赤い糸 - Red String of Fate | JeongSa - MiChaeng

Chapter 17 - Shiba Inu

The next day dawned brighter than Jeongyeon expected.

Her heart was beating steady—not with anxiety, but with determination. She sat up in bed, clenched her fists, and whispered to herself:

'I think I'm ready... I'm Ready! Try me, God! Whoever it is'

Like SpongeBob on his first day at Krusty Krab, she was overflowing with ridiculous courage. No more sleepless nights of dread. Only curiosity, and maybe excitement.

—

They spent the day at the shopping mall—the 230-roommate duo, wandering like ordinary students. Lunch was quick, but the real fun began at the arcade.

Sana dragged Jeongyeon from machine to machine, only to lose every single round. Racing, shooting, rhythm games—Jeongyeon beat her without even trying.

Should I let her win once? But seeing her pouting all day is really funny and ...cute

But then Sana turned to her, fists clenched like a tiny warrior.
"I WIN!!!" she suddenly shouted, throwing her hands in the air when she finally bested Jeongyeon at a game.

"ㅋㅋㅋ, Aaaaa I lost~" Jeongyeon couldn't stop smiling coz she deliberately let her win.

"Let's play again, Jeongyeon!" Sana's eyes sparkled.

"Just once, okay?" Jeongyeon teased, but inside she was laughing. Sana's excitement was infectious.

Jeongyeon let the last game be a win for Sana again, so she won't be grumpy after that. As they were about to leave, Sana stopped, eyes glued to a claw machine. A fluffy Shiba Inu doll sat tauntingly inside.

"One minute, please? I want that," she said, tugging Jeongyeon's sleeve.

"I'll get it for you." Jeongyeon cracked her knuckles dramatically, slid in a coin, and took the joystick like a pro.

The claw descended perfectly. The Shiba Inu was caught!

"Easy game!" Jeongyeon smirked.

But then, in slow motion betrayal, the claw lifted—only to drop the plush halfway.

"WHAT—!?"

"Yahhh, that was close!" Sana gasped from the side, clutching her chest like she was watching a drama cliffhanger.

The battle continued. Coin after coin. Each attempt closer than the last, yet the machine never surrendered.

By the time her wallet was empty, Jeongyeon's confidence had turned into indignation. She gave the machine a tiny kick.

"This machine sucks, yeah, it sucks all my coins, screw you"

She turned to Sana, shoulders slumped. "I'll get it for you someday, okay?"

Sana shook her head, smiling gently even though her eyes lingered on the doll. "It's just a plushie, Jeongyeon. Don't take it seriously, haha."

But Jeongyeon knew—lowkey, Sana really wanted it.

"ㅋㅋㅋ, you're so cute like this." Sana pinched Jeongyeon's cheek when she kept pouting. "Come on, you still owe us food and drinks."

—

[ Rooftop ]

The night air was alive when they reached the rooftop party. Music thumped from portable speakers at every corner, laughter and chatter filling the space.

"Let's sit over there," Jeongyeon pointed to a table near the railing, where the city lights stretched below them.

They spread out the takeaway food: japchae, fried chicken, squid, sweet potatoes, fish cakes. Jeongyeon proudly set it like a feast.

Not long after, Mina appeared with Tzuyu in tow.
"Finally found you!" Mina waved, and Tzuyu gave a small nod, her lips twitching into a smile.

"Come on, let's eat," Sana urged. "Jal meokkessumnida!"

Everyone dug in. Jeongyeon went straight for the japchae while Sana ripped into the fried squid. The mood was warm, their table lively with small jokes and chatter.

Tzuyu curiously opened a plastic bag. "What's this... soju?"

Mina burst into laughter. "Who bought soju?!"

Sana pointed at Jeongyeon without hesitation. "Her."

"Hehehe," Jeongyeon admitted, scratching her neck.

They teased her endlessly, but she only grinned, making lame jokes about saving it for next year. Somehow, those bad jokes made everyone laugh harder.

Then the crowd began to chant.
"10! 9! 8! 7! 6!"

Voices joined, louder, trembling with anticipation.

"5! 4! 3! 2! 1!"

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!"

Fireworks exploded above them in dazzling colors—bursts of red, green, gold showering the sky. The boom echoed through the rooftop, and for a moment, everyone's faces were lit by light and wonder.

Jeongyeon popped open the soju bottle dramatically, pouring into cups. She slid a soda can toward Tzuyu.

"Th-thank you," Tzuyu said shyly, clearly surprised.

"Actually Sana bought it for you," Jeongyeon admitted.

Tzuyu blinked before turning to Sana with a small smile. "Ahh, thank you, Sana."

They raised their cups in the center. The clink echoed against the fireworks.

"Happy New Year!!! CHEERS!!!"

The night sky glowed with light, and Jeongyeon couldn't help but think—this new year really was going to be different.