(Author's note: just another extra chapter before the last week at the house)
Yeji never mentioned what happened in the dance room in the middle of the night. And neither did she.
Ryujin thought maybe they had come to an understanding. Sometimes one or both would say certain things and afterwards, they would keep those things that were said inside. Never mentioning them again.
It was easier. Less messy.
She never talked about the wedding either. Despite Ryujin's mother having received an invitation already, as well as the other girls. Ryujin wasn't told anything about that by neither Yeji nor Yeonjun.
In fact, she only knew the others had been invited because she accidentally overheard them talking about it. That's also when Ryujin found out exactly what caused Yeji's return to South Korea.
"I can't wait to get drunk at your wedding."
"Yuna, that's not what weddings are for."
"You're right, I should try to find my future wife or husband there."
"You're a child."
"I'm old enough."
"Isn't it crazy that you're getting married?"
"Isn't it normal? To get married?"
"But it's so fast."
"We've been dating for years."
"Didn't he just propose? The wedding is in two weeks already. You guys are fast."
"Actually, he asked before we came. That's why we came back to South Korea."
"What?"
"Yeji."
"Why did you keep it a secret for so long?"
"I can't believe we didn't know."
"You sneaky bitch."
"Did you invite Ryu?"
"No. I think that would be like rubbing salt in her wounds."
"I get that."
"I think no matter what you do, it will hurt her."
"Yeah."
Before she was able to truly reflect and think things through, she was texting him. Despite his 'warning' to stay away.
She wouldn't. They made their decision and Ryujin would respect it. Even if it hurt her. She wouldn't ruin their day.
She wouldn't do that to them.
Her focus was on the other girls. Not wanting to think about Yeji or anything else that could cause her pain. Instead, she focused on the positivity around her.
Chaeryeong, Lia and Yuna had turned out to be a beacon of happiness for her. She found herself wanting to keep them around, even after this was over. She hoped they would remain friends. Even if Yeji said no to being ITZY again, which was becoming more and more obvious to be happening with each passing day.
She finally had her friends back in her life and she had no plans to walk away from them again.