What I Need

11: When the curtains close and the show is over

Muddled whispers are all Chaeyoung hears. Her heartbeat ringing at her ears. Jisoo rushes over to Lisa immediately, screaming and calling her name.

The worst smug smile on Jimin's lips cracks Chaeyoung. She stands.

"Park Jimin." Jennie's voice snaps her out of it. She swallows slowly. Jimin raises an eyebrow. Jennie smiles a little scarier than usual.

"I'm not scared--"

"Are you sure?" Jennie smiles. Jimin pauses softly, breathing in sharply. Jimin swallows softly. He looks at Jisoo and Chaeyoung, then back at Jennie. "Go ahead and try--"

"Watch us." Jisoo says. Jimin freezes. Dead air rises and Chaeyoung is feeling lightheaded.

Jennie's eyes speak her words and Jimin closes his fist. Chaeyoung softly sits down beside Lisa's unconscious body. She wants to cry her heart out. Because of me.

Jennie sighs.

"I'll be sure to make you regret taking your first breath," Jennie says. Jimin rolls his eyes and soon teachers enter the premises. Jisoo purses her lips. "That is not going to be good," Jisoo says.

"I know."

The adults take a quick look around the situation and there's obvious frustration on the basketball coach's face. "Everyone who is here in the next two minutes aside from these four will be involved in this situation and will be forced to be interrogated as well!" The teacher screams and soon people are dispersing.

Chaeyoung takes a look around. Her eyes meet Seulgi's. Chaeyoung doesn't say anything. Byulyi softly scratches the back her head. "Uh hey . . . " Wheein smiles. Chaeyoung looks at her with saddened eyes.

Wheein is taken aback. Byulyi clears her throat and nudges her.

"Hi, we just want to vouch for Lili as witnesses," Seulgi says a bright smile on her face. Wheein and Byulyi consciously look at the positive girl and back at Chaeyoung.

Chaeyoung pauses and looks at Jisoo and Jennie who offers her a soft smile. She curls her fingers. "I-I mean if it makes you uncomfortable having all of around then we don't mind just leaving Seulgi here, but we want to help out," Byulyi laughs awkwardly.

Jisoo and Jennie nod at Chaeyoung. "Thanks . . ." Chaeyoung smiles. Sooyoung nods her head. "Don't sweat it." She assures. Wheein eyes Joohyun who is obviously troubled. "Who's staying?" Yerim mutters.

Byulyi looks around. "Uh . . ." She looks at Joohyun's face and purses her lips.

"We'll be leaving this one with you guys," Byulyi says, gesturing towards Seulgi who waves. Joohyun can't help but glare at Byulyi.

"Thanks, guys." Jisoo assesses the situation, Chaeyoung clearly not in the right mind for anything.

"No problem, I hope you guys feel better soon. If you ever need more of us don't hesitate to say our names." They wave.

"Kang Seul."

Seulgi looks at Joohyun. "Don't be stupid." Joohyun sighs. She looks at a soulless Chaeyoung and catches up to the rest of her group.

Chaeyoung feels hopeless. Seulgi crouches down beside her.

They watch Jimin struggle against the teachers. "Hey." Seulgi smiles. Chaeyoung looks at her. "Hi." She mutters back. Seulgi's eyes are filled with worry.

"What's in that smart head of yours?" Seulgi leans back. Chaeyoung stares blankly at the air. She sighs softly.

"Not so talkative, hm?" She says. Chaeyoung doesn't respond again. "I can't blame you." She shrugs. Chaeyoung slowly closes her eyes. She leans her head on Seulgi's shoulder.