a beat. “Here,” she said softly, holding it out. “I figured you could use a little something to relax.”

I hesitated for a moment before taking it, my fingers brushing against hers briefly. “Thanks, Yuna.”

She sat beside me, her presence radiating a strange combination of excitement and calm. “No problem. But don’t think you’re off the hook. You’re definitely singing today.”

I laughed nervously, twisting the cap off the bottle. “We’ll see about that.”

The girls finally settled on their first song—an upbeat pop track that Yeji and Ryujin dominated with their energy. The microphone passed around, each girl taking turns belting out lyrics while the others cheered and danced along.

Yuna leaned closer, nudging my shoulder. “This is fun, right? Way better than moping around by yourself.”

I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Yeah, it is.”

As the night went on, the carefree atmosphere began to chip away at the weight I’d been carrying. Yuna kept glancing at me, her gaze filled with something unspoken—a mix of curiosity, warmth, and something deeper. Every time our eyes met, I felt a strange sense of hope flickering to life within me.

Maybe, just maybe, things weren’t as hopeless as they seemed.

My First Kiss

The karaoke room was a chaotic mess of laughter, music, and drunken antics. Yuna was the undeniable star of the madness, stumbling around, mumbling half-formed words, and breaking into random bursts of dancing. Her cheeks were flushed a deep red, and her energy was limitless.

"Let's gooooo!" Yuna yelled, twirling in circles as if she were on a stage.

Ryujin chuckled from her seat, phone in hand, recording every embarrassing moment with an amused grin. "She's going to regret this tomorrow," she said, glancing at you.

You smiled awkwardly, taking another sip of water to keep yourself grounded amidst the chaos. "Yeah. she's really going all out."

"She's cute, isn't she?" Ryujin's tone was teasing, her eyes narrowing playfully as she leaned back in her seat.

"Yeah, I guess," you replied, feeling your cheeks warm slightly.

Ryujin tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Say, Y/n. Do you have a crush on someone?"

The question caught you completely off guard. "Uh. I. I don't really know."

Ryujin raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "What do you mean you don't know? It's just a simple question, Y/n. Who's the lucky girl?"

It wasn't simple at all. The tangled mess of emotions swirling inside you made it hard to answer. Karina's coldness still weighed heavily on your heart, but Yuna's warmth and energy offered a strange comfort. Then there was Ryujin, sitting there with her piercing gaze, pulling you further into this unpredictable storm.

"I. " You trailed off, searching for the right words.

Before you could finish, Ryujin suddenly shifted her position, sliding onto your lap without a shred of hesitation. Her arms snaked around your neck as she stared at you with a smirk that was equal parts bold and daring.

"Ryujin, what are you doing?" Your voice wavered, completely thrown by her actions.

"Just shut up," she whispered, her voice low and tempting. "You'll like it."

Her lips pressed against yours without warning. The kiss was electric, filled with an undeniable hunger that left you breathless. You froze for a moment, overwhelmed by the intensity, but your body betrayed you. Slowly, almost instinctively, your hands reached up, one finding its way to her hair. Your fingers tangled in the soft strands as you deepened the kiss, caught in the moment.

Ryujin smiled against your lips, clearly enjoying your reaction as she pulled you closer. Her confidence was intoxicating, her touch demanding yet oddly comforting.

Meanwhile, Yuna was still singing her heart out, completely oblivious to what was happening just a few feet away. The room pulsed with music and flashing lights, creating a surreal atmosphere that made the moment feel like something out of a dream-or a dangerous fantasy.

When Ryujin finally pulled back, her lips still dangerously close to yours, she smirked. "See? Told you you'd like it."

You didn't know what to say. Your heart was racing, and your mind was a chaotic mess. This was nothing like you'd ever experienced before, and you weren't sure what it meant or where it would lead.

The kiss with Ryujin still lingered, your lips tingling and your mind spinning in disbelief. As your heartbeat thundered in your ears, Ryujin pulled back slightly, her cheeks warming, though her smirk remained intact. Her confidence was unshaken, but you could see a faint blush creeping up her face, betraying her usual cool demeanor.

