SILENT STRUGGLES

CHAPTER EIGHT

Ewla pov:

Just like everything came to an end, so did the weekend at the beach with latty. Waking up to a Monday morning after the incident with Latty, I was filled with a mixture of emotions of excitement and anxiety. Of course, the manager was going to be on my tail and watching every step of my interaction with Latty. However, we were going to have a busy week since our schedules differed. With Latty’s group traveling for the shooting of their group's debut music video. We would barely see each other for the coming days, probably weeks or even months.

With that off my back, I got up to start my day with vocal classes as usual, then dance practice and later work. “Hey little angel, youre back. I thought Latty would steal you forever from me? You're barely available lately, besides for work” Nami said.

“Hi, I’m not lost. I've just been hanging out with Latty.”

“If you say so, mind hanging out after your shift? Its been a while. Someone is missing you.”

“Sure I don’t mind”

Working in the familiar environment of the cozy café felt as usual. With the familiar movements around helping forget the pressure of a trainee life. I guess I could say that the several days off helped me miss my found norm. I couldn’t say they weren’t fun though. They were, with Latty’s being the main highlight. I missed seeing her smirk, which seemed to always make me forget all of my worries. And let's not forget of how her eyes seemed to find me whenever I stared at her.

There was barely a time when I didn’t find myself zoning out while thinking about Latty during the entire shift. After my shift ended, Nami suggested that we spend the evening exploring a bustling food market that was well known for its diverse array of cultural foods. On arrival, the market was alive with vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and the cheerful chatter of vendors and visitors alike.

As we wandered through the market, Nami and I were drawn to the various stalls offering a tantalizing array of dishes. The first stop was a Chinese food stall, where they sampled dumplings filled with savory pork and vegetables. The dumplings were perfectly steamed, and the soy sauce dip added a delightful umami flavor. Pork was my favorite. It had always been unlike vegetables, but together in those dumplings, I would be glad to savor time and again.

Next, we moved on to a Japanese food stall. The vendor handed them a plate of takoyaki. It was crispy on the outside and filled with tender octopus inside. The drizzle of tangy sauce and a sprinkle of bonito flakes made each bite a burst of flavor. i couldn't help but smile as i watched Nami's eyes light up with delight after she had taken a bite, encouraging me to do the same.

Their culinary journey continued at a Korean food stall, where Nami tried tteokbokki, which was spicy rice cakes simmered in a rich, red sauce. The heat from the dish was balanced by the sweetness of the sauce, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. After taking a bite, Nami playfully fanned her mouth so as to reduce the hotness in her mouth, making me burst in a fit of giggles as I offered her a cup of cold barley tea to cool down according to the sellers suggestion.

As we tasted the different foods, Nami and I shared stories and laughter. Nami talked about her favorite dishes, childhood memories, and her dreams for the future. The market's lively atmosphere, which was enhanced by the brightness of the market lights, added to the joy of our evening, making it a memorable experience.

As we came to the end of our culinary adventure, we visited a dessert stall that offered mochi ice cream. The soft, chewy mochi exterior and the creamy ice cream inside were a perfect combination. I chose the matcha flavor, while Nami opted for strawberry to be able to taste the diversity of each flavor. As we ate our mochis we exchanged bites, savoring the sweet treat as the evening breeze gently blew through the market.

As they walked back, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment. The evening had been a delightful escape from our busy lives, filled with delicious food and the warmth of friendship. I was grateful for nami’s friendships and such amazing adventures that I never had the opportunity to try.

Nami walked me to the company after bidding each other goodbye. She left. “So now you're banging both of the best friends. What a w***e!” a girl I recognized as my roommate said. Was my business that much of a bother for people to pry. I mean I hadn’t signed up for this. Couldn’t people mind their business? I wondered.

“Is it your business if I am? Does it make a difference to you if I am? Mind the business that brought you here and stop meddling and wanting to pry into my business.” I replied. She was really trying to bring out a side of me I didn’t like. Otherwise, to me, Nami was a friend and Latty was treating me like one, and I was pretty content.

After the confrontation with my roommate, i felt a mix of frustration and determination. I knew I had to stay focused on my goals and not let others' opinions affect me, since there was no way I would turn back time. The next day, I woke up early and headed to the company for my vocal classes and dance practice. The rigorous training sessions helped me channel the emotions that seemed to stir deep inside and stay grounded.

During a break, I received a text from Latty. "Hey, how's it going? I miss you already. The shoot is going well, but it's not the same without you here." Smiling at the message, I felt a ray of warmth spread through my chest. Rarely had people told me they missed me, which was understandable sine most times I stayed in the shadows, so, I quickly replied, "I miss you too! Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back." That was the first time i had ever said those words to someone.

As the week progressed, I found myself growing closer to Nami. We spent more time together, sharing stories and supporting each other through the challenges of trainee life. Nami's cheerful personality and unwavering support became a source of strength.