ᵍᵒᵈᵈᵉˢˢ | ᵈᵘᵇᶜʰᵃᵉⁿᵍ

003

"Is Dahyun new?" I questioned Sana and Tzuyu as we sat down at a park bench near the store, allowing the window of the convenience store to be in my direct line of vision.

"I've never seen her before." I added, earning curious looks from my friends. "No, she just doesn't work on Mondays." Tzuyu pointed out, taking a bite of her ice cream.

Humming, I slowly ate my ice cream while I watched the two girls in the shop laugh.

"Does Chae have a little crush?" Tzuyu teased, pushing me playfully while my face lit up from embarrassment.

Sana giggled, "You totally do!"

"I do not!" I pouted, taking a sad bite of my ice cream. "I just think she's cute."

"Well, why don't we go back and-" "No. No, why would we do that?"

"Chae, how is she going to know that you have a crush on her if you don't tell her?" Sana questioned, rolling her eyes playfully.

"I don't want her to know. She doesn't need someone like me in her life. She looks like she has her life together, and I don't want to ruin that."

Both girls looked at me with heartbreak in their eyes.

"Chae..." Tzuyu spoke softly, "I wish you wouldn't think like that. You're a wonderful person, and I'm sure she would be honored to have you in her life."

"Well, I guess we'll never know." I mumbled, turning away from the two girls to see that the beautiful girl of my dreams, Dahyun, was no longer in sight.

Sighing, I looked down at my lap. "Can we just go to The House now?"

Both girls agreed, so we all piled into the car and headed home.

-

"Chaeyoung!" Nayeon greeted me as she engulfed me in a hug. "How are you?"

Pulling away, our eyes met, and I could see the sincerity in her dark orbs. "I'm okay, Nayeon, thank you."

"Good. You stay as long as you need, okay? And let me know if you need anything."

"Thank you." She smiled in response before turning to Sana and Tzuyu.

"Girls, why don't you show Chaeyoung to her room, yeah? You two have a long day ahead of you tomorrow, so you should probably retire after this."

They both nodded before turning their attention toward me. Tzuyu took my hand in hers, guiding me up the stairs.

We stopped in front of a grey door before Sana opened it.

Walking in, I was astonished at the design of the room. There was a queen bed in the center of the room with a nightstand on either side, all a beautiful crème color.

There was little to no decor in the room, but Tzuyu informed me that's so that I can decorate it how I want.

"Thank you, guys. Really. I appreciate this so much."

"Of course, Chae. We're always here to help you out. You're our sister and we want what's best for you." I smiled warmly at the two before wishing them a good night.

As soon as the door closed behind them, I sighed to myself.

Dragging myself to the bed, I plopped down onto the bouncy mattress before staring up at the ceiling.

Thoughts of that Dahyun girl flashed across my mind.

She was rather cute. Her big doe eyes caught my attention as soon as I walked in the door. They make her look so innocent, like she hasn't been exposed to the cruelty of the world yet.

Which is why I should stay away from her.

She doesn't need someone like me exposing her to that. She needs someone who will show her nothing but the brightness of the world. If there even is any at this point.

But would it really hurt if we just talked? Maybe just as friends?

No, I hurt everyone I come into contact with. But I-

"Chae?" The door to my room slowly opened before Sana peaked her head around the corner, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "I figured you'd still be awake."

I sat up, patting the space beside me, inviting her to come sit and talk.

She did just that, sighing slightly before speaking, "Nayeon wanted me to go over the house rules with you."

Nodding my head, I patiently waited to hear the awful rules that I would have to abide by.

"No boys, no drugs, and if you want to leave for something, just let someone know."

I looked up at Sana confused, only making her giggle. "Wait, that's it? Just three simple rules?"

"Yeah, what were you expecting? Super strict rules and restrictions?"

"Yes, actually." I chuckled. I'm relieved the rules are so lenient, though. It'll make staying here easier.

"Chae?" "Yeah, Sana?"

"I'm sorry you're going through this, but just know that all of us are here for you. Even though you're not a part of the gang, you're still family. I want you to remember that, okay?"

I smiled, "Okay. Thank you."

Sana pulled me into a hug, the both of us laughing before breaking apart.

"Please get some rest. Don't stay up all night thinking of Dahyun." "I-"

"Don't lie. Sana knows all, remember?" I pouted, hating how she was right.

"Goodnight, Chaeyoung." "Night, Sana."

Closing the door behind her, I fell back onto the mattress once more.

Maybe I'll just try talking to her...