Mina's POV
Stepping out of Chaeyoung's car and waiting for her to finish parking, I feel a comforting warmth spreading through my chest. City lights have always held a special charm for me, even since I was a kid. Despite the bustling atmosphere of Myeongdong, I find myself embracing the energy of the crowd.
"You ready?" Chaeyoung asked, smiling at me.
Taking a closer look at Chaeyoung, I try to spot any hints of tiredness on her face after such a hectic day. But, oddly enough, I can't seem to find any. She looks as fresh as ever, like she hasn't even broken a sweat. It's like she's got an endless supply of energy or something.
I can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy as I compare Chaeyoung's seemingly boundless energy to my own fatigue. I'm pretty sure I looked like a complete mess in comparison, worn out from the day's activities.
"Seriously, how do you still have so much energy and look so fresh?" I laughed, shaking my head. "Meanwhile, I feel like I've been run over by a truck."
"Maybe I just compartmentalize," Chaeyoung laughed, a playful glint in her eyes. "I reserve a special stash of energy just for you." She flashed me a teasing grin, enjoying the banter.
"For me?" I couldn't help but grin, feeling my heart doing somersaults in response to Chaeyoung's words. She probably has no clue how much her random gestures affects me.
"Yeah, I always have a reserved energy just for you." She said casually.
"Uh, thanks, I guess?" I chuckled awkwardly, trying to suppress the flutter of hope in my chest. Deep down, I knew Chaeyoung's words were likely just friendly banter, but a part of me couldn't help but wish they held a deeper meaning.
As we made our way through the bustling crowd toward the ramen place, I noticed a hint of concern in Chaeyoung's demeanor. Sensing her unease, I stepped ahead, leading the way to navigate through the throngs of people, hoping to ease her worries.
While I wanted to lead the way, I also didn't want to lose Chaeyoung in the shuffle. So, as I walked in front of her, I extended my hand toward Chaeyoung, silently offering her support. When I felt her warm hand slip into mine, I glanced back at her, offering a reassuring smile before we continued walking.
"Do you remember where it is?" I heard Chaeyoung asked behind me.
"Yeah, it's just a few blocks away," I replied confidently, my grip tightening slightly on her hand as we continued our journey.
As a few more minutes passed and we still hadn't reached the ramen house, I couldn't help but doubt my earlier assurance that I knew the way. Surprisingly, Chaeyoung didn't voice any complaints, which made me feel a bit better about the situation.
Stopping in my tracks, I tried to tiptoe and look around for the ramen house, then I heard Chaeyoung laughing. "We're lost, aren't we?" she chuckled.
I grinned sheepishly. "Maybe just a little," I admitted, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me. "Give me a chance."
I felt a knot of panic tightening in my chest as the realization sunk in that I had no idea where we were.
"Okay, maybe we really are lost," I admitted, my voice tinged with a hint of anxiety.
Chaeyoung burst into laughter before reassuringly saying, "Come on, it's this way."
"Yah! Why didn't you stop me if you knew where it was?" I complained, feeling embarrassed and guilty for making her walk so much.
"Hey, I figured you had a secret shortcut up your sleeve," she chuckled. "You seemed so sure of yourself."
"Oh my God." I groaned, my hands flying to cover my face in embarrassment. Why didn't she say something?
