Wishlist [txtzy#1]

Wishlist-26(moved on?)

The next morning, sunlight spilled into Chaeryeong's apartment as Yeji packed up to leave. She'd spent the night making sure Chaeryeong ate and slept, but now it was time to head back to the dorm.

"You'll be okay, right?" Yeji asked, slinging her bag over her shoulder. Her eyes searched Chaeryeong's face for any sign of hesitation.

Chaeryeong nodded, though her chest felt heavy at the thought of being alone again. "I'll be fine, Yeji. Thank you for everything."

Yeji stepped closer, squeezing her hands. "If you need anything, call me. Promise?"

"Promise," Chaeryeong whispered, managing a small smile.

As Yeji left, Chaeryeong's phone buzzed. Her heart jumped, expecting another message from her leader, but instead, it was from Jisung.

"I'm back in Cali! Coming to see you. No excuses this time."

Chaeryeong sighed, a mix of relief and nervousness flooding her. Jisung had a way of showing up exactly when she needed him—and when she wanted to avoid everyone.

By early afternoon, Jisung was sprawled across her couch, snacking on chips he'd brought and scrolling through his phone.

"So," he began, crunching loudly, "you're just gonna sit here all day? Or are we actually going to do something fun?"

"I'm not really in the mood to go out," Chaeryeong muttered, leaning against the counter.

Jisung raised an eyebrow. "You've been hiding in here for too long. Let's go to the beach. Fresh air, sunshine, maybe even ice cream. You can't say no to ice cream."

Chaeryeong frowned. "Jisung, I—"

"Nope," he interrupted, sitting up. "You don't get to make excuses today. You need this. Trust me."

She sighed in defeat, knowing he wouldn't let it go. "Fine. But only for a little while."

Before they left, Chaeryeong hesitated, her phone in hand. Her thumb hovered over Taehyun's contact. Yeji's words echoed in her mind: "You owe it to him to tell him the truth."

She couldn't tell him everything,not yet but she could at least ease his worries. Taking a deep breath, she typed out a short message:

"I'm okay. Please don't worry about me."

She hit send before she could overthink it, then shoved her phone into her bag and followed Jisung out the door.

The beach was bustling with life families building sandcastles, couples walking along the shore, kids splashing in the waves. Jisung and Chaeryeong found a quieter spot near the water, laying out a blanket.

"This is nice," Chaeryeong admitted, letting the sea breeze ruffle her hair.

"Told you," Jisung replied, grinning.

They sat in companionable silence for a while before Jisung suddenly chuckled.

"What?" Chaeryeong asked, looking at him suspiciously.

"I was just thinking about that time during training when you tripped over the microphone stand and blamed it on Yuna."

Her face turned red. "I didn't blame her! I said it was an accident!"

Jisung laughed harder, clutching his stomach. "You were so serious about it too. I think even the trainers were impressed by your dedication to the lie."

Chaeryeong couldn't help but laugh along with him, the sound light and carefree. For a moment, the weight on her shoulders didn't feel so heavy.

Unbeknownst to her, Taehyun stood a few feet away, frozen in place. He hadn't come to the beach expecting to see her he'd needed a break after the morning's fan meet, hoping the ocean would calm his restless mind.

But there she was.

His heart lurched at the sight of her. She looked better than he expected healthier, happier even. But his relief was short-lived as his gaze shifted to the boy beside her.

Jisung.

Taehyun's jaw clenched as he watched Jisung lean closer to Chaeryeong, his laughter ringing out. She was laughing too, her eyes bright in a way Taehyun hadn't seen in what felt like forever.

His stomach twisted. The note she left, her avoidance, the silence it all clicked into place in the worst way possible.

She moved on.

And not just with anyone,with Jisung, of all people.

Taehyun turned away before they could notice him, his chest tight with anger and hurt. He had come to find answers, but now all he had were more questions—and a sinking feeling that he was too late.