Paper Dolls

Chapter 21

The girls are all in their separate rooms when I get home, even Binna is fast asleep by the time I'm done with my very long shower. I sing to myself softly as I brush my hair and put some serum on my face, getting ready for bed at a leisurely pace.

The smile on my face hasn't quite disappeared yet. Every time I think of Jiho -which is currently all the time - my lips pull apart into a grin and if someone saw me they'd think I was crazy. 

My sleep is peaceful and I barely think of Dalia tonight. I feel relaxed and happier than I've felt in awhile. 

Jiho said he can't stop thinking about me. He said he would like to meet me again. The truth is, meeting him again is all I can think of. The thought of seeing his adorable smile, the attractive beauty mark under his right eye and the way his eyes sparkle when he stares at me makes me feel like a ball of jelly.

I toss and turn thinking about how I nearly fell into his arms. My cheeks flame until I finally face the ceiling and take a deep breath. 

Calm yourself, Jina. He's just a guy. 

Except he isn't. He's the most attractive person I've met inside and out and he's been so sweet it makes my chest squeeze in longing. I can't wait to see him again and the idea of performing with him only makes this process so much sweeter. 

I've never looked forward to training so much in my life. 

Morning comes in a blink of an eye and the rest of the girls are sitting in the kitchen whilst they eat their overnight oats in a quiet daze. Practices start late today so we have some time to relax. Binna's still sleeping but I'm too wired to sleep in. I walk to the kitchen with a skip in my step and greet the others. 

Rachel, Grace and JinJin are seated together like they usually do and they nod at me before going back to the computer in front of them. Only Kim smiles and passes me a jar of oats topped with some organic peanut butter. 

Kim usually eats double the amount we do and she's already on her second jar. 

"Slept well?" She asks, noticing my unusually chipper gait. 

"Yeah, it's been a while since I slept so soundly," I reply. 

"Tell me about it. Every night I have nightmares about falling on stage during our showcase." Kim says and a few other girls agree with her, describing similar dreams as well. 

"Jina, doesn't have to worry about debut. Unlike us, she's already been chosen," JinJin says in a sarcastic voice making me want to roll my eyes. 

"That's not true," I frown while the other girls glance at each other. Surely they don't believe that. 

"You're already famous. Firefly would be dumb not to choose you." JinJin justifies before taking a mouthful of oats. 

I can already feel the atmosphere in the kitchen shifting and becoming uncomfortable. She's always trying to turn everyone against me and she's been using the jealousy card ever since my name reached the tabloids. 

"No, Mr. Oh specifically said the executives don't want me exposed anymore because the line up for the girl group hasn't been confirmed yet. I'm the same as the rest of you guys. If I screw up I'm out." 

I don't even know why I'm trying to put myself down just to placate her but it seems to do the trick and she nods. 

"That only seems fair." She murmurs, turning her attention back to the computer screen. 

The quiet that ensues feels oddly uncomfortable so I take my jar and spoon and head to the living room couch to continue my breakfast in peace. Thankfully, Binna wakes up soon after and  joins me, the both of us drinking black coffee in blissful quiet.