You Belong With Me

Chapter 20: Toxic

The Velvet Five had decided to reunite for a hangout at Heejin's gym. It had been a while since they had spent quality time together, and with a one-week break from school, it was the perfect opportunity to catch up and relax.

As they entered the gym, they were greeted by the dimly lit, spacious interior. The gym had a modern and industrial design, with exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors, and state-of-the-art exercise equipment neatly arranged in rows.

The soft glow of overhead pendant lights cast a warm and inviting atmosphere, creating a cozy ambiance for their gathering.

The gym was a sanctuary for Heejin, who was not only a skilled racer but also the proud owner of this establishment.

It was a place where she could unwind, work on her fitness, and escape the demands of her fast-paced life. Now, it was also a venue for her friends to come together and enjoy each other's company.

The Velvet Five settled into a corner of the gym, perching on exercise mats and gym equipment

Yuna, who had been particularly busy with her modeling career, finally had a chance to join in. She animatedly shared about her recent photoshoot and a new campaign she was part of.

Her excitement was palpable as she described the outfits, the poses, and the overall experience.

"That sounds incredible, Yuna," Ryujin chimed in with genuine enthusiasm. "You've been working so hard, and it's amazing to see your career taking off."

Lia grinned. "Yeah, I saw your photos on social media. You looked stunning!"

Winter added with a playful twinkle in her eye, "So, Yuna, are you going to be the next big thing in the modeling world?"

Yuna blushed, a mix of happiness and embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "Oh, stop it, you guys," she protested, though her smile betrayed her true feelings. "It's just a step forward in my journey."

Heejin's mischievous grin couldn't be contained. "Come on, Yuna, don't be modest. We might need your autographs soon!"

Laughter filled the air as the teasing continued, with the Velvet Five sharing light-hearted banter that was a testament to their strong bond.

Yuna's modeling success was a source of pride for them all, and their playful teasing was a way of celebrating her achievements and showing their support.

As their hangout continued, the conversation shifted to other topics, with each member of the Velvet Five taking turns sharing their own stories and updates. 

However, the mood shifted suddenly when Lia's phone rang, its tone cutting through the conversation.

Lia's brows furrowed as she glanced at her phone, her expression unreadable. "I have to go," she announced abruptly, her tone a mixture of urgency and determination. "I'll be back."

The sudden announcement left her friends puzzled, their eyes turning towards her with a mix of confusion and concern. "Wait, Lia, what's going on?" Heejin asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Lia's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes reflecting a sense of resolve. "I can't explain right now, but I promise I'll be back as soon as I can," she replied, her tone leaving no room for further questions.

Winter exchanged a concerned look with the others, but Lia's determination was clear. "Just take care, Lia," she said softly, her worry evident.

Yuna reached out to squeeze Lia's hand, offering her support without needing to know the details. "We'll be here when you get back."

Ryujin nodded, her expression understanding. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out."

With a small nod, Lia quickly gathered her things and headed towards the exit of the gym. Her departure was swift, leaving her friends in a state of curiosity and concern.