The trainee dorm smelled like lavender detergent and warm rice — the comforting scent of people trying to make a future.
Jieun led her inside.
"Girls, the new trainee is here!"
Four heads popped out from different corners like curious cats.
Mina, the eldest, stepped forward first.
She looked around eighteen, with steady eyes and an air of quiet authority.
"Hi," she said warmly. "You must be Lia. And this is… Ari?"
Lia nodded, surprised at the softness in Mina's voice.
Next came Reiko, slim and graceful, her hair in a neat bun. She didn't speak — she simply bowed, offering a small smile that felt like a secret handshake.
Then Minji burst forward with a grin so bright the room felt warmer.
"Oh my gosh she's so cute! Can I hold her?"
Lia hesitated… then nodded.
Minji gently picked up Ari, bouncing her lightly.
"Hi baby! I'm Minji. I'll be your unnie!"
Finally, in the corner of the room leaning on a wall like a fashion model was Soojin.
She pushed her hair behind her ear.
"You're younger than I thought," she said bluntly.
Her gaze flicked to Ari. "You're brave."
It wasn't judgment.
It was admiration — the rare quiet kind.
Lia bowed deeply.
"Please… take care of me."
Mina clasped her shoulder.
"We take care of each other."
That night, while the girls unpacked her things, Minji fed Ari formula, Reiko organized Lia's clothes, Soojin assembled Ari's crib, and Mina boiled water for tea.
For the first time since her friends died…
Lia didn't feel alone.
And before she slept, she whispered into the darkness:
"Maybe… this time… I can belong again."