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as rosey stood tense and silent, watching the others set up their little game, she couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider. the lively chatter and easy-going atmosphere only added to her unease.
hyunjin, ever the observant one, had reminded the others of her presence, and it took chan's urging for them to extend a proper welcome.
"come on, nabi, join us!" chan's voice was warm, but it only made her more aware of how out of place she felt.
she was instructed to join the four members facing the window, their backs to the room, as the game required them to avoid seeing where the other members went.
she quickly followed the instructions, positioning herself next to chan, the only person in the room she had felt remotely comfortable with. being the only girl in a dorm full of boys was new to her and the pressure was ever so noticeable.
"we'll be starting now," hyunjin announced, his voice faltering as he hurried toward the room he wanted.
as the minutes ticked by, the five of the remaining members waited their turn to choose. as the time approached, the four on either side of rosey rushed in unspoken harmony. rosey, on the other hand, stayed back, deliberately not sticking too close to anyone this time.
she didn't want to come across as "clingy," even though in reality, she longed for some close comfort, some sign that she wasn't completely alone in this unfamiliar space.
suddenly, the sound of a scream pierced the air, startling her. it came from one of the rooms, the kind of cream you'd expect in a horror movie. she glanced around, her heartbeat quickening as nervous laughter echoed around her.
it was just a game, but the sudden noise did little to calm her.
one by one, the other members made their decisions, each entering their chosen rooms with ease. soon, it was just her left, standing in the hallway, feeling more isolated than ever. she realized there wasn't really a choice at all.
all the other rooms were full, there was only one option left.
steeling herself, rosey approached the remaining room. she opened the door carefully, slipping inside with the same quiet hesitance that had marked her entire day.
"i guess i'm in this room," she said softly, greeting the members inside with a small nod before making her way to the only empty bed. she sat on the edge, her eyes drifting toward the tall boy across from her.
he had brown, fluffy hair that she found oddly comforting, though she couldn't recall his name.
despite her unfamiliarity with him and the others, there was something about him that felt. . . easy. he was talking loudly, laughing with the other members, and though he wasn't speaking directly to her, she noticed how his eyes would flicker toward her every now and then.
