I won't lose to you

7

In the morning, Eindra was eating breakfast with Dayao and Aera. She actually missed them, because she had rarely been separated from them over the past few weeks. She didn't realise she'd formed such an attachment.

Iseul joined their table, setting down her food tray, though she didn't look at them as she approached, instead craning her head at another table near by.

"Something happened to Duri," she announced, sitting down.

"What happened?" Eindra asked quickly.

"He's been so happy. Just look at him,"

Eindra followed her eyes, and he indeed did look very cheerful. His smile was so full his eyes were hidden by his cheeks and he talked enthusiastically to Kaeto and Jiho on his table.

"Who can be that energetic in the morning? Something must've happened," Iseul said.

"I know what happened," Dayao said,"Eindra agreed to be his friend,"

Iseul whipped her head around to look at Eindra and gasped,"No way! You did?"

Eindra looked around awkwardly,"I don't think that would make him that happy,"

Iseul laughed,"Of course it would. You're so closed off, it's rare for people to become your friend. That's why it's like an achievement,"

"What?" Eindra frowned.

"She's right," Aera said,"People on the Gum team are asking me what it's like to be your friend. I tell them it's utterly exhilarating. I just love it when you say five words to me per day,"

Eindra laughed at Aera's sarcasm,"Damn, I really need to work on my people skills,"

Dayao slammed her fist on the table,"That's what I've been saying this entire time,"

"I'm not surprised you've put Duri in such a good mood. I remember when he found out I was rooming with you the first day, he immediately asked to come over and hang out. It's funny because that totally backfired on him,"

Eindra blushed at the memory,"Oh my god, that was all because of me?"

Iseul nodded,"I'm glad you two are friends now. Maybe he'll finally stop talking about you,"

"He talks about me?" Eindra asked quietly.

Iseul looked at her pointedly,"Ein, come on. He's doing 'Standing Next to You' for you,"

"I don't know why, though. If he really wanted to be my friend he could've just told me directly,"

Iseul looked exasperated and looked around at Dayao and Aera for help,"Is it me?"

Aera snickered,"No, it's definitely not you,"

"What is it?" Eindra asked.

"Don't worry about it, Ein," Dayao said, rubbing Eindra's shoulder.

"Kaeto, you need to lift your leg up more when doing this move, and Aimi, you're stepping your foot a beat too early. It's supposed to be like this,"

Duri had officially become the dance coach for the Standing Next to You team. He was a good leader, with eyes like a hawk when it came to any imperfection. Eindra was glad there was no more awkwardness between them so he could help her comfortably.

"Ein, you did it perfectly," Duri said to her quietly, and she smiled at him.

"I still can't do this part," she demonstrated a part in the dance break where she had to shuffle forward while hip thrusting with a wide stance. It just felt awkward to her, she couldn't do it like Jungkook did in his performances.