Knew You Were Trouble | KAZUJIN

Chapter 16: To belong

Hanni had pulled together an impromptu celebration for the basketball team in honor of their recent victory. Music pulsed through the speakers, filling the space with upbeat tunes that made it impossible to resist dancing.

Yunjin leaned against the wall, a drink in hand, watching her teammates enjoy the party. The joy in the air was palpable, and Yunjin couldn't help but smile at the sight of her friends laughing and dancing. It felt surreal—just a few weeks ago, everything seemed so complicated and fraught with tension. Now, with Kazuha by her side, the weight on her shoulders felt lighter.

"Hanni really outdid herself this time," Kazuha said, slipping into the space next to Yunjin. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she scanned the decorations. "This is amazing!"

"Yeah, she knows how to throw a party," Yunjin agreed, her gaze drifting to the dance floor, where Minji and some of the other girls were attempting to outdo each other with their best dance moves. Hanni was at the center, cheering them on, her laughter infectious.

"Are you ready to join them?" Kazuha asked, her playful tone inviting.

Yunjin hesitated, glancing at the dance floor and then back at Kazuha. "I don't know... I might embarrass myself."

"Come on! It's all in good fun." Kazuha nudged her playfully. "Besides, I'll be right there with you."

With a determined breath, Yunjin pushed herself off the wall, a smile breaking across her face. "Okay, let's do it!"

As they made their way to the dance floor, the beat of the music pulsed in time with their hearts. The moment they stepped into the crowd, they were swept up in the energy. Laughter filled the air, and Yunjin felt a rush of exhilaration as she let go of her inhibitions.

They danced, moving to the rhythm and enjoying the freedom of the moment. Kazuha twirled around, her hair bouncing with every movement, and Yunjin couldn't help but mirror her enthusiasm. The world around them faded, leaving just the two of them lost in their joy.

After a particularly lively song, they collapsed onto a nearby bench, breathless and laughing. "That was so much fun!" Kazuha exclaimed, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead.

"Seriously! I haven't had this much fun in forever," Yunjin replied, her heart soaring. She looked over at Kazuha, who was glowing under the colorful lights, and she felt a surge of affection. "I'm really glad you're here."

"Me too," Kazuha said softly, her gaze locking onto Yunjin's. "I feel like we've really come a long way."

"Yeah, we have," Yunjin agreed, the sincerity of the moment pulling at her heart. "I'm so grateful for you, Kazuha."

Before Kazuha could respond, Hanni appeared, breathless and radiant, dragging along Minji, who was still catching her breath from dancing. "You guys! You need to come see this!" Hanni exclaimed, bouncing on her heels. "We're doing a team photo!"

Yunjin laughed, standing up and grabbing Kazuha's hand. "Let's go!"

They joined the rest of the team, gathering in front of a colorful backdrop. Hanni positioned everyone, ensuring they were all in frame, her excitement palpable. "Okay, everyone! On three! One, two—"

The camera flashed, capturing the laughter and joy of the moment. As Yunjin squeezed Kazuha's hand and leaned in closer, she felt a sense of belonging wash over her. This was what she had always wanted—to be part of something, to be with people who cared.

"Again! Again!" Hanni cheered, and they took several more photos, each one more chaotic and filled with laughter than the last.

After the photoshoot, as the team broke into smaller groups, Yunjin found herself by the snack table, her thoughts momentarily drifting. Kazuha was chatting with Minji and Hanni nearby, their laughter ringing out like music. Yunjin couldn't help but smile at how effortlessly they all connected.