IT'S BEEN A LONG WHILE HUH? WELL NOT MUCH TO SAY SO JUST ENJOY

I hope you have a couple of hours because this chapter is my longest of ANY book yet.

WORDS: 38,705

Yeah...I know...

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"...S-so...Tzuyu...she..." Sana asked slowly to contemplate that their Tzuyu liked you as Jihyo nodded.

"I only talked to her about this for the past couple of days. Dahyun noticed her behavior was off after our talk with producer-san and she called me to talk to her. It's all there...and according to what she said and what I think, it's a lot. It's her first crush."

The other three shifted their sights at one another, hoping that one of them had a say in this.

"...So, does she, uhm, want to...be something?" Nayeon asked cautiously and slowly towards the end as Jihyo shrugged.

"She doesn't understand what to do. She wants to be around him, but I don't know about that..." 

Sana and Nayeon exchanged looks.

"Jihyo, do you think the dream is making you think you like him?" Nayeon interrogated.

Jihyo closed her eyes.

"All the words that (YN) would say...I told you, it honestly felt like I was talking to him...like before." Jihyo muttered as the three were going to question, "it was right after Koni, right after I heard everything. I-I didn't tell you girls, but (YN) and I talked a little before telling you. I didn't get how he was so calm, I was enraged to hear those words spoken to him like that and he was like nothing."

The three felt solemn for Jihyo,

"and of course all (YN) wanted to do was calm me down," Jihyo looked around as the three kept their looks, "and somehow he spun the conversation and spoke about me...each word he said got to me," Jihyo recalled the words, "I was angry yet he turned my emotions just like that and..." Jihyo licked her lips. "I remember a moment...a moment of us gazing at each other and I felt...happy." The girls took note of the word, "what he said got to me and...and with what he said in the dream, it was times ten that and everything he told me made me feel that feeling again but multiplied this time. Enough to make me do what I did...and that's the scary part, the words truly felt genuine of what (YN) would say to me."

Sana and Nayeon knew exactly that feeling, well not the last part.

Sana recalled her recent conversation when you switched the kitchen up for her sake of remembering her family and Nayeon with the karaoke night, but it wasn't that far from what Jihyo did.

And it was sounding like if it was anything like that for Jihyo, then that was it for the two to conclude.

Jihyo most likely have a crush on you as well.

"...How long ago did you like him then?" Nayeon asked as Sana side eyed her. She knew why Nayeon was pushing it, and while this was not the time for her feelings to get in the way, even if Sana was feeling it as well, she knew they needed to get Jihyo's opinion out. She then turned to Jihyo as Nayeon continued, "Jihyo, I know it's difficult, but we're to help you figure this out." Jihyo's eyes flinched as her hands found the blanket of her bed, crushing it in her hands in anxiety. That's exactly how it started with Tzuyu. 

"Nayeon, trust me, I asked the same questions to Tzuyu and to myself...I can tell you it's the same answers." Jihyo muttered as Nayeon took a look at Mina and Sana.

"What questions then?" Nayeon asked as Jihyo shrugged.

"Easy Nayeon." Sana cut between her and Nayeon, "easy, let's go slow okay?" 

Sana gave a mini shook of her head as Nayeon looked to the side crestfallen and embarrassed about her sudden questions.

"...mianhae. It's just...sudden." Sana and Mina had to agree on that. "I didn't mean to sound pushy." Nayeon spoke up as Sana stepped to the left of Nayeon and rubbed back as Nayeon turned to her nurturing smile, gracing Nayeon with a sign of reassurance, even Sana was feeling what Nayeon was feeling, but she knew Nayeon was feeling something more to Jihyo's proclamation.

"It's okay," Nayeon gave a swift nod as Nayeon turned to Mina and she mirrored a smile as Sana as Nayeon nodded. "Jihyo, it is alright if we talk about Tzuyu?"

Jihyo sighed.

"There's nothing to talk about there, she likes him Sana. She really likes him. She said he makes her feel funny and warm...she enjoys it. She enjoys him."

"...oh..." Mina muttered as Sana and Nayeon looked at one another. 

"You should have heard her...when she explained and going further...she was confused and even still, but she has a crush on him," she shook her head, "and what's worse is that Tzuyu told me that she feels down whenever one of us gets too close to him." The three looked at one another, "and I feel the same."

Now rather than having sincere or empathetic looks at hearing about Tzuyu, slowly turned to staggered ones at the news bomb.

"I blanked out in the middle of her talking...when she told me that, I recalled the times I felt off when I saw him close to someone. God there were more than a few times." 

The three were honestly stupefied by Jihyo right now, she was jealous? 

"It should make me happy to see him and one of you interact right? So, why does even the minor stuff make my body ache. The first time is when I saw you and (YN) coming back from Jennie's place, you two were holding hands and it urged me." Sana and Mina turned at Nayeon.

"I was just bringing him into the home..."

"Or when you and (YN) were speaking the day before our photoshoot? Watching you interact out here made me feel weird," Jihyo and the other two turned to Mina as Mina recalled that day. She was feeling that? "Or why did I have an issue when you and (YN) were together during the night of the storm or even you wearing a sweater of his?" She turned to Sana as she could only return the look as Mina wondered what sweater, "and why does it bother me sometimes to see Momo hanging off (YN) like nothing?"  Jihyo shook her head. "All normal things that we do for each other, but with (YN)...it's something else."

"...Or him with Jennie and the others yesterday?" Nayeon asked as Sana rotated to her then Jihyo.

"Even them. I shouldn't but, I feel it...I didn't know why I felt so burdened, until yesterday that is. Hearing Tzuyu, thinking yesterday, it all makes sense. I have something for (YN)...a crush that I didn't even know."

Jihyo sulked and seeing her was a huge no in the three girl's books. 

Not their leader.

"God it feels like I was talking to myself now. Every word that I spoke to her I asked myself the same..." Jihyo spoke up with her hands on her thighs.

"And that's what you needed to hear to realize these feelings for (YN)?" Mina deducted as Jihyo slouched.

"How can I not know I had something in the first place?" Jihyo questioned herself.

"That's how it is sometimes Jihyo," Sana answered, "and with us being with (YN) daily and him being him, I don't find it surprising at all."

Jihyo gave a 'tsk' sound.

"That's exactly what I told her..." Jihyo rubbed the bridge of her nose, "That's exactly what I answered when she asked me. And now I'm getting the same answers back."

The three looked at one another...then Mina had something to ask.

"Jihyo, you said yourself that you can't act on these feelings...does that mean you would if it weren't for Tzuyu?" She asked.

.

.

"...I-I didn't mean it like that. I mean, I can't have these feelings. And I tried to convince myself that I didn't, but... every time I do, (YN) brings me back."

The three looked at one another once more.

"...okay, let's talk about that later. Right now, Jihyo your behavior isn't going unnoticed." Mina took point as Jihyo nodded.

"I know..."

"You know (YN) is worried about you Jihyo?" Sana spoke up as Jihyo's eyes flinched.

"I-I didn't mean to lie to him, but what can I say?" She asked.

"Well, we tried to go along with your headache bluff and (YN) sort of believed that, but he's smart enough to not believe it a hundred percent. You're going to have to do something Jihyo." Jihyo hung her head, "...and maybe that starts with Tzuyu." Mina explained as the three looked at her, "Jihyo if you're scared of hurting Tzuyu, you have to talk to-"

"No Mina, I can't." Mina then put her hand on top of Jihyo's.

"Listen to me Jihyo. You're worried about hurting her, I get that, but it's better for you both to talk about this rather than you holding it in and being what you were last night and today. I mean no offense, but watching you was...bad." Mina added the cold statement as Nayeon and Sana agreed but weren't going to poke it. "The conversation might not be comfortable, but it could lead to some productive discussions about how to move forward Jihyo. The sooner the better." 

Jihyo let out a stressed sigh as she looked towards Mina afterward for a second thought as Mina nodded, then towards Nayeon and Sana as they both remained still.

"And what could I possibly say Mina?"

"What you told us, but we'll help you ease it, right you two?" Mina asked Sana and Nayeon and right there, Sana was formulating how this could help her and Nayeon too.

"Course." Nayeon spoke up, "you have to talk." Nayeon spoke up. "Right Sana?" 

Sana knew that Nayeon was directing that to her as well.

She turned to Jihyo and nodded as Jihyo shook her head in response.

"Easy for you three to say, you're not in my situation." Once again, Sana and Nayeon instinctively exchanged looks, both thinking how wrong she was. "...no, I can't do it. I won't hurt Tzuyu like that."

"So what? You're just gonna bottle your feelings for him?" Nayeon spoke up as Jihyo sighed.

"Well, what do you expect me to do?" Jihyo raised her voice as the three knew Jihyo would do what it took to keep them happy, even if it meant going to great lengths to do so. But this rubbed them the wrong way. "Girls, I appreciate it, but right now I just want to lie down..please. We can talk later. I'm tired."

The three girls looked at one another and figured that this was a lost cause for now. Sana and Mina stood up as Jihyo scooted back, laid on her side, back against the three as Nayeon remained still watching.

"Okay, we'll leave this for now, but what about (YN)? You have to at least be okay around him Jihyo. Especially his birthday tomorrow." Mina pointed out. 

"...I know." Jihyo spoke as the three looked at one another again. 

No words needed as they knew this was something the three would need to discuss somehow. 

Seeing how it's pointless nor could they go anywhere, they went towards their beds as they shot glances at Jihyo's body here and there with two of the girls knowing that they would have to talk without Mina as well.

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MEANWHILE

WHISK WHISK WHISK

After searching for what to cook for the girls, lots of ideas came to mind since you all had a recent delivery of products delivered to you two days ago, and after a workout, you wanted something light yet numerous for the nine. 

Then you spotted it, whole wheat pancake mix...and had already gathered the ingredients and whisked some mix with the stove's four burners heating up the first set of four on four skillets and you knew you were going to need a lot so you were starting a second mixture.

So...

RINGTONE...RINGTONE...RINGTONE

Your phone on the counter behind you went off as you turned to see the ID.

"Huh," you stopped your whisking and cleaned your hands on a rag before you pressed the accept button and placed the phone near your ear, "good morning Sun. It's been a while."

"Morning (YN). And you're right, it has. How are you doing?"

"I'm doing well. You?"

"I'm doing fine as well, thank you. Work could be less stressful though."

"I bet, must be rough there."

"Yeah, well, it's just like any other day."

You smiled.

"That's good. So what's going on?"

"Oh, we're calling all the coaches participating. Checking to see if they are any questions regarding the regulations and dates with the K-ball. So far no one has had any issues yet and I figured I would call you myself."

You gave a 'ah' look.

"Oh okay. Uh, let me grab a pencil and paper to write down the info."

"Wait, have you not checked the documents?"

"...documents?"

"Have you not received them? I know JYPE has received them for all the team's managers for the coaches yesterday. Stray Kids has said that they were good." She asked as you looked around and back at Kim's door, considering what's been going on, you weren't surprised it wasn't brought up.

"Shoot, sorry Sun, I wasn't informed, but I'll ask about it."

"Yes, please. They contain the rules of the matches along with the dates. Although nothing is leaked yet so labels, coaches, and teams can figure out what to do then. Once we get word that it's alright with everyone, we'll release the information to the public. But don't worry, it's about the same rules as a regular basketball game except for the duration of the matches itself."

"I figured. Alright, I'll ask and I will text if I got them."

"Yes please, sometime today actually." She informed as you nodded.

"I will."

"Thank you, do you have any questions?"

"No, I think I'm...oh wait, custom uniforms are allowed right?"

"They are."

"So how do we start that process?"

"There should be instructions on the documents for that."

You nodded.

"Then I shall read that over. Thanks Sun."

"No problem. And there is something I would like to ask, not regarding the K-ball though."

"Okay."

"I would have called sooner, but I have been hearing and seeing about you lately on the news. While it's none of my concern, I also heard JYP's speech towards you. Did that situation really happened?"

"Yeah, yeah it did."

"Oh dear. Are you okay?" You heard her concerned tone as you smiled more.

"Yeah, I'm fin-"

RING RING RING

Your ringtone was heard as you looked to see another call coming.

Your aunt.

"Uh, give me a sec Sun." you quickly said as you typed to your aunt. 

Give me a minute please

You texted quickly and brought the phone back to your ear.

"Sorry Sun, as I was saying, I'm fine. Thanks for asking."

"No worries and of course, I feel bad considering we brought you here in the first place and for you to get this reputation so quickly."

"No don't be. It's not your fault." You heard her hum.

"Well I may not know you well, but my boss and I know that you're not what they're saying."

You smiled.

"Thanks Sun, I appreciate the words and for all the hard work you and your company are doing." 

"Thank you (YN), but I'm just doing my job, and you're very welcome. Alright, well, please check up on those notes and text me when you have a chance alright?" 

"Yeah, will do."

"Okay, have a good afternoon (YN). Goodbye."

"You as well Sun. Take care." You brought the phone in front and ended the call as you quickly redialed your aunt and held it to your ear.

RRRRIIIINNNNGGGG

.

.

RRRRIIIINNNNG-

"Hey sweetie." 

"Hey auntie, sorry for that. I had a call with an official for the K-ball."

"Oh really? Sorry, do you need more time to talk to them?"

"No, it was quick. We're done. So what's up?" You asked.

"Nothing, I'm just getting ready for bed and wanting to know how you were doing."

"Oh, making pancakes for the girls."

You heard a chuckle on the other side.

"You know I'll never get used to the time difference. So how's everything going?"

"Pretty good, we actually finished up some early basketball training. That went well and now I'm here in the kitchen." You weren't going to tell her about Jihyo.

"Wow. Early basketball huh? Sounds like a serious commitment for the girls.  Guess you inspired them~"

You rolled your eyes.

"Come on auntie."

"Hehe, well, how about your choice of university?" She asked as you lowered the heat of the four skillets. "Has the list shorten?"

"Sort of. I'm leaning towards those that are near to our place and a great system there, trust me, I'm looking up each one." You explained as your aunt hummed.

"Well that's great and all, but you know it doesn't have to be close to me? If your school choice is across the country then it is what it is."

"Hey come on auntie...you know I can't leave you alone...that and, well, you're family."

On the other side of the call, your aunt smiled, knowing the real reason.

"Hey, I can take care of myself (YN). But to be honest, it would be kind of boring alone and it is up to you where you want to go. I'm sorry if I seemed to want you to be far, that's not true. I wouldn't mind you here as well. And you and I both know that no matter which one you choose, you're going to shine and get to the number one pick."

You smiled.

"Thanks auntie. How about you? How are you doing?" You flipped a pancake asking.

"Same old. Work, coming home and watching my crime shows. I swear victims do the dumbest things and it's easy hunting for the unsubs." You smiled. "But other than the usual phone call for you about colleges, it's going well. Anyway, there's a reason why I'm calling. I want to ask you something."

You stopped your movements.

"Something wrong?"

"No, but I've read about what Twice did. Shutting off the comments and even preparing a speech to halt their Instagram and V-live?"

You gave an exaggerated expression at the pancakes in front of you.

"H-how did you know about the speech?"

"JYP, I've asked to keep tabs." You couldn't blame her, yet how often was she getting these tabs? "(YN) that's some serious support the girls want to do."

