Invisible String || PURINZ

05 • memory lane

Still panting and sticky with sweat, the girl tapped on her screen.

Kim Yena<3: Hey, I'm backstage too. I just watched you guys.

Kim Yena<3: Come find me? I'm in 11B.

Chaewon looked up at her members. Yunjin was explaining something about Kazuha's abs, Eunchae was watching a little too attentively and Sakura seemed to find their behaviour very amusing.

They'd be fine on their own for a bit.

Chae: be there in 5.

She slid her phone back into her pocket. "Guys? I'll text you in a bit, Yena's waiting for me." The girl spoke, interrupting Yunjin's rant.

Sakura turned around, the large smile on her face shrinking. "Yeah, okay. We'll probably go to the park in a bit." She said.

Eunchae clapped her hands. "Oh, that's right! I need to take some pictures," She excitedly said.

They all said bye to Chaewon in a way that made them sound like a choir. Everyone except Yunjin.

The girl pretended she didn't notice it and went on her way. She was aware that her best friend didn't get along with her girlfriend; Yena made sure to mention it each time they saw each other. But she couldn't change anything, and she didn't know if she could handle it if they did get along well.

Chaewon passed a few corners, deep in thought– and still able to hear her members (Yunjin more than the others) laugh loudly. She paused at changing room 10B, and looked around like a lost puppy until she finally saw 11B.

Sucking in a deep breath, the short girl opened the door. She expected to see Yena and some of their old friends, but her girlfriend was scrolling through her phone all on her own. Once they locked eyes, a smile spread across her face.

"Took you long enough, babe! I haven't seen you in forever." She exhaled. The girl pulled Chaewon into an embrace before she even had time to move.

Chaewon allowed herself to smile, even though it made her feel guilty. It was her fault they hadn't seen each other in a while, but Sakura seemed to think Yena was the culprit.

She loosely draped her arms around the girl's middle. She knew she should be feeling happy, excited and in love. Though after nearly a year, all the lying started weighing heavier on her. It was exhausting lying to others, but lying to herself was even worse.

Exhaling a sigh, the girl slowly nodded. "I'm sorry. We've been so busy with the comeback," She lied once more.

Yena pulled back and shook her head. "No, no, I get it. It's okay." She flashed her a soft smile. Her eyes were filled with adoration.

Chaewon smiled back. Her girlfriend leaned in for a kiss, and she didn't refuse.

"So, how are things? Are you and Kazuha still fighting?" Yena asked. She took the short girl's hand in hers and led her to the couch.

Chaewon laughed softly as she sat down. "That was stupid. Turns out Yunjin ate my nachos instead of Kazuha. I can't stay mad at any of them longer than a day, anyway." She explained, staring down at their intertwined hands.

It doesn't feel the same.

"Oh, right, Yunjin. How is she?"

"She's the same as ever. Just as lovable as she is annoying."

"And the others? I haven't seen them in ages either. I've been spending a lot of time with Hyewon. Got sick of the silence, really. Sometimes I miss living in the dorms with everyone." Yena exhaled a soft sigh.