From Stage To Barracks

chapter 17

Chaeyoung p.o.v

After the visit of my  friend I can't sleep anymore I started to think about myself and the past to share about that I've had my fair share of moments when I felt like the odd one out. It's not easy being in a group as close-knit as ours, especially when you start overthinking things. Like, seriously, how many times have I tried to count those moments when I felt rejected, even if it was indirect?

It all started when I came across those "MiChaeng" videos on YouTube. At first, they seemed pretty funny because they were all about us having these intense eye contact moments. I mean, come on, isn't that just us being friends, right? You'd think friends can read each other's minds through their eyes.

But then, something shifted. I couldn't help but notice that Mina sometimes stared at me for a bit longer, with this look that made me question everything. It was like those moments had a deeper meaning that I just couldn't grasp. So, I started wondering, was there something more to those shared glances?

It's funny how even in a tight-knit group like ours, things can get a bit complicated. Those unspoken feelings, the mixed signals You know, it's weird. I can't help but wonder if I've always seen her differently, or if something changed after watching those videos. Being around her just feels... different. We've always had moments where we could talk more comfortably, share inside jokes, and just be ourselves. But lately, it's like I find myself wanting to be with her all the time.

It's like my contentment level shoots up when she's around. And that's where it gets complicated. I started to understand that these feelings are more than just friendship. But every time I tried to express myself, she'd start talking about her friendship with BamBam. Don't get me wrong; I've heard he's charming and has a great personality. Nayeon unnie told me all about him.

So, yeah, I've been grappling with these feelings, trying to figure out if it's just a phase or something more. It's like I'm caught between what feels right and what's expected of me, and it's honestly driving me a bit crazy.

When I think about it, my first heartbreak happened during my teenage years. It all started in our old dorm, And that fateful day began with a game of Truth or Dare.

Year 2018

Chaeyoung and Tzuyu were in the midst of their second year of high school, while Dahyun had graduated a year earlier. Their lives were incredibly busy as they juggled back-to-back comebacks, which had seen great success. Alongside their demanding schedules, they also had assignments and tests to contend with

One day, as the two youngest members, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu, lay on Tzuyu's bed, gazing up at the ceiling, their expressions were lost in deep thought. It was clear that something was weighing on their minds. Dahyun couldn't help but notice their introspective mood and walked over, concerned in her eyes.

"Chaeyoung-ah... Tzuyu-ah... what are you doing?" Dahyun asked, curious about the nature of their contemplation.

In unison, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu exchanged glances and then turned their attention to Dahyun. Tzuyu, with a hint of boredom in her voice, replied, "I'm just questioning my existence."

Chaeyoung chimed in with a touch of whimsy, "And I'm imagining my life as air."

Their responses left Dahyun both amused and intrigued by the profound thoughts that occupied her friends' minds.

However, their deep musings were suddenly interrupted by a commotion outside. They could hear the familiar voice of Nayeon shouting, "Jeongyeon, where's my phone? If you don't give it back, I'm going to kick you out!"

Jeongyeon, with a mischievous smirk, fired back, "As if you can, old hag!"

With that, a playful battle erupted, with Nayeon and Jeongyeon hurling playful taunts and objects at each other. The chaos escalated quickly, prompting Jihyo to intervene.