After suffering a barrage of insults and anger, Mina and Chaeyoung finally make it to Mina's room, a few rooms down from Nayeon's, and definitely without Nayeon's help. Chaeyoung stood frozen at the door, jaw dropped and wide-eyed at the size of Mina's room.
"Mina, this room is the size of 3 dorm rooms!" Chaeyoung exclaimed, gawking around the room as Mina wheeled her suitcase into her new "humble" abode. Mina, however, remained silent, her thoughts a whirlwind of mixed emotions.
Mina sighed quietly; her dad's money followed suit everywhere she looked. Window panes from floor to ceiling looked out over the school and beyond; neutral colours painted the walls, matching her father's lack of creativity. Mina knew her father had to have set this room up for her. But she also knew she could make this space her own, despite the circumstances.
"I mean.. I should have expected it. You're on the top floor of the dorm building with the rest of the 'important kids, ' " Chaeyoung said. Mina could sense a hint of bitterness in Chaeyoung's voice, but she was used to it. It was a feeling she got from many people at her former high school; Mina knew money didn't equal happiness.
Mina sat down on the black leather recliner across from the fireplace, observing Chaeyoung's fixation on the room's dimmer light.
"Having fun there?" Mina asks with a slight giggle.
Chaeyoung peeks over her shoulder and stares at Mina. "I've never used one of these before," Chaeyoung reveals, leaving the tantalising light dimmer alone.
"You've never used one before? Come on.. Don't lie," Mina says, laughing at Chaeyoung's revelation. Chaeyoung smirked and sat on the stool beside the marble kitchen bench. "Not everyone has the money you have", Chaeyoung finishes.
Mina realised that Chaeyoung wasn't like her and didn't have the luxuries she had. She winced slightly.
"Ah.. Yeah, you're right," Mina admitted. She didn't meet Chaeyoung's eyes, thinking she had offended Chaeyoung. But she didn't. Chaeyong chuckled softly, smiling at Mina.
"There are people who have money and people who are rich," Chaeyoung said nonchalantly, playing with the worn laces in her shoes.
Mina silently watched Chaeyoung, taking in what she said. She knew this saying all too well.
"Mo money, Mo problems", Chaeyoung whispered as she giggled.
"Biggie?" Mina asked, peering over as Chaeyoung nodded proudly.
"I admire your music taste, Chaeyoung," Mina said with a chuckle. She raised her arms in the air, stretching with a yawn, revealing her midriff slightly.
Chaeyoung noticed the slight flash of skin and immediately looked away.
"I suppose you're tired, I should leave", Chaeyoung said nervously, playing with the seam of her hoodie.
Mina looked at Chaeyoung. She couldn't disagree with that. She was tired. Classes didn't start until tomorrow, and if she was going to put up with being here alone with strangers, she didn't want to start the day exhausted from the travel. Mina stood up with Chaeyoung and opened the door for her.
"You're welcome anytime, Chaeyoung. Thank you for all your help today," Mina reached over and hugged her new friend tightly in the doorway. Chaeyoung already felt nervous, but this made her all fuzzy inside.
"Anytime, Mina! I'll meet you for breakfast in the morning, I'll introduce you to my gang of... misfits," Chaeyoung said, as she left Mina's dorm room.
"I'd like that, Chaeyoung, thank you", Mina said softly. It was nice to feel included, even if Mina knew this was all temporary.
Mina shut the door as Chaeyoung disappeared down the long, tile-filled hallway. She was grateful for Chaeyoung; Mina could tell she was genuine, and not to mention gorgeous. Curiosity filled her mind as she got ready to sleep, lying in her bed and unable to fully commit to closing her eyes. Mina wanted to know more about the energetic, cute, biggie fan.
The early morning hours snuck up on Mina before sleep finally came.
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It was 6 am when Mina woke to the sound of rain tapping on her window. The room was dark, only lit by the faint light of the air conditioner above her bed. She stretches out in bed before standing up and going to the bathroom.
Mina stares attentively at herself in the mirror above the sink. "It's not for long, " she says to herself, washing the sleep off her face. Mina checks her induction folder and pulls out a variety of single pages with information about the school. Eventually, she finds her schedule for the week, which is mainly made up of induction sessions and self-study; she sighs in relief.
Mina collects her satchel bag and goes to the cafeteria for breakfast. As she enters, she's greeted with the smell of rice, sweet breads and cheap deodorant. It was close to 7 am, and the cafeteria was almost full. Mina had to squeeze through the crowd, avoiding the staring eyes and curious whispers of her new peers. She reached the coffee service area and was immediately startled by a slight jab to her lower back. Mina turned, and her eyes met the friendly stranger.
