Enchanted (Bbangsaz)

4

Minji's POV

Minji stepped off the runway, the buzz of excitement still humming in her veins. The applause, the flashes of cameras—it all swirled in her mind as she made her way backstage, the energy of Paris Fashion Week wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. She had done it. The show had gone perfectly, and now, she could breathe, feeling the weight lift from her shoulders.

Her phone vibrated in her pocket. She pulled it out to see a message from her sister.

Jennie: You're absolutely killing it out there, superstar. You look stunning. I couldn't be more proud of you. This is your moment, so own it!

Minji couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. Jennie's words were like a warm hug, grounding her in the chaos of the day.

"Thank you, unnie. Your support means everything." she typed back quickly, her heart feeling a little lighter.

As she made her way further backstage, she spotted Haerin and Hyein near the refreshments table, both of them lounging with drinks in hand. Haerin had her phone out, likely texting Danielle, who was probably gushing about the show. Hyein noticed Minji first and waved her over with an excited grin.

"Minji! You were a queen out there!" Hyein exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with pride.

Minji gave a dramatic bow. "Thank you, thank you. I do what I can."

"Seriously, letting your cockiness aside" Haerin added, glancing up from her phone. "You owned the runway. It was almost unfair to everyone else."

Minji laughed, tossing her arm around Haerin's shoulders. "Coming from the girl who's totally in her own runway romance with Danielle," she teased, giving her a playful nudge. "Speaking of which, how's your album coming along? I'm sure you've written at least five songs about her by now."

Hyein burst into laughter. "More like a whole album. Right, Haerin?"

Haerin flushed, but she rolled her eyes playfully. "You're both impossible. Besides, it's not my fault she's... well, you know, perfect."

"Whipped," Minji and Hyein said in unison, causing Haerin to groan.

"Okay, okay, laugh it up," Haerin said, shaking her head, though she couldn't stop the smile creeping onto her face. "But I'd rather be 'whipped' than dealing with all the fakes who'll be at the after-party tonight."

Minji raised an eyebrow. "Ah, speaking of the after-party, are we all going? You, me, Hyein?"

Haerin replied "Yeah, we're going. I think it'll be fun. Plus, Danielle will be there, so..." she trailed off, trying and failing to hide her grin.

Hyein nudged Minji, grinning. "You see what I mean? Completely gone for her."

Minji chuckled, then turned serious for a moment. "I don't know, though. These after-parties always seem like a circus. Half the people there only care about your fame."

"That's true," Hyein said, leaning against the table. "But we'll stick together. Besides, there'll be some good people there. And drinks."

Minji sighed, though the thought of going with her friends did make it seem more bearable. "Okay, fine. We'll go together. Just promise me we'll escape if it gets too much."

Haerin smirked. "Deal. Though if Danielle drags me into some slow dance, you're on your own."

Minji rolled her eyes but smiled. "Just don't make your whipped ass too obvious, okay? People are already betting on when you're going to write a second album about her."