22: EPHEMERAL BONDS

                                    

                                          
Yn and Chaeyoung stood together on the deck, embraced by the soothing breeze as they delved into nostalgic tales of childhood, weaving a tapestry of their friendship.
"Chaeyoungah, you're the brightest light in my life," Yn confessed with admiration.
In response, Chaeyoung beamed, but Yn's stomach betrayed her with a growl.
"Eat something, silly," Chaeyoung playfully nudged Yn. 
Downplaying her hunger, Yn placed a hand on Chaeyoung's shoulder. "I'm fine."
"Idiot, you need more than whiskey and coffee," Chaeyoung insisted.
"Fine, fine," Yn relented, heading inside to grab a bite. As she passed Mina's room, Yn found her peacefully sleeping. Sitting by her side, Yn couldn't help but express her concern.
"You deserve better," Yn whispered, briefly reflecting on her choices before deciding to eat.
Meanwhile, Mina, feigning sleep, noticed the open door. Stealthily, she joined Chaeyoung on the deck, where the moon illuminated their surroundings, creating a perfect atmosphere. Chaeyoung, humming softly, turned to find Mina.
With a small wave, Mina asked, "Aren't you supposed to lock me in?"
"No," Chaeyoung responded, puzzled.
"Why not?" Mina inquired 
"Why? Do you have any plans to jump off and drown to death?" Chaeyoung teased, prompting a darker response from Mina.
"At this point, it might be a better option," Mina confessed, standing next to Chaeyoung.
As Chaeyoung gazed downward, a wave of pity washed over her. "I understand,"
"You understand nothing!" Mina's eyes welled up with tears.
Understanding the depth of Mina's pain, Chaeyoung looked down, feeling helpless.
Silence enveloped them, and Mina, with a broken voice, expressed, "I wonder how my sisters are doing," her gaze fixed on the night sky.
Chaeyoung, at a loss for words, admitted, "I don't know what to say."
"You don't need to," Mina uttered in a shattered tone, tears streaming down her cheeks.
In a tender moment, Chaeyoung clasped onto Mina's hand resting on the rail.
"I'm sorry," Chaeyoung hesitated.
"No, you're not. If you were, you would have stopped her!" Mina accused, meeting Chaeyoung's gaze and withdrawing her hands.
"If it wasn't for Yn, then I would have," Chaeyoung confessed.
Mina, disgusted by Chaeyoung's compromise of morals for a friend, retreated into her own sorrow, leaving Chaeyoung grappling with the weight of her choices.
Later, Chaeyoung found herself conflicted and returned to check on Mina. Yn, however, crossed paths with her, sensing an underlying tension.
"Are you okay?" Yn inquired.
"I was thinking of talking to Mina," Chaeyoung shared.
"She's sleeping," Yn revealed.
"Alright, I'll speak with her tomorrow then," Chaeyoung decided, leaving Yn with a sense of unease.
In the quiet solitude of her tears, Mina lay on her bed, the weight of her emotions consuming her. Suddenly, a sharp knock echoed through the room.
"I DON'T WANT TO TALK!! GO AWAY!!" Mina's anguished cry pierced the air.
On the other side of the door, Yn stood, sensing the tension between Mina and Chaeyoung. Doubts about Chaeyoung's loyalty lingered in Yn's mind, casting a shadow over the unfolding emotions.