赤い糸 - Red String of Fate

Chapter 22 - 'Death Stare'

Jeongyeon woke up earlier than usual. It was her turn to buy breakfast for everyone.

Alarm sound

"!!??" Jeongyeon nearly fell off the bed—
That wasn't her alarm.

She turned her head back.

"Ohayou~" Sana stretched her arms lazily.

"Huh? Sana?" Jeongyeon blinked, puzzled.

Sana actually set her own alarm—something she never does—just so she could follow Jeongyeon.

"You set the wrong alarm? It's still early, Sana. Go back to sleep," Jeongyeon said gently.

"Nope. I'm coming with you to buy breakfast," Sana hopped off the bed and headed for the stairs.

Jeongyeon just stood there frozen. She never wakes up this early... what is happening?

"What are you waiting for? Let's go!" Sana tapped her back.

"O-okay," Jeongyeon stuttered.

—

-on the way-

Sana yawned, "Where are we going, Jeong?"

"Nearest morning café. They have fresh juices. But really, you should've stayed in bed. Look at you." Jeongyeon reached over and pinched Sana's cheeks.

"Don't pinch me! I'm conscious and awake," Sana glared at her.

"ㅋㅋㅋ Stop glaring. We're here," Jeongyeon chuckled as she opened the café door.

[ café ]

Sana's eyes lit up as she scanned the menu. Rows of juices.

"See anything you want?" Jeongyeon asked.

"Raspberry! I want raspberry, please!" Sana said instantly, her eyes sparkling.

Jeongyeon smiled at the reaction. "Morning—can I get four raspberry juices and dairy-free Belgian waffles?"

---

Back at 230

Ding dong

"Usually Jeong opens the door... maybe Sana's still sleeping?" Tzuyu muttered.

"Are we too early?" Mina asked softly.

Tzuyu pulled out her phone. "I'll call Sana."

But then they heard a ringtone coming closer.

"Wait—" Mina pointed. "Isn't that them?"

Down the corridor came Jeongyeon and... Sana.

And Sana wasn't dragging her feet. She was wide awake, holding raspberry juice, practically glowing.

"Good morning everyone!" Sana chirped.

Tzuyu blinked. "Wow... Minatozaki Sana. Awake. At this hour."

"Is it wrong to wake up early?" Sana pouted.

"No, just... weird for a sleepyhead like you," Tzuyu teased.

"Staaaph, both of you," Jeongyeon chuckled. "C'mon, let's eat." Mina just giggled in the back.

[ Room 230 ]

"Mina, try the waffles. They're dairy-free," Jeongyeon whispered.

Mina's smile was soft. "Thank you."

Everyone dug in happily—except Jeongyeon. She tried to drink the raspberry juice, but the sourness twisted her whole face.

"What's wrong, Jeongyeon?" Mina asked.

"Nothing—haha."

"Sour, isn't it?" Sana smirked.

"Y-yeah," Jeongyeon admitted, scratching her cheek.

"ㅋㅋㅋ Then why'd you order one for yourself?" Sana laughed.

Jeongyeon's voice softened. "I wanted to know how your favorite drink tastes like."

The table went quiet. Tzuyu's head snapped up. Sana blinked, caught off guard.

"O-oh. Okay," Sana mumbled, flustered.

Then Tzuyu leaned in. "Anyway, Sana, you've got something there." She pointed at the corner of Sana's lips.

"Hm? Where?" Sana tried to wipe it.

But before she could, Jeongyeon leaned over, brushing her thumb across Sana's lips. "Here."

Sana's eyes widened slightly, then softened. "Thank you, Jeongyeon :)" she smiled, and went back to eating.

Jeongyeon smiled too—until she caught it.

At that moment, Jeongyeon accidentally saw Tzuyu's 'Death Stare' that only lasts for a second. The stare is similar from the day when they met for the first time, when Sana unintentionally spilled the coffee. The stare that strikes Jeongyeon's soul like a warning. Which immediately made Jeongyeon think again.

It was a warning.

What did I do...? Oh God...
She's... scary.