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24

"So, it's just us three now?" Nayeon said, fiddling with the mic, a little sigh escaping her lips.  She looked at Jihyo, a silent question hanging between them.

Jihyo nodded, a heavier sigh escaping her. "Seriously? I never saw this coming – just the three of us." She glanced at Chaeyoung, who was staring into space, miles away.

"Chaeyoung-ah… Chae… hello? Earth to Chaeyoung!" Nayeon tried again, a little sharper this time, but Chaeyoung didn't react, completely lost in her own head.

Felix, tuning his guitar, nudged her gently. Chaeyoung blinked, startled.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, Unnie?" she mumbled, her voice flat.

Nayeon threw her hands up. "What's with you two today?  You're both totally spaced out."

Jihyo changed the subject, her voice softer but still tinged with concern. "Where's Mina?"

The question hit Chaeyoung hard.  The wall she'd built around herself cracked.

"She's with Jeongyeon Unnie," she said flatly, the words heavy with unspoken stuff.  She picked up her guitar, her fingers tracing the strings, needing something to ground herself.

Nayeon and Jihyo exchanged a look. They knew.

"Okay, let's get started, then," Jihyo said, trying to inject some energy into the tense room.

A few minutes into practice, Jihyo stopped them. "Okay, stop! Chaeyoung, you're like a robot!  You're so stiff!"

Nayeon ruffled Chaeyoung's hair. "Loosen up, girl."

Chaeyoung let out a frustrated sigh.  "Maybe I just can't do this," she mumbled, her voice barely a whisper.

"Don't be silly, Chaeyoung!" Nayeon said, her voice firm.

Jihyo's voice was softer, but her words held a double meaning Chaeyoung picked up on immediately.  "Yeah, you gotta let it go, Chaeyoung.  Don't hold back."

Chaeyoung felt the weight of Jihyo's words.  Let it go. Don't hold back.  Easy for them to say.  It wasn't that simple when her sister was involved.

"Okay, one more time," Jihyo said, more gently this time.

 

"Chaeyoung!"

Chaeyoung paused, about to put on her helmet.

"Mina Unnie," she said, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Heading home?" Mina asked, walking closer.

"Yeah, gotta grab some clothes. I'm staying here tonight, you know, because of the songs," Chaeyoung mumbled, avoiding Mina's gaze.

"Oh… Um… Can I ride with you? I miss talking to you," Mina said, her voice quiet.

Chaeyoung chuckled, a little too nervously.  Mina had noticed, of course.  Who wouldn't?

"Why? Is something wrong?" Mina asked, worry clear in her eyes.

Chaeyoung swallowed hard.  "It's not like that, Unnie. We're just busy, that's all.  Foundation month is coming up," she stammered, her excuse sounding weak even to her own ears.

Mina nodded slowly, looking down.  Chaeyoung felt awful.

"Hop on," Chaeyoung said, handing Mina a helmet.

Mina smiled, putting on the helmet and jumping on the back of the bike.

As Chaeyoung started the engine, she felt Mina's arms around her waist.

Chaeyoung wanted to pull away, but a part of her… missed it.  This is the last time, she told herself.

 

"Hey Chae."

"Oh, Unnie, what's up? Everything okay?" Chaeyoung asked, answering Jeongyeon's call.

"Nah, just wanted to ask something," Jeongyeon said.

Chaeyoung sat down at her desk, surrounded by song lyrics.  "Shoot."

"About Mina…"

Chaeyoung froze.  She hummed, encouraging her sister to continue.

"Do you know what she likes?  Dislikes? I wanna take her out once I'm out of here," Jeongyeon said, her voice a little hesitant.  She'd be leaving the hospital in three days.

Chaeyoung bit her lip.  This hurt.

She started listing Mina's preferences, trying to keep her voice light.

"And, oh Unnie, she loves brewed coffee with milk," Chaeyoung added, forcing a cheerful tone.

"Okay, cool. Thanks, Chae.  Gotta go.  Goodnight!"

"Yeah, goodnight," Chaeyoung said, hanging up, letting out a huge sigh.

She rubbed her temples, staring at the lyrics.  She still needed inspiration.

A "Hello?" made her jump.

"M-Mina Unnie!?" Chaeyoung stood up quickly.

"Yep, it's your Myoui Mina Unnie," Mina said, walking in, smiling.

Chaeyoung quickly hid her lyrics and sat down.

"Why are you here? I thought you were home?" Chaeyoung asked, trying to sound casual.

"Oh, right. I brought you dinner. Figured you probably hadn't eaten yet," Mina said, handing her a container.

Chaeyoung took it, sighing inwardly.  Why am I such a softie?

"T-thanks.  Uh… you should probably go now, Unnie. It's late," Chaeyoung said, putting the food on her desk.

"Not until you eat it," Mina said, a playful glint in her eye.

After a little playful push-and-pull, Chaeyoung gave in, eating like a kid being told to finish their vegetables.  Mina just smiled, watching her.

"Unnie, I'm gonna melt," Chaeyoung mumbled.

Mina laughed.  "Chae, wanna chat?  To avoid the awkward silence?"

Chaeyoung nodded and paused to think of what could she ask. " okay I'll ask you something...."

Chaeyoung thought for a sec.  "What would you say to yourself in ten years?"

Mina thought about it. Chaeyoung watched her, admiring her.

Mina smiled.  "Hey, is your partner treating you well? I bet you have a bunch of mini-mes by now!" she laughed.

Chaeyoung was surprised Mina wanted kids.

"Wow," was all she could say.

The thought of Mina with someone else hurt.

Chaeyoung gave a small, sad smile.

"How about you, Chaeyoung?"

Chaeyoung smiled sadly.  Ten years from now…

She thought, Mina waiting patiently.

Finally, she whispered,

"Are you finally happy?"