Senpai [Michaeng]

9. Celebration

[Chaeyoung's POV]

The day we had all been working tirelessly for had finally arrived. Our performance went off without a hitch, earning us a warm round of applause and numerous praises. It was a relief to see everyone's hard work pay off, and I was grateful I didn't mess up.

Exhausted from the first day, I could barely contain my excitement for the following day's celebration. I, along with Dahyun and Tzuyu, arrived at Jihyo unnie's place. There were nine of us in total: Nayeon, Jihyo, Mina, me, Dahyun, Tzuyu, Sana, Jeongyeon, and Momo. 

The latter three were from Dahyun and Tzuyu's team and were also friends with Jihyo. They were all incredibly friendly.

One thing that caught my eye was how affectionate Nayeon and Jeongyeon unnie were with each other. I quietly approached Jihyo unnie and asked, "Is Nayeon unnie always this clingy with Jeongyeon unnie?"

"Of course. They're dating," Jihyo replied casually. I felt my cheeks heat up with embarrassment. Why was I blushing over this? The others noticed and started teasing me. Jihyo unnie then introduced us to a game, instructing us to choose a partner.

[Mina's POV]

I watched as everyone enjoyed themselves, waiting for Jihyo to explain the game. It was clear 2yeon (Nayeon and Jeongyeon) would team up, and Sana quickly paired with Tzuyu.

 I looked at Momo, only to see she was already partnered with Dahyun. Jihyo declared she would be the referee, making me chuckle. So, I was left with Chaeyoung, who looked a bit lost. 

"Okay, so I'll be Chaeyoung's partner," I announced. "For this game, I mean," I quickly added, trying to avoid any awkwardness.

[Chaeyoung's POV]

I was thrilled to be Mina unnie's partner. I mentally smiled as Jihyo continued, "Good. So here....!!" She pulled something out of her bag."Pocky game!?" we all exclaimed in unison. 2yeon seemed fine with it, but I could see Satzu (Sana and Tzuyu) and Dahmo (Dahyun and Momo) blushing intensely. I felt a wave of nervousness wash over me.

[Mina's POV]

Pocky game? Really?! "You should have told us earlier," I complained. It wasn't that I didn't want to do it with Chaeyoung, but I wasn't sure I could handle it.

"Why? Do you want to change partners? Anyone want to switch?" Jihyo asked, but everyone seemed content with their partners.

"That's not what I mean. I don't have a problem with Chaeyoung, but why this game?"

"Let's start!" Jihyo shouted, ignoring my protests. Ugh, seriously?!

[Chaeyoung's POV]

Mina and I were up last. When it was our turn, I nervously put the chocolate stick in my mouth. Before she took the other end, she leaned in and softly said, "I don't like losing." My heart raced.

As Mina got closer, my face turned beet red. The others began teasing me again. She moved even closer, our lips just millimeters apart before she bit off her end of the stick. I immediately sat down on the floor, covering my face in embarrassment. But we won.

 I could hear the others whining. Nayeon was complaining to Jeongyeon, while Dahmo and Satzu still seemed lost in each other's eyes. Mina, on the other hand, was busy texting someone on her phone.

Despite the initial embarrassment, I had a lot of fun. Being with them allowed me to forget my troubles, even if just for a little while. They were truly wonderful people.