"Chae, how's your art piece coming?" Tzuyu asked, sliding a plate of food across the table to Chaeyoung.
Since that night, the night I discovered Chaeyoung's secret, I'd been replaying it in my head, wondering what might have happened between them. But I wasn't in a position to pry. I'd wait for her to open up.
Chaeyoung shrugged, her voice nonchalant. "Um…haven't started anything yet."
"Deadline?" Dahyun asked.
"Next month, probably," Chaeyoung mumbled around a mouthful of food. She swallowed, then turned to me. "You didn't know I'm an art student, Unnie?"
I nodded. She shrugged again.
"Next month?!" Jihyo exclaimed.
"Art students usually take two to three weeks, right?" Sana added, her brow furrowed.
"So, what's the hold-up?" Tzuyu asked, her tone sharp.
Chaeyoung sighed. "Inspiration. And I'm missing a model for my piece."
"Model? Painting?" I asked, surprised.
Chaeyoung nodded, and a collective gasp went around the table.
"Just download some references online?" Nayeon suggested.
Dahyun snorted. "Doubt Chaeyoung would do that. She likes real-life references – actual flowers, real scenery."
"Chaeyoung, that's going to take forever!" Jihyo protested.
"Yeah, but what can I do? Hiring models is expensive – transport, snacks, the whole shebang," Chaeyoung complained.
"You need someone close by," Nayeon pointed out.
Momo's eyes lit up. "Then Mina!"
All eyes turned to me. I pointed at myself, a little bewildered.
"Me?"
"Momo's right! Oh my god, she's brilliant!" Nayeon exclaimed.
"I know, right?" Momo smirked. "Mina's your housemate. No transport costs!"
Chaeyoung paused, considering. "Unnie, is that…okay with you?"
"Sure," I said. "What are you even painting?"
A moment of silence. Chaeyoung ducked her head, biting her lip. Then, she blurted out, "N-nude…paint—"
"What?!" My eyes widened.
She burst out laughing, a relieved sound that broke the tension. "Just kidding, Unnie! It's supposed to be elegant!" She doubled over with laughter, the others joining in.
I clutched my chest, letting out a shaky breath. "Yah! I almost had a heart attack!"
"So…is it okay, Unnie?" Chaeyoung asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Yeah, sure. I'll help you," I said, a smile finally touching my lips. At least I could repay her, even in a small way. The thought warmed me more than I expected.
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أدب الهواةChaeyoung a girl who beams the brightest smile that could even light up a whole town, but behind those smile hides the deepest secrets that Mina would later on find out. How will this story ends.
