赤い糸 - Red String of Fate | JeongSa - MiChaeng

Chapter 45 - Chips

Jeongyeon grabbed a couple bags of chips from her cabinet in 230, then rang the bell of 231.

Ding dong.

The door creaked open, Mina's hoodie-covered head popping out. She broke into a small smile at the tall figure outside.
"Yes?"

"Can I come in?" Jeong grinned.

"Sure." Mina stepped aside.

Inside, a pile of freshly washed clothes covered the couch.
"Ah—sorry for the mess." Mina rushed to move them.

"Let me help—" Jeong reached out but Mina shook her head. "It's okay."

While Mina busied herself, Jeong wandered into the kitchen. Dirty dishes piled in the sink. Without hesitation, she rolled up her sleeves and began washing them.

The faint smell of ramen lingered. Has she been eating instant food?

Jeong takes a look at the laptop screen and she sits on the high stool.

Isn't that Steve Rogers!?

Mina walked back and she noticed the table was so clean, "sorry again for the mess"

"Mina, you watch Marvel??" Jeong asked.

"yeah, you?"

"YES I DO! I WATCHED THEM ALL" :D

Mina flinched at the volume, then chuckled. "Hahaha, calm down, Jeong"

"No wonder—your room's dim. Feels like a secret movie theater." Jeong glanced at the lights.

"It's always like this," Mina said, expression flat.

"And cold too... I'm freezing." Jeong placed a palm on Mina's arm.

"Your hand's like ice, I set the AC to 24. Isn't your room colder?"

"Really?" Jeong frowned. Strange...

Mina tilted her head. "By the way, where's Sana?"

Jeong hesitated. "She went out after class. Hasn't replied for an hour... maybe watching a movie with a friend?"

Mina gave her a look. "Jeong, you really think she has anyone else since Tzuyu transferred? If she's not with you, then she's alone, don't you think... the cold feeling comes from Sana?"

Jeong's eyes widened. "Oh my god, why didn't I realize?" She facepalmed.

"Call her," Mina urged, handing her the phone back.

Relieved, Jeong smiled. "Thanks, Mina. I'm grateful to have a friend like you, here some chips for the movie. Bye!"

"Bye~" Mina waved.

"Don't sleep too late, Tomorrow I'll take you out for good food"

"Bye again~" Mina echoed, watching her leave.

She sat back, opened the chips, and smiled faintly.  let me enjoy it a little longer

—

*call Sana

-doesn't pick up-

Is she mad? Or am I overthinking?

Jeong ran back to grab a jacket, then left again.

*call again*

– finally picks up –

"Mwo?" Sana's voice came, muffled with the sound of slurping.

"Yah! Why didn't you reply? I was worried"

"I was eating. I'm not glued to my phone, okay?"

"Fine, but where are you? Are you cold? I swear it must be you—I felt it in Mina's room, even though her AC was normal"

"...Mina?" Sana's tone sharpened. "First of all, I was enjoying my alone time. If I'm cold and you feel it—so what? Blaming me now?"

"I'm not blaming y—"

Click. The call ended.

"Hello? yah, Minatozaki"

ok, now she is mad...

Her chest tightened. She bolted out the dorm entrance, scanning every café nearby. A convenience store. Another corner shop. Each time, her heart leapt at a glimpse of long hair or the clink of a cup—only to find strangers.

No Sana.

Back near the dorm, Jeong stopped, exhausted. The night air was sharp; summer had ended, leaving the chill of autumn. She wasn't sweating—but full of worry.

Where are you, Sana? It's late... You'll come back, right?