"Hey, you're awake!" Chaeyoung exclaimed, her face lighting up as she handed a warm cup of coffee to Mina.
Mina couldn't help but return the smile. "Yes, I am! Just didn't sleep too well," she admitted, taking a soothing sip from the cup.
"That's totally normal for your first day! Come on, let's make breakfast an adventure!" Chaeyoung said with infectious excitement, wrapping her arm around Mina's shoulders as they headed over to the breakfast buffet. Chaeyoung eagerly picked out a colourful assortment of her favourite foods, and Mina chuckled as she watched her friend practically build a mountain on her plate. Excitement buzzed in the cafeteria as students mingled, chatting, laughing, and enjoying their morning meals. They finally settled at a cosy table tucked away at the back, where two more girls were already enjoying their breakfast and sharing smiles.
"Tzuyu! Dahyun! I'd like you to meet the amazing Mina!" Chaeyoung announced with enthusiasm, stepping to the side to reveal her new friend. The two girls turned, and Dahyun's bright and warm personality shone through as she leaned forward, bobbing her head playfully. "Hi, Mina!" she greeted warmly.
Tzuyu flashed a gentle smile, nodding in welcome before returning to her food. Chaeyoung pulled out a chair for Mina, who took a seat opposite the duo. "Oh, those strawberries look fantastic!" Chaeyoung exclaimed, promptly snatching the last one from Dahyun's plate. Dahyun pretended to be exasperated, playfully trying to reclaim it, while Mina burst into laughter at their lighthearted interaction.
"Mina! Chaeyoung has told us all sorts of great things about you," Dahyun said, her eyes twinkling. "You're from Japan, right?" Mina smiled back, feeling a sense of warmth and camaraderie. "Well, sort of! I was actually born in the States, but I moved to Japan when I was about three, so you could say I'm basically from Japan," she explained, sampling a bit of the delicious food that Chaeyoung had picked out for her.
"You're not the only one with an interesting background! Tzuyu here is from Taiwan," Dahyun added, giving Tzuyu a gentle nudge. Tzuyu smiled softly and nodded, taking a delicate bite of her salmon. Watching Tzuyu's graceful demeanour, Mina thought about how challenging it might be for her to adjust to life here. "How long have you been in Korea?" Tzuyu asked quietly, her elegance emanating a calm presence.
"Well, I've only been here for less than 48 hours!" Mina said, sharing an amused glance and a soft laugh with Chaeyoung. Tzuyu's expression shifted to one of surprise, and she exchanged an incredulous look with Dahyun. "Really? But your Korean sounds nearly fluent!" Tzuyu remarked, her eyes bright with curiosity. Mina beamed, playfully pursing her lips. "Oh, my family has travelled around a bit, so I've picked up some skills along the way," she replied, relishing the warm sense of belonging blooming around the table.
"Ohhhh... so you're part of the elite club?" Dahyun teased, her anticipation clear as she awaited Mina's reaction. In playful retaliation, Chaeyoung kicked Dahyun's shin under the table, a loud wince of surprise from her friend. "Dahyun!" Chaeyoung laughed, tossing her napkin at her. "You're not supposed to ask that!" She shook her head with a smile while Dahyun rubbed her sore shin, looking a little sheepish.
Mina, puzzled by the exchange, turned to Tzuyu for clarity. Tzuyu let out a light sigh at her friends. "This school kind of has its cliques... the Elite and the... well, let's say 'normal' kids, or 'brokies' as some like to label us," she explained quietly, gauging Mina's response.
Mina took a moment to observe the cafeteria surroundings, noticing a clear social divide; the affluent students crowded near the front, their glossy bags and designer clothing unmistakable. They were busy taking selfies and whispering amongst each other, casting curious glances at the tables nearby. The groups closer to her, on the other hand, showcased a stark contrast in attire and accessories.
"So, they don't interact at all?" Mina asked, genuinely intrigued. Chaeyoung chuckled, looking at Dahyun, who had lowered her head a bit. "It's a bit like a prison, really. Each group sticks to its own, and if someone dares to branch out, they're practically branded a traitor," Chaeyoung said, her voice a mix of sarcasm and truth as she poked at her food tray.
