Ningning was starting to worry about Ara. Ever since she had found that old box filled with her parents' belongings, something about her had changed. She was distant, lost in thought, and whenever Belle tried to bring it up, Ara would quickly shut down the conversation. Ningning knew her best friend well... this wasn't just stress or exhaustion. Ara was hiding something.
At first, Ningning decided to give her space, thinking it might pass. But as the days stretched on, the feeling of unease only grew stronger. Finally, she confided in Chenle and the rest of their group, the Dreamies. Over time, the duo had grown close to the boys, naturally fitting into their chaotic dynamic. Though the Dreamies had once joked about them joining the band, Belle declined, unwilling to step onto a stage. Even so, they were a family now, sharing their triumphs and troubles like they had always belonged together.
Tonight, however, their usual easygoing atmosphere was gone. Ningning paced back and forth in the living room, arms crossed tightly over her chest.
"She's shutting me out," Ningning said, her voice laced with frustration. "Ara never does that. She always tells me when something's wrong, but now... I don't know. It's like she's somewhere else."
Chenle, sitting cross-legged on the carpet, absentmindedly spun his phone in his hands. "Did you ask her directly?"
Ningning let out a heavy sigh. "Of course. But she just says she's tired, or busy with work. She's building a wall, and I can't break through it."
A tense silence settled over the group. Mark, leaning on the arm of a chair, exchanged a glance with Renjun, who had barely said a word all evening. "Maybe she just needs time," Mark offered. "She's been through a lot. It might not be as bad as we think."
Renjun shifted uncomfortably, his gaze fixed on the floor. Something about this situation didn't sit right with him. The timing... the way Ara had suddenly withdrawn after finding that box... He had a sinking feeling he knew what was happening.
Did she find out?
Did she finally remember?
Renjun had known the truth since the moment they met... Ara was his sister. The one their parents had chosen to keep when they abandoned him all those years ago. He had kept his distance, unwilling to bring up the past or force her into a truth she hadn't asked for. But now, he wasn't so sure if he had a choice anymore.
If Ara had discovered something... what would she do?
And more importantly, how would she look at him now?
Renjun clenched his fists lightly, trying to steady his racing heart. Ningning and Chenle noticed the tension but didn't press. For once, even their lively chatter seemed to fade into the background. All that mattered was Ara... and the truth that hung between them, unspoken but undeniable.
Tonight, the questions loomed large. And Renjun knew that sooner or later, the moment of truth would come.
