The Best Thing I Ever Did

Closing chapter

5 days before MAMA

Mina's day started before the sun fully committed to rising.

The practice room lights were already on when she arrived, the familiar smell of polished floors and lingering coffee filling the space. One by one, the girls filtered in, sleepy, bundled in hoodies, stretching as they dropped their bags along the wall.

"Okay," Jihyo clapped once, sharp and authoritative despite the yawn she failed to hide. "Let's get this started!"

Music filled the room.

Mina moved on instinct, muscle memory taking over as her body followed counts she'd known for years. Every step landed where it should, every turn precise, controlled. Sweat gathered quickly at her temples, hair sticking to her neck as the choreography demanded more, stronger lines, sharper transition.

By the third run-through, Sana collapsed dramatically on the floor.

"I'm filling a formal complaint," she groaned. "Why is the new choreography angry?"

"Because your lazy." Tzuyu replied fondly, todding her a towel.

Mina laughed softly, bending forward with her hands on her knees, catching her breath. This was the kind of tired she understood. They were just catching their breath when the practice room door creaked open.

"Food delivery!"

Jackson's voice echoed far too loudly for the enclosed space. Lisa followed him in, arms loaded with paper bags, Jeongyeon and Wendy trailing behind them with drinks balanced precariously in both hands.

"You guys looked like you were about to pass out," Wendy said easily, already setting the bags down.

"So we came to save lives!" Jackson cheerfully added.

A collective cheer rose from the girls.

"Jackson, you are forgiven for everything." Dahyun declared, sprining back to life.

Mina straightened slowly, eyes lifting without meaning to and there Lisa was, already looking at her.

"What are you an old man?" Lisa tease with a small laughed. Mina just rolled her eyes which made Lisa laugh even more. "You okay?" Lisa asked, stepping closer and offering her a drink.

Mina took it, fingers brushing Lisa's. "Tired." She admitted. "But good."

Lisa nodded, understanding too easily. "You're doing great."

Across the room, Jackson was already stealing fries, Wendy arguing with him, Sana naratting the chaos like a sports commentator. And Jeongyeon was clinging to her life, with Dahyun and Chaeyoung trying to make her lift them.

4 days before MAMA

The studio was bright and busy, chaos wrapped in professionalism. Assistants hurried around with clipboards, stylist called out names, racks of outfits lined the walls. Mina settled into a chair in front of a mirror as unfamiliar hands reached for her hair.

She frowned slightly.

"Sorry," She said politely, glancing at her reflection. "Who are you?"

The stylist smiled politely. "Oh- we're the new team."

New team?

Mina glanced around. Sana tilted her head. Nayeon exchange look with Momo. Tzuyu's brows knit together.

"New?" Jihyo asked carefully. "Are you from Ruby Style?"

Before anyone could answer, a manager hurried in. Beside him was a woman, with a confident posture, sharp gaze, dressed effortlessly like she belonged exactly where she stood.