"Yeah, well, it's really bothering them." You flipped another pancake.

"Still (YN), you have to consider for them to go that far...is there something you need to tell me (YN)?"

"Uh, nothing comes to mind besides training and hanging out. Honestly, nothing has happened since the inci-"

"Senpai!!!"

You closed your eyes and smiled as you turned to Momo barely hopping off the last step of the stairs.

You waved as Momo increased her walking speed towards you, a cute smile gracing her face as she came down in a black hoodie, silver sweatpants, and white socks.

"I'm ready to-" Momo pursed her lips as she was near to see your phone in hand. "Gomen." She whispered and you gave a thumbs up in return.

"Hey, can you flip these while I..." you pointed at the phone as Momo gave two thumbs up and took your spot and spatula while you walked towards the living room. "Sorry, that was Momo." Momo heard her name, but also English, and figured it was your family.

"That's fine. So anything at all (YN)?"

"No, nothing, but it's like I said auntie, these girls were really being affected by it what people were saying. You should have seen them in person. I'm sure you can understand."

If the girls were like this, you'd imagine your aunt being like them tenfold.

"Hehe, yeah I understand. Alright. You promised to call if something is up, right?"

"Oh don't be worried aun-" you looked towards Momo as her back was to you, "it's okay, you don't have to worry."

"I do, it's my responsibility, especially tomorrow."

You frowned as you turned your back towards Momo and took a few steps further towards the other side of the living room and further from Momo.

"I know and thank you for checking," You answered in a more whispered tone towards the end. "...but, I won't lie, it's still gonna be tough. You'd figured it would be easier as time goes on." You muttered.

"I know sweetie, trust me I feel it too (YN). But as the past years, we got through it just fine."

"Are you gonna be okay?" You asked.

"Oh yeah, I'll be fine. Don't worry about me. You worry about what the girls are gonna do to you."

You laughed.

"True that."

Your aunt hummed.

"Well whatever it may be, I hope you have a fun day (YN), you deserve it and hey at least you have Twice there. Who would have known they would be celebrating a birthday with you."

"I know right? Thank you."

"You're welcome (YN). Alright, I'll leave you be then. I'll call you tomorrow alright. Love you (YN)."

"Love you too. Sleep tight." You ended as you disconnected the call. You smiled at your phone for a second before turning and walking towards Momo.

"You showered quick."

Momo turned to you and smiled.

"I called dibs to be first. I thought you needed your assistant, but I guess you started without me..." She pouted as you smiled.  

"Gomen Momo. I'll make it up to you." You replied as Momo's frown and brows rose.

"You better~"

"Hehe, how are the pan-..." You turned the corner of the island table and noticed two of the pans empty. You looked towards Momo's innocent smile. "Momo?"

"Yes~" Momo tilted her head and hunched her shoulders up to make her look overall cute.

You nudged your head towards the pans.

"Hey, I didn't eat both of them. I tried to flip one...it fell to the floor and into the garbage." She shrugged and giggled it off as you did the same.

"Okay, and the other one?" 

"It was delicious~" She raised her hand on her stomach and rubbed it around as you shook your head in disbelief...then again, it is Momo.

"I can't leave you alone for one minute can I?"

Momo hummed and took a step closer to you.

"Then maybe you should be by my side all the time~"

"I believe 'you' do that most of the time anyway Momo."

"Can you blame me~" She smirked.

"No, not really." You joked back as Momo chuckled. "Alright, let's make two more then. If you want something else, it'll have to be light since we're going to train more later on."

"Hai, but I think I'm good with pancakes. It was so soft and fluffy yet crunchy on the sides. Seriously (YN), who taught you this? I refuse to believe you taught yourself."

Your smile fell a bit, but not a frown.

"...Mom did." You simply answered.

"Knew it~ well she's a fine chef indeed and a great teacher too. Guess your family is all amazing."

"Yeah..." You turned toward the pancakes, your side towards Momo, "well, if you come up with something you want Momo then tell me alright? Now do you want to pour-"

You were muted as you felt your stomach being wrapped up. You looked down to see a pair of arms and hands and on your right, Momo's head just to the side of your right shoulder.

"I'd rather just watch you do your thing~"

You smiled.

"You're not seeing much you know that right?"

"I don't care~" Momo hummed and snuggled onto your shoulder. Honestly, it's pretty astonishing that the Momo of Twice was doing this. All these girls were close and you still are sometimes in awe that you were pretty close to them for them to behave like this.

"Momo, you're something else you know that?" You spoke up as Momo smirked.

"You're damn right I am~" You both chuckled, "and you are too (YN)."

You formed a heartwarming smile.

"Arigato." She nodded as you took the butter and batter to replace the lost ones as Momo and you chatted. 

MEANWHILE

SWING

"Shower is free."

Tzuyu came into her room feeling fresh after taking a quick shower and already changed into light pink sweatpants, a black shirt, socks and hair lightly damp with a towel around her neck.

Since you lived here, the girls have taken their clothes inside to change afterward as they didn't want to risk an incident even though they were upstairs.

They feel comfortable around you, they weren't THAT comfortable though.

"Sweet," Dahyun hopped off her bed, grabbing her set of new clothes as she smiled at Tzuyu walking towards her bed. "you feeling okay?" She asked as Tzuyu turned around.

"About unnie?" Dahyun nodded. "I know she'll be fine. She's just tired."

Dahyun hummed.

"Well, we all know Jihyo, always putting in triple the work." Tzuyu nodded, "alright, I'll be right back. Bye~" She waved with her fingers as Tzuyu raised a hand back.

SHUT

The door closed leaving Tzuyu alone as she sat on her bed, continuing her thinking from her shower. 

She's been thinking about this whole new 'crush' on you and she can say that this was a new feeling.

An immeasurable feeling.

What she told Jihyo was true, a bit in her school year after Sixteen, there were quite a few guys that would ask her out and compliment her, she would simply say no thanks or thank you to any of them and be on her way. 

Even now, it quite amazed her that loads of fans, Once and others, voice out every compliment and affections towards her, but she didn't care much about that as she would wave and smile, even at fan meetings. Some were a bit too much in her opinion, but she wouldn't try to be rude and just thank them for it.

Tzuyu wasn't one to be interested in a romance. She's never gazed or thought of guys, whether regular or popular ones. She never found the 'dating' life to be interesting, rather a drag if she was being honest. 

She wasn't dumb either, factoring in that she was a part of Twice and one of, if not, the most beautiful girl in the world, Tzuyu knew that most only wanted her for her beauty, popularity and her being an idol. She knew that Jimin was only thinking about his own idiotic self of wanting to be with her for that reason. She didn't buy his 'wanting to be with her because he 'liked' her' one bit. 

She couldn't blame the lot of them though. That's how people can be...heck, she'll admit that's how she was when she saw you.

Tzuyu didn't have an opinion about basketball, she didn't like nor disliked it, so seeing Chaeyoung and Sana ready to watch said sport got her curious enough to watch the game. She didn't think watching one game will kill her so she watched, heck maybe she'll enjoy it she thought, not like they weren't doing anything at all.

Then you came on as Sana and Chaeyoung pointed that they were here for you, which elevated Tzuyu's interest more. Both would watch for one guy? 

That's when Tzuyu first saw you...no opinion whatsoever.

But after hearing about your champion wins and watching the first game, she was slightly impressed at what you did, but she thought maybe you were having a lucky and great game...boy was she wrong.

Watching you overtime take charge of the team, attacking to the rim, shooting perfectly, defending and taking even players taller than you, communicating with the team, heck you were doing it all as Tzuyu was usually keeping a poker face as the others would point out or verbally be impressed at what you've done or boo whenever someone fouled you.

Tzuyu wasn't one to show emotions, but deep down she was intrigued at what she was seeing, very intrigued.

She even had some imaginations of herself wanting to shoot a ball sometime, but she'd didn't think it would suit her.

And upon seeing that you won, she didn't know why, but it made her happy that you did and hearing that you were coming to Korea, that made her interested.

And time passed till the charity when Jimin grabbed her. Imagine to her surprise when it was you, the one she was watching on TV. And she considered you a friend right then and there, inviting you to see the others, talking for a bit and to see you off to start the match, thinking that was it...boy was she wrong again.

Everything was fine and all and she didn't have any problem with you staying over, hanging out, interacting, playing...then the second encounter with Jimin, something shifted in Tzuyu for you afterward, something grand as it made her feel at ease and warm around you. 

Now knowing what it was, hehe, she relished it.

Tzuyu placed a hand over her chest, over her heart as she smiled at herself.

So what was the answer to the question Jihyo asked?

What did Chou Tzuyu want to do with you?

While she was opposed to the 'dating' lifestyle...maybe...and she was probably thinking wrong or too quick here, but just maybe...

She wouldn't oppose it as much if it was you...

God, she was smiling like an idiot at the thought.

Just a thought and she couldn't hold her smile.

That warm feeling was back again.

Her heart, god her heart was beating mad.

That had to be good right?

She figured if it's anything like last night and to have it each and every day, then Tzuyu would be for it, but she wasn't going to push it. She'll discuss this with Jihyo, but she'll let her rest.

Whatever happens, happens...and she happens to want to be with you at the moment.

So with a final nod, Tzuyu came out of her room to see what you were doing and hopefully you were free to be with...until she poked her head from the corner of the wall and over the railing as her smile dropped instantly at Momo wrapped around you.

She wasn't surprised though, Momo was around you, a lot, but observing her like this wasn't really helping Tzuyu's emotions right now. 

She knew that she wasn't the only one who would want to be around you, and since last night, even wondered if the possibility of her newfound 'crush' was the same for everyone here.

And right now, she assumed that Momo shared the feelings the most...but then again, it was Momo. Even the girls had to deal with her and Sana's shenanigans from time to time.

Tzuyu felt that warm feeling turning cold as she turned her body, but delayed her movement...

'Of course we can do more stuff together Tzu. Like I texted you, anytime and the thing you want to do, I'll do with.'

Your words rang in her head as it gave her the courage to do so.

She took a breath and turned her body again, looked over the railing to you and Momo once more heading towards and down the stairs.

Upon reaching the final step...

"(YN)? Unnie?"

You both heard and turned to witness Tzuyu coming closer to you both as Momo let go of you a bit, but held an arm around you.

"Hey Tzu." "Ne Chewy~" 

"So, what are you doing?" Tzuyu tried her best not to stare at Momo.

"Well I'm making pancakes, but if there's anything you want in particular, I don't mind making-...actually, Momo can you gather some fruit?"

Momo pouted as she let go of you while going to the fridge, "what kind?"

"I plan on making fruit salad so any fruit you want. We should have plenty since we got a delivery a couple of days ago."

"Sounds good~" "I would like that."

"Alright, then you two can get what fruit you want and it's gonna be quite a few for a variety. And in a small mixing bowl, whisk together some honey, lime zest and lime juice please."

"What's that for?" Momo asked.

"It's a honey-lime dressing to pour on top of the fruit."

"Hai chef!" Momo saluted you as you smiled at her enthusiasm. You turned towards Tzuyu as she walked towards you and stopped in front of you, a smile forged on her face.

"You tired Tzu?" You asked as she shook her head, you can see her hair drizzled a bit from a recent shower.

"I'm good...and, I'm ready for our session." She smiled as you nodded.

"Hey I am too. But that's in a while." She nodded, "And you did great at the matches we had already."

"Gam-"

"And me senpai!?" Momo cut Tzuyu off as you both turned to her with her brows raised in anticipation.

"Momo you were perfect as usual."

Momo grinned.

"Thanks senpai~ and you were great too Chewy." Momo returned to the fridge as you turned back to Tzuyu.

"Do you want to eat? A couple of pancakes are ready." You asked her as Tzuyu shook her head. 

"I would like to help you (YN), if that's okay?" She asked softly as you smiled.

"Course you can. Momo? Do you mind if she cuts the fruit with you?" Tzuyu frowned a bit as she wanted to help with you specifically, but she'll do it anyway.

"Not at all~" Momo answered while digging into the fridge as Tzuyu moved towards Momo.

"(YN)!"

You three turned to witness Chaeyoung coming down the stairs as she wore a large hoodie and maybe some short shorts as her legs were all to show up to the middle of her thighs where the bottom of the sweater cut off as she approached you.

"Sup Chae." You welcomed her as she moved closer to you. 

She raised her hand up as you did too and you both fist-bumped.

"Is breakfast ready?" She brought her other hand up and poked your torso alternately as you nodded.

"Yeah, two pancakes for now...would have been four, but someone-"

"No need to mention names." Momo cut you off as you shook your head as the two youngest figured what happened as Chaeyoung quickly retrieved a plate. 

"Tzu, you can eat if you want." You questioned Tzuyu shaking her head in response.

"It's fine, I'll eat after." She answered as she had her knife and cutting board ready as Momo placed a few types of fruits on the counter for her to slice.

"Alright, then Chae, here you are." You grabbed your spatula and grabbed one of the pancakes as Chaeyoung came closer and offered her plate. "Now it's just one so far alright." She nodded as you placed it on her plate and she licked her lips at the golden brown and crisp edge of the meal.

"Wow~" She looked at you. "Gamsa (YN)." with a smile.

"No problem Chae, enjoy." She nodded as she went to sit on a chair at the dining table. 

"Are they still up there?" Chaeyoung asked you as you nodded in response.

"Yeah, but don't worry, I know everything is going fine." Chaeyoung smiled at your optimism.  A quality that she very much enjoyed of you. 

Much like Dahyun, no matter what it seems, you always seem to smile and move on, even watching you when you were down in your games, you always were the one to clap and pick your teammates up and drive some confidence in them, even if they made mistakes, you were there to support them.

And now with Chaeyoung and the other girls, she's observed and her herself heard your words to her and them along with lifting them up. How you do it, she didn't know, but she liked it. 

"Ne, I know so too." You nodded at her as Chaeyoung went to take a seat as you overlooked Momo and Tzuyu's progress. Upon getting closer, you stood to the side of Tzuyu as she and Momo noticed and smiled instantly.

------------------------------------------------------

SMALL TIMESKIP

12 MINS LATER

The four members were on their beds as all four endured the silence.

Jihyo kept her back turned but was gazing at the white wall, thinking of all she admitted and taking in what Mina advised.

The other three had glanced at Jihyo here and there.

Sana attempted to read her newly editioned magazines, but she kept her sight on Jihyo more than the other two combined as she wanted to go and comfort or say something to Jihyo, but she didn't know what and figured it's better off if she didn't.

Mina, believe it or not, decided to 'research' about Jihyo's predicament. 

Mina, or anyone of the nine, weren't for crushes or liking someone. They never talk about boys besides Jimin since he was harassing Tzuyu and you by watching you on TV, in fact, the closest thing to romance they ever saw was K-dramas...that's it. So to hear that Jihyo AND Tzuyu have a crush on you was...difficult.

Not having any prior experience or knowledge about this, she went online to find scenarios like this. Turns out, there were quite a few 'my best friend and I like the same guy' or 'I like the same guy as my friend' topics and she decided to read upon them. Most if not all, were to talk to the friend and discuss this and some had a...not so great ending.

But she knew Tzuyu and Jihyo, they weren't just friends, all nine here were sisters. One way or another, she knew that it wasn't going to end badly...right?

