Covetousness

Bitter Brews, Sweet Obsessions #5

The car ride to school was already proving to be an ordeal. You sat stiffly in the middle of the back seat, sandwiched between Sheena and Yeri, who were in their element, turning the cramped space into a chaotic comedy show. On your left, Sheena was making absurd faces at her phone, holding it up dramatically like she was auditioning for a silent movie. On your right, Yeri was narrating her latest mishap with such exaggerated flair that it sounded like a blockbuster film plot.

Jihyo, sitting at the far corner of the back seat, was doubled over in laughter, wiping tears from her eyes. Jisoo, who had claimed the passenger seat beside Wendy, turned her head occasionally to throw in her own remarks, which only encouraged the two next to you even more.

"Seriously, Sheena," Yeri gasped between fits of giggles. "What kind of person eats five packets of hot sauce on one taco and still thinks they're invincible?"

"Excuse me, I didn't think I was invincible," Sheena retorted, pretending to clutch her chest. "I knew I was invincible... until I wasn't." She paused dramatically, then groaned. "RIP my stomach."

"RIP to all of us who had to deal with you that night!" Yeri shot back, sending everyone-including Wendy-into peals of laughter.

You, however, sat in silent suffering, your face frozen in a neutral expression as you stared straight ahead at the road, trying to tune them out. It wasn't working.

"Sheena, Yeri," you muttered under your breath. "Can't you two give it a rest for just one second?"

They both turned to you in unison, matching mischievous grins plastered on their faces.

"Oh, come on, Y/N," Sheena cooed, leaning a little closer. "Don't tell me you're not entertained."

"Yeah, Y/N," Yeri chimed in, resting her chin on your shoulder. "You should be honored to sit between us. This is premium entertainment!"

"I'd rather be anywhere else," you deadpanned, causing another wave of laughter from Jihyo.

At this point, you couldn't help but glance toward the driver's seat, locking eyes with Wendy through the rearview mirror. You sent her a silent, pleading look that practically screamed, Help me, please.

Wendy caught the look and raised an amused eyebrow, her lips twitching as she fought back a smile. "Hang in there, Vice Pres. You're doing great."

"Someone help me here," you muttered under your breath, crossing your arms as Yeri leaned in again, this time with a mischievous whisper.

"By the way, Y/N," she began, her voice low and teasing. "You're looking extra... tense today. Could it be that you're nervous about something?"

"Ohhh!" Sheena exclaimed, catching on immediately. "Yeah, Y/N, what's up? Got a big day ahead? A secret rendezvous, maybe?"

Your eyes narrowed, but you didn't respond, choosing instead to focus on the road ahead.

"Oh, she's not denying it!" Jisoo called from the front seat, turning halfway to join in.

"Guys, leave her alone," Wendy said, though her tone was far from serious. "She's already trapped between those two. Let her breathe."

"Trapped?" Sheena gasped, feigning offense. "Excuse me, Wendy, we are the highlight of this car ride!"

"Yeah," Yeri added, smirking. "Without us, it'd just be... boring old Vice Pres glaring out the window."

You sighed heavily, deciding not to dignify their antics with a response. If you just stayed silent, maybe-just maybe-they'd lose interest.

But, of course, they didn't.

"She's totally hiding something," Sheena stage-whispered to Yeri, leaning across you. "Mark my words."