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↳ currently playing ;;
[Rain] - [BTS]

It was one of Iseul's darker days, the kind that stretched endlessly, heavy with despair. Her world had dimmed, and the weight of her emotions seemed to press her further into the couch where she sat, wrapped in a cocoon of blankets and silence.

Outside, Chaeryoung approached the house with purpose, her steps quick and determined. The scene she encountered only fueled her resolve. Iseul's parents were seated on the porch, their expressions a mix of worry and helplessness.

Iseul's father shook his head as Chaeryoung neared, his voice tinged with sadness. "They're still on the sofa," he said, gesturing toward the house. "It's like nothing could make them get up right now."

Chaeryoung glanced at the house, her brows knitting together briefly before a sly, confident smile spread across her face. "You're lucky you have me in your lives," she said, her tone light but full of conviction. "I've got a bomb plan. Consider Iseul saved."

With that, she didn't wait for a response. Chaeryoung adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulder, climbed the steps, and disappeared into the house. Her determination was palpable, like a spark of light slicing through the gloom.

Chaeryoung planted herself firmly in front of the TV, her hands on her hips, staring down at Iseul and Sohee with a determined glint in her eyes. The siblings' angry voices erupted in unison.

"Move, Chaeryoung!" Sohee shouted, flicking a piece of popcorn at her.

"Step aside, or I swear I'll ignore you forever," Iseul grumbled, clutching her blanket like a lifeline.

But Chaeryoung didn't flinch. "I'm not moving until you get your ass up, Iseul."

Iseul's reply came in a flat tone, her eyes glued to the screen. "I'm not going anywhere."

Chaeryoung leaned in closer, her voice brimming with mischief. "Fine. Just so you know, I got us tickets to Mirage—the fanciest hotel in the city. You know it's the best out there. Room service, spa treatments, ocean views..."

"Don't care." Iseul tugged her blanket tighter around her.

"You're really letting me go alone? Living my best life without you?"

"Mhm," Iseul replied, her apathy unwavering.

But Chaeryoung wasn't done. She crossed her arms, her voice taking on a deadly serious tone. "Iseul, if you don't get up right now, I'll spoil the entire sweet home finale."

At this, Sohee's eyes widened in horror. "She wouldn't," he whispered, his gaze darting to Chaeryoung's resolute expression.

"Oh, I would," Chaeryoung said smugly.

"Get up!" Sohee barked, pushing his sister with his feet. Iseul toppled off the couch in a graceless heap, groaning in annoyance. Before she could react, Chaeryoung pounced, pulling her upright and steering her toward her bedroom.

"You traitor!" Iseul yelled at Sohee over her shoulder.

"I just want to finish this drama in peace!" Sohee shot back, turning up the volume.

Meanwhile, Chaeryoung was already throwing clothes into a suitcase, her speed leaving Iseul no room to protest. "You've got five minutes to get ready, or I'm dragging you out in your pajamas," she said, her voice daring Iseul to test her.

Iseul slumped against the doorframe, muttering under her breath, "You're the real villain here."

Chaeryoung smirked. "Villain or not, you'll thank me later."

Inside the car, Chaeryoung had the music cranked up, her fingers drumming on the steering wheel to the rhythm of an upbeat pop track. The windows were slightly rolled down, letting in a crisp breeze that ruffled Iseul's hair.

But Iseul, sitting in the passenger seat, seemed impervious to the atmosphere. Her gaze was fixed on the passing scenery, her eyes glassy with thoughts she wouldn't share.

Her once vibrant wardrobe of flowy dresses and pastel tones had been traded for an oversized t-shirt and plain jeans—an outfit that looked more like armor than anything Iseul would have willingly chosen before.

Chaeryoung glanced at her, her lips pursed in frustration. "I didn't drag you out of your cave for this, you know."

Iseul hummed in vague acknowledgment, still staring out the window.

Chaeryoung's grip on the wheel tightened as she changed tactics. "Fine, let's do this my way." She tapped her phone, scrolling through her playlist until the familiar opening notes of Iseul's favorite song filled the car.

Iseul's shoulders stiffened slightly, but then, like a flower turning toward the sun, a faint smile tugged at her lips. It wasn't much, but to Chaeryoung, it felt like a small victory.