Nayeon was thinking ahead with Sana and herself. Sure Jihyo's newfound feelings and Tzuyu was a bump in the plan, but for now, she had figured on what to do with the initial pair. Adding Jihyo and Tzuyu, in her opinion, didn't change the situation much.

Sure she was surprised at the confession, she didn't expect Jihyo to like you like that. Sana and Tzuyu yeah, but Jihyo...well it that didn't change much. 

Had she been herself, she would have asked you out by now. With Sana, Nayeon had to wait till they talk if Sana was serious about you as she was. If so, then Nayeon had some sort of idea; a crazy idea, but one nevertheless. 

A joke of an idea passed through her a few days ago, but she lingered on it, it wasn't unheard of and it might be the only way for her and Sana to be happy.

She hoped that Sana would understand her view once she told her what she thought. 

They weren't just best friends, they each treated the other family, Nayeon can easily say she and the eight bonded more than most can say so hopefully Sana wouldn't find it too crazy.

The thing is with you, she hoped that you liked them in that way as well, but with how you talked about them, promised them certain things and looking out for them...she hoped you didn't see them as 'friends' in mind.

So with an idea in mind, she really needed to talk to Sana and then you. But Jihyo and Tzuyu now introduced, that's another obstacle to hurdle.

And the thought of Jennie was still in her mind, and with just a phone call away, everything can go down so-

KNOCK KNOCK

"Come in," Sana vocalized as the door slightly opened to reveal Jeongyeon's head poking through, gaining the attention of the three's vision.

"Sorry to bother, but both showers are free...and food is about ready too." Jeongyeon alerted as she saw Jihyo's back on her bed. 

"Okay, thanks, Jeong," Mina responded to her as Jeongyeon took a few seconds and brought her hand up and pointed at Jihyo. Mina got the point and raised an 'ok' hand symbol towards Jeongyeon as she nodded in response and closed the door. "Jihyo? You staying or going?"  Jihyo turned her head towards Mina, whose bed was in front of her. "We can eat here if you want?" Mina suggested as Jihyo nodded, but caught the word 'we'. "Then I'll stay as well."

"Mina you don't-"

"I will Jihyo." Mina interrupted her leader as Jihyo surrendered quickly, not wanting to start a dispute. "I'll grab a plate of whatever it is and come back," Mina commanded and stood from her bed as Nayeon and Sana followed suit with their fresh clothing and phones in hand. "I'll be back then." Mina nodded at Sana as Nayeon walked and gazed at Jihyo's back with her gazing and out the door with the two.

SHUT

The door closed with Mina having the hold of the doorknob and turning towards the two with them literally only a foot away from the door and a couple from the railing.

"Guess she's not ready to go down yet."

"Poor Jihyo..." Sana muttered as Nayeon nodded. "What do we do?"

"'We' don't do anything, it's up to Jihyo."

"So that's it?" Nayeon fronted as Mina nodded.

"Gomen you two, as much as we three want to help, this is her's and Tzuyu's situation, it's up to her what to do." Sana and Nayeon knew she was right. It was spot on with what they were having as well.

"Yeah..." Sana muttered as Nayeon nodded in agreement.

"I'll try to talk to her in the meantime. Maybe one on one would be easier than three." Mina folded her arms as the other two nodded.

"So don't come in?" Mina shook her head.

"Not for a bit, I'll text you if something does happen. Maybe hang with (YN) for a bit."

"Alright." Nayeon agreed quickly as Sana nodded as well.

"Okay, well, I'll go get food and explain that she's resting. Enjoy girls." Mina took a step to the left of Sana-

"Mina?" The penguin turned her head to Sana.

"Good luck." Sana voiced as Nayeon nodded.

Mina smiled in return.

"Arigato." With that, Mina resumed walking and went down the stairs as they both heard Mina's name being called by the others

"...Of course we weren't the only ones." Sana turned to Nayeon's low tone as she walked forward as Sana sighed and followed her. 

They both looked over the railing discreetly to see the other members down there with Mina approaching you by the stove conversing as their eyes went towards Tzuyu sitting on the dining table with Chaeyoung, Dahyun, Jeongyeon and Momo talking.

They took a few steps around the corner of the wall to obstruct them as Nayeon turned around.

"I know it's not a good time, but what now Sana?" Nayeon retorted as Sana's expression lowered.

"What now? Nayeon, we still don't know what to do with the two of us. Now there's four. Heck, we could be right about all nine of us crushing on him." Sana waved behind her to showcase the others.

Nayeon eyes swayed to the side, shaking her head while tightening her hold on her clothing in her hands a bit.

"And that's why we have to discuss this." She looked back to Sana hugging her clothing as well, tapping on the soft fabric with her fingers.

"Maybe it's too much hassle at this point."

Nayeon viewed Sana curiously with her response

"Sana I know-"

"Think about it Nay. How can something work between him and one of us? He lives on another continent, can you really just do Facetime and texting? And even then, our time zones and our careers. So even if something does work out here, how is it going to work out afterward?"

Sana explained as she has done before, but Nayeon being Nayeon, was not budging.

"...Well...it ain't impossible."

Sana sighed.

"Nay-"

"Girls?" 

The two jumped in place as Nayeon looked over and Sana turned to see...

"Unnie." "Unnie."

Kim approached the two from her room down the hall on the right of their room as Nayeon stepped towards the side of Sana.

"You two okay?" She asked as they nodded.

"Yeah." "Of course." The two smiled as Kim raised a brow and alternated looks at their smiles and clothes in their hands.

"...You sure?" She asked as Sana and Nayeon turned to one another then back to Kim.

"Yeah, we're-"

"(YN)'s birthday is tomorrow." Nayeon spoke up as Sana turned once more to her, "we were discussing asking you and producer-san if we can do something for him." Nayeon smiled and placed her hands behind her back as Kim looked to Sana who nodded to go along with Nayeon's lie.

Knowing her manager, Sana figured that she wouldn't be suspicious after their behind-the-back plan with the speech.

"Are you serious? Is it really tomorrow?" She asked as Nayeon and Sana nodded once more.

"And we know it's much considering (YN)'s problem, but, we would like to take him somewhere. I know he's not supposed to go out, but since it's his birthday..." Nayeon was pretty convincing Sana thought. "well we're just wondering if-"

"Sure."

Sana and Nayeon were surprised.

"R-Really?" "Yeah?"

"I know the rule, but if it's his birthday, I'm sure one night won't do any harm, however, I can't guarantee we can lock down a place tomorrow," Kim answered as Sana and mostly Nayeon was astonished that Nayeon's quick thinking worked.

"Uh, t-that's okay. it doesn't have to be tomorrow." Nayeon quickly noted as Kim nodded.

"Alright, I'll be sure to message JYP. Any ideas where?" She asked as Sana and Nayeon eyed one another, they had to roll with it.

"We were thinking of just a restaurant. We don't know actually." Sana answered as Kim nodded.

"Easy enough. Yeah, you can do that." Sana and Nayeon couldn't believe that this was going well. "Why didn't you mention this to me sooner? We could have gotten something done tomorrow." 

"..." "..."

"...you just found out didn't you?"

They both nodded as Kim did as well.

"Wendy told us." Sana muttered as she and the others couldn't believe that they knew and not them.

"Wendy? (YN) didn't tell you?" They both shook their heads.

"Maybe he did, but we don't remember."

Kim nodded.

"I see, well then-"

"Unnie?"

Again, another voice interrupted their talk as Kim turned to view Mina and Tzuyu, each holding a bowl of fruit and a plate of pancakes each. Kim smiled at them.

"Hey girls. Are you eating in your rooms?" She asked as Mina nodded.

"For Jihyo. I'm helping." Tzuyu looked at the door as Kim looked the same way and back to Tzuyu.

"She and I are tired," Mina spoke up, "we wanted to eat in our room. We'll bring the plates back."

"That's fine." Kim nodded as Mina looked behind her to recognize Nayeon and Sana still there, she wondered why. "So, Sana and Nayeon told me about (YN)'s birthday tomorrow." Tzuyu and Mina were caught off guard. "I'm sure JYP will allow you girls and him to go out for a night."

Tzuyu smiled as Mina now figured that's why they were talking.

"Gamsa Unnie." Tzuyu respectfully bowed just a bit as Mina figured that's why they were there now.

"Of course. Well, what are you doing tomorrow then?" She turned her head to each pair.

"Oh, just cake, treats, decorations here and there, small like one of ours." Sana quickly answered as Kim affirmed it.

"Well if there's anything you need, just tell me. Okay well, guess-"

"Oh, and Unnie, it's a surprise," Nayeon noted as Kim smiled.

"Sure thing. I won't say anything." They nodded as Kim turned her body towards the stairs, "alright, well I'll see down there." Kim walked past-

"Unnie?" Kim turned back to Sana's voice, "arigato." She gave a head bow as did Nayeon, Mina, and Tzuyu.

"No worries girls. Enjoy your food, Mina. Oh~ looks good." Kim smiled and went down the stairs as the four watched her go midway till Mina took a few steps towards Sana and Nayeon with Tzuyu following after a sec.

"You told her?" She asked.

"We caught her walking out the room." Nayeon lied as Sana went and nodded along as she looked at Tzuyu. "So we figured now was the best time."

"That's good." Tzuyu noted as Nayeon now stared at Tzuyu as well. Knowing that she has feelings for you, this was a bit cumbersome.

"Alright, well...I guess we're gonna go." Sana moved back a bit as Nayeon followed suit.

"Sure, have fun." Mina nodded them off. "But can you get the door please?" She asked one of the two as Nayeon went to open the door just enough for Mina to use her leg to push it more. "arigato." Nayeon nodded.

"Bye." Tzuyu voiced as Sana and Nayeon gave weak smiles and waved at her as Mina and Tzuyu both entered the room...which both of them realized that Tzuyu was with Jihyo now.

Nayeon turned her head as Sana was keeping an eye at the door.

"Should we-"

"No." Sana shook her head. "She'll leave soon, 'we' should go." Nayeon heard and took to Sana's side as they took a few steps to the first bathroom. "And Nayeon...you're right about him." Nayeon smiled, "but with Jihyo and Tzuyu..." Sana looked back at the door and then down to the others and looked at you with Jeongyeon this time, "...you really want to be him that much Nay?" Sana whispered and turned to Nayeon. 

Rather than replying, she grabbed Sana's hand.

"Bathroom."

Sana figured it was a safe bet as she was dragged towards the bathroom by Nayeon as she opened the door and both girls quickly went inside with Nayeon closing the door. Sana's attention was fixated on Nayeon's smile as she turned to Sana.

"Even with them, yeah Sana. I'm telling you right now, I do want to be with (YN)." Sana remained unfazed, "Sure, we've known him for a little over a month, yet there's a lot about him that makes him, unique and..." Nayeon smiled while looking downright, "overall he's simply amazing. I said it before Sana, I'd be dumb to not say anything and honestly, I don't care if we have a long-distance relationship. (YN) is everything that I could want in a guy and I know for a fact, that (YN) would be willing to commit as well. You know how much he cares about us, Sana. He even turned down a chance to be in the NBA for us." Nayeon pointed at herself as Sana stared still, "well sort of, but still a huge step in his dream and he flat out said no Sana, to be here. I know with Tzuyu and Jihyo and everything in between spells troublesome, but you cannot tell me that you're just done. I know that you share the same thoughts I do Sana...right?" 

.

.

.

Both girls gauged one another as Sana eyesight lowered for a few seconds before meeting Nayeon's.

.

.

.

"...I hate that you're right," Sana quietly voiced out as Nayeon gave a warm smile.

"I know it seems scary Sana, but everything will work out."

Sana gave a smile and shook her head.

"...Even if it could Nay, in the end only one of us is with him." 

Nayeon pursed her lips and nodded.

"...That's something to discuss later though, right now, we should be getting ready to go down there and we'll see about Jihyo and after, you and me."

Sana nodded slowly as Nayeon nodded back and placed a hand on Sana's arm and gave a smile at her, a comforting one.

"Everything will be fine Sana. I know it will." Were her last words before turning on her heels and leaving the bathroom and Sana alone.

SHUT

Sana kept her gaze on the door and released a low sigh.

"I hope so Nay...I really do." Sana muttered and turned towards the mirror, eyeing herself and her not so cheerful expression.

Once again, Sana felt in the same position after Jennie finding out about you.

She took a good look in the mirror at herself, everything appeared to spiral; from Jennie knowing you're single and possible thing for you, to Nayeon liking you, Koni's almost physical and every Once's verbal assault and now Tzuyu and Jihyo too...

It was true what Nayeon said about you and this crush she harbored in some way evolved into something else. You were nearly perfect in her eyes and what you did yesterday for her boosted that.

.

.

'Nayeon really wants to be with him...Tzuyu as well...and maybe Jihyo...'

Dating...

Sana had once never thought of dating, even before Sixteen.

As Tzuyu, she wanted to concentrate on being the best idol possible with her vocals, choreography and further her career, not boys.

Not once she had thoughts about a guy like that...till you.

From seeing you on the screen to meeting you, to understanding you and you staying with them, Sana had a very high positive opinion of you, and over time, she could speak the same as Nayeon about you. 

You were vastly different from any guy she acknowledged and a lot about you just clicked right for her.

Especially yesterday. 

What you did was so unique and Sana loved that you went that far for her. 

Simple yet, it meant a lot.

Her crush did make her want to be around you more and she knew that you were here to coach...yet...Sana couldn't help it. Her opinions shifted and it was like Jihyo said, the more she was with, well, the more that 'want' grew.

And to go as far as dating...Sana can honestly say, she wouldn't mind.

She really wouldn't mind being something with you. 

Yet complications are always there and...with a heavy sigh, she thought of Tzuyu and Jihyo. 

Four. 

Four of them like you now. 

She was right about what if the others liked you: she guessed right about Jihyo a few days ago too and glimpses of her staring at you during eating times and guessed Tzuyu as well.

...she couldn't blame them though.

.

.

She shook her head at the mirror. Now wasn't the time to think, she needed to shower and get going, but what she said was true, even if they could, who would you choose to date?

------------------------------------------------------

TIMESKIP - 12 MINS

TWICE DINING ROOM

"So anything different?" Dahyun asked on your right.

"Nope. I'm not reading anything that's different from what your girls match with BlackVelvet." You answered as Dahyun hummed.

Sana and Nayeon arrived not too long after their talk as their shower were quick and they joined you five and Kim, each one grabbing a couple of pancakes as Momo and Chaeyoung took over flipping the rest of the pancakes while you read Sun's documents on Kim's laptop on the island table near them. Time passed enough for each girl to have at least one or a couple as you waited till the end for them to eat first.

Before Kim sat down though, you asked her what Sun called you for.

So Kim went back up and brought her laptop and true enough, she found an email from the K-ball hosts. She clicked the link and the document attached as the file downloaded and once it did, opened to a 12-page documentation.

Kim apologized for missing it as she and JYP were busy discussing some material about some opportunities for Twice during the K-ball and after. Yes even while Twice on break they were still working. 

The best part of the file, it was typed in English for you. 

That was something you needed to thank Sun for.

"So no changes?" Chaeyoung asked now being your left holding a spatula. 

