Dove hadn't realized just how much weight she had been carrying until it was finally gone.
In the days after Yuri's party, everything just felt lighter.
She no longer had to walk on eggshells around Minho, no longer had to overthink every interaction, wondering if she was saying too much or too little. There were no lingering doubts, no awkward hesitations-just them, finally okay, finally at peace with each other.
And it was nice.
She still saw him all the time, of course. Their circles were too intertwined for her not to, but now? Now, it was easy. They could joke, talk, and even argue without that underlying tension that had always been there before. It was as if they had turned a page and moved into a new chapter where things didn't have to be so complicated.
And with that weight off her shoulders, she could finally focus on everything else.
Megan's birthday was coming up, and between school, practising for the singing competition, and helping Megan plan, her schedule was packed. But Dove didn't mind. In fact, she liked keeping busy. It gave her something to pour herself into, something to look forward to.
Megan, for her part, was determined to make this the best birthday party ever.
"I want it to be iconic," she had declared, flopping onto Dove's bed dramatically. "Something people will talk about for years."
Hyejin, who was sitting on the floor with her laptop, barely looked up. "You say that every day."
"Because I mean it."
Dove laughed, flipping through Megan's list of potential venues. "Okay, but if we're really going all out, we need to finalize everything soon."
Megan perked up. "Which is why you are here, Miss Organizational Queen."
Dove rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Fine. But if you make me send one more email to a venue that you know you're not going to pick, I'm charging you."
Megan gasped, pressing a hand to her chest. "How dare you."
Hyejin smirked. "She's right, though."
Despite the chaos, Dove loved every second of it. The planning, the excitement, and the energy-it was exactly what she needed.
And through it all, she still made time to practice.
The competition was creeping closer, and she wasn't about to slack off now. Every spare moment was spent refining her performance, making sure every note, every breath, was perfect.
But for the first time in a long time, she wasn't just focused on proving herself.
She was just enjoying it.
-ËËââââââââââââââââââââ
Stella's
I watch her from across the outdoor cafeteria, that perfect little smile playing on her lips as she laughs with her friends. Dove. It's always the same. She thinks she's got it all figured out, doesn't she? She thinks she's so charming, so effortless-like the whole world's her stage.
But I see through it. I know exactly what she's trying to do. She's trying to keep everything perfect, keep everyone happy, like she's the golden girl of this place. Well, newsflash, Dove, you're not.
I feel the heat rise in my chest, but I keep my expression neutral. The smile she's flashing isn't fooling anyone. I can already see it-her smile won't last long. Not once I'm through with her.
She's just another obstacle in my way. She's standing between me and the chance to represent KISS, and I'll be damned if I let her walk into that spot without a fight. She's nothing more than a distraction, a pretty face with a voice that's not even worth the attention it gets.
I can't let her get in my way. Not this time.
I won't let anything stop me from winning.
I take a slow sip of my drink, watching her, the way she flicks her hair back with that almost too perfect ease. It's infuriating, really. Everything she does is effortless, and everyone eats it up. I can see the way her friends hang on to every word she says. They think she's some kind of queen, don't they?
But I'm not stupid. I know how this works. They'll all cheer for her when she's on stage, clap for her, pretend like she's the one who deserves to shine. But I've been working for this. I've been planning for this. I've put in the hours, the effort, and now I'm this close to taking it all.
Dove doesn't even realize that the competition isn't just about talent-it's about being smart. It's about making the right moves, getting under people's skin, and manipulating the situation until the game works in your favour. And I've got that down to a science.
I lean back in my seat, my fingers tightening around the cup. She thinks she's untouchable. But I've already figured out her weakness. Everyone has one.
She won't be smiling for long. I'll make sure of that. She can't compete with me when I've already got the edge.
I'll make sure KISS knows who's really meant to represent them.
I stand up slowly, brushing off the seat of my skirt, and turn away, feeling the familiar rush of cold determination flood my veins. It's only a matter of time.
And when I'm standing there on that stage, with the spotlight on me, no one will remember Dove's name. It will be mine, all mine.
-ËËââââââââââââââââââââ
EVIL
Just when she was beginning to enjoy life ð