LVLUP X DO:ZEN

Chapter 5 - Confessions

Park Minji
Minji laid on her bed with Chibi, gently stroking his back and over-thinking. Luckily, it wasn't long before dinner was ready.
"Uuuuunnniiiiee", Ayaka sang before popping her head into the room. "It's ti-ime.. for dinner." The maknae studied their leader for a few seconds before walking over and gently placing her hand on the top of Minji's head, stroking her long black hair soothingly. "Whatever it is, it will be okay, Minjisan." With a gentle head pat and reassuring smile the youngest left her alone. Minji couldn't stop her own smile from breaking across her face. Ayaka had grown up so much since she first met her.

They had met at the start of Next Level Idol and instantly gravitated towards each other. Yashi had only been 13 when recording started and barely knew any Korean. She had only been in the country for 5 months and was really struggling; luckily, Minji had been determined to teach her. The elder had recruited her friend Katsu, who had just been happy to have someone to talk to in his native language, to help with a lot of it. The two were still excited to speak in Japanese whenever they ran into each other.

Now the youngest was 15, and although she was obviously still young, she was beginning to act more grown up. Minji never would have imagined their little Yakannie offering wisdom and reassurance.

The leader gave Chibi one last big smooch on the head before heading towards the table with the dog following closely behind. "Chibi!!" Sunhwa ran across the room to the dog like they hadn't just been home together for the last couple of hours. With her arms wrapped around his neck she pouted up at his owner. "He never wants to snuggle me when you're home."

Minji patted Sun's head condescendingly, "that's because he likes me more," she deadpanned. All of the girls grew quiet and looked between the two with wide eyes. "Oooooooh!" Chun Hua broke in, pointing at Sun who was still on the floor. "Minji Unnie roasted your ass!" The girl burst out laughing and Minji offered a hand to help Sun to her feet. The eldest tsked, "Aish, watch your language."

Eunbi could be seen rolling her eyes as she set the last bowl down on the table. "Come eat, you knuckleheads," the rest of the girls obeyed her. Dinner was Eunbi's signature comfort kimchi-jiggae and luckily, rather uneventful. The younger girls managed to keep up a lively conversation between the three of them, Eunbi scrolled through her phone quietly like usual, and Minji stared off into space, dreading the end of dinner.

Of course the end came too soon. Everyone but Eunbi pitched in since she had prepared the meal, Minji packaging leftovers, Ayaka clearing dishes, Sunhwa washing dishes, and Chun Hua wiping everything down. The 5 of them were well practiced by now.

Once everything was cleaned and put away, Sun wasted no time in pulling out her phone and dragging CH and Yashi away for their promised VLive. Minji didn't wait for Eunbi and headed to their room, Chibi following faithfully at her side. It didn't take long for the other girl to meet her. They were both sitting on Minji's bed, side by side and leaning against the wall, Chibi curled by their feet. As they sat like that, a familiar sense of comfort washed over the leader and she rested her head on her friend's shoulder.

"Alright, now spill." Classic straight to the point Eunbi. Eunbi was familiar with Katsu. They had met a few times briefly because of Minji but more regularly simply because they were all from the same company. The two groups had done promotions together right after their seasons aired leading up to debut. Minji didn't think Eunbi realized how close they had gotten though.

The elder left her head on her roommate's shoulder. "You know Katsu?" "Your friend from DO:ZEN?" Minji just nodded her head and continued. "We still see each other. We grabbed coffee together after the shoot and I think I like him but... I don't think I should see him anymore..." Her voice began to waver towards the end.