DERANGER - SEULRENE

034

your sister never mentioned anything again related to that talk you had. she acted like it never happened, and you should be happy she did.

still, you barely sleep a wink that night.

it may have something to do with how jihye handled herself, how calm she approached you and acknowledged the situation, stating her thoughts in a matter-of-fact tone. it stole away your grit, that sense of pride from finally able to stand up for yourself.

and it feels like you're back to square one.

---

the next day marks your last day at the retreat centre.

you had breakfast around six-thirty and was called immediately for the last session that day--which ended around nine in the morning.

you never get the chance to talk to seulgi. you can't even bring yourself to approach your girlfriend, not wanting to stir any more suspicions. seulgi seemed to have caught on and spent more time with her new acquaintances instead.

all the attendees were at the lobby area, waiting for the coasters to arrive, when eunwoo starts playing guitar. he and his group of friends, which now includes seulgi, are singing along.

having fun watching the youngsters, one of the facilitators hands over another guitar, which seulgi willingly accepted. her addition to the music brought a lively vibe, pulling the crowd to participate.

you are smiling from where you're standing, feeling proud of your girlfriend. seulgi is emitting this irresistible charisma whenever she's performing. makes you wonder what her life could be if she had chosen to be an idol.

as the melody changes into something funky, people begin to dance. this time, it's not only the young ones but the oldies too.

you clap your hands and sing with everyone. you see your mum and dad dancing, enjoying themselves too.

but catching the image of your sister, who's happily singing along, causes this certain heavy feeling to rush back inside of you, snatching away all the excitement. you didn't even notice a figure is already approaching you.

"may i have this dance?" you jump at the voice suddenly pulling you out of your thoughts.

and before you can even process what is happening--why jin is suddenly next to you, offering his hand--a loud teasing erupts from the crowd.

now, all eyes are on you.

you unconsciously glance seulgi's way, seeing her still gleefully strumming the guitar. she gives you a subtle nod, saying it's okay. you meet eyes with your sister and sees her approving look.

you swallow before you let jin take you into the makeshift dancefloor. the music continues. you can feel everyone's eyes on you as jin dances to the beat, swaying his arms here and there, not minding if he looks crazy. you dance along hesitantly, stepping side to side.

jin continues with his weird steps, careful not to invade your space nor touch you anywhere inappropriate. it didn't take long before you see the coasters arriving--signalling the end of the show.

and boy, you're glad this is finally over.

"hold up, everyone!" jin raises his hands, startling you again. "thank you, eunwoo and seulgi, for that wonderful show. this has been fun, don't you think?"

everyone cheers.

"before we leave and ride our separate coasters back home, i would like to take this opportunity to ask one question to this beautiful lady here."