Bubble Tea

blossoming fortitude

Song for the chapter: Better Things by Aespa

Audrey's POV:

It's been a few weeks since Andres and I split, and I'm pretty sure everyone in our circle knows by now. The details might be fuzzy, but gossip spreads fast. Despite the initial awkwardness and nosy questions from friends, life is slowly finding its rhythm again-or maybe it's a new kind of rhythm altogether.

Helping Stella pack for her Paris trip, Jaemin lounges on the couch with his usual nonchalant flair, flipping through travel brochures like they're the latest thriller.

"Stella, are you sure you packed enough socks?" I tease, folding a shirt and tossing it into her suitcase.

Stella rolls her eyes with a playful smirk. "Yes, Audrey, I'm not going to Paris to start a sock collection."

Jaemin pipes in, mischief dripping from every word. "You should see her shoe collection, Audrey. Takes up more space than her books in the dorm." Stella hurls a cushion at him, missing wildly but still earning a laugh.

"Only because someone keeps buying me more shoes!"

"Hey, a girl can never have too many shoes," Jaemin defends himself with mock seriousness, earning another eye-roll from Stella and a smile from me.

"You two are going to drive me insane."

As Stella and Jaemin get ready for their Parisian adventure, our home buzzes with excitement and a hint of envy on my part. I can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy-Paris is a dream I haven't yet realized.

"Seriously, Stella, you're going to Paris before me?" I tease, feigning indignation as I sink into the couch.

Stella chuckles, shaking her head affectionately. "I know, I know. Life's unfair sometimes, huh? But hey, someone's got to represent the family in the City of Love."

Jaemin, always the optimist, chimes in with enthusiasm. "And we promise to bring back loads of souvenirs and stories for you, Audrey. You'll practically feel like you were there with us!"

I grin mischievously. "Good. Just make sure you bring back a truckload of macarons and that cute beret I've been eyeing online."

Stella laughs, teasingly denying promises. "I'll see what I can do. But no guarantees on the beret."

Jaemin raises an eyebrow playfully. "And what about a French romance? Should we scout for a handsome Frenchman for you?"

I roll my eyes dramatically. "Oh please. I'm not sure I'm ready for a French romance just yet."

Stella nudges Jaemin gently. "Ignore him, Audrey. He's just teasing."

"Exactly," I agree with a mock pout. "You're leaving me here to fend for myself while you two gallivant around Paris."

Jaemin's grin widens. "Someone's got to hold down the fort!"

We share a laugh, the tension of recent weeks momentarily forgotten as we banter and joke.

"Oh, and Audrey," Jaemin adds with a twinkle in his eye, "Anton is still available, you know. Handsome, charming, and he speaks French. What more could you ask for?"

I playfully toss a cushion at him. "Jaemin, stop trying to set me up with your cousin! I'm perfectly fine flying solo."

Stella chuckles, shaking her head at our antics. "Give it a rest, Jaemin. Audrey will find love when she's ready."

"Fine, fine," Jaemin relents, still grinning mischievously. "But the offer stands, Audrey. Anton's just a phone call away."

With final hugs and well-wishes, they head out, leaving behind a quiet apartment and a lingering sense of excitement in the air.