*The next day, Y/N and her college group set out on a long-awaited trip to a beautiful mountain retreat. The bus ride is filled with chatter and excitement as everyone looks forward to the adventure ahead. Among the group is Jimin, who decided to join the trip at the last minute.
After a few hours of travel, the group finally arrives at the retreat—a stunning location surrounded by lush greenery and the cool breeze of the mountains. The group checks into their rooms and freshens up before heading out to explore the area.*
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Y/N noticed Minji making her way over to Jimin, clearly interested in getting closer to him. Minji sidled up to Jimin with a coy smile. "Jimin, we should really spend some time together on this trip. You know, just the two of us. It'd be nice to get to know each other better, don't you think?"
Jimin smiled politely, though he seemed a bit uncomfortable. "Uh, sure, Minji. We're all here to have a good time."
Y/N, who had been observing, decided it was time to step in. She leaned closer to her friend Soo-young, speaking just loud enough for Minji to hear. "You know, Soo-young, some people don't know the difference between confidence and cringe. It's almost painful to watch when someone's trying way too hard to get noticed."
Soo-young, catching on instantly, plays along with a nod. "Oh, totally. It's like they think being overly forward is cute or something, but it's just desperate. Makes you wonder if they even realize how obvious they're being."
Minji, overhearing, turned to Y/N with a glare. "Are you calling me cringe?"
Y/N met her gaze with a sweet, innocent smile. "Oh, Minji! I didn't realize you were listening. But since you're asking... If you still have to ask, maybe it's time for some self-reflection. Confidence is quiet; insecurity shouts."
Minji's face reddened with embarrassment, but Y/N wasn't done. "And here's a tip: if you have to force it this much to get someone's attention, you're probably focusing on the wrong person. The right one won't need all this performance. They'll just see you for who you really are—if you even know who that is."
At that moment, Suga, who's been watching from a distance, strolls over. He's Jimin's close friend, and though he usually prefers to stay out of drama, he can't resist joining in when it involves his friends. "That's my sis," he says, grinning. "Always knowing how to put someone in their place without even breaking a sweat."
Minji, fuming, snapped back, "You think you're so smart, Y/N? Well, newsflash: not everyone thinks you're all that."
Y/N didn't flinch. "I'm well aware not everyone likes me. But I'd rather be real and have a few people who genuinely care about me than be fake and have a crowd of people who don't know the real me at all. And just so you know, the only person I care about impressing is myself. So if you want to keep playing these little games, go ahead. But just know, it's not me who's looking pathetic."
Jimin, who had been watching with amusement, finally spoke up. "Minji, I appreciate the thought, but I'm good. Maybe it's time to give it a rest."
Defeated, Minji stormed off, muttering under her breath. Suga chuckled and patted Y/N on the back. "Damn, that was savage. Remind me never to get on your bad side."
Y/N grinned. "Don't worry, Yoongi. You're safe... as long as you don't start acting like that."
Jimin laughed, shaking his head. "I knew there was a reason I liked having you around, Y/N. You always know how to keep things interesting."
