Sinful Passion

eighteen

Mina suddenly felt heavy stares on her, and looked to her side to realise that Jihyo, Jeongyeon, and Nayeon were all looking at her expectantly.

"Mrs Son, the next two games are going to be played by some other schools," Jihyo explained.  "We can use this time to get some lunch, and come back later to watch our school's match. How about it?"

"Oh, okay," Mina nodded, starting to stand up.

Jeongyeon laughed.  "No, we mean... want to join us for lunch?  The five of us."

"Oh."

Mina and Sana began walking out of the stadium with the three girls, and realised just how popular they were.  Random students would approach them and ask for phone numbers, social media accounts, or just follow from behind.  Mina could practically feel the weight of their stares. But Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Nayeon looked highly unbothered.

Sana was easily making conversation with Chaeyoung's friends in front, leaving Mina awkwardly trailing behind them.  Her mind was still racing with lots of unsorted thoughts. Thoughts about Dahyun. Thoughts about Nayeon, who was walking right in front of her.

Mina subconsciously let her gaze trail over Nayeon's body, noting her perfect proportions.  Every time the student turned her head to give Mina a view of her side profile, Mina analysed Nayeon's face.  Mina sighed. Nayeon looked like she had been carved out by gods. Insecurity began creeping up on her again. She couldn't think of any reason for Chaeyoung to choose her over Nayeon.  She couldn't imagine Chaeyoung not having any feelings for Nayeon, especially when she saw Nayeon in school every day, being as attractive and popular as she was. It wasn't a good feeling.  It was more than just jealousy. It was an unexplainable, irrational fear that attacked Mina in her most vulnerable moments, even when Chaeyoung had done nothing to provoke it.

Jeongyeon soon noticed that Mina had no one to talk to, and dropped back from the group to make some conversation with her.  Mina was grateful; besides Jihyo, she knew Jeongyeon a little from the time she came over to study with Chaeyoung. Mina talked to Jeongyeon about school and the basketball matches, until they all arrived at the building's cafeteria.

Mina couldn't take it anymore.  She knew it wasn't in her best interest to be around Nayeon, at least until she sorted out her own issues and stopped feeling so jealous and insecure about her relationship with Chaeyoung.  It was so stupid; she knew Chaeyoung loved her, but she couldn't control her feelings. Besides, Mina didn't want to be the reason for any discomfort within the group. Jihyo and Jeongyeon were comfortable talking with her now, but Nayeon still seemed to hold back when Mina was around.  Mina thought it was better for them to eat separately and let the friends have some alone time to chat.

"On second thought, I think it'll be better if Sana unnie and I get a separate table and you girls eat without us," Mina forced herself to cut into the ongoing conversation.  "We'll meet you back inside for the match later, okay?"

After some polite refusal and arguing, everyone finally agreed to Mina's plan.  Jihyo and Jeongyeon bid Mina and Sana goodbye effusively, while Nayeon just nodded towards them with a polite smile.  After the students left, Mina and Sana got their food and went to sit at a table for two.

"Is something wrong?"  Sana suddenly asked.

Mina looked up from her sandwich.  "Why?"

Sana waved her hands around dramatically.  "I don't know... You're acting all quiet and serious and you randomly didn't want to eat with the girls anymore.  What's happening?"