Before you could even process what had just happened, a stumbling, drunken Yuna broke through the moment, her flushed face leaning close to yours. “Heeeyyy, why did you kiss him, Ryujin?” Yuna slurred, her words slightly drawn out as she pointed an accusatory finger at her friend. “He’s mine…”

Ryujin burst into laughter, clearly amused by Yuna’s antics. “Oh, is he now?” she teased, crossing her arms as she watched the scene unfold with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Yuna ignored her completely, stumbling closer to you. She placed her hands on your shoulders for balance, her expression shifting to something softer. Her gaze, though slightly unfocused from the alcohol, held a strange warmth that made your chest tighten.

Without warning, Yuna leaned in, her lips brushing against yours in a kiss that was a stark contrast to Ryujin’s. Where Ryujin’s kiss had been fiery and demanding, Yuna’s was soft, tender, and filled with an unexpected passion. Her lips moved slowly, almost lovingly, as if she wanted to savor the moment.

Your eyes widened in shock, but the gentleness of the kiss made it hard to pull away. Yuna’s hands clung to your shoulders as if grounding herself, her warmth seeping into you and leaving you breathless.

In the background, Ryujin’s laughter erupted again. “Wow, Yuna, I didn’t know you had it in you!” she exclaimed, grabbing her phone and aiming it at the two of you. “This is gold! I’m definitely saving this for later.”

The sound of her voice snapped you out of your daze. You pulled back slightly, your cheeks burning as you glanced between the two girls. The room felt surreal, the flashing lights of the karaoke machine adding to the disorienting chaos.

Yuna pouted as you broke the kiss, her lips still inches from yours. “What’s wrong? Didn’t you like it?” she asked, her voice laced with a mix of drunken innocence and playful teasing.

You opened your mouth to respond, but no words came out. Your thoughts were a jumbled mess, and the weight of the situation was starting to sink in. Lia, Yeji, and Chaeryeong were still dead asleep on the couches, completely unaware of the chaos unfolding.

Meanwhile, Ryujin was cackling in the corner, clearly enjoying every second of your flustered reaction. She leaned back in her chair, phone in hand, as she continued to record. “This is way better than karaoke,” she said with a grin. “You two are priceless.”

Yuna glared at her. “Stop recording, Ryujin! This is a private moment!” she huffed, though her cheeks were as red as yours.

“Private?” Ryujin teased, raising an eyebrow. “You’re making out with him in the middle of the room. What part of this is private?”

You sighed, running a hand through your hair as you tried to regain some semblance of composure. This was definitely not how you had envisioned the night going.

“Can we… maybe calm down a little?” you said, your voice shaky but firm. “This is getting way out of hand.”

Yuna pouted again but reluctantly stepped back, her balance wavering slightly. Ryujin, on the other hand, seemed completely unfazed.

“Fine, fine,” Ryujin said, finally putting her phone down. “But seriously, Y/n, you’re not going to forget tonight anytime soon.”

You couldn’t argue with that. As you looked at Yuna, who was still swaying slightly, and Ryujin, who was grinning like the Cheshire Cat, you realized that this was only the beginning of the chaos they would bring into your life.

Stuck With Them

As the karaoke session wrapped up, it became clear that someone needed to ensure the drunken girls made it home safely. Ryujin, who was the only one relatively sober, took charge of organizing the chaos. You found yourself carrying Yuna, who was barely able to stand on her own, her weight pressing heavily against your side as she clung to your arm.

“Thanks for helping,” Ryujin said with a smirk as she adjusted Lia, who was slumped against her shoulder. “I’d do it all myself, but, well… you’re here, and I’m not one to waste an opportunity.”

You couldn’t help but chuckle nervously, though the weight of the situation was far from light. “Yeah, no problem,” you muttered, trying to steady Yuna as she mumbled incoherent words against your shoulder.

