**"Midnight Confessions and Slow Dances"**

The dorm common room was bathed in a warm, golden glow, the soft string lights and fairy lights pulsing gently above them. Blankets, pillows, and half-finished snacks littered the floor, a testament to the group's relaxed state. Popcorn bowls were overturned, and soda cans rolled lazily near sleeping bags. Lily pelts a popcorn kernel at Haewon's head. "Direct hit! Did I break your brain?" Haewon flicks one back with perfect aim, landing it in Lily's hair. Lily gasps, brushing popcorn off her face. "I am wounded! Somebody write that down. That was evil." The others burst out laughing. Yuna laughs so hard she nearly drops her phone. Chaeryeong, perched on a beanbag in the corner, sips from her juice box with quiet amusement, one eyebrow raised. Lia hugs a blanket tighter around her, smiling like she's watching her kids mess around. The laughter settles into a warm hum. Someone yawns. Someone rustles their sleeping bag. The energy shifts — still soft, but open. Lia stretches her legs out and looks around at everyone, her tone calm but her curiosity carrying weight. "So… what's everyone's type? Or like… your sexuality?" she asks casually. There's a brief pause. Not uncomfortable, just unexpected. Everyone's a little more still. The string lights buzz quietly. The energy dips into something more honest. Haewon shrugs, casual as ever. "I like women." She says it without blinking, sitting cross-legged, one elbow propped on her knee like she's been waiting for someone to ask all night. She glances at Ryujin, who grins at her briefly. Yeji quickly speaks up, her voice reflexively quick. "I'm straight." It comes out almost too fast, like a reflex. She gives a tight smile and lets out a short laugh a second too late. Her eyes flick down to the soda in her hand, fingers suddenly interested in the condensation on the can. Ryujin takes a breath, her voice soft but unwavering. "I'm a lesbian." Her voice doesn't waver. She doesn't look around — not out of fear, just peace. Yeji's smile falters for a moment, a flicker of disappointment that she quickly masks. Ryujin clocked the look, but pretends not to notice. The room falls into a warm, comfortable silence. Soft music plays in the background now — some chill acoustic playlist from someone's phone. The popcorn war is long forgotten. Someone stretches and sighs. Someone mumbles about waking up early. But they all stay where they are. Lily bounces up, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "You’re always doomed," she teases Yuna. Yuna tosses a pillow at Lily and shrugs. "I know you. Dare." Haewon gets picked, and she sends a voice note to her crush saying she misses them. The group screams in delight. When it's Ryujin's turn, Yeji spins the bottle, and it lands on Ryujin. Yeji dares her to slow dance with someone. Ryujin raises a hand casually, not even smiling. "I gave the dare. Feels fair." She stands slowly, meeting Yeji halfway. Their hands almost touch, a spark of electricity that they both feel. The others hoot and whistle as they awkwardly set up. Ryujin places one hand lightly on Yeji's waist; Yeji's hand goes to her shoulder. It's a joke — kind of. But neither of them is really laughing. They start to sway. The silence is louder than any music. Their eyes meet and hold. And hold. And Hold. The slow dance lingers, even when the game moves on. Even when the movie starts. Even when the lights dim and bodies start sinking deeper into pillows, the image of Yeji and Ryujin swaying in silence remains, like something unresolved yet quietly unfolding. As the night settles in, the TV flickers to life, casting a soft glow over the room. The theme song to Pretty Little Liars begins, and they all react with commentary — some teasing the characters, some defending them. The snacks keep passing around, and there's a general hum of comfort. But then, Emily's introduction scene comes on. She's in her hoodie, earbuds in, running — quiet, introspective. Later, she sees Maya for the first time, and Yeji's gaze becomes fixed on the screen. Maya smiles, and Emily pauses. Ryujin doesn't speak. She watches closely, her hand halfway to the popcorn bowl but forgotten. Yeji shifts beside her, not eating either. On-screen, Maya offers Emily a joint and a laugh. Emily smiles for real — the kind that makes something shift. And one by one, the others start drifting off. Lia is the first to fall asleep, curled up like a cat, glasses slipping down her nose. Chaeryeong dozes with her head on Yuna's shoulder. Lily mumbles something about "Aria being messy" before her voice fades. Haewon stays up a little longer, her head falling back against the beanbag as she slowly gives in. The room is quiet, except for the TV and soft night noises. Yeji glances at Ryujin, and for a second, they just stare at each other. Yeji wants to say something but doesn't. She doesn't have to. She doesn't understand this feeling. She doesn't try to. Ryujin looks at Yeji, her eyes locking onto hers. Yeji's expression is unreadable. She leans back, and Ryujin follows, their shoulders almost touching. The air feels heavier, like the night has settled in for good. Ryujin puts her arm around Yeji's waist, pulling her close. Yeji's eyes flutter closed as Ryujin looks at her, really looks at her — her orange hair, her features, her everything. Ryujin leans in, her voice barely above a whisper. "You know, I really like your hair. It's so vibrant." Yeji's eyes flutter open, and she looks at Ryujin, really looks at her. Ryujin continues, her voice husky. "Your smile, your laugh... everything about you is so captivating." Yeji's face is a picture of serenity, but Ryujin notices the way her eyes sparkle in the dim light. Yeji's eyes flutter open, and she looks at Ryujin, really looks at her. Ryujin puts her hand behind Yeji's head, her fingers brushing against her ear. Yeji's heart skips a beat as Ryujin's face inches closer. The world around them melts away, leaving only the two of them, lost in their own little bubble. Ryujin's eyes lock onto Yeji's, and she can see the sincerity and affection in them. Yeji's lips part, and Ryujin can see the truth in her eyes. Ryujin leans in closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "I really like you, Yeji." The mouth noises of their kiss are soft and urgent, a mix of surprise and longing. It's a little intense, but they can't help themselves. The adrenaline rushes through their veins like a powerful elixir. As they pull away, gasping for air, Yeji's eyes lock onto Ryujin's. "Ryujin," she whispers, her voice trembling. "We... shouldn't." Ryujin's smile is soft and reassuring. "I know, but I couldn't help myself." Yeji's face contorts in a mix of emotions — excitement, fear, and confusion. She feels the comphet strongly, like a punch to the gut. She can't admit it, not yet. "I... I said I don't like girls," Yeji blurts out, running to the bathroom to cry, overwhelmed by her feelings. Ryujin knocks on the door, concern etched on her face. "Yeji, are you okay?" But Yeji just shakes her head, still in shock. She can't process what just happened. She feels like she's been punched in the chest, her heart racing with every possibility. As the scene fades, Ryujin and Yeji's eyes meet, and the unspoken question lingers between them — would their friendship blossom into something more? Only time will tell.