Senpai [Michaeng]

7. Unexpected Bonding

[Chaeyoung's POV]

On my way to school, I couldn't shake off the anxiety. How would I face Mina unnie? I just hoped she wouldn't see me as a weirdo.Time passed agonizingly slowly until it was finally time for practice. I felt a wave of nervousness wash over me, but there was nothing I could do to calm my racing heart.

[Narrative]

Mina entered the room with Jihyo, Nayeon, and Bambam. Chaeyoung felt her nerves intensify as Mina's presence filled the space.Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Mina gave Chaeyoung a warm smile. Chaeyoung smiled back, feeling her heart flutter at the simple gesture.

[Mina's POV]

I walked into the classroom with Nayeon and Jihyo, Bambam tagging along as usual. I noticed Chaeyoung looking at me, so I smiled at her to avoid seeming rude. She smiled back, and I couldn't help but find her dimples absolutely adorable.

The practice went smoothly, and Chaeyoung did her part perfectly. We were all genuinely impressed. I considered talking to her about Bambam, but I decided against it.After practice, we took a short break. Jihyo suggested a trip to the school's convenience store and invited Nayeon and me to join her. As we headed out, I remembered Chaeyoung and asked her to come along. She eagerly agreed.

Nayeon and Jihyo walked ahead, engrossed in their conversation. Chaeyoung and I followed in silence, the air between us charged with unspoken words.---

[Chaeyoung's POV]

I was thrilled that Mina unnie had asked me to join them, but the awkwardness between us made it difficult to enjoy the moment. We followed Nayeon and Jihyo, neither of us daring to speak.As we entered the store, a group of students exited, causing Mina unnie to bump into me. "Oh, are you fine?" I asked her, concerned."Yeah, sorry," Mina replied with a small smile.Jihyo unnie asked what we'd like to have. "Thank you unnie, but I'm fine," I replied, not really in the mood.

"Please, Chaeyoung, I insist," Jihyo unnie said.Feeling awkward, I finally relented. "A drink will be fine.""I'll have the same then," Mina added, and I couldn't help but smirk inwardly.As we walked back, Nayeon started a conversation with me. "So Chaeyoung-ah, do you have a boyfriend?" she asked out of nowhere.

My eyes widened at the unexpected question. Jihyo unnie interrupted, "Yaa, Nayeon-ah, stop asking such questions.""I just wanted to know," Nayeon pouted."Don't worry, it's fine," I said to Jihyo unnie. "Well, no. I don't.""Perhaps a girlfriend, maybe?" Nayeon jokingly added.G-girlfriend?! I blushed furiously, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.---

[Narrative]

Nayeon and Jihyo began teasing Chaeyoung, amused by her blushing reaction. Mina, who had been quietly listening, giggled at how cute Chaeyoung's response was. She couldn't help but feel a bit curious herself.Chaeyoung kept denying, while the two seniors continued to tease her."Chaeng!" someone called.

They all turned to see Dahyun and Tzuyu approaching. Chaeyoung had completely forgotten about her friends. Tzuyu playfully hit Chaeyoung's head, making her pout.The five of them began chatting, except for Mina, who mostly listened."Who's team are you on?" Jihyo asked Dahyun and Tzuyu.

"Sana, Jeongyeon, and Momo's team," they replied."Pft, nice," Nayeon laughed sarcastically."So how are your preparations going?" Chaeyoung asked.Dahyun and Tzuyu exchanged knowing smirks, refusing to divulge any information.Soon, the bell rang, and everyone returned to their classes, leaving Chaeyoung with a mix of emotions and thoughts about Mina unnie.