Chaeng sat on the floor beside her bed, quietly folding her uniform blouse. Her suitcase lay open nearby, half-packed. Each item she placed inside felt heavier than it should have – like it carried the weight of everything she was losing.
She picked up her unworn ballet flats, pausing for a second before gently placing them on top of the clothes. Her hands trembled.
Eun knelt beside her, silently helping to fold a sweater. “Let me help,” she said gently.
Chaeng’s voice was barely a whisper. “I still can’t believe it’s real.”
Tears welled up in her eyes, but she blinked them away and kept packing. Her motions were stiff, robotic – like if she just kept moving, maybe it wouldn’t hurt so much.
When she zipped the suitcase shut, it made a soft, final sound that felt like the end of something.
Chaeng sat back on her heels, hugging her knees to her chest. Silent tears began to spill, trailing down her cheeks.
Eun moved closer, wrapping an arm tightly around her shoulders. “Chaeng…”
Chaeng leaned into her, her voice cracking. “I messed everything up. I ruined it all – for a stupid crush, for some sneaking around. And now... it’s over. The school. The ballerina academy. Everything I wanted.”
Eun rested her chin gently on Chaeng’s head, holding her like she was afraid she’d break. “It’s not over. You’re allowed to screw up. What matters is what you do next.”
“But I disappointed everyone,” Chaeng whispered. “My family… you… myself.”
Eun rubbed her back in slow circles. “That doesn’t mean you’re beyond saving.”
A soft knock broke the quiet.
Eun glanced at the door, then looked back at Chaeng. “I’ll get it.”
She stood and opened the door.
Rosé stood there, a soft frown creasing her brow, her usual calm tinged with sadness. “I heard.”
Eun nodded quietly and stepped aside.
Rosé entered, her eyes falling on Chaeng, who hadn’t moved from the floor. “Hey,” she said gently.
Chaeng looked up, startled. “Rosé?”
“I came as soon as I found out,” she said, lowering herself beside her. “Are you okay?”
Chaeng gave a half-hearted laugh, wiping her eyes. “Not really.”
Rosé nodded in understanding. “I get it. But I want to help.”
Chaeng’s brows drew together. “Help… how?”
Rosé glanced at Eun, then back. “Jungkook’s family still listens to him. And he still listens to me.”
Chaeng stared at her. “You’d talk to him? For me?”
“I will,” Rosé said. “It’s not a guarantee, but if there’s even a chance it might change Harley’s mind, it’s worth trying.”
Eun blinked in quiet surprise. “That’s… really generous.”
Rosé shrugged lightly. “Everyone deserves a second chance, right?”
Chaeng choked on a breath, fresh tears welling in her eyes. “Thank you.”
Rosé reached out, taking her hand gently. “Just don’t give up on yourself. Not now.”
“I won’t,” Chaeng whispered, voice raw. “I promise.”
And for the first time that night, the ache in her chest loosened a little.
YOU ARE READING
Sylvania || jjk
FanfictionAt Sylvania, magic is more than just a skill-it's a legacy. And for Jungkook and Chaeng, the school has always been full of secrets. Odd things will begin to surface posing a threat to their relationship as well as the kingdom too. A game is going o...
