CHAPTER TEN
One of Us | 우리 중 하나

⚘( ၴႅၴ

–

"Mira, where are you?"

"Just on the other side in front of the school."

(Your name) made her way down the bustling street, weaving through the crowd of students who were heading home. The air was filled with chatter and the distant sound of buses pulling away, but they were all focused on their newfound friend. They scanned the surroundings, eyes darting from one corner to the next, until they spotted Mira standing outside a small, cozy food place. It was one of those hidden gems—a spot that wasn't too popular but had gained a reputation among the students for its delicious snacks and relaxing vibe. The group's faces lit up when they saw her. She was standing with her usual casual confidence, her posture relaxed but commanding the attention of everyone around her.

Inside the food place, Vasco, Jace, Jay, Joy, Daniel, Zack, Zoe, and Jiho were sitting together at one of the long tables, laughing and joking, their voices blending with the hum of the other patrons. The group had known each other for a while, and despite their varied personalities, they made it work. Vasco was the laid-back type, Jace had that natural charm, Jay was always deep in thought, and Jiho was the quiet one who tended to shy away from the limelight. Joy and Zoe were like the fire and ice of the group—one bringing warmth and excitement, the other always a little bit more reserved and skeptical. Daniel and Zack were a perfect pair of confident, outgoing individuals, always up for anything. Despite their differences, they shared an easy camaraderie that made them seem like an inseparable team.

Mira, on the other hand, was the kind of person who seemed to effortlessly attract attention, no matter where she went. She was always at the center of the conversation, always the one with the latest stories to tell, the latest gossip to share. Whether she wanted it or not, she had a magnetic presence that made her impossible to ignore. And today was no different. Her entrance turned heads, as her group of friends immediately fell into a more energetic and excited mood, eager to see where the evening would take them.

"Let's go out!" Mira said with a wide grin, already thinking about the next adventure she had in mind. She wasn't one to sit still for long, and she loved the spontaneous nature of her friends' hangouts. She loved to be the one to set the pace, to make sure everyone was always having fun, always on the move.

"(Your name), this is Zack, Zoe, Joy, Jay, and Vasco and Jace!" Mira gestured toward the group sitting at the table, introducing them one by one with a casual wave.

"Nice to meet you all," (Your name) said, offering a warm but slightly cautious smile. She wasn't sure what to expect from this new group, but she was willing to give them a chance. She had heard stories about some of them, especially the ones who had a reputation for being a bit wild.

(Your name) quickly glanced at each of them. Jay gave a quiet but sincere nod of approval, while Jiho, shyly nodded back. His face flushed slightly, and he looked away for a moment, as if he was unsure about making eye contact. Zoe, on the other hand, crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes narrowing as she sized (Your name) up. There was something about her that Zoe couldn't quite place, and it made her suspicious, though she would never admit it outright.

"Nice to meet you! I've heard about you from Daniel!" (Your name) said brightly, trying to make a good first impression. Her tone was upbeat, but her eyes briefly flickered over Zoe, sensing the tension that seemed to hang in the air between them.

Zoe's eyes widened, her expression instantly darkening as she processed (Your name)'s words. She straightened up, her arms tightening in an almost defensive posture.

"Mira, are you sure about bringing her?" Zoe asked with a slight sneer in her voice. "She just yeeted three big gangsters alone," she said, clearly impressed, but there was an edge to her words. Her disbelief was palpable, like she was trying to figure out if (Your name) was really who she said she was.

And the boys behind your back can do the same, so what? (Your name) darted her eyes away.

Mira paused for a moment, meeting Zoe's gaze with a steady look. She wasn't one to back down easily, and she wasn't about to let anyone question her judgment, especially when it came to people she trusted. "She's the girl who saved me, so yeah, I'll bring her," Mira said, her voice firm but calm. There was no room for doubt in her words. It was clear that (Your name) had earned her respect, and that meant something to Mira.

"I've already met Jace. They're good company," (Your name) added with a smile, her arms swinging over the shoulders of Jace and Vasco, who both smiled back, their easy-going personalities rubbing off on her. It was clear that Marcy had a natural charm, one that made people warm to her instantly, and Jace, always one to tease, couldn't resist a little fun at her expense.

"Wow, Marcy, you're really crushing on us," Jace teased, raising an eyebrow, enjoying the moment of playful banter. His grin was mischievous, and he clearly loved keeping things lighthearted.

"Stop being dramatic, Jace," Mira shot back, rolling her eyes with a grin. She wasn't about to let Jace derail the conversation.

Both of them shared a brief, playful sweat-drop moment—an unspoken acknowledgment of their shared humor. The atmosphere lightened instantly, and the tension dissipated, as Jace quickly explained to Vasco what had just happened while (Your name) turned to Mira to continue their conversation.

