Chapter 17
SecretCheering from the kids could be heard resonating throughout the dance studio when Park Chorong announced that they were done for the day. Bending down to gather their belongings, all of the members packed up and got ready to head back to their dorm. Noticing that Bomi was still standing in the middle of the room, Eunji walked over to sling an arm around her shoulder.
"Yah Pabomi, hurry up. Manager oppa has gone to get the van."
"You guys go on ahead. I want to practice a little longer."
Bomi was aware that she hadn't been performing at her usual standard from the looks Chorong had been shooting her during practice. As main dancer of the group, her less than stellar performance was a bad example for the members. Although she had reason for not being able to keep up with today's rehearsal, none of the others except Naeun knew of her injuries and Bomi wanted to keep it that way.
At hearing the last part of their conversation, Naeun came over with the intention of convincing Bomi to depart with them. She couldn't help but worry at seeing the deathly pale complexion of the older girl.
"It's late unnie. We really should rest."
Placing her curled second and middle fingers on Naeun's cheek, Bomi squeezed it lightly while grinning at the taller girl. The little action made Naeun's heart skip a beat and she lowered her head, embarrassed by the blush staining her cheeks.
"No Naeunnie, you should rest. You have a test tomorrow."
"But I want to stay here with you..I mean...I meant that I could do with more practice."
The pink on her cheeks got even darker when Naeun realized how obvious she was behaving. Although she did secretly admired Bomi and hoped that the elder would notice her in a way more than a little sister, Naeun was still extremely shy whenever it came to her feelings.
"Unnies! Manager oppa is hurrying us!"
The holler from the maknaes standing at the door jolted the trio from their conversation and subsequently saved Naeun from possibly having to salvage the situation she had gotten herself into. Grabbing onto Naeun's arm, Eunji tugged her in the direction of the door whilst yelling out her goodbyes.
"Don't overwork yourself Pabomi!"
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The group made their way towards the elevator chatting happily except for the leader who appeared to be deep in thought. She remained silent and detached until the girls entered the van. Settling into her usual seat at the front of the vehicle, Chorong's lips were pursed as the frown between her eyebrows deepened.
Their manager pulled the van out of the company compound and was about to turn into the main road when Chorong let out a high pitched shriek. The abrupt disturbance resulted in the manager slamming hard on the brakes and the inertia from the sudden stoppage caused most of the passengers to crash into the seat right in front of them.
Rubbing on her sore cheek with a painful expression on her face, Eunj grunted as she bent over to pick up her bag which had rolled onto the vehicle floor. Some of the other members imitated her actions but none dared to fault their leader.
Chorong was aware that her actions had caused a commotion and was immensely apologetic. She repeated her apologies numerous times before unlocking the door and slipping out of the vehicle.
"I'll make my own way back to the dorm!"
Chorong yelled out th
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