The hallway was quiet.
For once no cameras.
No staff.
Just space.
Seoryeon leaned against the wall.
"…You're hiding."
She looked up.
Sana.
"…I'm not."
Sana smiled.
"You are."
A pause.
"But that's okay."
Seoryeon blinked.
"…It is?"
Sana nodded.
"You don't have to be strong all the time."
That felt familiar.
But hearing it now meant more.
"…What if I fall?"
The words slipped out before she could stop them.
Sana didn't hesitate.
"Then we'll catch you."
Simple.
But not light.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Affinity: Sana +4
Later practice ended.
Seoryeon stayed behind again.
"You always stay."
She turned.
Momo.
"…You don't?"
Momo shrugged.
"Sometimes."
A pause.
Then "You're scared."
Seoryeon froze.
"…Am I?"
Momo stepped closer.
"Yeah."
No judgment.
Just truth.
"…So what do I do?"
Momo looked at her really looked.
"Don't lose before you're out."
Seoryeon blinked.
"…What?"
Momo turned slightly.
"If you start thinking you'll fall…"
A pause.
"You already did."
That stuck.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Affinity: Momo +3
Later that night Seoryeon saw them.
Sana.
Momo.
Sitting close.
Talking quietly.
Sana laughing softly.
Momo not smiling much but her shoulder brushed Sana's.
And she didn't move.
Seoryeon looked away.
But the image stayed.
SYSTEM NOTICE:
Emotional triangle strengthening
She stood in front of the mirror.
Again.
"…What could I lose?"
The answer came too quickly.
Everything.
Her eyes sharpened.
"…Then I won't."