By the time you arrived at their apartment, you were exhausted. The girls’ luxurious place was a stark contrast to the wild chaos you’d just endured—a pristine and stylish space that screamed wealth and comfort.

Ryujin guided you inside, setting the sleeping Lia and Chaeryeong onto the couch. Yeji, who had managed to remain semi-conscious, staggered into her room on her own. That left Yuna, who still refused to let go of your arm.

“You’re a lifesaver,” Ryujin said, giving you a grateful smile as she handed you a glass of water. “Seriously, thanks for putting up with all this.”

“No problem,” you replied, setting the now half-asleep Yuna down on one of the armchairs.

Ryujin watched you for a moment before slipping a small piece of paper into your hand. “Here,” she said with a sly grin. “My number. Call me sometime, okay?”

You blinked, staring at the paper in surprise. “Uh… sure,” you said hesitantly, unsure of what to make of her casual flirtation.

Before you could think too much about it, Yuna stirred and grabbed your arm again, pulling you closer. “Don’t go…” she mumbled, her voice soft and pleading. Her grip was surprisingly strong for someone so drunk.

Ryujin sighed, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall. “Looks like you’re stuck here for the night,” she said, shaking her head with an amused expression. “Once Yuna clings to someone, there’s no escape.”

You hesitated, glancing down at Yuna, who was now nuzzling against your arm like a sleepy kitten. Her flushed cheeks and soft breaths made her look almost innocent, despite the wild energy she’d displayed earlier.

“Are you sure it’s okay?” you asked Ryujin, feeling a mix of awkwardness and concern.

“Yeah, it’s fine,” Ryujin replied with a shrug. “We’ve got a guest room you can crash in. Besides, if you leave now, she’s just gonna freak out in the morning when she realizes you’re gone. Trust me, it’s easier this way.”

Reluctantly, you nodded. “Alright,” you said, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through your chest as Yuna’s grip on your arm tightened.

Ryujin smirked and patted your shoulder. “Good luck,” she said before disappearing into one of the bedrooms, leaving you alone with Yuna.

You gently pried Yuna’s hands off your arm and managed to carry her to the guest room. As you laid her down on the bed, she opened her eyes slightly, gazing up at you with a sleepy smile.

“Stay…” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

You froze, unsure of how to respond. Her words were simple, but they carried a weight that made your heart ache. After a moment, you pulled the blanket over her and stepped back.

“I’ll be right outside,” you said softly, hoping she’d fall asleep quickly.

As you closed the door behind you, you let out a long sigh, running a hand through your hair. This was definitely not how you’d expected the night to go, and yet, a small part of you couldn’t help but feel… drawn to the chaotic warmth that Yuna and her friends brought into your life.

You were lying on the guest room bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to process everything that had happened over the past few days. The warmth of the blanket was comforting, but your mind refused to quiet down. The tension with Karina, the unexpected moments with Yuna and Ryujin—it all felt surreal, like you were caught in the middle of someone else’s drama.

Just as you began to drift off, the soft creak of the door snapped you back to reality. Turning your head, you saw Yuna standing there in her bed pajamas. Her hair was slightly messy, and her cheeks still carried a faint pink hue from earlier.

“Yuna? What’s wrong?” you asked, sitting up.

She hesitated for a moment, clutching the edge of the doorframe like a shy child. Then, in a soft, almost timid voice, she said, “I… I can’t sleep.”

You blinked, unsure of what to say. “Oh… do you need some water or something? Maybe a pillow from here?”

Yuna shook her head, stepping further into the room. “No, it’s not that,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Can we… can we cuddle?”

Your heart skipped a beat, and you felt your face heat up. “Cuddle?” you repeated, hoping you’d misheard her.

She nodded, looking at you with those big, doe-like eyes that made it impossible to refuse. “I just… feel lonely, and it’s hard to sleep,” she admitted, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

You hesitated, unsure of how to respond. On one hand, this felt dangerously intimate—especially given the events of the night. But on the other hand, Yuna looked genuinely distressed, and you didn’t have the heart to turn her away.

