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4

"Hmm, it's really nice," I replied, taking a sip of my coffee.  "Spacious, quiet, and the view is amazing, just like Dahyun said."  A smile played on my lips, unconsciously remembering the warmth of Chaeyoung's morning coffee.  It had been surprisingly good, so much so that I had ordered a hot coffee for lunch, something entirely out of character.

"Oh, I can see that," Momo said, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

"So unusual to see you drinking hot coffee during lunch, Mina," Jihyo observed, raising an eyebrow.

I just smiled, my gaze drifting to the entrance.  I was expecting someone.

"Oh, the juniors are here! Hello, Jagiyaaa!" Momo chirped, waving enthusiastically.  Tzuyu and Dahyun approached our table, their smiles a welcome contrast to the growing unease in my gut.

"Jagiya?" Nayeon questioned, a playful eyebrow raised.

"Heyya," Dahyun greeted, while Tzuyu offered a thin smile.

They settled in, but my eyes kept scanning the entrance.

"Where's Chaeyoung?" I finally asked Dahyun, who was engrossed in conversation.

"Hmm? She didn't come to school today," she replied, her voice casual.

"Wait, she didn't what? That's impossible! We came to school together this morning," I insisted, a knot of worry tightening in my stomach.

Dahyun and Tzuyu exchanged a quick, awkward glance. "Ah, maybe she did come to school. Maybe we just didn't see her, Unnie," Dahyun said quickly, changing the subject.

"Are you sure?" I pressed, my concern growing.  I knew Chaeyoung had driven me to school that morning.  How could she not be here?

Dahyun's nod was unconvincing, and a wave of unease washed over me.

"Mina... Mina... Yoohoo, pengu~" Sana's voice broke through my thoughts.

"Y-yes?" I replied, startled.

"We were saying we want to visit your new place this Sunday, but we want you to ask Chaeyoung first if it's okay," she explained.

"Ah, sure. I'll ask her when I get home," I replied, my mind still preoccupied with Chaeyoung's absence.

The afternoon passed in a blur of classes.  I arrived home later than usual, finishing my report at school.  Unlocking the door with the spare key Chaeyoung had given me, I stepped into the dim hallway, my hand fumbling for the light switch.

A note on the coffee table caught my eye.  I picked it up, my heart sinking as I read Chaeyoung's hastily scribbled message:

Hey, sorry, can't be home tonight. I bought some groceries earlier, so cook yourself a meal. Don't wait for me. Sorry, I'll treat you out next time.  -Chaeyoung  p.s: [xxx-xxx-xxx] Here's my number, call me if you need anything.

I sighed, a wave of loneliness washing over me.  After a quick bath, I prepared dinner, cooking two portions even though Chaeyoung wouldn't be home.  A familiar routine was comforting in the unsettling silence.

A knock at the door shattered the quiet of the evening.  It wasn't Chaeyoung.

"Hey? Is anyone home?" a woman's voice called from the other side.

I opened the door cautiously.

"Oh hey, I know it's not a good time, but Chaeyoung, just hear me out, okay? I'm so sorry about what my—" The woman's words trailed off as she saw me.

"Oh... um, sorry, but Chaeyoung's not here. How can I help you?" I asked, opening the door wider.

The girl looked down, her shoulders slumping. "Are you...? Nevermind. I'll just go. Sorry for bothering you."

She was gone before I could ask her name.  "Damn, I didn't even get her name," I muttered, a growing unease settling in my stomach.

Three days passed, and I hadn't seen Chaeyoung.  My texts went unanswered, except for brief messages saying she was busy.  I saw her at school, but I couldn't bring myself to approach her.  Dahyun assured me Chaeyoung was just like that, but my gut feeling told me something was wrong.  The mysterious woman's visit lingered in my mind.

Each night, I cooked two portions of dinner, leaving one for Chaeyoung, even though she wasn't there.  Each morning, the empty, washed plates were a silent testament to her presence, even in her absence.  It was a small comfort in the growing uncertainty.

I was reviewing for a quiz when a loud bang echoed from the front door.  I rushed to the entrance, my heart pounding.  The door was wide open, and Chaeyoung was slumped against the doorframe, her eyes closed.  The faint scent of alcohol hung in the air.  Her cheeks were flushed, her ears the color of ripe tomatoes.

"Chaeyoung!" I cried out, rushing to her side, my arms instinctively wrapping around her.

"Oh my God, what happened to you?" I whispered, gently guiding her inside.

Her room was locked, so I carried her to mine.  I laid her on the bed, her body limp.

"I'm tired, Eomma," she mumbled sleepily.

I fetched a basin and towel, my heart aching at the sight of a tear tracing a path down her cheek.  I wiped it away gently.  I changed her clothes, my eyes averted, and watched as she drifted off to sleep.

"You kinda look like a cub when you sleep," I whispered, tracing her face with my finger.

I tucked her in, then stepped out, closing the door softly behind me.  "Goodnight, cub," I whispered, before settling onto the sofa, clutching my penguin plushie.