Stay - Yang Jungwon 양 정원

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘-𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑

Over the next couple of days of practice, we worked really hard on our facial expressions. Thankfully, Sunghoon was able to quickly pick it up along with us, making practice a lot easier and less stressful.

Though, there were other things I was worrying about. After talking with my cousin and my dad, I couldn't stop thinking. It was just constant what-ifs and it was making me go crazy. I've never been one to fuss about crushes and such, but why was it so important to me now?

The stage rehearsal on the test day went okay. We were still advised to keep smiling harder, but our practices definitely improved our performance.

"You know, I'm going to enjoy this seat while I can," I said truthfully as I sat down next to Sunoo in my first-place chair.

Sunoo laughed, "What do you mean?"

"As much as I am confident in my skills, this concept is not going to be my strong suit," I explained.

"Ah, Chae, don't worry too much! You just need to have fun," Sunoo suggested.

"Keep telling yourself that, I'm with Chaeri on this," Heeseung said nervously making us both laugh.

I puffed out my cheeks, "My jaw has been hurting from over-smiling, seriously!"

Sunoo shook his head, "You're so dramatic," He said, patting my head. "Chamber 5 will be okay!" I just sighed, tugging down my crop top.

We all sat in our current seats as the clock turned zero. This was the last test before the final, which could really make or break our final places. I fidgeted with my cardigan, the BTS test I was criticized for my energy and expressions, which is the exact same critique I had during the mid-point evaluation. I could only hope I improved immensely. I don't think my mentality could take being in such a low rank again.

"Top eight I-Landers, please turn in your badges."

"I'll be back," I said to my badge as I got up with the other seven to put our badges back. I frowned as I had a small struggle to unpin my badge before putting it in the case. "Dude... what the hell?" I resisted the urge to sigh again as my top became uncomfortable. For a cropped sweater, it was incredibly tight on me, like one size too small.

"Chae? What's wrong?"

I looked at Jungwon who was looking at me curiously, "Just my stupid top. It's uncomfortable. I don't want to perform in this," I muttered, pulling on it. "I'm seriously starting to think they got me the wrong size. Because no way this is the normal fit. It's not just tight, it just lays the wrong way too," I rambled, pulling it out to see if I could stretch it.

Jungwon got up from his seat and stood in front of me, "Did you ask the stylist for another option?"

I shook my head, "I would if I could have. She just sent me into the bathroom to change. It's not like she had another outfit on hand," I explained.

"Here," I quickly put my hands up as Jungwon tugged down the hem of it. I felt my face warm as I watched him adjust my outfit. The pure concentration and focus on his frown were cute. Thank god I was wearing foundation and blush. "Is that better?" He asked, pulling my cardigan forward.

"Kind of," I mumbled. "It's going to move during the stage," I reminded him.

"It's the best we can do. If it's really bad, I'll talk to the staff for you," Jungwon offered making me smile.

"It's alright," I assured him.

As I went to go back to my seat, I paused seeing Heeseung sitting in my first place. "Yah, hyung! That's Chaeri's seat!" Sunoo reminded him, hitting his arm as Heeseung seemed to realize what was going on.