Fatum: tied by an invisible string - Michaeng

"Okay, guys-" The ringing of a phone interrupted Jinyoung, but he just sighed and continued, "-before we wrap up, I wanted to remind you that the Halloween contest is coming up." He walked from one side of the room to his desk, moving papers around until he found the marker to write on the board. "Everyone has to prepare a routine of some sort for me to evaluate you, but it's up to you whether you participate or not."

Chaeyoung squealed in excitement, drumming with her fingers a melody while debating the many possibilities she had. On the one hand, she could work with some of her friends, which was always fun. But on the other hand, she could also ask Mina if she was interested in performing together. She looked to her right, where Mina was gracefully sitting, and imagined their hypothetical stage.

Although more than a month had passed since school started, she still hadn't seen Mina dance and curiosity was getting to her. Besides, they lived in the same house, meaning they would have more time to practice and improve their routine.

"Chae," a brunette with big eyes approached Chaeyoung, "do you wanna work together? Last year we did an amazing job." She leaned her elbows on the younger's desk, staring right into her eyes.

"Jihyo!" The younger exclaimed. "I haven't seen you in forever." And it was true, they hadn't talked since the party before school started, which, by the way, was held at Jihyo's house. Chaeyoung felt so embarrassed about her reckless actions that she avoided her completely instead of apologizing, but at some point, she had to acknowledge it to move on. "Sure! Sure!"

Chaeyoung had worked many times with Jihyo because the latter not only had an outstanding voice but was also a great leader. Last year they got 2nd place, but hopefully, they'll upgrade their show and win this year, it was their last opportunity.

"Great! So I was planning on asking Nayeon and Tzuyu as well, if that's okay with you?" She flashed the younger a quick smile before realizing Mina was witnessing their interaction in utter silence. "It's nice to meet you, I'm Jihyo." She took her hand out for a handshake, which the Japanese woman reciprocated immediately.

"Mina." She spoke quietly because Jihyo's cheerful personality was almost intimidating, it was an odd feeling.

"So I've heard." She replied, not in a mean way though. Just acknowledging the facts.

'What is that supposed to mean?' She nodded, not wanting to keep the conversation going.

Jihyo looked to her left, where Chaeyoung was. "Well, I'm going to ask the rest." She tapped the table twice before lapping on her feet. "I'll talk to you later. And it was nice meeting you, Mina." She smiled warmly and left.

Chaeyoung gave her an awkward thumbs-up and sighed in relief. "Why was that so uncomfortable?" She supported her neck on the back of her chair and stared at the cream-colored ceiling.

"Who is she?" Mina turned to her side and started playing with the hem of Chaeyoung's jacket. The younger had noticed that was a habit of hers whenever she felt uneasy.

"She's a friend, but also the owner of the house we went to for the party." She rubbed her eyes and turned to look into Mina's eyes. 'So pretty- What?'

"Oh." Was all Mina could think of. "I should apologize to her. You know, for the chaos I caused."

Chaeyoung stopped Mina by laying her forearm on her lap, pressing just enough to keep her from leaving the seat. "Of course not. I caused this and I'm going to fix it."

Although Mina really wanted to focus on what was leaving Chaeyoung's lips, all she could feel was the hand that was softly gripping her thigh. Was Chaeyoung aware of it? She hoped not. "Hmm." She nodded and grabbed the intruding arm, barely lifting it until it let go of her flesh. Mina's initial plan was just to stop it, but instead, she turned it around and drew amorphous figures on its palm.