ᵍᵒᵈᵈᵉˢˢ | ᵈᵘᵇᶜʰᵃᵉⁿᵍ

005

I sat on the roof, admiring the city lights shining in the night.

The cool breeze was nice against my skin, creating a comforting atmosphere.

I wonder how my mother is doing.

I hope she's alright. I hope she's coping with the repercussions of my father.

I wish she would just leave him. He's no good and she deserves so much better. We deserved so much better.

I could hear my bedroom door open through the cracked window.

Turning around, I noticed Nayeon standing in the doorway, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"I just wanted to check on you." She inched closer to the window, slowly opening it all the way.

"I'm doing alright." She nodded, sitting on the window sill.

"Chaeyoung, I know I try to get you to join us a lot, but it's because I want what's best for you. I believe TWICE is best for you. But," She paused, playing with the holes in her jeans. "I understand that it seems pushy and inconsiderate of me. I just want to let you know that your status in TWICE won't interfere with anything. You stay here as long as you need, member or not. We're here for you."

I smiled at her words, really appreciating her and everyone else in The House.

"Thank you, Nayeon. It means a lot." She mirrored my smile before wishing me a good night, turning around to leave.

"Nayeon, would it be alright if I went on a walk?" "Of course, just take a key." I nodded, thanking her before she exited the room.

Grabbing my backpack and shoes, I headed downstairs.

There were extra keys hung up on the wall so I took one of those, shoving it into the pocket of my jeans.

Once outside, I began to walk in the direction of the convenience store.

It was maybe a fifteen minute walk, but I didn't mind. I was enjoying the night air.

I had my headphones in while I walked, blasting some rock music.

Once the store was in sight, I was trying my best to see through the window and see who was working.

I hope it's not that Suzy girl, she's a bit weird.

As I neared, I noticed that it was Dahyun who was working today.

My heart began to race as I inched closer to the doors. Why am I so nervous?

Walking inside the store, I turned the volume of my headphones down just enough to hear her say, "Welcome in!"

She was busy checking out another customer to notice I had walked in. It'll be a nice surprise then.

I decided to grab a coffee before heading up to the register, watching as the customer before me walked off.

Dahyun turned her attention towards me, her cheeks lighting up red as we locked eyes.

"Hi, Chaeyoung. Where's Sana and Tzuyu?" "Home." I shrugged, tearing my headphones off before nodding towards a pack of cigarettes on the wall.

Dahyun turned towards the pack before looking back at me.

I took out my ID, smiling at the girl. She sighed, taking the pack and my ID before scanning it.

As she handed it to me, our fingers grazed each other. And I swear I felt something. A spark, maybe?

Dahyun went about scanning my coffee before informing me of my total.

"So, you smoke?" I nodded in response, pulling out some cash to cover the items.

"Keep the change, cutie." With that, I walked off, smiling softly to myself as I heard nothing but silence from the girl.

Once back outside, I began to walk towards the park that was near the convenience store.

The park sat parallel to the store, which I didn't plan for at all.

It's always nice to come here late at night because I have it to myself. I don't have to worry about anyone else.

Taking a seat on one of the swings, I sat my backpack down and pulled out the book I was currently reading.

I didn't get to take most of my books with me whenever I was kicked out, but I grabbed a few of my favorites.

I must have sat there and read for a couple of hours because before I knew it, the lights in the store were going off.

I watched as Dahyun locked the door before turning around. She looked around, staring in my direction.

Oh god, I hope she doesn't think I waited for her.

I decided to go back to reading, taking another drag off of my cigarette.

I could hear slow footsteps approaching me, but I decided to ignore them. I know that it's Dahyun.

"What are you reading?" Glancing up at the girl through my lashes, I noticed how she was standing rather close to me, the moonlight reflecting in her big doe eyes.

The moonlight really brings out the beauty in her eyes.

"It's a thriller." Dahyun nodded, biting her lip.

I sighed, closing the book before motioning to the swing beside me.

I guess we're going to be talking tonight. Just don't get too close, Chae...