Mina's gaze wandered and landed on someone she recognised, the girl from the airport. Dahyun and Chaeyoung followed her line of sight. "Oh... that's Nayeon. She really embodies everything that's wrong with the 'Elite Class, '" Chaeyoung whispered conspiratorially to Mina, but loud enough for Dahyun and Tzuyu to catch.
Mina nodded slowly, her eyes flickering between Nayeon and her own lunch as she tried to shake off the moment. "But there are exceptions!" Chaeyoung continued, her tone shifting to tease Dahyun. "For instance, Dahyun is head over heels for Sana, and never can seem to keep her hands to herself around her!"
Dahyun popped up, playfully swatting Chaeyoung's arm. "Hey! It's not like that!" she shot back, doing her best to maintain a serious expression, a smile almost breaking through.
Tzuyu rolled her eyes good-naturedly, adding, "Oh, come on, Dahyun! You two are practically the only ones in this school not facing backlash for cross-class dating!" she remarked, tugging Dahyun back into her seat with a grin.
"Sana's from the elite crowd and is best friends with Nayeon, so it can get a bit awkward sometimes," Tzuyu explained to Mina, taking a sip from her water bottle. "So you're dating this Sana person?" Mina asks curiously. Tzuyu and Chaeyoung laugh at Mina's question. "She wishes they were..." Tzuyu teases, watching Dahyun cover her face with her hair in embarrassment
Mina glanced back toward Nayeon's table and spotted a blonde girl with delicate, doll-like features flashing a confident smile that captivated her attention. "Wow," Mina thought to herself, feeling intrigued. Chaeyoung followed her gaze and chimed in, "Oh yeah, that's Sana!" Leaning her cheek against Mina's shoulder, Chaeyoung peered over the crowd, obviously enjoying the moment.
"Honestly, Nayeon isn't that bad... she's just a bit misunderstood," Dahyun interjected, though her words sounded hesitant. Chaeyoung burst into laughter, leaning into Mina as she struggled to compose herself. "Don't lie, Dahyun! She practically tried to murder us yesterday when we accidentally walked into her room whilst we were looking for Mina's room," Chaeyoung said, unable to stifle her giggles.
Dahyun chuckled, holding her hands up in mock surrender. "Okay, okay, fair point—I didn't say she doesn't have her... issues," she replied with a grin.
As laughter filled the air and they continued eating, a comfortable silence settled over the group, each of them casting curious glances around the cafeteria. All of a sudden, a lively voice rang out from behind Chaeyoung, causing Mina to jump slightly. "I hope you four are behaving..."
Mina turned to see a striking figure. Her large, expressive eyes, framed with long lashes, held a gaze that radiated both authority and warmth. She wore a vibrant smile that lit up her entire face, and her presence was magnetic, exuding a natural confidence that made her undeniably captivating. The way she moved was a graceful blend of strength and femininity, leaving an impression that was impossible to ignore.
"Jihyo!" Chaeyoung says, smiling and reaching for her to sit down next to her. Jihyo sits down and looks at each of the girls, her eyes finally landing on Mina.
"Oh! You're the new girl! Mina right? I'm Jihyo, Park Jihyo." Jihyo extends her hand out to Mina with a kind smile. Mina returns the favour.
"Hi Jihyo, nice to meet you", Mina says, smiling. Jihyo leans forward slightly, her elbows leaning on the edge of the table. "How are you finding it here so far? I'm the student representative, so whatever you need, you can come to me," Jihyo says, with a confident but calming look in her eyes.
Mina nods and starts to speak, but is cut off by a loud beep of an alarm coming from the front of the cafeteria. A group of adults walk into the cafe through the double doors off to the side. "Oh, that's Ms. Lee, the head of academics." Chaeyoung whispers to Mina, and everyone in the room has stopped eating and looking over as the teachers make their presence known at the front of the cafe.
"Good morning, everyone!" Ms. Lee beams, her enthusiasm lighting up the room.
"Before we dive into our classes today, I have some exciting news to share about our end-of-year showcase! We have finalised the details, and I can't wait for you to hear more during your classes. Just a heads-up—this showcase plays a significant role in your grades, with more than 60% of your evaluation based on it! And for our seniors," Ms. Lee's gaze sweeps towards the tables closer to the front, a gentle acknowledgement of their journey, "this is an incredible opportunity to leave a lasting impression."
A buzz of energy fills the cafeteria as students exchange smiles, nods, and high-fives, fueling the excitement. "Oh, and there's one more thing before we kick off the day—we have a new senior joining our school family this year!" Mina feels a wave of anxiety wash over her and instinctively shrinks in her seat.
