Chapter Text
It wasn’t that Chaeyoung felt unneeded or unloved, not by any means. She knew that the girls loved her very much. They had no trouble telling her and showing her every day. Nayeon and Momo practically babied her, getting her whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted it. Dayhun and Tzuyu played along with her when she got bored and restless during long practice hours. Mina stayed up with her when she found it hard to sleep. Sana showered her in affection at all hours of the day, smothering her in hugs and kisses. Jeongyeon reluctantly posed for her when she was struck by inspiration for a new art piece, even helping her gather supplies and spend long hours looking for the perfect spot to do everything. Jihyo let her rest her head in her lap, running careful fingers softly through her hair while they sat quietly, letting Chaeyoung release silent tears, when she had a rough day but couldn’t quite find the words to describe what she was feeling or why she was so upset with herself. So it really wasn’t a matter of knowing whether or not she was loved. She knew wholeheartedly that she was. Without a doubt in her mind.
It was just that sometimes she just didn’t feel like she had a place in the group. Like they would be doing just fine without her. Not that she didn’t feel good enough or not talented enough, that wasn’t it. She wasn’t quite sure how to word exactly what she was feeling. Unable to find the right words, and quickly growing frustrated at her lack of ability to articulate thoughts, she pushed her feelings down once more and tried to focus on the piece she was working on. But after twenty more minutes of no inspiration and lots of frustration, Chaeyoung decided to call it quits and go grab something to eat.
Chaeyoung moved stiffly down the hallway. She definitely shouldn’t have sat like that for so many hours. Her arms and legs were killing her, and she could practically hear Jihyo lecturing her for her poor posture already. But Jihyo didn't understand the elegance, the mastery, the pure art form of....sitting in one spot for hours on end staring at an empty canvas. Okay yeah, so maybe Jihyo had some fair points. Not that she would ever admit that to her of course. Don't want her getting a big head or anything.
Chaeyoung snapped out of her thoughts as an absolutely delicious smell invaded her nose. Momo must be cooking. Chaeyoung picked up the pace until she was right outside the kitchen. She saw Momo standing there, back facing her as she scooped something on a plate. She couldn't quite see what it was but god did it smell good. Chae's belly decided in that moment to let out a booming grumbling sound. Well she guesses she hasn't really eaten today. Momo swings around in surprise, hand pressed to her chest.
"Jeez Chae you almost made me drop your food!"
Chaeyoung threw her hands up in surrender. "Sorry, sorry!" Her eyes stayed glued to
the plate of rice and fish in Momo's hands. "I didn't mean to- wait did you say my food?" Her eyes widened as her stomach grumbled again. She really hoped she heard Momo correctly.
Momo let out a strand of cute giggles. "Of course! I made enough for the others as well of course, but this plate is yours. I put extra sauce on it just like you like. I know you haven't eaten today so i wanted to make you something. Got to keep your energy up to work on all that art."
Momo gently placed the plate pilled high with food in Chaeyoung's hands. Their hands brushed together and Chaeyoung's heart raced. Momo's hands weren't the softest but they held a tenderness to them. Chaeyoung has held each of the member's hands multiple times, but none of them ever truly compared to holding Momo's. Her hands encased Chaeyoung's, holding them so tenderly it almost made her tear up each time. Like Momo was trying to shield her from the harsh cruel world by holding her hand in such a way. But Momo was always so soft with her. Momo wasn't one for skin ship. She didn't dislike it but it was rare for her to initiate it with anyone. But she always did with her. Many moments that set Chaeyoung's heart aflutter. Moments where Momo would pull her into her lap, slide her fingers in hers, hold her so firmly yet gently to her chest. Chaeyoung wondered if Momo knew what she was doing to her.
Momo gently cupped Chaeyoung's cheek, softly stroking it with her thumb, effectively snapping Chaeyoung out of it. "You okay, baby?" she asked with a worried brow furrow. God. Chaeyoung didn't know if her heart could take much more.
Chae smiled at Momo. "Of course. Just really excited to eat this!" She hoped her smile was enough to convince Momo.
"Okay. Just making sure.You spaced out there for a second."
Chaeyoung smiled wide at Momo, hugging her carefully as to not drop the plate of food in her hand. "I'm good Mo. Why don't you grab the others so we can eat together?"
Momo smiled wide, nodding her head enthusiastically before running off to find the girls. Chae let out a soft sigh. Momo really was something else. She held a hand to her chest hoping to calm her racing heart. As she sat and took her first bite of her delicious meal, she smiled. She finally found some inspiration.
And she wasn't hungry anymore