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Chaeyoung's POV.

Shit, I feel like anemic is kicking in.
I dropped the cardboard boxes to the ground, the fashion department needs it.

"Shit" I caressed my head.

I fumble upon the railings to support my body, my vision's turning black, hearing felt like I'm being thrown into a void.

"Chaeyoung!"

Who's voice is that? Is it Tzuyu?
"Chae!" Oh is that Dahyun?

Wait who? Who's there?

Somi... That's her voice, I think she's in front of me.

But I can't see he-....

Just then, My body fell into the ground, probably too tired.
But it's just the start of the event, the first day.

_________
Mina's POV

Panic clawed at me when I heard Chaeyoung had collapsed. I raced towards the infirmary, students parting like the Red Sea as I ran, my frustration boiling over at the sprawling campus.

F.U., JYP!!! I muttered under my breath, my lungs burning.

A wave of relief washed over me as I spotted the infirmary doors. I flung them open, calling out, "Chae-"

"Shh, don't be too loud. She's sleeping," a voice said.

Chaeyoung lay pale and still on the bed. My heart ached at her fragility.

Somi, fixing Chaeyoung's hair, announced that Tzuyu and Chaeyoung's sister were on their way. Why is she here? I thought, quickly pushing the question aside. Chaeyoung's well-being was all that mattered.

I stood by the door, watching Somi tend to Chaeyoung. Footsteps echoed in the hallway, and Jeongyeon and Tzuyu rushed in.

"Unnie, how's Chaeyoung?" Tzuyu asked, her voice tight with worry.

I pointed to the bed, unable to speak. Jeongyeon nodded, her expression mirroring my concern.

Somi emerged. "She's fine... just needs rest," she said, her tone clipped.

Jeongyeon and Tzuyu entered the room. I started to follow, but Somi stopped me.

"We need to talk," she said, her voice firm.

I found myself walking with her to a quiet corner of the hallway. The emptiness was a stark contrast to the bustling activity outside, the first day of the foundation week in full swing.

Somi leaned against the railing, her gaze sweeping over the students below. "She's getting weak," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"What do you mean?" I asked, my unease growing. Was she talking about Chaeyoung?

Somi chuckled, a dry, humorless sound. "Aish, seriously, that girl," she said, shaking her head.

"What? Tell me," I urged.

"I guess she hasn't told you," Somi replied, her expression unreadable. Tell me what? I wondered, my frustration mounting.

"Well, it's not my story to tell. Maybe she'll tell you... when the time comes... or if it comes..." she trailed off, her voice flat, devoid of emotion. Her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning.

Before I could question her further, she was gone, a brief touch on my shoulder her only farewell. I was left alone, grappling with her cryptic words.

Half an hour later, Tzuyu emerged, calling me to Chaeyoung's side. Chaeyoung was awake, sitting up in bed.

"Yo, Unnie," she greeted weakly.

I rushed to her, wrapping my arms around her. "You... I was so worried, you idiot," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. Tears pricked my eyes.

Chaeyoung's hand gently patted my back. "Unnie... can't... breathe," she chuckled, her voice strained.

I quickly released her. "Oh... sorry," I mumbled.

"No, I'm sorry," she replied, a weak smile gracing her lips.

The nurse diagnosed anemia and sleep deprivation. She was exhausted, bone-deep tired. The image of Chaeyoung's mother's harsh treatment flashed through my mind.

Jeongyeon left with Chaeyoung, their mother arriving to pick them up. A flicker of worry crossed her face as she looked at Chaeyoung, replaced by a cold indifference when our eyes met. She offered no help, leaving Jeongyeon to manage everything.

Will Chaeyoung be okay? The question hung heavy in the air, unanswered.