After a moment, you sighed and nodded. “Alright,” you said, scooting over to make room on the bed.

Yuna’s face lit up with a small, grateful smile as she climbed onto the bed and slipped under the blanket. She snuggled close to you, her head resting on your chest and her arm draping over your torso. Her warmth was comforting, and her presence, though unexpected, had a strangely calming effect.

“Thank you,” she murmured, her voice muffled against your shirt.

You swallowed hard, trying to ignore the way your heart was racing. “No problem,” you said, your voice barely steady.

For a while, the two of you lay there in silence. Yuna’s breathing eventually slowed, and you realized she had fallen asleep. You stared at the ceiling, feeling a mix of confusion and contentment.

As the night stretched on, you couldn’t help but wonder how things had come to this point. Everything in your life seemed to be spiraling out of control, yet in this moment, with Yuna curled up against you, it felt oddly peaceful.

But deep down, you knew this peace wouldn’t last.

Breakfast Sounds Good?

The soft sunlight filtered through the large apartment windows, casting a gentle glow across the living room. You blinked groggily as you stirred awake, only to realize that you weren’t alone.

Yuna was still curled up against your side, her arm loosely draped over your chest. But that wasn’t the only surprise. On the other side of the bed, Ryujin was lying comfortably, her head resting on your shoulder, and at the foot of the bed, Yeji was sprawled out with a peaceful expression, clutching a pillow tightly.

You froze, taking in the scene. The three of them looked so at ease, their breathing soft and rhythmic. Not wanting to disturb their peaceful slumber, you carefully slipped out from under the blanket, tucking it gently around them.

The apartment was quiet as you padded into the kitchen, glancing around for something to do. Spotting the refrigerator, you decided to check for ingredients and whip up something simple. If there was one thing that could start the day off right, it was a warm meal—especially considering how much soju everyone had downed last night.

As you rummaged through the fridge, the sound of a door creaking open caught your attention. Lia stepped out of her room, yawning and stretching her arms above her head. She looked at you with sleepy eyes before a small smile spread across her face.

“How was last night?” she asked, her tone teasing. “I didn’t really get to check what was up.”

You chuckled softly, shaking your head. “It was… rough,” you replied, your voice laced with sarcasm.

Lia giggled as she leaned against the kitchen counter. “I figured as much. Those three can be a handful when they’re drunk.”

“No kidding,” you said, gesturing toward the fridge. “I’m thinking of making some kimchi stew. Something hearty to help everyone sober up.”

“That sounds lovely,” Lia said, her smile widening. “Let me help you. It’ll be quicker that way.”

“Alright,” you said, nodding. “Thanks, Lia.”

The two of you began gathering ingredients—kimchi, tofu, green onions, and some leftover pork. Lia worked efficiently, chopping vegetables with practiced ease, while you prepped the broth.

“So,” Lia began, her voice light but curious, “you’ve been spending quite a bit of time with us lately. Is it always this eventful?”

You smirked as you stirred the pot. “Eventful is definitely one way to put it,” you said. “But honestly, it’s been… nice. Chaotic, but nice.”

Lia laughed softly. “That’s a good way to describe us. Chaotic but nice. I’m glad you don’t find it too overwhelming.”

“Overwhelming might be an understatement,” you admitted, grinning. “But I think I’m getting used to it.”

As the stew simmered, the smell began to fill the apartment, luring one of the sleepyheads from the bedroom. Yeji stumbled into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes and sniffing the air.

“That smells amazing,” she said, her voice hoarse from sleep. “Are you seriously cooking for us again, Y/n? You’re spoiling us.”

“You’ve got to keep your energy up after last night,” you said with a grin. “Besides, I like cooking.”

Yeji smiled warmly, grabbing a glass of water. “Well, we’re lucky to have you around.”

The three of you worked together to set the table, and as the aroma of the kimchi stew wafted through the apartment, the others began to wake up one by one. Ryujin stumbled out first, her hair a mess, followed by Yuna, who looked surprisingly energetic despite the events of the night before.

