Invisible String || PURINZ

01 • ice cream and meetings

The girl swiftly waved bye at her friends and former members, hurrying out the changing rooms and into the maze that was the HYBE building. She clung onto the strap of her bag with one hand, and attempted to fix her dark hair with the other.

A few practice rooms down the hall, she paused.

There she was, her mystery girl: her curves, her dark hair, her gorgeous face... She wondered what she was truly like, and if she liked mint chocolate ice cream.

She knew some of the others who practised with her; Hanni, whom she'd met downstairs in the cafeteria once, and Haerin, who usually floated around a girl named 'Marsh'. Or, maybe that was her last name. Chaewon wasn't too sure.

There were a few others she didn't know; someone with long, black hair who seemed to be younger than any of the others. She was talking to someone else, who looked to be of similar age. Chaewon had seen her name somewhere– maybe at the forums for the tryouts?

Something with 'Chae', the girl had noticed. Similar to her name: Yichae, Hwachae... Eunchae.

That's right.

Chaewon quickly ducked to the side when everyone in the room turned towards the wall. She quickly snuck past the door, hurrying further down the hallway. They must be done practising as well.

As she pushed through the door that led to the staircase, she heaved a sigh. She wished she had the courage to go up to her, and have a conversation. Or maybe even get close to her friends, find a way into her circle.

Which was a really stupid course of action to take to talk to your hallway crush that you don't know anything about.

Maybe she's insane, or a murderer, or the prettiest girl you've ever seen–

I'm getting sidetracked.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Yujin hummed, swinging her arm around Chaewon's shoulder from behind. The shorter girl looked to her side, surprise apparent on her face.

Forcing a smile, she shook her head. "I was just thinking about practice. I'm happy auditions start soon... I love you guys, but I just hate–"

"– Mr. Creep, I get it." Yujin laughed. Chaewon chuckled along, leading them to the ground floor.

Hurried footsteps appeared behind them. "Wait up, wait up!" The pair heard Sakura call, which was followed by a string of Japanese cuss words.

To their surprise, someone else replied with something in Japanese, causing Sakura to apologise for her vulgar language.

"Why are we running?" Wonyoung had slammed the door behind them, following the others down. Yujin laughed once again, letting go of Chaewon's shoulder and waiting for the others to catch up.

Sakura placed her hands on her knees, leaning forward as she panted. Kazuha was looking a little embarrassed behind her, a pink blush staining her cheeks.

Sakura raised her head, beckoning the others closer. "Ice cream," She said weakly.

—x—

Chaewon's mouth started watering at the sight of her favourite flavours of ice cream sitting on top of the cone in her hand. She was patiently sitting at a table, waiting for her friends to finish up their orders– but she simply couldn't stop herself from taking a little nibble.

And boy, did it taste like heaven.

Sinking back into her chair, the girl let out a sigh of satisfaction. "See, Wony, this is what makes it all worth it." She hummed.