Someone Like You

Chapter 7: Focus

Sana lit the candle on Lisa's birthday cake with meticulous care. "Let's wish Lisa a happy birthday!"

"One, two, three," Jeongyeon, Yeri, Wendy, Jisoo, Irene, and Jihyo counted in unison.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!"

*CLAP! CLAP!*

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!"

*CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!*

"Happy BIRTHday." Momo’s voice cracked, eliciting a chorus of laughter.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY." We sang, trying to stifle our giggles.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO—"

"YOU ~" Wendy, Jisoo, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung harmonized.

"Alright, it’s time for us to head out. We’ve already picked a winner!" Irene declared, pretending to leave.

Laughter ensued.

"Okay, go on then," Dahyun joked. Irene ran toward her and playfully swatted her arm. "Ouch!"

"Ha ha! Serves you right," Jeongyeon teased, only to receive a mock choke from Dahyun. "Just kidding, just kidding!"

The chaotic energy was palpable. Ji Eun whispered to me, "They’re quite a lively bunch, aren’t they?"

"I know, right?" I replied with a chuckle, feeling Mina’s gaze once again. I chose to ignore it.

"Stop, you might end up hurting each other," Jihyo warned, and the group complied, though Sana looked on with an amused smile, exuding a maternal vibe.

Jihyo noticed Sana’s smile and playfully smacked her head. Sana groaned in mock pain.

"Let’s eat. I’m starving," Rosé pouted.

"Agreed, I’m famished too," Momo added.

"As if you two are ever not hungry," I quipped.

"Stop bickering. Let’s eat in peace. I repeat, peacefully," Irene said firmly before heading to the kitchen.

The group moved to the kitchen with barely a sound, careful not to incur Irene’s wrath. Seulgi, as usual, kept things calm.

"Let’s celebrate Lisa’s birthday with gusto!" Jisoo cheered, and we echoed the sentiment.

I glanced at Ji Eun, who was enjoying herself despite not knowing everyone well. I took her hand, and she looked at me, puzzled. I offered her a piece of meat.

"Is it good?" Ji Eun asked.

I nodded enthusiastically. Her gaze was warm, but Mina’s cold stare was unmistakable. I tried to ignore it.

"Ayieee! Ji Eun unnie has a crush on Nayeon unnie!" Chaeyoung teased.

I laughed as Ji Eun’s face flushed bright red.

"You two look adorable together. Right, Mina?" Jeongyeon said, causing Mina to flinch. She forced a smile and nodded.

Sana shook her head at me, and I smiled back. I glanced at Mina, who announced she was heading to the bathroom before leaving the room.

We continued eating and planned to play a game afterward. I hoped it wasn’t truth or dare.

"Alright, we’re going to have missions. Each of us needs to complete them discreetly," Jihyo announced.

"Since we have a CCTV, we’ll review the footage tomorrow and edit it for our YouTube channel," Jisoo explained.

"We’ve written the missions," Jihyo said, holding up a bowl. "Pick a slip and remember, keep it a secret."

We formed a line and drew our missions, displaying them briefly to the camera. I got "kiss everyone on the cheek." How would I manage that?

Spotting the champagne, I decided to drink a bit to ease my way through the task. After consuming three glasses, I felt the effects.

I approached Irene, hugging her from behind and kissing her cheek. "Yah!" she exclaimed. I kissed her other cheek and quickly moved away, giving a thumbs-up to the CCTV.

Next, I targeted Jisoo. "Look at the lights!" I said, pointing. As she turned, I pecked her cheek and fled.

"Yaaahh!!" she protested, chasing me with playful annoyance.

My thumb was up again, indicating success. My next mission was trickier, so I drank more champagne to steady my nerves. As I approached the next target, I noticed Mina sitting alone, her demeanor cold.

Focus, Nayeon. Stay on task.

I spotted Jennie and hugged her tightly. I pecked her cheek, and she sighed, "I guess you’re tipsy." I silently celebrated the success of my mission.

I continued, trying to remain discreet while navigating the room. Mina’s earlier mood lingered in my mind.

Focus, Im Nayeon. You have a mission to complete.

Nyn.