"None that I see. It's going to be four quarters, eight mins each so thirty-two minutes in total. Seven timeouts...yeah pretty much the same as an NBA match."

"Cool." "Sweet."

"(YN) how are these?" Momo asked you as you approached Momo on the stove while Dahyun went to sit with the Kim at the head of the table, Nayeon and Jeongyeon sitting on one side and Sana with Tzuyu on the other with Dahyun taking a seat by Sana....then...

"Sorry, but Momo, Chae, (YN), can you come here for a few minutes." Kim spoke up as everyone turned to her holding her phone in front of her.

"Sure, put them on low," you asked of Momo and Chaeyoung as they did so. "What's up Kim?" You asked as you three followed her order and went towards the table with the rest of the girls sitting as Kim put the phone out and pressed the screen.

"Okay sir, you're on speaker."

Kim placed the phone close to the middle of the table.

"Hello everyone."

Based on 'sir' and the voice...

"Hi producer-san!" "Hey." "Hello~" "Ohayo~"

All spoke some response as you stared at the phone.

"Hello everyone. Now I can't be on for long, and sorry for the sudden interruption but I imagine I have an idea for (YN) and you ten to be promoted AND have (YN) gain some good public view."

Each girl looked curious and some leaned forward.

"What is it?" Sana asked.

"Well, this depends on (YN). (YN)?"

JYP called as the girls turned to you.

"Hey, I'm here sir." You spoke up.

"Great, I have to ask (YN). Do you like playing with kids?"

"..."

"..."

"..."

Silence took over as each member gave a weird look at each other or at the phone.

Kim shook her head at the poor choice of words.

"Sir...you, uh, might want to rephrase what you said." You responded.

"Rephrase? Why would-...oh...oh god, I-I didn't mean it like that-what I meant was-"

"Should I take over sir?" Kim asked.

"That's probably for the best Kim...sorry I-*sigh*...please explain."

You smiled and shook your head at his sorrow.

"What he means is that we were thinking of hosting a training camp for one day with you and Twice," Kim explained.

"Oh, that makes much more sense now sir." You spoke loudly for JYP to relax.

"Traning camp?" Sana asked.

 "A training camp is essentially a larger version of what the ten of us have been doing." You explained to the girls, "some NBA players do this in their city with a bunch of kids or teens over the summer. They mostly just goof off, train, and just talk as they hang with their fans."

"So a fan meet mixed with training?" Dahyun figured.

"Exactly," Kim answered. "We figured it would not only be a good PR boost for (YN), but a fun event for you girls as well," Kim added and looked around...the girls didn't look as interested as she hoped.

"You know they won't come for (YN) right?" Nayeon put her opinion on the table as Kim nodded. "It's obvious most if not, all are going to come just for us." All the girls nodded with Nayeon's point.

"And you're right, but we're working out the kinks as to how it can go on. The only good thing is that we're thinking of only kids so they wouldn't have a bias towards (YN)."

The girls weren't too keen on the idea of being in public again. Sonto immediately came upon all their minds after that idea of having something social.

"...what's the other idea?" Jeongyeon asked.

"Well, remember Rain? The girl that interviewed you girls a bit after (YN) got here?" JYP asked through the phone as the girls looked at one another for someone to answer...

"Oh." They each looked at you, "it was that new reporter lady. Remember that day when Sun explained to us about the K-ball and you had to go get some checkups after."

Some of the members had a realization as they 'ah' or nodded.

"I remember her." "Now I do." "Oh yeah."

"The one who bad-mouthed you," Nayeon added as you sighed.

"Nayeon, she didn't say anything bad. She's was just saying what the people thought."

"They're wrong," Tzuyu added her voice as the others turned to her.

"I remember you were angry Tzu. Who knew our princess could snap like that~" Momo leaned forward as Tzuyu looked at you and shrugged.

Each girl gave a small smile, but Sana and Nayeon kept a poker look as they noticed her looking at you.

"Right, well I have contacted her and she agreed to do an interview with (YN). But it's (YN)'s decision to attend if he wants."

"What will she ask?" Chaeyoung questioned.

"Don't worry Chaeyoung. It'll be normal questions. Plus it'll only be (YN) and Rain together so you don't have to worry."

"We can come too right?" Dahyun asked quickly.

"Of course. However, you'll be at the sideline while (YN) is taking the interview. She'll ask questions to get to know (YN) better and knowing AllKPop, they'll throw some questions regarding you and the girls."

Confused reactions were around.

"What do you mean by that?" You asked.

"How you and the girls are interacting and stuff like that. She'll probably ask some private stuff, but we'll see if it does happen." Kim answered as the girls looked at her, to the phone, to you.

"And when will any of those two be?" Jeongyeon sought.

"As we said, it's just ideas we planned that would be beneficial to you ten." JYP continued, "but we're not forcing you to do something. However, there will be some projects for you girls specifically later down the road. Won't say what it is yet, but be prepared."

Each girl was curious, but knowing JYP or manager-unnie, they won't get zip from them.

"Oh producer-san?" Chaeyoung spoke up, "we saw that you locked down the comments. Gamsahabnida."

"Gamsa~" "Arigato~" Most of the others joined as Kim frowned slightly. 

Both her and JYP have seen an immediate response. They were as expected and even if the fans knew it was bothering the girls, they were still at it. 

But the girls were bothered and well they couldn't let that keep up. There was no win-win scenario, but even Kim had a hard time reading what people thought of you and she couldn't blame the girls for wanting to do something to end it.

"You're very welcome girls. Oh, before I forget, how's the speech coming along?" He asked.

"We worked a bit on it, but it's not finished." Sana answered as Kim eyed the rest of them. She didn't think this speech was a great idea considering what was going on, but what can she do.

"No worries Sana, just let Kim know and we'll proofread when it's time."

"Hai producer-san!"

"Hehe, alright then, I'll leave you girls and (YN) be then. Thanks for the time and goodbye everyone!"

"Annyeong!" "Annyeong producer-san!" "Bye!"

The call ended and left Kim's home screen up as she collected her phone.

"You know girls, I think I'm going to head to my room." Kim stood up from her seat, "I'm going to take a nap. (YN) and Momo, thanks for the food and you can keep the laptop for more reading." You nodded as Momo smiled at the compliment."

"Bye Unnie," "Thanks Unnie!" "Annyeong." The girls waved her off as she nodded back going up the stairs and leaving you and the girls alone.

"So...when's training (YN)?" Nayeon asked immediately as they turned to you.

"In a couple of hours for the food to go down and settle." Nayeon pouted as she was raring to go now, "So we have a couple of hours to kill, what do you girls want to do?" You asked the group as they looked at one another for an answer.

"Oh!" Chaeyoung rose her hand, "let's play Mario Party! It's long enough for the two hours."

The others nodded in agreement and smiled at her suggestion.

"Sure." "Ok." "Yeah." "It has been a while."

"(YN)?" Chaeyoung asked you specifically as you nodded.

"YAY!" Chaeyoung yelped as she dashed off starting the game up as you and the other six smiled at her enthusiasm and followed her into the living room, settling on the couches as Chaeyoung moved some stuff around under the TV. Those who were still eating (Dahyun, Sana, Nayeon and Tzuyu) brought their plates with them.

You sat on your main three-seated couch as Momo on your left and Nayeon on your right. Sana and Tzuyu were to the left of a two-seat couch and Jeongyeon went to the lone on the right you with Dahyun aiding Chaeyoung fixing the cables while leaving her plate on the coffee table.

"So I know Mario Party is four players, so do we just pass the remotes around?" You asked towards the left as the three nodded.

"This Mario Party has eight players." Chaeyoung picked up and showed off a copy of Mario Party 7.

"Really? Eight players? Cool."

"Guessing you haven't played this one?" Dahyun asked as you shook your head.

"I haven't played any of them before. I know it's minigames and getting stars through." The girls look towards you, even Chaeyoung and Dahyun stopped.

"You've never played Mario Party?" Momo asked as the others looked at your head shaking.

"...well, first time for everything." Jeongyeon spoke up as that reminded them of not much you didn't do during your childhood. 

"That's great! Now your first will be with us!" Chaeyoung stood up and placed the Wii on the coffee table...along with...

"Gamecube controllers?" You asked as she passed one to you.

"Yup, that's what we're using." She said as Dahyun connected the cables to the Wii. "It's super easy to know the controls. Don't worry." You nodded and flicked the analog sticks and pressed the buttons. 

(AN: I know there's the switch and stuff, but honestly those Mario parties aren't that great. My fav was 7 so yeah)

"Cool, so...how do we team up?" You asked...wasn't a great idea.

"I call (YN)!" "Dids on (YN)!" "I'm his partner." "I got (YN)!"

Four different shouts were heard as the four looked at one another.

"Oh come on girls~ I'm sure (YN) here would want me as a partner~ Right (YN)~" Momo hugged your arm as you knew this was a deathtrap.

"Ah Momo, I think I can be a better partner for (YN)." Nayeon placed a hand on her chest while giving a smug look as Momo glared.

"Well too bad!" Momo grasped your arm and pulled you towards her, "he's mine."

"Uh, no. (YN)? Surely you want me as your partner right~?" Nayeon smiled and pointed at herself, refusing a no to answer. "Yes or yes?"

Sana shook her head at the double meaning there.

"I think you girls are forgetting that if (YN) wants to win, it's me." Chaeyoung pointed at herself as she stood in front of you.

"Chae this game is all luck and I for one think I'm the luckiest one here~" Dahyun smiled and looked towards you.

Jeongyeon, Sana and Tzuyu all remained quiet as Sana, who would have said something a well, stared at Tzuyu on her right who was looking at you, knowing that she was silently hoping to be picked, she didn't blame her. Jeongyeon remained quiet as well...but that didn't mean that she wanted you as well.

"Well...uh...why don't we draw teams again like this morning?" You proposed as the four girls trying to get you pouted. "That seems fair right?" You looked towards the four.

"Oh come on..." "Mph..." "Ugh..." 

"Alright...wait, I'll be right back." Chaeyoung quickly went up the stairs as the girls turned towards the stairs to watch her go up to...the four member's room rather than her own.

You went to make some drawing cards for the teams as Momo went after you and continued to convince you to be with her with some poking at your sides as you ignored her and maintained your work.

This didn't go unnoticed by some, but the girls kept their eyes upon the stairs as they saw the door open, whether from Chaeyoung or the two inside they didn't know, as Chaeyoung then went into the room after a few seconds.

"She went inside?" Nayeon asked as the others kept their gaze as they hear Momo complaining to you and you either laughing or saying 'this is fair'.

A few moments later and the door opened again as Chaeyoung reappeared and closed it behind her. After, she descended down the stairs and close to the others.

"What happened?" Dahyun asked.

"They both said thanks, but they didn't want to join. They were both in bed on their phones. I went to Jihyo, gave her a hug, and asked how she was. She said a whole lot better. Mina said she's staying to be with her."

"That's great." "Good." A couple said as most smiled.

Nayeon and Sana knew otherwise as Chaeyoung made her around the main couch, taking a spot on Nayeon's right while Dahyun was putting the game up.

"Anything else?" Tzuyu asked as Chaeyoung shook her head.

"Just that she's sorry for what happened and to have fun." Chaeyoung finished as the others smiled.

"At least she's feeling better," Jeongyeon announced as you and Momo came back as Momo had a pout and sat down, evidently failing in getting you.

"We'll let her and Mina be then. Alright, youngest first?" You asked as you turned to Tzuyu who gave a smile at you.

------------------------

ONE DRAWING LATER

"I told you I was lucky~" Dahyun was on your close right as she smiled at you, her partner.

"We got this Dahyun." You raised a hand as you and Dahyun high-five one another.

The others leered and pouted at you two as you then looked around and saw their reactions and chuckled.

"Oh come on girls, it's fair." Dahyun spoke up as they sighed or 'hmph' Dahyun's remark.

"You wouldn't be saying that if (YN) wasn't your partner," Momo remarked as Dahyun rolled her eyes. "Whatever, Chae and I will win this," Momo started as Chaeyoung nodded. "You'll regret not choosing me (YN)," Momo added as you smiled.

"Na-ah~ I think Jeong and I got this." Sana proudly said as she hugged Jeongyeon's side, as Jeongyeon awkwardly laughed.

"Hey, I think Tzuyu and I can win! Right Tzu~" Nayeon sang to her as Tzuyu remained stoic, but nodded.

"Alright, Chae, start it." Chaeyoung nodded as she quickly set the game up.

Everyone had to pick their characters first and talked with their partner about if they should match or just pick anyone.

It ended up with...

You picked Dry Bones and Dahyun took Boo.

Momo chose Peach while Chaeyoung selected Toad.

Tzuyu pulled Daisy while Nayeon chose Luigi.

Sana picked Toadette while Jeongyeon chose Yoshi.

After deciding Grand Canal as the map, putting 30 turns, no bonus stars, Toadsworth explaining the rules, it was time to figure out what the order with the first four rolling.

Momo got a 9 as Chaeyoung and her high fived.

Tzuyu got a 2 as Nayeon and her shrugged.

Sana got an 8 as Jeongyeon and her high five as well.

"Wait (YN), I roll the high numbers~ just watch~," Dahyun said confidently as you shrugged and handed her the remote as she pressed A.

She rolled a 1...and Dahyun's face just dropped as the others laughed.

"Ah yes, one is a very high number indeed~," A teasing Nayeon said as Dahyun growled.

"It's fine Dahyun, don't worry." You said as Dahyun smiled a bit. "Alright, let's do this."

==========================================

MEANWHILE

IN THE USA

Flick

Your aunt turned off the main lights in her room and followed the reading light that was just above and to the side of her head as she finished up her nightly necessities. 

Upon laying down on her bed, she inserted the charger into her phone and placed it on the bedside table...until something caught her eye.

A heavy sigh was heard as she reached out and took a photo frame into her hands and brought it close to her.

It was a picture of you and a woman hugging as both were smiling as your aunt hovered a hand over the woman's face.

"Your son is growing up sis. A bit too fast in my opinion, but he's growing in the right direction." She smiled. "It doesn't surprise me what he's accomplishing, I mean he is your son. God how I wish I could have seen his face when I told him about that offer. How I wish you were here to hear that as well...maybe you were..." Your aunt frowned. "...Oh (Mother's Name), how I wish you here now. Three years and it hurts just as much still...we both miss you, deeply."

"I know you didn't want us to be stuck in these thoughts and feelings, but it's tough, it really is. But (YN) and I are getting through, slowly but...well, slowly. I'm sorry I won't be with him for his birthday, but at least he's got the girls to be with. Who would have ever thought that huh sis?" Your aunt looked at your mom's pic for a few seconds before giving a soft smile. "I know what's happening over there isn't right, but he's happy. Very much happy with them. Honestly, the happiest since...well he's pushing on with them at their side and I should as well. I love you, sis. We both do. We always will. Good night." 

Your aunt pressed a hand over her lips as she then pressed the same hand over your mom's pic as she took a deep inhale and exhales to calm herself. 

Taking in the sight, she placed the frame back on the bedside table as she flicked a switch on the wall, to the left of her to turn off the small reading light above (not the main lights).