"So, who are we still waiting for?" Mira asked, trying to move on from the awkward moment and keep the group moving forward.

"Sorry, guys!" A familiar voice called out, breaking through the chatter. Daniel appeared, jogging toward them with a sheepish grin. "Sorry I'm late!" he said, adjusting his backpack and wiping the sweat from his forehead.

"You guys are here too?" Mira raised an eyebrow in mock surprise. "Oh, why didn't you bring Duke?"

"He had to practice," Daniel explained, quickly brushing off the comment with a casual shrug, as if he hadn't been the one to delay their plans in the first place. He could feel the glare from (Your name).

"How's PTJ?" Vasco asked, his tone curious. "They said they made you do extra training," he added, remembering the rumors that had been circulating. PTJ was known for its intense programs, and extra training wasn't something you could just take lightly.

Daniel let out a deep sigh, his mood clearly turning a bit more serious. "There's so much you don't know," he said, glancing around before lowering his voice. It was clear that he wasn't ready to go into all the details, and he didn't want to bring the mood down with heavy talk.

"Yeah, there were two guys—one in black, one in yellow," Daniel continued, his tone taking on a more cautious edge. He clearly felt uncomfortable recounting the encounter, but it seemed like he was trying to explain what had happened in the most matter-of-fact way possible.

"Wow, those are just Gun and Goo. But why were they there?" Vasco said, trying to make sense of it. He wasn't surprised by the mention of the two infamous figures—Gun and Goo—but it did raise questions. "I don't know any other black-and-yellow guys who fit that description," Vasco added, frowning. "But at the end of the day, it's just gossip."

"So where are we going?" (Your name) asked, shaking off the thought that they know about the two most powerful men together. Sensing the conversation had veered a bit too far into serious territory. She was eager to keep the energy light and fun.

"We're checking out the new food place in the city!" Mira replied, her excitement returning instantly. She was ready to move on from the heavy conversation and dive into the fun of the evening.

"I heard it's really fancy," (Your name) said, her eyes lighting up at the thought. She loved exploring new spots, and the promise of something fancy intrigued her.

"Really? I thought it had a different service," Jace chimed in, his skepticism creeping through. He wasn't sure what to make of the place, and it was clear he wasn't easily impressed by flashy appearances.

"You're exaggerating. Of course, that's what you'd be interested in," Mira teased, clearly enjoying the banter. It was evident she knew Jace well enough to push his buttons and make him laugh.

"Might be a gang behind it, to be honest."

They turned to her.

"What? I'm serious," (Your name) insisted, her tone shifting from playful to genuinely curious. The idea of the place sounded intriguing, and she wanted to see it for herself.

"Whatever," Mira shrugged, a smile tugging at her lips. She was just happy to see her friends so animated. "I know they have some great shows there." 

Mira added, her excitement growing as she remembered some of the things she had heard about the place.

(Your name)'s expression shifted, her curiosity piqued. "Like a pub?" she asked, suddenly more intrigued by the idea.

"Yeah, you just sign up, and you can entertain," Mira explained, her eyes twinkling with that familiar excitement that always seemed to come when she had a new adventure in mind.

"That's different from what Zack's talking about," Daniel murmured said, his skepticism returning, but it was clear he was still open to the idea.

"Hmm. Anyway..." Mira said, shrugging off the comment and turning back toward the group. "

Let's go then. How far is it, Mira?" (Your name) asked, eager to get going.

"It's near J High! Just take a slight turn," Mira replied confidently, her voice carrying that tone of someone who knew the area well.

"Okay, let's go!" Zoe said with a grin, leading the way. The group followed, ready for whatever the night would bring.

"What's this?"

"Huh?" Mira asked, glancing around with a look of confusion as the group arrived at their destination. They had expected something more typical, but instead, they stood in front of a building that didn't quite match their expectations. It was dimly lit from the inside, and through the windows, they could see a mix of people laughing, talking, and enjoying themselves. It wasn't what they had envisioned, and the group stood uncertainly at the door.

"Why does it look like your stereotypical pub that carries dead bodies around?" Zoe asked, narrowing her eyes in disbelief. Her voice was full of suspicion as she tried to make sense of the situation. She had assumed they were going somewhere more low-key, something familiar and comfortable—but this place was far from that. The neon sign above the door didn't help, casting a glowing blue light that only made her more uncertain.

"Mira!" Zoe exclaimed, clearly taken aback by the choice. She had expected something different—something less... lively. It wasn't like Mira to pull something like this without warning.

