As Mina stared back at her reflection in the large vanity mirror, her mind was in turmoil. She cursed herself for allowing her desires to take control, knowing full well that she couldn't solely blame the alcohol for her actions. A part of her had yearned for that moment, despite the rational part of her brain screaming in protest. She ran a hand through her hair, frustration evident in her expression as she grappled with the conflicting emotions swirling within her. How could she have let things escalate to that point? She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts, but the memory of their kiss lingered like a bittersweet ache in her heart.
"Noona?" A knock startled Mina, "She's left."
Relief washed over her body upon hearing Chaeyoung had already left the club. "Thanks, Chan."
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah. Thank you," Mina responded softly, acknowledging Chan's concern even though they couldn't see each other through the closed door. She understood that just like Irene, Chan was worried about her returning to work.
"Okay. Just let me know if you need anything, okay?" Chan reminded. "I'll head out now."
"I will. Take care."
"You too, noona. Take care."
As the silence enveloped the room once more, Mina couldn't help but long for the usual banter and distractions that Lisa would provide. However, knowing her friend was on vacation, Mina resigned herself to gathering her things and heading home, where she knew she would only replay and overthink what had happened between her and Chaeyoung.
"Pabo." She said, glaring at her reflection.
Sana's heart skipped a beat as she watched Mina exiting the club. She hadn't expected to see her here, and for a moment, she hesitated, unsure if it was really her. But then, fueled by a mixture of curiosity and concern, Sana decided to call out to her, just to be certain. "Mitang?"
Caught off guard, Mina froze for a moment, her mind racing to come up with an explanation. "Hey."
Sana furrowed her brows in confusion as she walked towards her friend. She's eyeing Mina's casual attire - in sweatpants, which seemed out of place for a night at the club. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her tone a mix of concern and curiosity. "You don't exactly look like you're out for a night of fun."
As Mina scrambled for an explanation, a dancer approached her, bidding her farewell. "Fuck." she hissed underneath her breath.
Sana's eyes widened in realization as she recognized the dancer, connecting the dots instantly. "Y-you work here?" she questioned, a mix of surprise and disbelief in her voice.
Mina's complexion paled instantly, drained of all color, as the realization of being caught sunk in. Her mind raced, searching desperately for a plausible excuse, but she knew that there was no use in lying; Sana would easily see through any excuse she would make.
Finally, with a heavy sigh of defeat, Mina relented. "Yeah... I do," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Sana's eyebrows shot up in surprise, her features reflecting a mixture of shock and curiosity. "Wow, I had no idea," she exclaimed, her voice laced with genuine surprise. "Is it like a part-time thing or..."
Mina nodded hesitantly, her eyes avoiding Sana's probing gaze. "Yeah, something like that," she muttered, her tone tinged with embarrassment.
Sana's lips curved into a knowing smile as she realized the truth. "Interesting," she mused but as she was about to move on, her heart sank as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, her mind reeling with the sudden realization. She couldn't believe she hadn't seen it sooner, the truth staring her right in the face all along. "Please don't tell me you're Sharon," she whispered, her voice barely above a hush.
