A Little More Care

The practice room was filled with the sound of music and synchronized footsteps. Babymonster was in the middle of a grueling rehearsal for their upcoming comeback. Sweat glistened on their brows as they moved in perfect unison, each member giving their all. Ruka led the dance with sharp precision, her eyes fixed on the mirror. Ahyeon's vocals soared above the track, while Rora and Pharita hit every note with practiced ease. Asa and Chiquita were at the back, their movements equally precise.

Suddenly, a sharp cry cut through the routine. Chiquita stumbled, landing awkwardly on her ankle. She crumpled to the floor, clutching her leg, her face contorted in pain. The music screeched to a halt as the others rushed to her side.

"Chiquita! What happened?" Ahyeon was the first to reach her, kneeling down with wide eyes. Rora quickly grabbed a bottle of water, while Pharita knelt beside them, her hand gently resting on Chiquita's shoulder.

"I twisted my ankle," Chiquita whispered, her voice shaky. She tried to smile, but tears welled in her eyes. Asa and Ruka hovered nearby, their faces etched with concern.

"Don't move," Ruka said firmly, her leader instincts kicking in. She turned to the instructor. "We need ice and a bandage. And please call the manager."

Within minutes, the practice room was transformed into a makeshift care station. Asa fetched a first-aid kit while Rora soaked a towel in cold water. Pharita helped Chiquita lean against the wall, gently easing her injured leg out straight. Ahyeon held Chiquita's hand, murmuring soothing words.

"It's okay, it's just a sprain. You'll be fine," Ahyeon said, her voice steady despite the worry in her eyes.

Chiquita winced as Ruka carefully examined her ankle. "It's swelling already. We need to elevate it and apply ice immediately," Ruka instructed.

Asa returned with a bag of ice wrapped in a cloth. "Here, let me," she said, gently placing it on Chiquita's ankle. Chiquita hissed at the cold, but Asa's touch was gentle.

Rora brought a cushion from the waiting area and slipped it under Chiquita's leg. "This should help with the elevation."

Pharita checked her watch. "The manager will be here soon. We should get her to a hospital for an X-ray."

Chiquita felt overwhelmed by the sudden attention. "I'm sorry for ruining the practice," she mumbled, looking down.

"Don't say that," Ahyeon said, squeezing her hand. "Your health is more important than any practice."

"We're a team," Rora added softly. "We take care of each other."

Asa nodded, her eyes sincere. "You would have done the same for any of us."

Chiquita's tears finally spilled over, but this time from gratitude. She looked at her members—their faces full of concern and love. In that moment, she felt not just a trainee or a performer, but part of a family.

Ruka stood up, her voice firm yet warm. "We'll take turns staying with her at the hospital. The rest can continue practicing, but we'll adjust the choreography to be easier on everyone. We'll make it work."

As if on cue, the manager arrived, and together they helped Chiquita to the car. Asa and Ahyeon insisted on going with her, while the others promised to update the group chat constantly.

That evening, the dorm was quiet except for the soft murmur of voices in Chiquita's room. Rora sat by her bedside, reading a book aloud to distract her. Pharita brought tea and snacks. Ruka checked in every hour, and Asa and Ahyeon prepared a light dinner.

Chiquita's ankle was wrapped in a bandage, and she had been told to rest for at least a week. The injury was a mild sprain, but the care she received was anything but mild. She felt cherished, safe.

"Thank you, everyone," she whispered as they gathered around her bed after dinner.

"No thanks needed," Pharita said, smiling. "We're Babymonster. We always have each other's backs."

Ruka nodded. "Rest well, Chiquita. We'll practice extra hard so you can come back to a perfect stage."

"And we'll video call you during breaks," Ahyeon added with a grin.

Chiquita laughed, a small but genuine sound. "I'll be the best audience."

As the others settled into their own routines, Chiquita watched them from her bed. The hurt was still there, a dull ache in her ankle, but the comfort from her members was stronger. She knew that no matter what challenges came, she had six sisters who would always care for her.