Darkness took over as your aunt pulled the sheets up to her chest and with arms out as she laid on the pillow and let her eyes shut, her mind filled with memories of her, her sister, and you.

=============================================

MEANWHILE/TIMESKIP

TWICE'S DORM - Living room

It was turn 12 as Chaeyoung used an item to roll two dice, a 5 and an 8 as Toad made his way on the spaces and luckily for Chae and Momo...

"Oh, a Boo!" "Yes!" 

Everyone else groaned, especially Sana and Jeongyeon.

Boos could steal coins or a star, but you had to pay a price that Chaeyoung had enough money to spend it on as she pressed the A button for a star.

"Are you kidding?" "Great..." 

"Wait, Chae," Momo spoke up as the others looked to see her whispering into Chae's ear...

as Chaeyoung smiled and both turned to you.

"What?"

"Good idea Momo." Chaeyoung turned to the TV.

You didn't like that.

Sana and Jeongyeon had 2 stars and everyone figured Chaeyoung would take theirs...until the cursor went towards Dry Bone's name.

"Wait why-"

Click

You turned towards the screen as Boo went and was on top of Dry Bones, ready to take your and Dahyun's only star.

You both slowly turned to Chae who had a smile.

"What the heck Chae!" Dahyun shouted.

"We're not even in first place!" You raised your hands in disbelief. "They are!"

"Yeah, but now we're going against you," Chaeyoung spoke back as Momo smirked. "Momo and I have agreed to get you. That's for not choosing us!"

You and Dahyun were in shambles as you turned to Dahyun who had the same expression and then to the others as they stifled their smiles. 

You turned back to Chaeyoung and Momo.

"Okay, I see how it is." Rather than a sad tone, you had vengeance. "What do you think Dahyun?"

"I think this means war (YN). We're coming after you two now." Dahyun glared as you nodded. You both sounded serious as Chaeyoung and Momo smirked back; Nayeon and Tzuyu smiled while Sana and Jeongyeon stifled her laughter.

"Heh, well bring it on you two~" Momo winked at you as both pairs started as a new rivalry.

======================================================

MEANWHILE

AT A PRIVATE GYM

"Huff...huff...huff..." A lone person was on the bleachers as she was cleaning her sweat off with a cold towel.

"Here Chear."

Chearyoung looked up to Soyeon, G-Idle's leader and teammate of hers, extending her arm with a blue bottle as Chaeryoung set the towel down.

"Thanks...Soy." Chaeryoung gladly took the chilly bottle as she opened and quenched her thirst.

"You're working hard Chaer." Minnie, G-Idle member, spoke up from behind Soyeon.

"A bit too much." Yuna joined as one by one, each member joined the huddle around Chaeryeong.

"Yeah Chaer, you're beating everyone in everything. Your point guards are supposed to get the assists." Soyeon pointed at herself as Shuha and Miyeon (all three G-idle) agreed with her. "But really, you shouldn't push yourself." She added as everyone else agreed.

"Well she's got good reason. We're up against Cosmic Girls tomorrow. Plus with Twice and BlackVelvet working hard as well. You saw their match and they're only getting better." Lia brought up. 

"Yeah, but we're much better than all three of them." Ryujin delivered as the others smiled and some nodded.

"We can take them all." Yuqi, G-idle, smirked as the other hummed in agreement as Chaeryeong smiled.

"Well maybe we should call for a match against those two as well." They all looked to Chaeryeong. 

"Do you think we can?" Yeji asked as Chaeryeong shrugged.

"I mean why not? It's good practice for us all." She informed while swaying her head at each girl who all gauged her expression if she was joking. 

"She is right." Soojin pointed out. "They are the top two teams to beat."

"A lot of experience right there," Yuna added.

"Having a huddle without me ladies?" 

They all turned towards that last voice as their coach was approaching them.

"Ms. Park." "Annyeong." 

All welcomed her as Ms. Park gave a warm smile.

Park Ha-na, G-Izty's coach AND pro basketball player. A 5'9 Gaurd for the Samsung Life Blueminx AND a member of the South Korea Women's National basketball team.

It was a long shot, but when she heard about the K-ball being announced along with coaches being needed, she called right away about if there were any possible positions for her to be with a team.

The season for her team was over and with no upcoming tournaments to attend, she figured this could be a nice opportunity for her for fun and expand her basketball knowledge as a player.

...plus she's a major fan of K-pop so this is a perfect way to be near lots of idols...hey don't judge, you'd do it in a heartbeat as well.

So when Cube Entertainment called for her assistance for G-Idle and that they were teaming up with ITZY...well, she couldn't say no.

"Amazing work girls. Especially you Chaeryoung." Chaeryoung nodded. "But don't burn yourselves too hard. We do have a match tomorrow against Cosmic Girls. Oh, I can't wait to meet them." Each girl chuckled at her excitement as Hana then cleared her throat, "a-and beat them of course." The girls smiled at their coach's excitement, she almost fainted upon seeing Itzy, it was no secret that she loved K-pop. "Anyway, you all deserve a break, we'll continue in 30 mins; train for another 30 mins and then we'll stop for the day." She stated as the girls nodded.

"Ms. Park?" Chaeryoung rose her hand as she nodded, "what do you think about us going against Twice or BlackVelvet after Cosmic?" All the girls looked at her smile forming.

"I-is that possible?" She asked in a hopeful tone as the girls felt her happiness growing.

"Us Itzy could ask Twice. I guess we could ask BlackVelvet through them." Yuna answered as Hana hummed.

"Yes, oh yes please." The girls giggled as Hana hunched in place. "uh mianhae girls, didn't mean to get excited."

"No worries." "It's okay." "We understand."

Hana let out a breath to calm down.

"Anyway, it would be very beneficial for us, if it's okay with those two then sure. But let's not push ourselves too hard alright?" The girls smiled and nodded at her answer, "good, now all of you rest. Soyeon, Shuha and Miyeon let's talk plays in the meantime." The three girls nodded and followed their coach as the rest sat or laid on the bleachers for a break.

"This is going to be fun." Yuna said as the others left nodded.

------------------------------------------------------------

MEANWHILE/TIMESKIP

23 minutes later

TWICE DORM - Four member room

Mina was on her bed playing a new game as she downloaded quite a few games on her phone, one of them being Arknights, a tower defense game that used these operators to fend off bad guys from getting to their objective. It was popular on the first couple of days and she decided to play it out while taking care of- 

"Mina?" Mina spun her body around to witness Jihyo sitting up on her bed. "I'm sorry." Jihyo looked down as Mina, shut her game off, and got up to sit by Jihyo.

"Please don't be Jihyo." Jihyo sighed softly and tilted her head to Mina's easy-going and soft expression. "It's okay." Jihyo nodded slowly. 

"...I over-exaggerated didn't I?"

"I don't blame you." Mina gave a soft smile as Jihyo's eyes wandered down again. Mina's frown appeared as she went and readjusted herself to sit by Jihyo, both shoulder to shoulder. 

"How are you feeling?"

Jihyo hunkered down more.

"...Worried."

Mina quickly put an arm around her leader and placed her head near hers.

"I know, I know. But everything will be okay Jihyo."

"Will it? I don't know how or what to do Mina..." Mina rubbed her shoulder in comfort.

"...Do you really truly like him Jihyo?"

Mina observed Jihyo's fingers curling in and out and the side of her face as she kept her sight glued to the bed. "...I attempted to convince myself that I don't. But the more time I try, the more I unconvincing I sounded." Jihyo looked right at Mina," (YN) is...he's extraordinary Mina...he really is..."

Mina nodded.

"I can agree." Mina saw the right corner of Jihyo's lips rise just slightly. "Jihyo, I want to show you something."

Mina took her phone out and quickly swapped it to the browser as a page showed up. "Here, read this. I think this could be what you have." Mina showed the phone towards Jihyo as Jihyo turned.

The Admiration Crush: When you idolize a person you may realize that you have really intense feelings about that per-

Jihyo stopped reading and looked away.

"It's not that...trust me. That doesn't explain the moments (YN) and I had before." Mina stared for a couple of seconds before turning her phone off.

"Then tell me why you don't think it's that," Mina asked as Jihyo averted her sight to the right at Mina. "You sort of gave an explanation for (YN), but...what about him is there that you...like?"

Jihyo sighed. She figured it was pointless to stay silent...

"...We would see each other and have small talk, small though, but what was so amazing to me is how he would just be so interested in what I have to say and not like a Once who blasts questions on everything about me or want to know every detail about me. Our conversations were slow and meaningful for each topic and it made my time interesting. He wanted to know me as a friend rather than a celebrity. He genuinely wanted to know me like me to him and I feel comfortable talking to him about anything...I mean anything Mina."

Mina gave a small smile as Jihyo poured it out.

"But besides that, the more I understood him, the more of a person I knew him to be, inside and out. And the similarities of us two, us nine, I don't know if it's him himself or what's he been through, but I can relate to him." Mina nodded. "The ones that stood out were his sense of leadership, intelligence, his morale, attitude towards life, how supportive and caring he can be...and he's mature about his life and future and...he's just turning nineteen tomorrow and he's accomplished so much even with all that he's been through...and that's that just part of it...and it makes me more afraid that the longer I'm with him, the more I'll feel for him."

"Jihyo, you don't know that."

"I don't, and that's why I'm scared. I know it was in a dream, but...the emotions I felt when we were..." Jihyo scrunched up her basketball shorts, "I didn't break what we did, heck I embraced it, I started it and...and...god it felt wonderful Mina. Even his words made me feel different things go through me as I listened." 

"..."

"I couldn't help it; his softly spoken words, his eyes gazing at mine, the way he complimented not just my looks, but the type of person I was, it was too much. And that's why I fear if I'm with him longer, my feelings will expand...he's just...he's incredible..."

Jihyo expressed her experience and Mina figured that Jihyo was telling the truth and that this was how she really felt but because of Tzuyu, she's trying to block it. Then again, like Tzuyu, this is a new experience for Jihyo as well.

It's a crazy brand new experience.

"And honestly Mina, I'm pretty sure I had these feelings wrapped up for a while. Maybe Momo was right back then...maybe that's why I asked for him to coach us. Maybe I did a crush on him way back...I don't know."

Mina looked at her with a disconcerted look. She did state to the others she wanted you to be with them, but that was because of how great you were...right? 

"I thank you for comforting me Mina. And Nayeon and Sana for helping...thank you."

"Of course we'd help you Jihyo, we're here to help you no matter what."

After that, Jihyo moved her head to make contact with Mina's body for close comfort. 

"...just listen Jihyo, you're not hurting Tzuyu by liking him you know. Unless these feelings you have become stronger...well at that point, you're gonna have to say something. But right now though, it sounds like you're the same as Tzuyu from what you told us, wanting to be around him too. And that's fine, but you can't ignore (YN) nor drop these feelings you have for Tzuyu's sake. You care for her a lot and want her to be happy, but I can say the same about her to you Jihyo and I'm telling you now that if she knew about you liking him...she'd understand and will WANT you to be with him."

"..."

Jihyo didn't know how to reply to that.

'Something more...with (YN)...'

"...and I don't blame you Jihyo, (YN) is a great guy."

"...too great." Mina gave a small smile at Jihyo's remark. "and you're right...I can't ignore (YN). I'll be okay Mina. I'll be okay."

"Of course. Cheer up Jihyo okay? If you need to let it out or talk, the three of us are here for you anytime." Mina finished as Jihyo nodded. 

She loved her family so much...

Mina released her grasp from Jihyo and stood-

"Wait." Mina stopped, "can you...stay please?" Jihyo asked of her. Mina complied and sat right back down.

"Of course, would you like to watch something?" Mina pulled her phone out.

"Anything..."

"Okay. Give me a minute." And so Mina went to youtube to find a video of something and while Jihyo watched, Tzuyu and you were flooding into her mind and she hoped that Mina can distract her with something.

Speaking of them...

-------------------------------------------------------

TURN 30

LAST TURN

Things didn't go your or Dahyun's way.

In first was Chaeyoung/Momo with five stars, you/Dahyun with four while Sana and Jeongyeon with three as Nayeon and Tzuyu had two.

And with no bonus stars, this seemed it with the last turn of the game as Sana and Jeongyeon were moving. 

"I can't believe it..." Dahyun muttered as you shrugged.

"Eh, we tried."

"We could have won." Dahyun leaned back in her seat. 

"But you didn't~" Momo teased as Dahyun glared at Momo and you shook your head.

"Yeah, we weren't lucky enough to roll 8 through 10 three times in a row. Whose that lucky?!" Dahyun raised her hands up as the rest laughed. "Cheaters..."

"I thought you were the lucky one~" Chaeyoung scrunched her face at Dahyun as Dahyun pouted. "See (YN), if you chose me, we would have won together~" Chaeyoung danced in her seat as you sighed.

"Hey guys, remember it's just a game." Jeongyeon pointed at the four.

"Just a game...mumble mumble" Dahyun muttered softly as no one could hear what she was saying under her breath.

"At least we had fun huh Tzu?" Nayeon nudged her elbow at Tzuyu's arm.

"How is being last fun Unnie?" Tzuyu replied as Nayeon pouted and folded her arms.

"You could have agreed...not our fault we landed in every single bad spot on the board..."

"Well, I'm happy with third. You Jeong?" Sana smiled at her partner as Jeongyeon nodded. 

"Right Sana, at least we weren't at each other's throats." She said as Yoshi landed on a blue space, ending their turn and the start of yours.

"What do we do (YN)?" Dahyun asked as you shrugged.

"I don't know what we can-" Then a realization hit you. "Wait."

You pressed the map button as Chaeyoung giggled.

"Hehe~ (YN) the star is on the other siiii...oh god..."

Momo and Chaeyoung grimaced as you and Dahyun perched up.

"It's a Boo!" Dahyun pointed as you smiled and the other four girls looked at you both.

"And we have enough coins to take a star." You turned to Dahyun. "We need a seven! Who's first?" You asked as Dahyun took the remote and pressed A quickly.

"Four. Okay (YN), you need a three." She handed you the remote as the other six perched up.

"Give him something else please..." Momo prayed as the other girls stared.

"Three, three, three..." Dahyun muttered while hiding her face except for her eyes.

"I hope he gets a three." Nayeon leaned forward, hands rose in front of her head

"Nayeon!" "Nay!" Chaeyoung and Momo complained to their older sister. 

"What? I'm on (YN)'s side." Nayeon sided as Tzuyu nodded. 

Chaeyoung and Momo pouted.

"You two are mean..."

You pressed the L button as (your character) jumped and...

.

.

"THREE!" "Oh no..." "Wow..." "Well..." "Yes!" "Jesus..."

You then were lunged on the side as Dahyun hugged you.

"Yes (YN)! We're gonna win!"

You were silent and grinning as Dry Bones moved and landed on the Boo space as a Boo appeared and asked to steal a star or coins.

"One star please," you asked and pressed the A button as the menu showed the three teams from whom you wanted to steal.

"Uh...(YN)?" Chaeyoung muttered.

You slowly turned to Chaeyoung and Momo as their perplexed expressions said it all.

"Hmm?" You hummed.

"We made a great mistake..." Momo muttered.

"Yeah, you did," Dahyun said to the side of you.

"Is there anything we can-"

"Nope." Dahyun and you both answered at the same time.