"I just got this suggestion from Joy!" Mira defended herself, sensing the skepticism radiating from Zoe and the others. She quickly added, trying to back up her choice. "It looked nice in the pictures!" she said with a quick smile, as though to justify her decision, though her voice wavered just slightly as if trying to convince herself as much as anyone else.

"You haven't even entered, and you're already judging," Mira said, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms in a typical Mira fashion—brimming with confidence. "Come on, let's just check it out first."

The group exchanged glances, the hesitation still clear in their faces, unsure of what to expect. But (Your name), ever the calm and collected one, stepped forward with a quiet confidence, her eyes bright with curiosity. "I've been here before," she said, turning toward the group with a reassuring smile. "Believe me, it has some nice features," she added, nodding toward the entrance. Her experience with the place seemed to calm some of their nerves.

The others, still unsure, exchanged looks again, this time with a little more trust. (Your name)'s word carried weight, and slowly, they followed her inside.

Inside, the place didn't disappoint. The lighting was low and cozy, casting soft glows that bathed the room in a relaxed ambiance. It was quieter than they expected, with people chatting and laughing in corners, but the energy felt warm and inviting. The crowd wasn't rowdy, and the soft hum of music mixed with the chatter, creating a lively atmosphere without feeling overwhelming. The low hum of energetic music in the background blended perfectly with the cozy feel of the space, giving it a sense of liveliness without crossing into chaos. It was a place that felt like it had just the right balance—active, but not too much.

"Well, this is something," Vasco commented, a little taken aback by the setting. His eyes flickered over the interior, taking in the mismatched decor, the glow of the bar area, and the intimate vibe. It wasn't exactly what he was expecting, but it was growing on him.

They split into smaller groups to explore the place—Jace, Jay, and the others found their corner, sitting back and enjoying the chill atmosphere while the rest of the group gravitated toward an area with a bit more open space, perfect for dancing. The sound of music grew louder here, and the floor was more spacious, giving them room to stretch out and enjoy the rhythm of the night.

"I didn't know you could dance like that, Vasco!" (Your name) laughed, a playful tone in her voice as she watched him move across the floor. She was genuinely impressed. Vasco had surprised her, moving with a natural ease that she hadn't expected.

"It runs in the gang," Vasco replied coolly, flashing a grin. His response was casual, but there was a spark of pride in his eyes. He enjoyed dancing, and it showed in the smooth way he moved. "It's all about the rhythm," he added, giving a little shrug, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"50 bucks that I could convince Jace to have a battle with Vasco," Zack said with a mischievous grin, his eyes gleaming with that familiar sense of challenge. He leaned back against the wall, watching the scene unfold. It was always fun when the gang played off each other's strengths.

"30 bucks that Jace would win," Marcy added confidently, a cocky smile spreading across her face. She wasn't one to back down, and she clearly thought she had the upper hand in any friendly competition.

"50 bucks that Jace would pity Vasco," Daniel chimed in, shaking his head as he crossed his arms. He had an easygoing air about him, but his sharp wit was always at the ready.

"Are you sure?" Zoe asked, raising an eyebrow as she watched the playful back-and-forth. She wasn't convinced. The bets seemed like a strange way to pass time, but she couldn't help being intrigued by the dynamics at play.

"Zoe, she's harmless—well..." Mira began, clearly teasing Zoe, who looked a little wary of the conversation. Mira's voice trailed off as she nudged her playfully, her tone light but laced with humor.

"Uh-huh..." Zoe responded, unconvinced by the remark. She wasn't sure what to make of it, but she trusted (Your name) more than she let on.

"Trust me, I've been with people like Zack almost my whole life," MIra said, her voice sincere, though her teasing nature was still present. "People who are physically active won't just jump at you for no reason. Especially someone I've had the luck of befriending." She gave a playful wink, implying that it wasn't as serious as it sounded.

"Are you trying to get me killed?" Zoe shot back, laughing but still sounding skeptical. "And is that sarcastic?" she asked, clearly enjoying the playful back-and-forth.

"Maybe you should shut up and talk to her!" Mira joked, nudging Zoe again with a grin, clearly enjoying herself. There was a light-heartedness in her teasing, a warmth that made it clear she wasn't being malicious.

"Hey, Zoe, what's up?" (Your name) asked as they stood near the bar, sipping on their drinks. She leaned casually against the counter, giving Zoe a space to open up if she wanted to.

"Nothing, these bunch of people are pretty messed up, don't you think?" Zoe replied, her voice a little dry as she surveyed the crowd. She wasn't sure how to fit in with this chaotic group, but there was something about them that made her feel both at ease and slightly out of place.

(Your name) laughed softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, aren't you one of them? Technically, I'm also one of them." Her tone was light, almost as if she was inviting Zoe to consider that maybe, just maybe, they were more alike than she thought.

