Eliška (elishka)

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The apartment is surprisingly in an estate.

"The estate is owned by JYPE with restricted access to non-staff. " Mabel says as we drive in.

The car stops in front of a small building close to the gate.

Mabel takes me inside where we see a small reception.

She's in a pretty peach shirt with a bow in her ponytail. Her makeup is minimal, keeping it simple and natural.

"Hello" the receptionist smiles widely at us "nice to see you Mabel"

"Same here , Hyeri" she smiles back " this is Liliana"

She pulls me forward. I awkwardly wave "hi"

"How are you?"

"I'm good" I say in a tiny voice.

"Is she part of the new group?" She turns to Mabel

"Yes, she's from Nigeria."

"Oh the African..." her words fade out as she shuts her mouth "right"

I turn to see Mabel suspiciously making wierd eye contact with her.

"Let's sign you into the estate database. " I spend the next few minutes filling in my details.

"Well, you know the apartment. There are already four members in the apartment." Hyeri says to Mabel

"Oh wow, did they seem fine?" Mabel asks

"They were very excited. Overexcited. One was jumping and trying to take pictures. She was permanently on the look out for other artists." She shakes her head with a slight smile

Mabel laughs "I'm not surprised "

"I can say Liliana is the most composed. Aren't you excited?" Hyeri says.

"I am just... nervous... I guess," I struggle to maintain eye contact.

"Don't worry, you'll fit just right in," Hyeri reassures.

Mabel turns to me, saying, "Come on, let's head down there."

"Alright, welcome to Korea, Liliana," Hyeri waves, saying "bye."

"Thank you, bye" I respond

Arriving at house 6, the driver drags my bag in. I nervously stay glued to Mabel's side.

The house's exterior is a calming grey with a blue roof, accentuated by stone pillars at the front and a neat small lawn.

Two potted plants welcome us in front of the foggy glass door. Following the driver inside, I enter a living room where a girl with beautiful long, blonde, curly hair and piercing green eyes is engrossed in watching TV.

She casually drops the remote on the coffee table, walking up to greet us with a soft-spoken "hello." Her sweet smile adds warmth to the atmosphere as she acknowledges Mabel and me.

"Good afternoon" I greet her

"Why so formal?" She surprisingly pulls me into a tight hug. My eyes bulge out in shock.

Mabel chuckles at my flustered face.
The Blondie releases me. "I'm Eliška"

I don't respond but stare at her shocked.

"I'm Mabel , she's your new teammate, Liliana"

"Hi " I squeak out . I've never been good in socialising so meeting her is freaking me out. My palms are sweaty, my heart is drumming like crazy in my chest. I'm afraid she might hear it if she stands a bit closer.

I just want to bolt out of here back to the airport. Call me a chicken, coward , I don't care.

"Are you shy?" She holds my hand

She must really not know about personal space.

I see the driver pass by us after saying something to Mabel.

"Don't be shy. I'ld like to know you more." She smiles sweetly at me.

"How long have you been here?" Mabel asks her as she sits on the couch.

"I arrived last night" Blondie pulls me to sit with her.

"You seem to have settled in quite well. " Mabel moves her focus to what's showing on TV.

On the screen is 'Mean Girls 1' . I've watched this movie almost 10 times.

Should I use it to start conversation. I don't want to be the member that doesn't get along with anyone.

"Yeah, I'm not doing much so I just watch TV and eat"

"You've been cooking" Mabel says

"Yes we prepare our meals by ourselves. The kitchen is fully stocked"

"That's great" Mabel looks at her phone "Liliana, I hate to leave you alone but I'm running late for another meeting. See you on Saturday"

We exchange goodbyes and she leaves.

Blondie...I'm gonna call her Blondie immediately lowers the volume and turns to me. "You don't seem friendly"

You know, we notice when people aren't friendly , we don't just tell them to their faces. Could it just be my culture.

"I'm just introverted and new to everything." I avoid eye contact staring at the couch and analysing it's beautiful amazing maroon colour.

Maroon is cool okay?!

"Oh... I see. That's okay. " she jumps slightly in her seat "in no time you'll be out of your shell."

"Yeah " I manage to smile. I love her bright personality. She seems fun to be around, a bit too much but not bad.

I can guess she is the one Hyeri was talking about.

"Yay! Do you want to watch tv with me?"

Before I even respond she slaps herself hard on the forehead "what am I saying. You must want to settle in and rest first."

I'm an introvert but mostly a pro-procrastinator .I would prefer to just avoid unpacking by watching TV. Regina has a really good fashion style. Y2k fashion is all the craze right now, might as well pick up some fashion tips.

Blondie drags me to a room three doors from the entryway. The door is magenta in colour.

Blondie opens the door and pulls me in. "Your room looks exactly like mine. Mine is with pink walls, yours magenta. So pretty. "

I take in the room. There's a small wardrobe at the side, a nice twin bed, a reading table and, a bedside table. It has air-conditioning, I see a heating system and a window above the bed.

I turn to observe the table and chairs. I see Blondie staring at me with a wide smile.

"Are you okay?"

She sighs in content and takes my hand " you're really pretty. "

"Uh thank you"

"Where are you from?" I see her studying my necklace.

"Nigeria in Africa"

"Wow I've never been to Africa" she shakes her head with a smile. "How is it?"

"Hot, crazy, fun, filled with activity, colourful."

"Colourful?"

"We love colour. You hardly see someone wear only monochrome colours. "

"That sounds..." I see her try to find a word that's not offensive "overwhelming"

"It's not as bad as it sounds. The streets are not filled with arts and graffiti"

"Oh" she pops a smile right back up "I should leave you to rest and unpack. Have you had lunch?"

"Yes"

"Okay but if you get hungry I've made some food"

"Oh okay" I hope I don't have to eat that.

"Okay see you later"

"Wait!"

She turns "yeah?"

"What of the other three?"

"Min-su is not in. Mariah is sleeping and Luana is unpacking too. We'll eat dinner together, okay?"

"Okay "

"See you" she finally closes the door.

.......

Song recommendation for the chapter

Siren - P1HARMONY

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What's your favourite y2k fashion item.

I love the baggy jeans (baggy (6x) jeans) Stan NCT.

I hate the strap tops.

☞ ⁠☞ ➜ ☆