"..."

"..."

.

.

"GIVE ME THE CONTROLLER (YN)!"

"CHAE NO!"

Chaeyoung suddenly tackled you and reached for the controller as her arms were around your neck, reaching for the controller on the backside of you as she got on her knees onto the cushion and literally was on top of you.

"GIVE IT!"

"NO! Dahyun!"

"I'm trying-MOMO!" Momo then jumped behind the couch and reached for your hands as Dahyun did the same and held Momo's hands over the controller as the four of you were in a struggle to get the remote.

Jeongyeon, Sana, and Nayeon were laughing while Chaeyoung was literally climbing you to get the remote.

"Wow..." Jeongyeon muttered.

"S-hehe-should we tell them they unplugged the controller hehe." Sana pointed at the now unplugged cord as it was flailing around the floor in front of you four as Jeongyeon shook her head laughing as well.

"Give it a minute hehe~" Jeongyeon held a finger up as Sana hummed and saw the struggle.

"(YYYYNNNN)! Pllllleeeeaaaasssseeee!" 

"Chae! You caused this!" 

"Momo let go!" 

"Never!"

The four of you were grabbing the controller in your hands, outstretched behind you as you felt the hands of the girls on yours, grasping your fingers off in vain as you were too strong for them.

"Okay, I think that's enough." Jeongyeon then stood up as Sana giggled at her going around the couch and behind Momo and Dahyun.

She reached out and grabbed their shoulders, prompting the two to look back and see Jeongyeon.

"That's enough kids." She said to the two as they pointed at each other.

"But-" "They-"

"No, it's just a game. Just stop before someone gets hurt."

Momo pouted as Dahyun shrugged while Chaeyoung was still attacking you, tapping any button on the controller."

"I want to win (YN)!" 

"So do I Chae!" 

Jeongyeon rolled her eyes. Who knew that you would be this childish as well.

"Chae, Chae, enough, that's enough." Jeongyeon, same as Momo and Dahyun, seized Chaeyoung's right shoulder causing her to look towards the hand and arm then face of Jeongyeon. "Let go, Chae, come on, he landed on the space fair and square. Let's not get hurt over this."

You looked up as well as Chaeyoung pouted and you heard her groaned. 

"Ugh...fine..." Chaeyoung leaned back and let her arms back, but held onto your shoulders as you brought your arms and controller forward over your head. "I can't believe it..."

"Chae, come on now, it was a good game." You smiled at her pout.

"Of course you'd say that since you won..." her pout shifted just slightly.

"Not yet~" You said back as Chaeyoung glared and punched you right on the left pec.

"Meanie..."

"Can we finish the game?" Surprisingly Tzuyu spoke up as all the members look at her. Both Nayeon and Sana figured she had enough watching.

"Yeah, sorry." You said as Tzuyu nodded and looked towards the TV.

"Uh, Chae...I think that means you can get off him now." Nayeon spoke up since Chaeyoung was, in simple terms, still straddling you.

You and Chaeyoung took notice really quick at the situation and stifled just slightly and cannot believe she was caught in another awkward position with you.

"Uh, r-right..." 

She raised her left leg over you using your shoulders as support and sat down on your left, looking downwards and lips pursed as you weren't as embarrassed as she was, but it was still there.

The other girls didn't say a word as they each presumed to let it go without having another incident like last time, even Momo didn't say a word, though it was tempting.

The three girls behind the couch came around as Chaeyoung kept her sight averted as Momo patted her back.

"It's okay Chae, we tried."

"...yeah." Chaeyoung muttered as Jeongyeon reconnected the controller and it was back to the star stealing menu.

"Well Dahyun, you want to do it?" You asked her while offering her the remote.

"You do it (YN), besides, it's a perfect ending to your first time." She pushed the remote towards your body.

"You sure?" She nodded as you nodded back, "alright." You pressed the A button and the animation of the pink boo happened as Momo and Chaeyoung pouted at the -1 star and a few seconds later +1 to you and Dahyun leaving you in the first place.

You both smiled as the other two frowned, leaving the four other members to smile at their misery...even Tzuyu gave a faint one.

With the last minigame played, to which no one really put any effort, the game ended as the ending speech and results were being said...

Nayeon / Tzuyu - 4th

Sana / Jeongyeon - 3rd

Momo / Chaeyoung - 2nd

and a minute later,  you and Dahyun raised both hands up as you two were announced the winners. 

Dahyun / You - 1st

Dahyun getting a bit excited lunged at you and hugged your side.

"We did it (YN)!"

You returned the hug with one arm around Dahyun.

"Yeah we did."

You then turned to Momo and Chaeyoung pouting as they were one turn away.

"Come on girls, it was a fun game."

"He's right. It was fun and competitive." Dahyun added as the two gave pouts.

"Alright then," you figured they would get over it soon as you sat up and went forward to your phone on the coffee table, to check the time, "2:32, perfect, girls, it's time for sessions to start," each one, even Momo and Chaeyoung gave a smile quickly. Nayeon having the biggest one of the group, as you turned to her. "Nayeon, I'll be waiting outside alright?"

"Ne!"  

"Everyone else, be ready."

"Hai!" "Ne!" Each girl sounded or nodded.

---------------------------------------------

MEANWHILE

IN THE US

(Your City)

While it was getting into the afternoon on your side, it was getting late at that states where at this moment in a bedroom inside a home back in your city, around your neighborhood, a boy was on his bed as his eyes were straining at viewing his laptop for a while now.

KNOCK KNOCK

"Honey? You still up?"

"Yes mom. You can come in by the way."

SQUEAK

The door opened to reveal a slender woman with long, blonde hair entering his room.

"Honey we have to get up early tomorrow."

"I know mom, but I can't sleep." She then walked her way towards her son as he paused his video.

"Out of excitement or nervousness?"

"Both. It's a big step for me."

His mom gave a warm smile.

"Well college is a momentous event in your life. Trust us, we are too (FN). And not just you, but the other graduates as well. Including (YN). But don't worry, it's orientation." (FN) stayed still. "You still have lots of time before choosing where to go."

(FN) shook his head.

"Not a lot of options though..."

His mom came closer and sat on the bed near him.

"Hey, those who declined you are idiotic. They don't know who they're missing out on. Trust me, when you go into whichever one and see the results you're putting up, they'll regret it." (FN) smiled at his mom as she shuffled his hair. "It doesn't matter where, just know that your father and I are proud of you."

(FN) nodded.

"Thanks mom...I'm sorry."

His mom leaned closer and kissed the top of his head.

"Don't be sweetie, what matters is you getting into one. You still got scholarships which is why you need to sleep, we have to leave early to catch the flight." She stood up from the bed and walked towards the door and turned back around. "I love you (FN). Good night."

"Love you too mom. Night." She nodded as she closed the door behind her, 

CLOSE

leaving (FN) frowning.

Speaking of you...he hasn't heard from you since your last call. But he has been keeping tabs on you since he heard JYP's statement about you on their channel he followed yet he still didn't call.

So he typed your name into the google bar as he clicked 'search' and results came out as the titles he read were all from kpop news sites, but they weren't about you moreso Twice, but the words that popped out were 'BREAKING NEWS' on the first one.

'Breaking news, K-pop group Twice has deactivated all comments from Insta-...wait what?' He clicked on the first link to read and he skim read with curiosity. 'In a surprising upset, Twice has deactivated comments on both Instagram and V-live...JYP stated 'for the safety of Twice...choice statements on their coach (YN)...did they really?!'

(FN) quickly got his phone and went to their Instagram. While it wasn't used very often himself, he had viewed and followed lots of groups and celebs, including Twice.

The most updated pic was Sana and Jihyo taking a selfie, nothing out of the ordinary, but it true that he was unable to make a comment as the section was locked. 'Did they do this for (YN)...no way they did.'

He then looked towards the computer and read about this more. 

He hasn't called you since their last conversation and he was still on his point of you being there. 

He wasn't mad...well maybe he was, but he was extremely jealous of you being allowed to stay and aid Twice with basketball. 

Yes, jealous.

Not because of Twice so to speak. Although living with nine famous and beautiful girls didn't help his case at all.

(FN) didn't know about how large a fan you were of Twice either, just that you have spoken about k-pop a few times throughout the three years, but commenting on a song here and there.  

Talk between you both was merely basketball, nothing else mostly and even then it wasn't that much talk outside of school, just inside.

So when he heard about you staying with Twice, well that got to him hard. 

There you were vacationing with a k-pop group while he and the others are busy trying to secure a spot in college...it wasn't fair.

Why you?

He also won those titles with you as well?

Why wasn't he asked by them to help as well or getting scholarships as you were or the recognition from the schools that he wanted to go to?

You weren't even here and yet there's news about what top school you'd be going and even an offer to a league team was rumored.

And (FN)...just left behind.

All he got were 'we're sorry' or 'thank you for applying, sadly...' rejection letters to his top preferred schools. 

He trained just as hard as you did, accomplished just as much, and yet...not a word or want about him.

He got some offers but even then, they weren't even good ones in his opinion. But he had to accept them, his family wasn't the richest and every bit helps.

He turned his attention towards the comments sections of that website and pretty much lots of if not all, were irate about this.

Are you kidding me?! We suffer while he gets all the pleasure?!

For Twice huh? That's so bull

There's something more they aren't telling us. We shouldn't judge so quickly. We're most likely hurting Twice by these comments.

F**k this, I'm cheering for BlackVelvet now

Can't believe Twice is letting this happen. All this for him? Just leave them if you can't handle the pressure (YN). You soft a** little bi**h

Fire him already!!!!

Jesus everyone he's only 18 years old. He's even younger than Tzuyu. Don't you think this is a bit much? Relax.

What a little bi**h. How'd he manage to get JYP and the girls to do this?

Let me be with them then. I'm not a little baby

I hope JYP reads to all this and sees that this is a big mistake for him to get hired.

Seriously, why keep him if this is going to be a hassle for them all. He brings nothing but negativity around the girls. He didn't even win the first match with them. I bet they don't even like him.

'Harsh as expected. Told you (YN), you're only hurting yourself by staying there.' (FN) thought as he clicked off the tab.

The comments were enough as he knew the others would be just the same as (FN) then stowed the laptop on the top of his bedside table and pulled his phone out to use its light to guide himself back from turning off his main lights near the door. Upon coming back with the lights off, he went under his blankets and closed his eyes to sleep the night away.

=================================

BACK TO TWICE

"Alright girls, I'm off."

"Good luck Nay." Mina waved Nayeon off as she was ready to be with you.

"Thanks Mina."

"Beat him Nay." Sana smiled at her as Nayeon passed by her and towards the door as she held the doorknob. She stopped and turned to Jihyo lying on her back, staring upwards rather than the wall.

"Take care Jihyo." Nayeon called out as Jihyo turned her head towards Nayeon's direction.

"You too." Jihyo said with little enthusiasm as Nayeon gave a small smile back. The three knew she was locked in her thoughts, but at least she said something before Nayeon took off, closing the door behind her.

Soon as the door closed Nayeon skipped towards and down the stairs. Don't get her wrong, she did feel for Jihyo, but being with you was something she looked forward to and upon gliding down the last step and turning right towards the back door, she felt her body feel warm. 

If Nayeon wasn't already smiling, she certainly was as she observed you dribbling the ball left and right with both hands while walking out and towards you.

"(YN)!" 

You stopped your movement and turned to Nayeon's voice, smiling at her speedwalking towards you with her gummy smile.

"Sup Nay,"

Thinking Nayeon was stopping in front, you raised your hand for your handshake but instead avoided your arm, raising hers out and semi-tackled you into a hug, her arms around your waist as you smiled at her action.

Your raised arm then wrapped around her and you patted the back of her shoulder.

Nayeon enjoyed the sensation as she looked up at your gleeful expression.

"Hey~" She voiced.

"Hey back." You replied as Nayeon felt your arm off her and figured to do the same...slowly. "Alright, Nay. Tell me what you want to do today?" 

"Me?"

"Yeah, if there's something you want to focus on. It could be anything." 

Nayeon had a thinking face on with ehr looking to the side and her lips pursed forward...a very cute expression in your opinion, but again, when are they not.

"Defense." She answered as you figured as much.

"Then defense it is...hey before we start, how's Jihyo really?" You asked, seeing as how you haven't seen or heard something about her yet. "I know Mina she was fine, but what do you think?"

Nayeon's thoughts filled with her and Tzuyu's newfound crushes, but she shook them off as she fainted a smile.

"She's feeling fine now like Mina said. She had no nightmare but she admitted to not feeling well before. Couldn't sleep last night either."

You clicked your tongue and shook your head.

"Damn...and I saw her yesterday, this morning, and during training. I knew something was up and I still let her played." You looked dismantled as Nayeon wasn't liking this low tone of yours. It was a lie, but she didn't want you to think this was your fault. "That was really stupid of me."

"Don't say that," Nayeon raised her voice, hating that you were insulting yourself like that, "Don't blame yourself for something that's for the rest of us to blame as well. We're stupid too then."

"You're not stupid Nay," you countered rapidly as Nayeon nodded her head.

"So don't say you are (YN), that goes both ways." Nayeon was assertive to drive her words into your head.

You side-eyed Nayeon's delicate look, it didn't sit well for you so with a light sigh and a nod...

"Mianhae..." You muttered as Nayeon released a held breath as she stepped closer and in front of you. She placed a hand on your arm, below your shoulder, and rubbed it up and down, giving a valued smile at you.

"I understand how you're feeling (YN). We all care for her safety too. Us girls should have said something as well." You nodded at her statement as she nodded back. "But she did tell us that a nap and medicine was what she needed. Trust us when she said it's fine."

"If only she took some last night."

"She thought she can mull it over, but what's done is done (YN), Jihyo is going to be okay." You nodded yet your face didn't scream enthusiasm. "and (YN), please don't insult yourself like that. I don't like it." She added as the corners of your lips turned up just a slight at her request.

"I'm sorry. I promise I won't." Nayeon nodded, "Just, don't push yourself too okay Nay, you come first before anything."

Nayeon gained a smile at your concern for her, yet she felt your sincereness that made her feel downhearted as well. 

"Thank you (YN), and I won't. I promise as well."

You nodded as she let off your arm.

"Okay." You took a breath, "let's start then?" she nodded, "let's get a few shots in and out and we'll go one on one." Nayeon nodded as you handed her the ball.

=============================

TIMESKIP - 19 mins later

JeongMo's room 

Jeongyeon was on the floor, stretching as she reached for her right foot with both hands, bending down as far as she could.

Momo watched with interest as she laughed, causing Jeongyeon to look up towards Momo on the bed lying on her side, resting her head on one hand while watching her.

"What's so funny?" She asked.

"You're eager~"

"Well, it's my training soon." Jeongyeon continued her actions as Momo smiled.

"Who would have known huh?" 

"Know what?" She kept on stretching without looking up.

"Us getting into basketball."

Jeongyeon raised her head up and smiled.

"I know right. Not just us, but lots of idols."

"And all because of (YN). He makes it enjoyable. To think he's been playing like that for years and we never heard of him. It's crazy."

Jeongyeon gave a low chuckle.

"It is, but even if we haven't, we most likely would have seen him at the charity match since we performed there."

Momo nodded.