"There she is," Chaeryoung said with a triumphant grin, stealing a quick glance at her best friend. "Don't make me sing along just to get you to smile more, because I will."

Iseul shook her head, her faint smile lingering. "Please don't. Your singing is tragic."

Chaeryoung laughed, the sound cutting through the heavy air between them. "Tragic, but effective. That's my secret weapon."

The song played on, and for the first time in days, Iseul let herself get lost in the melody, her fingers drumming softly against her knee. The weight on her chest didn't lift completely, but for that moment, it felt a little lighter.

Meanwhile, a sleek black car glided smoothly down the driveway. Inside, Sunghoon's hands were firm on the leather steering wheel, knuckles whitening as his grip tightened with every twist of the road.

Beside him, Changbin lounged comfortably in the passenger seat, a stark contrast to Sunghoon's brooding silence. His lips were curled into a faint smirk, and his eyes, glinting with mischief, darted between the passing scenery and Sunghoon's rigid profile.

He rested his head against the cool glass of the window, letting out a low, exaggerated hum of satisfaction.

Sunghoon finally broke the silence, his tone clipped and sharp. "What's with the grin? Weren't you threatening to murder me yesterday?"

Changbin's smirk widened as he stretched, lacing his fingers behind his head. "Oh, don't think I've forgotten about that," he said, his voice laced with faux innocence. "How could I, after what you did? But, you know—" he gestured lazily at the open road ahead, "—getting out of the city? Breathing some fresh air? It's hard to stay mad in a place like this."

Sunghoon scoffed under his breath, his eyes narrowing at the road. "Glad someone feels better about all this." His voice softened, almost to a whisper, as he added, "Getting away... it's probably for the best."

But Changbin wasn't entirely truthful about his source of happiness. His cheerful demeanor had less to do with the scenic drive and more with the plan he had crafted alongside Chaeryoung. The two had spent the previous night scheming, determined to bring their stubborn friends—each caught in their own emotional whirlwind—face to face.

Changbin stole another glance at Sunghoon, his smirk growing wider. If this goes right, he thought, they'll either kill us or finally talk things out.

Little did he know, the serenity of this drive was only the calm before the storm.

Finally arriving at the luxurious hotel, the faint scent of polished wood and fresh flowers welcomed them as they stepped into the grand lobby. The receptionist behind the marble counter beamed brightly, her voice chipper as she handed over the room cards.

"Welcome! We hope you enjoy your stay."

Sunghoon barely acknowledged her, his fingers curling around the sleek card. He turned toward the elevators when he caught a glimpse of a familiar face in his peripheral vision. His steps faltered, and his heart leaped painfully in his chest.

Her? It couldn't be. Perhaps he had missed her so deeply that his mind was conjuring illusions. Swallowing hard, he shook his head and pressed the button for the elevator, determined not to let his imagination get the best of him.

The suite was everything the hotel had promised—lavish and serene, with floor-to-ceiling windows that bathed the room in golden light. Yet Sunghoon barely noticed. The silence was oppressive, the grandeur of the room doing little to ease the weight in his chest.

Dropping his bag by the door, he stepped out onto the balcony, seeking solace in the crisp evening air. The view was stunning, but it did nothing to quell the storm brewing within him.

Unbeknownst to him, in the room next door, Iseul was battling her own demons. She, too, had unpacked half-heartedly, her emotions too raw to focus on anything but the ache in her heart. Seeking a distraction from her spiraling thoughts, she slid open the glass door to the balcony.

And there they were—mere feet apart, separated only by a sturdy concrete wall. Neither knew the other was there, but the air seemed to hum with a magnetic pull. The night sky stretched above them, vast and unfeeling, as they stood in silence.

Sunghoon leaned against the railing, his fingers gripping the cool metal tightly, his thoughts a chaotic mess. Meanwhile, Iseul rested her arms on her side of the barrier, her gaze lost in the clouds above, her breath shaky as she tried to find even a sliver of peace.

Though they were so close, it felt like an ocean separated them.

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I realllyyy wanted to write a new years special but it wouldnt make sense, anything for the plot ig 😖