"Let me introduce you to Minari Mina!" Ms. Lee announces with infectious cheer.
Curiosity ripples through the students as they scan the room for the newcomer. Ms. Lee instinctively glances towards the 'Elite' section, hoping to spot Mina. Suddenly, Jihyo stands up, gently tugging Mina to her feet. "Ms. Lee, she's right here!" Jihyo exclaims, lifting Mina's hand, an encouraging gesture amidst Mina's shyness.
The cafeteria buzzes with whispers as students take notice of her presence among the 'brokies'. Even as Ms. Lee tilts her head curiously, her smile remains warm. "Welcome, Mina! We truly hope you're adjusting well," she says sincerely, locking eyes with her in a moment of connection. Mina feels herself shrink further, wishing to disappear into her seat, but Chaeyoung stifles a giggle at her obvious discomfort.
With grace, Ms. Lee raises a finger to her lips, easily silencing the ripple of chatter. "Let's all extend a warm welcome to Mina. Transferring here during your final year can be quite a challenge!" She offers a reassuring nod to Mina. Jihyo releases her grip, allowing Mina to settle back down, her face now hidden behind the food she is finally turning her attention to.
With her announcement complete, Ms. Lee gracefully exits through the double doors, leaving the students to continue eating, with the occasional glance over to Mina before returning to their tables. Chaeyoung nudges Mina playfully, her voice light-hearted. "Well, now that everyone knows who you are, it looks like you're officially on the radar!" She teases, Mina sinks lower and lower into her chair with a groan.
"Mina, what class do you have first?" Dahyun asks, looking over at her schedule. Mina looks over at her schedule. "Dance class induction, apparently", Mina says, still not recovered from the sudden attention of the spotlight. Jihyo gasps loudly. "I'm in that class! So is Tzuyu!" Jihyo says excitedly, reaching over to squeeze Mina's hand. Mina sighs internally.
She wishes she could get through today without making a scene, but that ship has sailed. Chaeyoung speaks up, as if she can hear Mina's internal dialogue.
"At least you won't be alone, Jihyo and Tzuyu will look after you." Chaeyoung nudges her shoulder into Mina's. Mina smiles slightly and nods.
As the girls begin to pack their things, Mina picks up her satchel, excitement bubbling inside her. "Hey, Mina! Come with me, and I'll show you around!" Jihyo says warmly, her invitation radiating friendliness. Chaeyoung waves goodbye, heading off with Dahyun for their class, while Mina follows behind Tzuyu and Jihyo, joining the lively crowd of students bustling toward their classes.
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"So, Mina," Jihyo says, casually matching her stride to Mina's as they navigate the dynamic hallway. "What's your speciality subject?" The curiosity in Jihyo's voice is infectious.
Mina smiles as she manoeuvres through the sea of fellow students. "It's actually dance!" she shares, her eyes lighting up. "I've been dancing for most of my life in Japan, and I really hope my style fits in here."
"Don't worry at all!" Tzuyu chimes in, her reassuring smile brightening Mina's mood. "Our dance class is super diverse! There are even a few girls from Japan, so you'll blend in just fine." Jihyo nods enthusiastically, and together they round a corner, revealing the entrance to the dance studio.
A vibrant neon sign above fogged glass double doors reads 'JYP Arts - Dance Studio', with the tagline underneath boasting, 'A leader in developing talent.'
Jihyo pushes open the doors, and Mina steps into the stunning space. The sleek, modern dance floor, framed by ceiling-high mirrors, sparkles with energy, while a group of girls prepares for their session, stretching and chatting with lively excitement. Jihyo gestures for Mina to step further inside. Despite her previous familiarity with dance studios, Mina feels a flutter of nervousness—something new yet understandable in such an enchanting place.
Tzuyu leads Mina to the lockers and opens one next to hers, grinning. "Just pop your things here! I can get one of the staff to help you set up a nameplate for your locker." Mina gives Tzuyu a heartfelt thank you, her smile radiating gratitude.
As Jihyo approaches the other girls, laughter erupts, making the atmosphere light and inviting. "Mina, over here!" Jihyo calls out, waving her hand enthusiastically. As Mina walks over, she spots a few familiar faces, and one stands out—Nayeon. Tzuyu smirks knowingly, sensing Mina's unease. "Don't let it bother you," she whispers sweetly as they walk toward the group.