"True. Can you imagine if we didn't pick (YN) as our coach?" Jeongyeon stopped and looked up at Momo, "We probably would have gotten some old man with us...ugh...do you think (YN) would have said yes if we asked him while he was over at the US?"

Jeongyeon shrugged.

"Well good Jihyo was headstrong about getting (YN). And he is a major fan of us, so I'm pretty sure he would have come over if we asked Momo."

Momo nodded.

"Yeah, speaking of Jihyo, do you think she's okay?"

Jeongyeon leaned her body back, her arms behind her supporting her upper half as she gave a nod to Momo.

"Yeah, Jihyo is very tough Momo. She'll be fine."

"But Sana said she probably had a nightmare. And yesterday she didn't look right."

Jeongyeon was concerned about that too. She did catch Jihyo's silence and lack of energy yesterday and today disturbing as she was the one to give the other eight that.

Then the other girls mentioned a 'nightmare' after Jihyo left, but Jeongyeon didn't give much thought to it. But Jihyo wasn't one to lie very often, in fact, she hated that notion. 

"Well, whatever it may be, we'll just wait and hear her out or maybe she does have a headache. Either way, we should let her rest or explain when she's ready. But don't worry about her Momo."

Momo smiled at Jeongyeon's moral advice. 

She may not show it often, but Momo admired Jihyo. Not because she's their leader, but because of who she was as a person. She looked up to her as her light when things went dark and Momo knew the others did as well. 

Sure there was manager-unnie and producer-san, but Jihyo made sure each one of them was in tip-top shape, healthy, and stress-free, even if Jihyo was the one that needed it the most sometimes.

She was very much happy to choose her as the leader...and towards Jeongyeon too who was the close second to Jihyo when they chose their leader of the group.

"Arigato Jeongie."

Jeongyeon smiled.

"No thanks needed Momo. Glad I could help."

Momo leaned back and smiled at her roommate and nodded.

"Can I stretch with you?" She asked as Jeongyeon smiled.

"Ne."

Momo then got off her bed and joined Jeongyeon side by side, about to mirror her actions until... 

"So speaking of stretchings~ during this morning, what were you and (YN) talking about~ I saw you two having fun~"

Jeongyeon's smile dropped and almost lost her hand's balance as she was caught off guard by the sudden question.

Momo had a smile as Jeongyeon's brain rattled and her eyes searched anywhere but Momo.

Jeongyeon opened her mouth, but it wasn't helpful.

"Uh, w-well we uh, h-he talked about...my game..."

Momo raised a brow and noticed how flustered Jeongyeon resembled.

"Your game?"

"Uh-well you know, uh...against BlackVelvet..." Jeongyeon managed to save herself, tapping her fingers on the carpet as Momo pursed her lips and took note of Jeongyeon's face becoming bright.

"Hmm...yeah, you did well. Sucks that we lost."

Jeongyeon had a slight relief.

"Y-yeah...but we'll get them next time."

Momo raised both of her hands, evidence of her determination.

"Hai! We will beat them and everyone!" 

Jeongyeon smiled at her goal as she quickly resumed her previous stretching as Momo mirrored her. All the while, Momo stared at Jeongyeon as she smirked.

'Your game huh Jeongie~ Sureeee...'

============================================

TIMESKIP 

20 mins later

"Sigh...sigh...sigh..."

"Here." 

Nayeon looked towards her right and smiled at the outstretched hand. She grabbed the water bottle.

"Gamsa." 

You nodded as she opened the cap and chugged the water down.

"You really need to relax Nay." Nayeon shook her head. "Nay, remember what I said."

Nayeon finished and capped the bottle. She was really thirsty as some water dripped down her lips and her chin as she wiped the drops off with her hand.

"I know (YN)...I know," She took a deep breath, "but I really felt in it just now. I was really determined to beat you. However, scoring only three points was not what I thought."

You chuckled as Nayeon smiled at you.

"Well it was a great match. Alright, let's relax for a minute." You sat down on her right as Nayeon kept her sight on you. "I noticed you were hardly attacking the rim in that matchup. Settled for mid-range shots." 

"You did say to practice those. Plus I made like ten of them before our duel. I was feeling it...wish I could say the same about my defense."

You smiled.

"Well you did ask not to hold back."

"And I thank you for that." She pouted, "just wished I stopped you from scoring again and again."

"Hey you got a steal."

"Because you kicked the ball on accident (YN)."

"That I did, but regardless, you were hustling to stop me from doing anything. That's good defense." Nayeon scoffed. "Come on Nay, I'm serious. Sure I scored, but it wasn't easy scoring. That's what matters."

Nayeon sighed and looked out to the court.

"Nayeon, yesterday doesn't matter." She shook her head.

"That doesn't bother me as much, but I still let her get the game-winner. What if that was the finals of the K-ball? I even asked to match up with her and I let that happen."

"Well remember that's it's just training." Nayeon turned to your smile. "We only get better from here on out. Like you are right now. And sure Jennie did get the last score, but it was to 21 Nay. Plus she only had five points and who was guarding her most of the match?"

Nayeon smiled.

"Me~"

"Exactly, and for Jennie to be their best player and have that scoreline because of you says a lot." Nayeon enjoyed that you were cheering her up, which was working. "Don't fret Nay, we'll get our revenge whether it be at another practice or the K-ball. Alright?"

You raised your hand and Nayeon smiled as she raised hers and you both did your work-in-progress handshake which clapped your hands twice, going across after the second, clapped them with your backsides, clapped them the normal way again and then each of you did a T T symbol with each hand being half and both did a shimmy shake from how the song goes.

Nayeon giggled as you smiled at her.

"I think we're getting better at that~" Nayeon smiled as you nodded.

"Indeed we are. Come on, let's sit for a bit. Relax yourself." You suggested as Nayeon nodded and followed you to the white bench near the court. You sat a sec before Nayeon did on your left.

Nayeon kept a look on you as you smiled at her.

"You know it's funny how serious you're all are about this. Not just you nine but BlackVelvet and Itzy and all the other groups. Don't get me wrong, I love it." Nayeon hummed, "I never thought idols would get into basketball you know." She nodded.

"Well, it is a lot of fun. I have played in PE before but it wasn't as serious as this." You nodded, "High paced, battling out with friends, how intense it can be. I don't know, making shots and seeing them go in or passing to someone else and seeing them make it makes me feel good...and it's because of you (YN)." She smiled as you shrugged. "I'm serious, at first watching you play on-screen was incredible with the way you single handedly take charge, make incredible passes and shots, your defense stopping anyone, your effort it's...it's something special (YN)." Nayeon expressed truthfully as embarrassment got to you. "And playing alongside you, you multiply that."

You chuckled watching Nayeon's bunny smile form.

"...thank you Nayeon," you turned back to her smile, "I appreciate it. I can say playing alongside you is incredible as well."

Nayeon's face scrunched in happiness.

"Thanks. And you know (YN)...yesterday when I said that the Seoul teams could use you, I mean it." Your smile turned to curiosity, "I know your dream is in the NBA, but, just imagine you playing here. It would be so amazing that you get to achieve here while we watch and cheer and you can watch us backstage at our concerts and projects and during our music videos and each day you can come over and hang and us two could even d-"

Nayeon stopped herself in time as her mind and mouth went off as you stared.

"...uh, hehe, m-mainhae, I'm getting ahead of myself." Nayeon hung her head, unable to look at you as she almost spilled her secret. "I-I thought it would be pretty cool if you would be here for longer."

Nayeon glanced at you at the side as you had a disconcerted expression.

"...you really mean that?" Nayeon turned her head to you and nodded. "Oh...heh, wow...uh, I don't know what to say." You spoke honestly. 

You really didn't know what to say to that.

"You don't have to say anything. It's silly of me to say I know, but what I'm saying is that I...I like you here (YN)." You smiled softly. "We all do. But three months can go by like nothing you know. One passed and our last month is going to be hectic with the K-ball and to training, of course, I enjoy it very much...but I would love it if we do more stuff besides that...you get me?"

Nayeon, being sneaky, phrased her words carefully, just to gauge your reaction and based on your standstill, she figured maybe it was too pushy.

You were thinking about what she just said, it was somewhat like Tzuyu said to you last night as well...were they serious on this topic?

But rather than being silent, you should answer her question.

"Uh, yeah, I get you." She gave a small smile, "Believe me each day is incredible and to hang with you nine it's a blessing. I guess I have been focusing too much on the sport. I'm sorry about that."

Nayeon shook her hands.

"No no no, I absolutely love how into the game you are. You're just as devoted to it as we are to being idols. It's astonishing really." 

You hummed.

"Well, hard work pays off right? I mean look at you nine."

"And soon you (YN)." She poked your arm, "Well not that you are already great, but you'll get into the NBA. There's no doubt with you."

"Thanks Nay." She nodded.

"Of course. And don't get me wrong about practice. We do need it (YN), so keep doing what you're doing. But you do agree that you would like to do things outside of training right?" Nayeon pushed a bit more as you nodded.

"Of course, however, I don't know how that's possible if I can't even leave the place since JYP told me to stay."

Nayeon gave a jaunty wave.

"Oh don't worry about that. Trust me, our label can get some deals for some locations to give us some private time. Not like we're in this house 24/7 all the time you know. Just a little thank you to said place and we're good to go. I'm sure we can get something to go if we're careful."

"Well, if it's okay with everyone including JYP, then by all means, let's plan something." you agreed as Nayeon gave two thumbs up.

"Sweet. Trust me (YN), you won't be disappointed. And there's one place that I would love to take you to. You know after our karaoke night, hehe, I couldn't wait for the next session with you."

Nayeon couldn't believe she was saying this, but she wanted to say how she felt.

"Hey whatever you want to do Nay. Remember what I said to you, if it's with you, I don't care what we do. I know it's going to be fun either way. You nine always bring the fun no matter what, that's one of the amazing things about you."

Her smile and eyes said it all.

You smiled back but were caught off guard as Nayeon averted her body on the bench as she used her hands to steady herself and scooted down the bench as she was now lying face up as she placed her head on your thigh as you stared down at her.

"Hehe~ one of huh? What else is amazing about me~"

Nayeon lying on you could probably kill most people, but after a while, you get used to it...well as much as you can anyway.

"Uh, shouldn't we be training Nay?" You questioned as she gave a gummy smile up at you.

"Oh come on (YN), now I'm curious~ Please~" Nayeon used her aeygo to her advantage as you sighed at her expression.

It's impossible to say no to their cute charms...or just no to them period.

"You know you make it impossible for me to deny you Nay." She gave a giggle, "well, what about you can I say that I haven't already."

Nayeon brought her hands and took your forearm and placed it over her tummy. She then started to play with your fingers as she entwined them with hers.

"Just whatever comes to mind."

You stared for a good five seconds.

'Okay? What an odd request...but...'

"...I don't want you to think I'm weird."

"Trust me (YN), we nine heard it all before. I won't think you're weird or anything. Just tell me. Between us."

Nayeon was anxious to hear of your answers, but she found it sweet that you would think she would be weirded out.

"...Well...I said this before our matchup with BlackVelvet, all of you act and behave the same mostly, but each of you is unique and incredible in your own way."

'Aw screw it...'

You figured nothing else would bring you such embarrassment.

"Well...you're very talented of course, your voice is unmatched by any other girl, well besides the other eight members, you're strong-willed in your performances, compassionate with your fans and your team, as I said you bring the fun in anything you and the others do, supportive of the girls in their training, you're very positive...and..."

"And~"

You looked away from her, unable to look with embarrassment as Nayeon was smiling throughout the speech.

"And while all that true...the most important for me is that you gave me strength and will. There were quite a few times where I just couldn't do anything and I know you already this, but you and the others and your optimistic personality quickly dispelled those moments, those thoughts for me Nayeon. Reading stories and experiences about how much idols go through, especially your times in Sixteen, I can't even imagine what it must have been through pre-Sixteen and in between now and back when you first debuted."

"..." Nayeon didn't say a word as you kept looking forward.

"And seeing you girls live with cheerful smiles and seeing what you became today, you pushed on. You're always looking at the bright side of things, always looking for the silver lining or the light at the end of the tunnel that none of you cared about what happened as long as you got to the end. You girls never gave up hope, and you never quit. So, when I was close to giving up or feeling down,"

You then looked down at her with a smile as Nayeon remained stoic,

"I looked to you. Nayeon your positive outlook, happiness, heck your smile helps uplift me and reinforces my courage to keep on pushing. Same with many others I could tell you that. And now, being around you and the others, it's unimaginable. You really are a blessing to be around Nay. I'm sorry if all that was forward, but...you truly are an incredible, amazing and beautiful woman with a big smile, bigger heart and overall, just...perfect."

And there it was again.

Mere words made Nayeon's heart about to burst out of her che-wait...did you say...

"B-beautiful?" She repeated as you were just stating what you thought mindlessly as you realized that you did mentioned that.

It was the truth though, but maybe that was too forward...oh well.

"D-do you mean all that?" She whispered. "Everything?"

You nodded slowly.

"I do." Nayeon's eyes flashed a bit, "and anyone who doesn't is an idiot."

You flashed a small smile back and Nayeon felt out of it as she pursed her lips and averted her sight away from you for mere moments before looking at you, unable to hold her smile proud and about as the hand you and she were held was tightened by hers.

"I...hehe...wow..." She giggled softly, unable to say anything in return.

"Just telling the truth Nayeon."

Nayeon hummed, closed her eyes, basking the feeling she's having and snuggled closer to you, bring her body more upwards towards your torso.

"...I know it's training, but...do you mind if we stayed like this...for a bit at least?"

You couldn't say no to her, especially to that expression.

"I don't mind."

"Gamsa. And can you do something?" She asked while her eyes were shut still.

"Anything for you."

She liked that answer.

"Can you play with my hair?"

She invited, eyes still closed as you gave an uncanny look.

"Your hair? You sure?"

She nodded as you brought your right hand, the left still entwined with Nayeon's hand, up to the top of her head. You gently pressed down and soon circled around her hair, but not her scalp.

Smooth and soft is what you can describe as your fingers raked through Nayeon's hair, each strand going through between your fingers as you circled or combed through as Nayeon hummed.

"Yeah, like that~ gamsa (YN)."

You smiled in return.

'No Nay, thank you...'

"No worries."

Nayeon was feeling comfort from you as her body felt rejuvenated and light. Hearing your words to her was something else and now this, well, Nayeon knew she can get used to this.

In fact...

'God why does this have to be so complex...how I wish I could tell him. I really want this-us to work. I don't care how far we are and anyone who objects. I'm not letting this feeling or you go (YN). If only there weren't the others...'

Nayeon didn't want to push something knowing that there are now at least three others that shared the same feelings as her for you, not even with Sana alone. 

You were something special and Nayeon hoped that there could be something special between you both as well.

.

.

.

One minute.

.

.

Two.

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.

Three.

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.

Four minutes passed and no words, only the wind blowing and an occasional plane or car was heard, but little did they know...a certain someone was watching them through the dorm.

.

.

And Sana was not happy. 

Not at all.

She came across you two a of a minute ago to get some water and to her, not so shocking, the sight was you both, but this was too much in Sana's opinion. 

