Chapter 9: Chapter 8

An Invitation Over Coffee

The studio echoed with music as Y/N, Rosé, and their two other group members, Madison and Lisa, worked through their final routine of the day. The air was thick with focus and exhaustion as they rehearsed the choreography again and again.

Lisa: collapsing onto the floor as the music stopped "I’m officially dead. Can we stop torturing ourselves now?"

Madison: panting "Agreed. My body has officially resigned."

Rosé: wiping her face with a towel "Come on, you two. This is what it takes to be stars."

Y/N: sitting cross-legged on the floor, sipping water "I don’t know about stars, but I’m definitely turning into a zombie. One more run, and I might forget my own name."

The choreographer clapped their hands.

Choreographer: "Good work today, ladies. That’s enough. Go home and get some rest. Tomorrow’s another big day."

The four girls let out a collective sigh of relief, gathering their things as they headed to the locker room.

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In the Locker Room

Lisa: tying her sneakers "So, what’s everyone’s plan for tonight? Please tell me it involves lying down and never moving again."

Madison: laughing "You just read my mind."

Rosé glanced at her phone, her face lighting up as a message popped up.

Rosé: "Barış just texted. He wants me and Y/N to meet him, Kenan, Duru, and Arda at the café near Kenan’s place. You coming, Y/N?"

Y/N hesitated, feeling the weight of the day in her aching muscles. The idea of sitting at a cozy café sounded tempting, but her exhaustion won the argument.

Y/N: "You go. I’m too tired. I think I’ll head home."

Rosé: frowning "Are you sure? It’ll be fun."

Y/N: smiling faintly "I’m sure. Say hi to everyone for me."

Madison: raising an eyebrow "I’m sorry, but who’s Barış?"

Lisa: laughing "And why are we not invited?"

Rosé: chuckling "They’re our friends. They haven’t met you guys yet, but don’t worry—I’ll make sure you all meet soon."

Y/N gave Rosé a knowing smile before grabbing her bag.

Y/N: "You guys enjoy. I’ll catch up another time."

---

At the Café

The café buzzed with the warm chatter of customers as Rosé stepped inside. She quickly spotted Kenan, Barış, Arda, and Duru sitting at a corner table, laughing over something Barış had said.

Barış: waving dramatically "There she is! Late as always, Rosé."

Rosé: rolling her eyes as she sat down "Keep talking, Barış, and I’ll make you regret it."

Duru: glancing around "Where’s Y/N? Isn’t she with you?"

Rosé: "She was too exhausted to come. She went home to rest."

Kenan: frowning slightly "She’s been working really hard lately."

Rosé: "Too hard, if you ask me. But that’s Y/N for you."

Duru: "She’s always been like that. Pushing herself to the limit."

Arda: "Well, we’re glad you made it, Rosé. What’s new?"

Rosé paused, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

Rosé: "Actually, I have some big news."

Barış: mock serious "Oh no. Is it another diet trend you’re forcing on us?"

Rosé: laughing "No! Y/N and I have a concert next week!"

The table erupted in exclamations of surprise.

Duru: gasping "A concert?! Why didn’t you tell us earlier?"

Kenan: leaning forward "What kind of concert?"

Rosé: "It’s a showcase. A mix of singing and dancing. Y/N and I have been working non-stop to get everything perfect."

Arda: "This is huge, Rosé. Why didn’t you say anything sooner?"

Rosé: shrugging "We’ve been swamped with rehearsals. But I’m telling you now—and you’re all coming. Front-row seats are already reserved."

Barış: grinning "Oh, we’re coming. And I’m bringing the loudest cheer. Prepare yourselves."

Kenan, though quieter, nodded with a faint smile.

Kenan: "We wouldn’t miss it."

Duru: "Y/N and Rosé on stage together? This is going to be amazing!"

Rosé smiled, feeling a wave of relief knowing her friends would be there.

---

Back at Y/N’s Apartment

Y/N sat curled up on her couch, sipping a warm cup of tea as her phone buzzed with messages from the group chat.

Rosé: Told the guys about the concert. They’re all coming!

Duru: Why didn’t you tell us earlier, Y/N? This is HUGE!

Barış: VIP seats, loud cheers, and maybe even glittery signs. We’ve got you covered.

Kenan’s message was shorter but just as heartfelt.

Kenan: Make sure you rest. You’ve earned it.

Y/N smiled, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. She typed a quick reply.

Y/N: Thanks, Kenan. I will.

Setting her phone down, she closed her eyes, the thought of her friends’ support bringing her a sense of calm.

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Ending Note

The café buzzed with excitement as the group eagerly planned for the concert, ready to cheer on Rosé and Y/N. At home, Y/N found peace knowing her friends would be there, their support reminding her she wasn’t facing the pressure alone.