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Dahyun's POV. 

A knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach.  Why was I doing this?  The question echoed in my mind, a persistent hum against the backdrop of my racing heart.  I couldn't bear the silent treatment from Sana any longer; the weight of her indifference felt heavier than any physical burden.

"Sana Unnie, can we talk? Just a minute, please," I called out, my voice barely a whisper above the bustling backstage energy.

I saw Sana mid-makeup application, poised to change, but my words stopped her.  "Just a minute," I repeated, the lie catching in my throat. Momo was waiting, yes, but the truth was, I needed this, needed to unravel the tangled mess of my emotions.

Sana didn't speak, simply following me as if drawn by an invisible thread.  I caught a glimpse of Tzuyu, her expression blank, almost vacant – a stark contrast to the turmoil within me.

We reached a quiet corner, the hushed space amplifying the tremor in my voice. "Sana, I like you," I blurted out, my gaze unwavering.

"Dahyun, you know that I—" she began, her voice laced with uncertainty.

"Or I used to," I interrupted, the past tense hanging heavy in the air. "I used to like you."

Confusion flickered across Sana's face, a mirror to my own internal chaos.  The truth, a bitter pill, finally dawned on me: it wasn't Tzuyu who kissed Sana.  Sana had kissed my best friend, a violation that ignited a surge of protective fury.  I should sue her, I thought, for harassing my friend. But then, the memory of Tzuyu's obvious affection for Sana surfaced, complicating the picture.

I shook my head, a wry smile playing on my lips. "I liked you, past tense. I can't lose my friend over a girl," I chuckled, the sound brittle, masking the underlying pain. "And my feelings weren't that deep. I misunderstood everything. Momo helped me see that…"

Sana offered a small, hesitant smile, remaining silent.

"So, I'm here to apologize. Sorry for making the girl you love sad," I said, bowing slightly. "I promise to be friends with her again."  Weeks spent with Momo had inexplicably imbued me with a newfound cheesiness.

Sana pulled me into a hug before returning to her preparations.  The embrace, brief as it was, warmed me, a small balm to my wounded heart.

Returning to the group, Momo's gaze met mine, a silent question hanging between us.  Gosh, I thought, this was a rollercoaster.

The event commenced. When Tzuyu's turn arrived, I unleashed a primal scream.  "THAT'S MY FUCKING BEST FRIEND OVER THERE!" I roared, clapping and laughing, my voice echoing through the venue as I watched Tzuyu on stage.

Tzuyu's eyes widened in surprise, quickly scanning for the source of the outburst.  Our gazes locked, and I yelled again, "YEAH YOU FUCKER, YOU'RE MY BEST FRIEND!"

A hint of a chuckle flickered across Tzuyu's face, quickly masked by her usual stoic demeanor. Then, a smirk played on her lips, igniting another wave of cheers from the audience.  Ah, really, I thought, shaking my head.

The event concluded, and I raced backstage, the other girls trailing behind.  Spotting Tzuyu finally changing, I jumped towards her, my laughter echoing in the cramped space.  She's so tall, whyyy?

"Sorry," we both uttered simultaneously, our laughter mingling with the sounds of the other girls.  Tzuyu hugged me, then the others joined in, a warm embrace that dissolved the tension.  Releasing the hug, I grabbed Tzuyu's wrist, pulling her towards Sana, whose confusion was palpable.

I clasped Sana's and Tzuyu's hands together.  "Hmm, looking good," I commented, stepping back.  The sting of my unrequited feelings had surprisingly vanished.

Tzuyu made a move to withdraw her hand, but I spoke firmly, "Remove that, and I'll never talk to you again."

Tzuyu frowned, but her grip on Sana's hand tightened.  Sana looked away, trying to suppress a squeal, while Tzuyu looked equally flustered.

Come on, Tzu, I thought, I know you like her, you freaking giant tsundere.

We showered them with playful teases, Nayeon Unnie capturing the moment with a flurry of pictures. "What are you, highschoolers!?" she exclaimed, laughing.

I took Momo's hand. I'm glad she's here with me.

 

Mina's POV 

The final day of the event loomed, a mixture of excitement and trepidation churning within me.  My performance was imminent.

Peeking through the curtains, I scanned the audience.  The girls were seated in the middle, but Chaeyoung was absent.  My eyes darted around, finally settling on Jeongyeon and Somi, seated far away in the upper left corner.  Still no Chaeyoung.

Anxiety gnawed at me, a cold dread creeping into my bones. Why was I so afraid? I can do this… I can do this… I can—

"Myoui, it's your turn!"  The president's voice cut through my internal monologue.

Wait, I'm not ready!  But before I could protest, I was propelled onto the stage, the curtains rising to reveal a sea of faces.

My legs trembled uncontrollably.  Too many eyes, too much pressure.

Wait, Mina, remember your sacred ritual, just touch the pin your mom gave you.  Touch the pi—

The pin… it wasn't there.  I frantically patted my chest, my fingers fumbling in vain. It's not here!  I dropped it!  I saw its glint on the stage floor, but it was too far, too late.

The music began, its familiar melody a cruel mockery of my inner turmoil.  My movements were clumsy, my rhythm unsteady, my body betraying my nerves.  The stares felt like needles piercing my skin.

No, Mina, think of happy thoughts.  Happy thoughts… happy thoughts…

Chaeyoung… Chaeyoung’s coffee, her paintings, her smile, her dimple, her laugh, her face, her warmth, her lame jokes… her…

Suddenly, a lightness filled me, a surge of energy replacing the paralyzing fear.  I found my rhythm, my movements fluid and graceful.  Opening my eyes, I saw the faces before me not as a judging audience, but as individuals sharing a moment of beauty.

And then I saw her.  Chaeyoung, standing at the door, watching me with a proud smile.  Our eyes met, and a warmth spread through me, chasing away the last vestiges of fear.  She was here.  She was watching me.

I beamed a smile, oblivious to the confused expressions of the audience.  Imagine dancing a sad song with a smile on your face.  She's there… giving me a thumbs up, mouthing "Fighting."

The music ended, the curtain fell, and the room erupted in applause.  She's here.

I rushed backstage, retrieving the pin my mother had given me.  I needed to see her.  I needed to—

"Mina!"

Jeongyeon…

"That was amazing! Your performance was incredible! Wow, I never thought you'd be—"

"Where's Chaeyoung?" I blurted out, my voice thick with urgency.

"Chaeyoung? …She's not here," Jeongyeon replied, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"But I saw her!"

"Uh… maybe she's here somewhere… but I didn't see her."

I searched the hall where the audience had been, but Chaeyoung was nowhere to be found.  But I saw her, I know I did.

Backstage, Jeongyeon approached, a bouquet of roses in hand. "Hey Mina, kinda hurt you ignored my flowers like that," she pouted.

I forced a smile. "I'm sorry, and thank you for these."

"Um… Mina-ssi…" Jeongyeon began, scratching her nape.

"Do you want to have dinner tonight, with me?" she asked, her hands in her pockets.

"I can't. I'll be cheering for my friends; they're having a singing event tonight."

Jeongyeon nodded, then smiled. "Oh, it's fine. Mind if I go and watch with you?"

"Oh, sure. We can meet later at 5; the event starts at 6. Is that good?"

Jeongyeon nodded. "Then I'll be leaving now. See ya later."