"Are we grouping up just because of that?" Zoe asked, raising an eyebrow skeptically, but there was a faint smile tugging at her lips. She wasn't sure where this was going, but she found herself intrigued.

"Well, why did you come along?" (Your name) asked, genuinely curious. She had noticed that Zoe seemed a little hesitant, like she didn't quite belong, but (Your name) could tell there was more to the story.

"Nothing... but..." Zoe hesitated, her voice trailing off as she fumbled for the right words. It was clear she was holding something back, but she wasn't ready to share it just yet.

"Aside from Daniel?" (Your name) pressed, sensing there was more beneath the surface. She wasn't one to pry, but she could tell Zoe was hesitant for a reason, and she couldn't help but ask.

"I mean... Mira's nice to me. Compared to other girls. Joy's the same too," Zoe admitted, her voice softening slightly as she revealed a bit more about herself. There was a vulnerability in her words that made (Your name) smile warmly, appreciating her openness.

(Your name) smiled back, her own heart lifting at the honesty in Zoe's voice. "I'm glad to hear that," she said, feeling a genuine connection with her.

"Hold my cup," (Your name) said, passing her drink to Zoe as she quickly excused herself to walk over to the stage. She moved with confidence, her guitar in hand, ready to perform. The crowd hushed as she made her way up, and as she strummed the first chord, the entire room seemed to lean in, captivated by the music.

She started singing, her voice clear and confident, and soon the energy in the room shifted. The crowd, once just a mass of individuals, began to unite, swaying to the rhythm of the music. (Your name) wasn't just playing a song; she was drawing everyone into the moment, making them part of something bigger.

"Okay! Everybody start dancing!" (Your name) called out with a laugh, urging the crowd to join her. The mood was infectious, and the energy in the room went up a notch as people got out of their seats, joining in on the fun.

She signaled her head to Daniel, motioning for Zoe to join in. (Your name) had a way of getting people involved, and she wasn't about to let anyone stand on the sidelines.

Zoe gasped, her eyes widening as she realized she was being pulled into the spotlight. She smiled warmly at (Your name), who seemed so confident and at ease on stage. It was impossible to ignore how comfortable (Your name) was in her own skin. In that moment, Zoe realized that maybe she didn't have the same feelings for Daniel anymore. Her focus had shifted to the lively and welcoming atmosphere around her, and to (Your name), who seemed to radiate warmth and openness.

"Hey, Daniel, wanna dance with me?" Zoe asked, her voice suddenly shy but sincere. The words came out before she could second-guess herself. It felt different this time—like she was ready for something new.

"Uh, sure," Daniel replied, clearly surprised but willing. There was a moment of hesitation, but he was never one to turn down a chance to enjoy himself.

After they danced for a while, (Your name) pulled Zoe up onto the stage and handed her the mic. Zoe hesitated for a moment, her nerves creeping up, but she took the mic from (Your name)'s hand, the weight of it grounding her. Slowly, her nerves melted away as she started singing, her voice blending harmoniously with (Your name)'s in a perfect duet.

"Wow. I didn't think they'd get along that fast, geez," Daniel said, watching in surprise as the two girls harmonized effortlessly on stage. It was unexpected, but somehow it felt right.

"I mean, it's your magic. You put people together, Mira," Zack added with a knowing grin, his eyes glinting with mischief.

"Really?" Mira asked, surprised by the observation. She hadn't thought about it that way, but now that Vasco mentioned it, she couldn't help but wonder if he was right.

"Zoe and (Your name). Daniel and Vasco. And especially me and Johan," Zack said with a wink, the mention of Johan bringing a rare, softer expression to his face.

"I miss him," Mira said softly, her voice tinged with longing. There was a quiet sorrow behind her words, a momentary vulnerability that she didn't often show.

"I do too," Zack responded, his own voice more serious now. "It's not the same without him."

"You're surprisingly calm today, what's up?" Zack asked, noticing Mira's quiet demeanor. She was normally so full of energy, so full of life, but tonight she seemed... different.

"Nothing! Nothing," Mira answered quickly, her tone light and carefree again. She shrugged off the moment of melancholy, quickly slipping back into her usual upbeat personality.

"Hey Zack, come dance with us!" (Your name) called, her voice full of excitement as she waved him over.

Mira laughed as she was pulled by Joy to join in the fun, the music growing louder and more energetic as the night continued.

Once Daniel was done dancing, Vasco came over and tapped Daniel on the shoulder.

"What's up, Vasco?" Daniel asked, sensing something was off. Vasco wasn't his usual self tonight. There was something on his mind.

"I need to tell you something about (Your name)," Vasco said, his voice suddenly serious. The air between them shifted, and Daniel's curiosity piqued. What was so important?

-