HERSHE - SEULRENE

SR - Late

Irene hasn't moved an inch from that couch since came home.

The entire place is quiet and the only thing she can hear is her own breathing.

'I will make her forget you.'

The conversation with Wendy was cut short after Amber and Krystal arrived. Irene wasn't able to find an opportunity to talk to Seulgi after that.

And now that she's home, Wendy's words continue to hunt her.

Irene closed her eyes and furrowed her brows.

She should be happy, right? She should be happy knowing someone will be with Seulgi because Irene won't be able to stand up for her.

But why is Irene feeling distressed?

It would have been easier if it's one-sided--if Irene's the only one having these feelings. But it's not like that. Wendy just told her what she has doubted all along: Seulgi is serious about her.

But what would she do now? IRene can't decide yet but doesn't want to hurt Seulgi anymore. She knows she can't pick Seulgi, but she doesn't want to let her go either. Selfish it may seem, but it is the exact reason for her confusion.

What's hurting her more is the fact that Seulgi obviously feels comfortable around Wendy. Irene knows if she won't make a move anytime soon, Wendy will surely be able to replace her.

---

Irene is walking towards the lift when she spotted two familiar figures waiting there.

She smiled at the sight, knowing the back she's looking at belongs to Seulgi. However, her smile faded as guilt strikes her again when she saw the crutch on Seulgi's right hand.

Amber noticed her. "Hello there, beautiful!"

"Hello there, handsome," she greeted. "Getting lost here this early, huh?"

"Best friend duties." Amber pointed at Seulgi. "Can't drive."

"Well, isn't that sweet of you?" Irene turned and playfully nudged Seulgi. "Good morning."

Seulgi glanced at her and forced a smile. "Morning." She turned away after, looking at the floor signal.

Irene took it in her mental notepad. Seulgi didn't completely ignore her, but something's still off.

Still, it's progress.

Irene went back to Amber. "Where's your girlfriend?"

"She went ahead of us. I had to pick this brat here first," said Amber, lightly punching Seulgi who responded with a harder nudge. Amber laughed. "Well, since Irene's here, I better go ahead. Could you assist her for me, Irene?"

Irene unconsciously brought a hand to her chest, emotionally unprepared to be alone with Seulgi.

"Y-yeah. Sure."

"Don't sweat it. I can handle myself," said Seulgi. She turned to Amber and punched her. "And don't think of me as a weakling!"

Amber stepped backward to keep a distance from the attacker who's seriously throwing her punches. "I better go now, Irene, before someone here bruises me."

Irene chuckled. "Okay. You take care."

Amber politely bowed at Irene before turning to Seulgi. "Dude, I'll pick you up later. Okay?"

"Go already, will you," said Seulgi, pretending to be annoyed. She looked back at the floor signal, tapping her crutch on the floor.

Irene smiled. It's just now that she admitted to herself that Seulgi's mere presence is giving her solace.