"Everyone, this is Mina! Our new senior," Jihyo introduces, wrapping her arm affectionately around Mina's shoulder. One girl greets Mina with a wave and introduces herself. Her beauty is both captivating and approachable, with playful eyes, a doll-like face, and a warmly teasing smile. "I'm Sana! It's so wonderful to meet you, Mina! Welcome!" Her cheerful energy is infectious as she takes Mina's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze before she lets go.
Mina feels a delightful rush of warmth from all the attention. Another girl steps forward, and her striking presence is captivating. With sharp, cat-like eyes and a confident stance, she introduces herself, "Hi Mina, I'm Momo. You definitely look like a dancer!" Momo's playful smile lights up the room, making Mina grin back in delight.
"Yeah, I've danced most of my life," Mina replies, feeling more at ease. To her surprise, Momo and Sana exchange glances, both wearing expressions of amused intrigue. "Looks like we may have some competition!" Sana chuckles, leaning into Momo, their camaraderie evident.
Mina picks up on an accent in Sana's voice. "Are you Japanese?" she asks, intrigued. Sana nods enthusiastically before greeting Mina in Japanese, her voice laced with warmth. Mina beams and returns the greeting, delighted by the connection they share.
"Oh, you're Japanese too?" Momo exclaims, straightening with excitement. The atmosphere surrounding them is buzzing with friendship and possibility, and Mina feels a blossoming sense of belonging. With each shared laugh and friendly interaction, the jitters from earlier begin to fade. Mina starts to feel more comfortable until Nayeon speaks up.
"So, Mina! I assume you haven't been taught about boundaries before?" Nayeon says with a bitter glare, stepping between Sana and Momo. Mina, taken by surprise, looks bewildered until she remembers wandering into Nayeon's dorm room with Chaeyoung last night. "Oh! I'm so sorry about that! I think I had the wrong key card," Mina exclaims, a hint of embarrassment creeping in.
The air is a bit tense, but Jihyo, always the peacemaker, tries to lighten the mood with a cheerful laugh, even though she's unsure what Nayeon meant. "Well, knocking is always a good idea!" Nayeon replies with a hint of sass before she turns back to her seat, though her tone holds a touch of playfulness.
Tzuyu scoffs lightly and pulls Mina aside with a supportive smile. "Don't mind her! That's just her being her," she reassures, while Sana and Momo exchange puzzled glances.
Ever the bright spot of the group, Jihyo jumps in with enthusiasm, "So… Mina! Why don't you show us what you've got? We're excited to see you shine!" A big smile appears on her face, and now Mina's excitement begins to blossom despite the earlier awkwardness.
"Okay! I'd love to!" Mina says, her confidence growing as she steps to the centre of the dance floor. The other girls gather around the edges, eager to see Mina's skills. Meanwhile, Nayeon remains engrossed in her phone.
Jihyo heads over to press play on the computer.
The music swells, low and aching. Mina steps forward, her body still until the first note breaks.
She moves with quiet precision, her arms tracing the air like unanswered questions, steps brushing the floor as if she's afraid to leave a mark. The softness is deliberate, every gesture heavy with restraint.
Then a sudden turn snaps the silence, her body folding in on itself before flaring outward, raw and desperate.
Sana leans in, breath caught. Jihyo's expression falters into silence. Tzuyu can't look away. Momo studies every line, recognising the honesty in the movement.
From the edge of the room, Nayeon watches, her eyes leaving her phone screen momentarily. Her lips part slightly, eyes narrowing, not just at Mina's talent, but at the way she moves the others. Admiration coils into something sharper, something she doesn't name.
The last note fades. Mina sinks to her knees, one hand pressed to the floor, the other reaching skyward. The room holds its breath with her.
The girls applaud Mina's skill. Joining her in the middle of the room.
"Mina! Woooooow!" Jihyo says, putting her hand on Mina's shoulder. "You're so talented! You'll fit in just fine here," Jihyo finishes. Sana whistles softly. "Okay, I take back what I said, we definitely have competition, Momo", Sana says, laughing, holding her hand out for a high-five.
Mina smiles at their compliments, feeling a lot more at ease now that she's danced out her nervousness, but that slowly fades as Nayeon stands up, her eyes meet Mina's, Nayeon walks towards the door and leaves the room, slamming the door on her way out. The girls shrug their shoulders. "I think she likes you..." Sana teases, nudging Mina's arm. The rest of the girls laugh and praise Mina for her dancing skills.
Nayeon exhales softly as she walks down the hallway, a whisper of a smile tugging at her mouth. Mina has no idea she's just become someone's secret obsession.
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