Crazy Little Thing called LOVE

Chapter 22 Jealous BAE

A few days passed, and Yeri had recovered from her hangover. The members went back to their usual routine, practicing hard for their upcoming performance. Yet, beneath the surface, a new tension began to brew.

Irene couldn't help but notice the closeness between Yeri and Seulgi. It wasn't the first time she had seen them sharing moments of deep understanding and support. But this time, it was different. Irene had been feeling neglected lately, and seeing Seulgi's unwavering attention to Yeri only fueled her jealousy.

One evening, as they sat in their living room, Irene decided to broach the subject with Wendy, who had become her confidant.

IRENE: (hesitant) "Wendy, can I talk to you about something that's been bothering me?"

WENDY: (concerned) "Of course, Unnie. What's on your mind?"

Irene took a deep breath before she began.

IRENE: (emotionally) "I've noticed something, Wendy. Lately, Seulgi has been really close to Yeri, and it's like she's avoiding me. It's not just that though... She used to wake me up in the morning with a cup of coffee, and she always had candy bars ready for me to maintain my sugar levels. But now, it's like she's focusing on the others and not caring as much."

Wendy listened carefully to Irene's words, knowing that this had been eating at her for a while.

WENDY: (thoughtful) "Unnie, have you considered that maybe Seulgi is doing what you asked her to do?"

IRENE: (confused) "What do you mean?"

WENDY: (explaining) "Remember a while ago, when you started distancing yourself from her? You told Seulgi to give you space and not to bother you with coffee and candy bars. You said you needed time alone."

Irene's eyes widened as Wendy's words sank in. She had indeed asked Seulgi for some space when she had started dating her boyfriend, and she wanted to focus on that relationship.

IRENE: (realization) "You're right, Wendy. I did ask her for space back then."

WENDY: "Seulgi is just respecting your wishes, Irene. She's not avoiding you because she doesn't care; she's doing it because she's trying to give you the space you asked for."

Irene felt a mix of emotions—relief, guilt, and a hint of regret. She hadn't considered how her request might have affected Seulgi.

The upcoming events even added more fuel to her jealousy when they were asked to assemble in CEO office. Irene had always prided herself on being a composed and level-headed leader of Red Velvet. She was known for her grace, poise, and an unshakable resolve in times of crisis. But today, as she sat in the plush, white-walled office of their CEO, Mr. Lee, that image of unflappable calm was slipping through her fingers like grains of sand.

The reason for her turmoil was Seulgi and Yeri, or more precisely, the ship name that fans had bestowed upon them: Seulri. Irene knew very well that ships were an essential part of K-pop culture, a way for fans to express their love and support for their favorite idols. But lately, the Seulri ship had gained an enormous following, and Irene couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy every time she saw fan art and fanfiction depicting Seulgi and Yeri as a couple.

She couldn't deny that Seulgi and Yeri had grown close over the period of time, often bonding over their shared love for video games and late-night snacks. But Irene had always considered herself Seulgi's closest friend and confidante in the group. The idea that fans were now shipping Seulgi with someone else was a bitter pill to swallow.

As Irene sat in the CEO's office, her thoughts were consumed by these feelings of jealousy. She was so lost in her own turmoil that she barely registered the conversation happening around her. Mr. Lee had called for this meeting to discuss the upcoming Red Velvet concert and the need for some fan interaction and fanservice.

"Girls, we've been planning this concert for months, and I believe it's time to take our fan engagement to the next level," Mr. Lee said, looking at each member of Red Velvet with a smile. "I've noticed that fans are loving the interactions between you on social media, and I think it's time to give them a little extra."

Irene forced herself to pay attention, her eyes fixed on Mr. Lee as he continued, "I suggest we create some new ships among the members. It'll add an exciting twist to our concert and make our fans even happier. What do you think?"

There was a moment of silence as the members exchanged glances. Irene's heart raced, fearing what this could mean for her own ship, Seulrene, which she believed was the superior ship in Red Velvet. But she kept her emotions hidden, her face a mask of composure.

Seulgi, sitting beside Irene, was the first to speak up. "I think that's a great idea, Mr. Lee. It'll be a fun way to engage with our fans and create some memorable moments during the concert."

Irene couldn't believe her ears. Seulgi, her Seulgi, was actually endorsing the idea of creating new ships? Her heart sank further as Seulgi continued, "I was thinking we could pair up in a way that fans haven't seen before. For example, how about shipping me with Joy and Yeri? We can call it 'SeulriJoy' or something catchy like that. What do you think, girls?"

Joy and Yeri exchanged excited glances, clearly on board with the idea. Irene felt like she was watching her world crumble before her eyes. She had hoped to spend some quality time with Seulgi during the concert, but now it seemed like that plan was being replaced by this new ship.

Mr. Lee nodded approvingly at Seulgi's suggestion. "That sounds fantastic. Now, Irene, what about you? Who would you like to be shipped with?"

Irene's mind raced as she desperately tried to come up with a solution that wouldn't threaten Seulrene. She couldn't bear to see Seulgi with anyone else. Finally, she replied, "I think shipping me with Wendy would be a great idea. We've always had a special bond, and I believe our chemistry will shine through for the fans."

Wendy, who had been silent until now, gave Irene a reassuring smile and nodded in agreement. Irene's heart warmed slightly at Wendy's support, but she couldn't shake the feeling of unease about the whole situation.

Mr. Lee clapped his hands together with enthusiasm. "Excellent! It's settled, then. SeulriJoy and WenRene it is. I have no doubt our fans will love it."

Irene nodded along with the rest of the members, but her heart was heavy. She couldn't believe that she was actually agreeing to this, all in the name of fan engagement. She had always been willing to go the extra mile for her fans, but this felt like a betrayal of her own feelings.

"Will Irene finally realize that she is falling for Seulgi or will she be oblivious to her feelings"