When everyone was seated at the table, you ladled out bowls of the steaming stew. The girls dug in eagerly, their groans of delight filling the room.

“This is amazing,” Yuna said, her eyes lighting up as she took another bite.

“You’re a lifesaver, Y/n,” Ryujin added, giving you a playful wink.

You couldn’t help but smile as you watched them enjoy the meal. Despite the chaos, moments like this made it all worth it.

The lively clinking of utensils and the warm chatter at the table paused abruptly when you asked, “Where’s Chaeryeong?”

The sudden silence was deafening. All the girls exchanged quick glances before Ryujin let out a sharp curse. “Fuck,” she muttered, slapping her forehead.

“She’s still in her room, isn’t she?” you asked, already pushing back your chair.

Ryujin sighed. “Probably. That girl could sleep through a hurricane.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll wake her up,” you said, standing up.

The room softened with warmth as the girls offered you grateful smiles. Yuna, in particular, beamed at you with a tenderness that made your heart flutter. “You’re too good to us,” she said, her voice dripping with appreciation.

You waved her off with a small laugh and headed toward Chaeryeong’s door. It was slightly ajar, and you knocked gently before pushing it open.

The room was dim, with soft sunlight filtering through the curtains. Chaeryeong was curled up on her bed, her hair cascading over her pillow in soft waves. She looked peaceful, her face serene in her slumber.

You approached her quietly, not wanting to startle her. “Chaeryeong,” you said softly, crouching down beside her bed. “Breakfast is ready.”

She stirred slightly, letting out a faint groan. Her eyes fluttered open slowly, and she blinked a few times before her lips curved into a sleepy smile.

“Y/n?” she murmured, her voice groggy but sweet.

“Yeah, it’s me,” you said, smiling back. “Come on, Chae. Breakfast is ready, and the others are waiting for you.”

She buried her face into her pillow for a moment before peeking back at you. “You made breakfast again, didn’t you?”

“Guilty as charged,” you replied. “It’s kimchi stew this time. You don’t want to miss it, do you?”

She let out a soft chuckle, her voice still heavy with sleep. “You’re too good to us,” she said, echoing Yuna’s earlier words.

“Come on,” you said, reaching out to gently pat her shoulder. “If you don’t get up now, there won’t be any left.”

With a groan, Chaeryeong finally sat up, stretching her arms above her head. “Alright, alright. I’m up,” she said, giving you a small, appreciative smile.

You stood up and extended a hand to her, which she took with a bit of hesitation. As you helped her out of bed, she looked at you with a warmth that was hard to ignore.

“Thanks, Y/n,” she said softly, her eyes holding yours for a moment longer than necessary.

“Anytime,” you replied, trying to ignore the way your heart skipped a beat.

Together, you walked back to the dining area, where the others greeted her with teasing comments about oversleeping. Chaeryeong rolled her eyes but smiled as she took her seat.

As you watched the girls enjoy their meal, you couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of contentment. Moments like these made all the chaos seem worth it.

Somewhere Else

Karina sat cross-legged on the plush couch in their apartment, staring blankly at her phone. The sound of Winter flipping through a magazine was the only thing breaking the silence. Giselle leaned against the counter, sipping her coffee, while Ningning sat on the floor, fiddling with a bracelet absentmindedly.

The once lively energy that used to fill their home felt hollow. The absence of him—you—was palpable, and no one could deny it.

Winter sighed and broke the silence. “It feels...off, doesn’t it? Like something’s missing.”

“Someone’s missing,” Giselle corrected, setting her mug down with a thud. “Let’s be honest, it’s not the same without him.”

Karina’s heart clenched at the words. She hated admitting it, but Giselle was right. Ever since they agreed to keep their distance from you, everything felt muted, incomplete.

“It’s for the best,” Ningning said, her voice low but firm. She looked up from her bracelet and met their gazes one by one. “We talked about this. It’s not safe to drag him into all this mess. Look at what happened on social media. We’re trying to protect him.”

