Once is a Coincidence

Part 11

I guess you could say that Jungyeon was the rich friend that everyone loved. She's the type of friend to host parties every week just to make her friends happy. As the girls kept planning the long-awaited vacation, Mina observed Jungyeon and felt her self-esteem get smaller by each compliment the newbie got. She doesn't know why she's feeling this way. She has never envied someone- not because she felt confident in herself, but because she knew what jealousy could do. She was practically an angel who never had the ability to get mad at someone- especially someone she doesn't even know.

Sana smirked, "So you're still rich, huh?"

Jungyeon frowned in confusion, "Eh? What do you mean 'still'? You just met me today."

The strawberry blonde-haired girl shook her head and stood up, taking a spot next to the baffled girl. Jungyeon silently waited for her to continue while looking away in an attempt to escape the other girl's intimidating stare.

"You are her..." Sana muttered in a daze as she observed the short-haired girl.

"Sana-ya, you know her?" Momo's eyes widened in interest. The whole group was now focused on the two girls sitting in the center.

Sana nodded, "You're that girl I met online. Yoo Jungyeon, right?"

Nayeon and Jihyo burst into laughter and Jungyeon felt humilated as ever. Her face turned completely red at the unexpected revelation. How could she not recognize this girl?

"You were on a dating site as a minor?!" Nayeon spoke up in disbelief. Jungyeon sighed in frustration, "It wasn't a dating site! I was on a forum where people can express their problems without anyone knowing them... And I just happened to personally know Sana because she sent me a personal message."

Sana scoffed, "Excuse me, but you're the one who sent me it."

Jungyeon rolled her eyes, "Whatever."

Momo smirked, "Interesting. I never knew you were like that, Sana-ya."

Sana turned pink and awkwardly avoided Jungyeon's stare.

"So, I guess we all know each other in some way. Jungyeon, are we all just going to meet at the airport?" Nayeon interrupted after she became aware of the time.

"Yeah, just tell them my name and they'll let you in. Go to Terminal 12 at 5 in the morning. The jet will leave at 5:30, so all of you better arrive on time," Jungyeon spoke with a hint of seriousness.

The bell finally rang and it was time for them to all go to their respective classes. Mina opened her mouth to call Nayeon's name, but when she saw Jungyeon link her arm with the latter, the red-head immediately froze. She bit her lip and felt her heart drop to her stomach.

Did I do something wrong?

 

"Hey, are you okay? You seem pretty spaced out today." Momo asked. Mina sighed and shook her head, "Yeah, I'm fine," 

Momo raised an eyebrow. Mina stopped in her tracks and let out a dejected sigh, "No, I'm not."

The blonde took her hand and led her to the nearest bench of where they were standing. She looked her in the eye and carassed the back of her hand as a way of comfort.

"Tell me, what's wrong?"

Mina pouted, "Nayeon... I think she's avoiding me. But this time, I think it's on purpose." She spoke after remembering the last time Nayeon avoided her. Usually, the older girl would've talked to her by the end of school. It always went that way. When Nayeon ignored her and Mina decided to give her space, Nayeon would always apologize. She'd notice that Mina was drifting away, but how come Nayeon left just like that?

"Why would she?" Momo asked angrily. The idea of Nayeon, actually- the idea of anyone avoiding Mina on purpose made her angry. The idea that someone, especially Nayeon, has gained Mina's trust and is now messing with it made her feel the need to protect Mina. All her life, Momo knew how vulnerable Mina was. Mina was the type of person to overthink every little thing. And usually, there was a decent reason why. Like they say, best friends can stop talking for days and still go back to the way they were. But Nayeon is different- that girl grabs every opportunity to talk to you. She doesn't care if she comes off as annoying. That's just her nature. She's a loud, approachable person.

That's why Mina doesn't understand why this time, Nayeon is acting differently.

Mina shrugged sadly, "I don't know... Well, there's one reason, but..." She trailed off as the events from last night repeated in her head.

"Of course, you're my friend..." 

"Oh," She spoke almost as if she was expecting another answer, "Same goes to you, Mina-ya." Her voice sounded as empty as her words. 

Could it be...? Mina pondered.

"You know what, just forget about her. If she's mad, let her. Only a fool would be dumb enough to avoid someone like you," Momo spoke seriously. She pulled Mina up with extreme force that the younger girl struggled to keep her balance from the impact.Momo let go of her hand and Mina's arms fell onto the blonde's shoulders and then around her neck. Momo held her waist with her two hands and Mina barely stopped herself from kissing Momo on the lips by tilting her head to the side. As she felt Momo's lips on her cheek, she opened her eyes in shock. 

Worst. Decision. Ever.

Her eyes met Nayeon's own pair from a distance and she has never felt so awkward.