Beneath the Surface ( Asa and Chiquita )

Chiquita's Decision

That evening, Chiquita found herself alone, sitting outside in one of the university's quiet courtyards. The campus was alive with energy—students coming and going, friends laughing and chatting—but she couldn't bring herself to join in. She had gone through the motions all week: attending classes, spending time with Ahyeon, laughing with her friends. But her mind was always somewhere else. Always with Asa.

"Chiquita?"

Chiquita turned to find Ruka standing a few feet away, her brow furrowed with concern. She had always been close with Ruka, but recently, it felt like the gap between them had widened. Ruka had seen the change in Chiquita—a shift in her demeanor that wasn't lost on anyone.

"Hey, Ruka," Chiquita said, forcing a smile. "What's up?"

"You look... off," Ruka observed, crossing her arms. "It's not like you to be so quiet."

Chiquita let out a soft laugh, though it lacked any real humor. "I'm just tired. You know how it is. School, parties, Ahyeon..."

Ruka raised an eyebrow. "I don't think it's just school. You've been different ever since... well, since that bet with Asa."

Chiquita's heart skipped. She hadn't expected Ruka to bring it up, but somehow, it felt like a weight off her chest to have someone acknowledge what had been eating at her.

"I didn't mean to hurt her," Chiquita said quietly, her voice betraying her. She hadn't said it aloud before, not even to herself. But hearing it now, it felt like a truth she couldn't escape.

"I know," Ruka said softly, sitting down beside her. "But you did. And you're going to have to deal with it eventually, Chiquita. You can't just pretend like it doesn't matter."

Chiquita swallowed, her throat tight. She wanted to argue, to say that everything was fine, that Asa was just another girl. But deep down, she knew it wasn't true. She had crossed a line, and the aftermath was still unraveling inside her.

"You should talk to her," Ruka said gently. "Make it right. If you care about her—if you really care—then you need to show her that."

Chiquita looked at her friend, her stomach turning. But I don't even know if I can anymore...

Before she could speak, her phone buzzed again. It was another message from Ahyeon.

"Where are you, babe? Everyone's waiting at the party! I'll save a dance for you, just for us. ;)"

Chiquita stared at the screen, her thumb hovering over the keys. Ahyeon was waiting for her. The party was waiting. She could go, forget about everything, and pretend like everything was fine. But something inside her pulled her back.

With a heavy sigh, she put the phone down and stood up. "I have to go talk to her, Ruka."

Ruka smiled softly, nodding her understanding. "Good luck, Chiquita. You owe it to yourself to make things right."