Chapter 2 - Cracks in the Facade

YN sat in the counselor's office, fidgeting with her hands.

"So, Yoon Na, what brings you here today?" Mrs. Kim asked, her voice warm.

YN hesitated. "My mom...she's just really hard to deal with sometimes."

Mrs. Kim nodded. "Can you tell me more about that?"

YN took a deep breath. "She's always criticizing me, making me feel worthless. And JK...he's the only one who really gets it."

Mrs. Kim's expression softened. "I'm glad you have JK. But, Yoon Na, you deserve to be happy, regardless of your mom's behavior."

YN felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes.

For the first time, she realized she wasn't alone.

After the session, YN met JK at the café.

"Hey, how was counseling?" JK asked, concern etched on his face.

YN smiled. "It was...helpful. Thanks for encouraging me."

JK wrapped his arms around her. "I'm proud of you, baby."

As they hugged, YN's phone buzzed.

A text from her mother:

"Where are you? You're late for dinner."

YN's heart sank.

The facade was cracking.

YN walked into her house, tension building in her chest.

"Where were you?" Victoria snapped, her eyes narrowing.

"At the library," YN replied, trying to sound neutral.

Victoria scoffed. "With JK, I presume?"

YN hesitated. "We were studying together."

Victoria's expression turned cold. "You're spending too much time with that boy. He's distracting you from your studies."

YN felt her anger rising.

"Mom, that's not fair," she began.

But Victoria cut her off.

"You'll do as I say, Yoon Na. No more seeing JK."

YN's heart sank.

She knew she couldn't obey.

At dinner, the tension was palpable.

Jennie's text arrived, a welcome distraction:

"Hey girl, what's up?"

YN smiled, feeling grateful for her friends.

But Victoria noticed.

"Put that phone away," she snapped.

YN felt the cracks in their relationship deepen.

As dinner ended, YN retreated to her room.

JK's text arrived, a lifeline:

"Hey baby, how's it going?"

YN poured out her heart.

"I had a huge fight with Mom. She's trying to control me."

JK's response was immediate:

"We'll get through this together."

YN smiled, feeling less alone.

But the fracture was growing.

And YN wondered:

How much longer could she hold on?

Rosé watched YN and JK's interactions with growing unease.

She'd always considered JK a friend, but lately...

"Rosé, what's wrong?" Jennie asked, noticing her distraction.

"Nothing," Rosé replied, forcing a smile.

But Jennie saw right through her.

"Is it JK? You've been quiet around him lately."

Rosé hesitated.

"I don't know, Jennie. I just feel...different."

Jennie's eyes widened.

"Different how?"

Rosé's voice barely above a whisper:

"I think I might have feelings for JK."

Jennie's expression turned serious.

"Rosé, no. JK's with YN. You can't—"

Rosé's eyes flashed.

"I know, okay? But I couldn't help it."

YN walked into the room, oblivious to the tension.

"Hey, guys! What's up?"

Rosé's mask slipped back into place.

"Just discussing the upcoming concert," Jennie covered.

YN nodded, none the wiser.

But Rosé's intentions had shifted.

And YN's relationship with JK was about to face a new challenge.

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