Karina felt a pang of guilt. Protecting you had been the justification for their decision, but now, she wondered if they’d made the right call. She glanced at the framed photo sitting on the coffee table—a candid shot of the five of you laughing together after one of your impromptu cooking sessions. The memory felt like a lifetime ago.

“He was always so patient with us,” Karina murmured, tracing the edge of the frame with her fingers. “No matter how chaotic things got, he just...made it better.”

Winter nodded, setting down her magazine. “I miss the way he used to make us laugh. And the food, of course.” She tried to joke, but her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

Ningning crossed her arms, leaning back against the couch. “You think I don’t miss him too? But what’s the alternative? We drag him through this circus and make things worse for him? He deserves better than that.”

Karina clenched her fists. Ningning’s words made sense, but they didn’t ease the ache in her chest. She missed your awkward smiles, your quiet but comforting presence, the way you seemed to genuinely care about each of them.

“I don’t even think he’s mad,” Giselle said, her tone softer now. “That’s the worst part. He probably understands why we’re doing this, and he’s just...dealing with it.”

The room fell silent again, each of them lost in their thoughts.

Winter broke the stillness, her voice barely above a whisper. “Do you think we’ll ever fix this? Like, really fix it?”

Karina didn’t answer. She couldn’t. All she could do was stare at the photo, hoping that someday, somehow, they’d find a way to bring you back into their lives. Because without you, the warmth and light that once filled their world seemed like a distant memory.

Her Bigger Picture

Wonyoung stared at her phone screen, her thumb hovering over the message box. Her heart beat faster as she sent the text, the words feeling heavier than they ever had before.

Does the plan work?

She waited, her gaze fixed on the screen, her fingers tapping nervously against the table. It wasn’t like her to be this anxious, but something about the situation—about what she was about to do—made her feel like she was standing on the edge of a cliff, unsure of whether she should jump.

Her phone buzzed, and her breath caught in her throat as she quickly read the response:

"Works like a charm."

Wonyoung felt a mix of relief and unease wash over her. She had known DragonAnonym would handle it. They had been a reliable ally, someone who understood what it meant to have the things you wanted, no matter the cost. But still, the reality of what was happening, of what she was allowing herself to be part of, sent a ripple of doubt through her.

Is this really what I want? she wondered. But then she thought of you—of the way you had treated her, of the way you had looked at her. The way you had made her feel when you had cooked for her and smiled at her, so kind, so gentle. Wonyoung had wanted that warmth, that attention. She wanted to feel special.

She gripped her phone tighter and sent another text:

Send me proof.

A few moments later, another message appeared. Wonyoung’s eyes widened as she saw the photo. It was you—sleeping, calm and unaware. You looked peaceful, innocent even. It was almost surreal. She knew the plan had worked. DragonAnonym had delivered.

Proof enough, DragonAnonym replied with a playful wink emoji.

Wonyoung couldn’t stop herself from smiling, a dangerous, almost predatory grin. This was her chance, her moment to make you hers, no matter what. She had already seen how easily you could be manipulated. You weren’t like Karina or the others. You were different.

She typed back quickly:

Thanks, DragonAnonym. You’ve done well. Now let’s make sure the rest goes according to plan.

After sending the message, Wonyoung leaned back in her chair, her mind racing. She had wanted to take it slow at first, but now, the thrill of it all excited her more than she cared to admit. If she played her cards right, you would be hers—completely and utterly hers.

But there was one thing that lingered in her mind. The guilt. It gnawed at her, especially when she thought about you. Would you hate her once you found out? Would you despise her for what she had done?

But those thoughts quickly faded. In the end, you would understand. She was only doing this for the two of you, for the future that could be hers with you. After all, she didn’t want to be alone anymore. And if that meant playing a game, bending the truth, then so be it.

With a deep breath, Wonyoung began to make her next move, her fingers quickly texting DragonAnonym again.

Let’s meet. We’ll need to set up the next step.

As the message sent, Wonyoung’s heart beat a little faster. She couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement. She was finally taking control.