Sure there was no rule between the two that they can't be around you, but Nayeon was pushing it in her mind.

'And there she goes...jesus Nayeon, what happened to take it easy?'

.

.

She took a deep breath and looked downwards.

'Who am I kidding, I would be that way too...good thing Tzuyu or Jihyo isn't here...well no point in-'

"Hey, Sana." 

"Ahh!"

Sana jumped in place as she turned to see Dahyun giggling towards her.

"Mianhae, watching the practice I see~"

"..."

"How's Nayeon and (YN) do-...ing?" Sana didn't answer as Dahyun stood aside from her and her smile fell a bit seeing Nayeon lying on your lap and holding your hand with both of her. "...that's...some training going on." Dahyun spoke sarcastically as looked at Sana.

But something to Dahyun was off by the way Sana was staring at them.

She wasn't smiling nor giving off her usual, 'happy' vibe.

Dahyun looked back at you two and then at Sana...she seemed...disturbed based on her glare.

"You alright?" She asked as Sana merely turned her back towards the glass door.

"I'm fine." And she walked away, turning the corner and going up the stairs as Dahyun heard the thumps of her steps.

'Weird.'

Dahyun gazed at the corner where Sana left and turned back to see you and Nayeon again.

.

.

But something was off with her as well.

She stayed for a minute as she observed the two sitting or lying in content without a care in the world.

She didn't know why she was, but Dahyun...

...Dahyun wasn't feeling it either and she couldn't seem to bring a smile back to this after taking it in.

.

.

About ten seconds passed as Dahyun was brought back into the world and caught herself staring and frowning.

A rare state for her as she figured it was wrong to stare and best to get what she came for and leave. 

So Dahyun turned away, went toward the fridge to get a cup of milk and some chocolate chip cookies as she slowly made her way up the stairs, but not before seeing the backdoor for a few seconds before heading up to her room taking the last few steps, and then stopping by Sana's door and turned towards it, recalling her downstairs.

'She seemed pretty upset. I wonder how long Sana was there for. She's not one to make that expression as well...' 

Through her thoughts, she shrugged as she took several steps towards her room passing by Momo's and Jeongyeon's ro- Dahyun suddenly stopped...her eyes blinking as she turned her head to Sana's door.

'Unless she...no, no way...but could it be...it is Sana though, she is the most compassionate of us all...but...if what I'm right,' She averted her sight to her room 'this is going to be a bit...tense.'

------------------------------------------------

TIMESKIP

Jeongyeon and you stared at one another, a western duel happening as even the slightest movement from you caused Jeongyeon to shift in hers.

Standing on the free-throw line, you held the ball with both hands as Jeongyeon's mind was on you.

'Left or right...come on (YN).'

Your pivot foot turning and stepping in each direction as Jeongyeon tried to calculate-

In a burst of speed, you went towards Jeongyeon's left as Jeongyeon quickly sidestepped that direction, arms up as you dribbled twice and then grabbed the ball with both hands as you collected your footing and quickly spun towards your left and behind Jeongyeon's back and took a shot...you were surprised when Jeongyeon was quick to react as she hurried to jumped and stretched her arm out, but it was in vain as the ball was far off her reach as the ball...

SWISH

"Aish..." Jeongyeon groaned and stomped on the floor as you laughed. "What's so funny..." She placed her arms on her hips and pouted.

"Hehe, you're amazing you know that Jeong." Her pout disappeared, "Your reactions are on point and your body movement is getting better each day to even keep up with some of my shifty moves and the hustle for the block is incredible, most NBA players would have just watched that happen. Not you though." Jeongyeon gave an embarrassed smile back at the compliments and gathered some breath.

"Uh, thank you, I'd figured you'd do some move around me or something to score."

Your smiled increased slowly.

"Well, you were right, nice intuition." She nodded in appreciation, "you and Mina are a threat Jeong. You really are."

"Well, I need to be better. I only got you once out of like a hundred," you chuckled, "plus we lost and tied one with BlackVelvet."

You waved it off.

"Jeong, the first was our first match and the second was set to 21 points which we lost by one. If it was a whole game, well who knows. We could have blown them out."

Jeongyeon leered a bit.

"Still, I let those points happen."

You reached out and patted her arm as Jeongyeon looked at your arm and then at you.

"Don't think that way, even the best defenders in the NBA let up most points as well. You just started playing and in your official first and second match, you had the most rebounds and blocks of all the other girls in both. I can safely say that you're doing perfect Jeong." 

You assured and put your hand down as Jeongyeon returned a small smile.

"Thank you (YN), but still, I have to be better and with you, I know I can." She stared at you with a gleam in her eyes as you nodded.

"And you will be Jeong, I believe in you. We all do." Jeongyeon nodded in response, "now let's take a water break."

"Ne." She nodded as you both made your way towards the bench with the cooler on it as you and Jeongyeon each got a fresh unopened bottle from it and sat on the bench as Jeongyeon drank her bottle.

"Jeong?"

"Hmm?"

You and her faced one another.

"It's sudden but if anything is wrong or you feel the need to rest. Please tell me. I don't want you to push through what you might have and get hurt if something happened. I'm glad you're all willing to play, but to me that doesn't matter. What matters is you Jeong."

That was sudden all right.

She knows that you have her well-being as number one for you and with today's talk and what you said now...she felt appreciative that you had her care in mind before anything.

She smiled at you.

"Don't worry (YN), I'll let you know." You nodded, "and thank you."

"Course."

"You know Jihyo will be well. I known her for years even beyond Twice and as sad to say, she's pushed through plenty to get here...someone's like someone else I know."

You smiled and nodded.

"I wished I could have said something to her."

"Hey, we both know she would have played (YN). Sure she wasn't all there, but even so, she wasn't going to lie down and do anything while the rest of us are training. And being honest, it's not the first time."

You nodded.

"Yeah, it's like you said it's who she is. I admire for her that though." Jeongyeon gave a smile as she felt the same...but not just to Jihyo.

"Same to you (YN). If you need a day off, we'd understand." You nodded.

"I will if I need to. I promise as well." She nodded as you both sat there while a cool breeze came along and you closed your eyes to relish it as Jeongyeon, however, tapped her thighs as she looked towards you and quickly back forward.

"Hey uhm, can I ask you something?" She asked as you opened and turned to her nodding. "Okay...well, it's about yesterday and while I'm glad that you're here to stay, I just want to make sure that you're alright with the decision."

You hummed.

"Yeah, Jeong, It'll be alright, and listen, while it's a great opportunity, it's a shortcut as I said and I'd much rather go to college." You answered as she nodded, "thank you for asking though."

"Of course (YN), we want what's best for everyone, and you most." She told as you smiled yet Jeongyeon's smiled faded, "you know...last night when you were with Tzuyu, we discussed what to say about you..." Jeongyeon looked towards the ground, "but we couldn't really figure out what to say." Jeongyeon gave a small pout as she avoided your sight. 

You gave an amused look back.

"You do realize that you don't have to say anything Jeong. No offense, but I still stand by what I said at JYP's office." She shrugged.

"I know (YN), we or I specifically would feel wrong if we don't. Especially after yesterday."

"Yester-no, Jeong come on, that's my choice. I told you saying no won't change anything."

"I hear you, but I still feel the need to do something (YN)."

"Just doing this is good enough for me Jeong." You waved at the court as Jeongyeon gave a few seconds of watching your expression, she could tell there were no lies as the other members told her about you being content. "But I really appreciate that you care enough to do all that Jeong, but it's like I said, I don't care."

Jeongyeon stared for a bit and then looked toward the court.

"...You really have no opinion about any of this (YN)?"

You gave a soft laugh as Jeongyeon looked at you confused.

"They're opinions Jeong, and no way am I letting myself get affected by it. I'm focusing on myself, my future, basketball" you tapped the ball in the middle of you both, "and you."

After hearing your small statement and the word 'you' Jeongyeon and you exchanged looks until Jeongyeon turned away for a mere moment while containing her smile.

"...okay." She muttered while turned her sight to you and you nodded back as silence resumed for a few minutes while Jeongyeon thought of what you said.

.

.

A couple of mins later you turned to your phone on the table behind you.

"Well, we don't have much time left, but I think we should do some post-training before calling it a day." Jeongyeon looked up at you with the smile still and nodded.

You then took a few steps forward as Jeongyeon watched your back.

"Uh (YN)?"

You turned to Jeongyeon now standing while looking downwards.

Jeongyeon swallowed to relieve her dry throat. This was a lot harder than she thought it would be.

"I uh...well...uh..." 'how does Momo do this?'  "s-since that night that Momo, you and I watched a movie," She managed to look up at you as she tugged at her shorts.

 "Well, I know we, both of us haven't hanged since, but...y-you know, I wouldn't mind doing something...i-if you want to that is." Jeongyeon pursed her lips at the end as you stared.

'Tzuyu, Nayeon and now Jeongyeon?'

Nevertheless, a smile formed.

"Of course I wouldn't mind Jeong. What do you want to do?" You answered fast so it wouldn't be awkward.

Jeongyeon, hearing that you're into the idea, was now immensely calmed and walked a few steps to you.

"I mean, we can do whatever...and you know, it doesn't have to be just in the house. There are lots of things. We could...take you out to our favorite places around Seoul, we can go to museums, there are these private tours we can take in the city, restaurants. You've been here for a month and barely stepped foot outside beside our company. I'm sure producer-san wouldn't mind us doing something private of the sort." Jeongyeon spoke with more confidence along with the explanation.

Hearing that made you chuckle, not ha-ha chuckle, but a disbelief one.

"Yeah. Yeah sounds like fun Jeong." Jeongyeon nodded slowly as a smile graced her.

"Cool uh, cool...then we'll think of something. Alright, now we-"

"But yeah, us two can hang out as well. And you're right, the others had their nights or our private hangouts, but you and I could have one as well you know."

"..."

"Now I'm not forcing you, but as I said to you before as well, you're a lot of fun Jeong, no matter what we do. Heck, if you want, we can build something from Legos. I know that's a favorite pastime of yours to do right?"

"...Really?"

"Not at all. In fact how about tomorrow night?"

Jeongyeon stared for a mere moment before turning away...and unable to hide her smile.

"Let's do it." Jeongyeon replied as you nodded.

"Hehe, alright. Tommorow night it is." Jeongyeon nodded as you turned towards the net and paced towards it.

Jeongyeon smiled at your back, she couldn't explain why, but the conversation and outcome made her very happy, she was glad to muster her courage up and ask you.

"Jeong?" She heard her name from you as she laughed awkwardly and jogged towards you.

"Mainhae. Let's do this!" 

========================================

TIMESKIP

40 MINS

SWISH

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SWISH

.

.

SWISH

.

.

SWISH

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.

"Your form is something else Momo, last one."

Momo lined up her body as you threw the ball at her. She then got into position.

"And like the others..."

"Nothing but net~" Momo grinned at her last free throw as she looked towards you. "Well, senpai~ What you thought~"

You went under the rim to pick the ball up as Momo approached you.

"You and Sana are definitely our shooters indeed Momo. Near perfect from the free-throw line. Mid-range shots could use work, but your three-point percentages are pretty damn amazing for someone new." 

Momo smirked and rocked her body back and forth on her heels.

"Oh really~ Well...does that mean I earned a reward of some kind~" She winked at you as you raised a brow and smiled.

"Aww, my compliments not enough Momo?" You retorted as Momo stepped closer to you and raised her middle and index finger up to your torso, crawling upwards as if they were legs.

"Your compliments are always nice~ but I'm thinking of something..." she looked right at you, "more~"

You rolled your eyes in a playful manner.

"And what 'more' do you want Momo?" You asked already knowing the answer.

"Oh I think you already know my dear (YN)~" She spoke in a low tone. "You~ Me~ Tonight?" Her tone shifted to a go-happy hopeful one as you hated to break the news.

"Gomen Momo, I can't, it's Sana's night." You replied as Momo pouted, her eyes half-closed and she folded her arms. "Hey, I promised her yesterday. She allowed Tzuyu to go, but we can still hang out before she comes along."

"Hmph, I knew Sana was your favorite J-line member..." She grumbled as you laughed in return.

"Hehe, hey you know I got no favorites Momo. I like you all equally." You assured as Momo looked towards your smile and statement as she couldn't be mad at that.

"But you like me a little bit more right~" She brought her hand up and pinched her thumb and index finger as you laughed.

"Equally Momo."

Momo smirked.

"I'll take that as a yes~" you rolled your eyes in comedic fashion, "AND I will take your offer of hanging out." Her smile quickly plastered on her face as you nodded.

"Of course, just tell me when."

Momo gave a concentrated look for a few seconds.

"...the sooner the better."

You nodded...then it hit you...you remembered she asked before the drawing of teams.

"Yeah, no problem." She smiled, "Also I remembered that you needed to talk to me. We can talk now if you want." Her smile went down as you took note of her averting her sight towards the dorm and back to you with a questionable look.

"Uhm...maybe when we have more time. I'd prefer when it's our night actually."

...Now you were curious and somewhat concerned, a diligent and serious-sounding Momo wasn't a common side to her.

"Is everything alright Momo?"

She nodded.

"Hai. Everything is great."

"If it's important Momo, I can tell Sana to hold up until-"

"No, it can wait. Maybe after Tzuyu's practice?"

"You sure?" She nodded, "okay then. After I take a shower, I'll text you ASAP." She nodded.

"Arigato (YN)."

"Sure thing...are you absolutely sure you're okay?" 

She smiled.

"I am. Thank you for your concern."

"Of course...well, then how about a water break?" Momo nodded as you both headed towards the bench as Momo went to the cooler after you sat down and pulled out a bottle and joined you after taking a sip.

She sat with your shoulders gracing one another as you two enjoyed the cool breeze on your skins.

.

.

"(YN)? Can I tell you something?"

"Course. Is this about-" She shook her head as you nodded afterward.

Momo placed her bottle on her left and turned her body towards you.

"I know this is rather sudden, but you know how much I love dancing right?"

"Course, you're the dancing machine of Twice."

She nodded.

"But do you know 'why' I love dancing?"

You gave a pondered look as Momo looked in question.

"Well, I think because of your older sister introducing you to dancing right?" She nodded, "and second because like me and basketball it helps you relax, your comfort zone pretty much."

She smiled and gave a mini laugh.

"You know us well (YN)~ Being younger my sister was dancing and practicing moves on youtube and I really enjoyed how much fun she seemed to be in, so I asked if I can join and each day I couldn't wait to dance with her or just suit up and dance anywhere. And eventually, I got picked at JYP from a video we did and here I am." You nodded, "And since then, being in a dance room by myself with the music blasting and me doing all sorts of moves and steps, it's gonna sound weird, but it helps me zone out and feel loose. Especially when I'm stressed or having a problem, I know my sisters are here to help me, but dancing really brings out my emotions well." 

She raised her hands to her body as you nodded back.

"I know exactly how you feel Momo, it's good to have something to make you relax and feel like yourself." She nodded, "sorry and no offense, but why bring this up?"

She tilted her head.

"Well, I wanted to ask you if that's why you play basketball? I know you told us that you watched a game with your parents," you frowned, "and it was exciting to you and that's why you play, but I wanted to know how it makes you feel playing it itself...if that's okay?"

You sat motionless for mere moments before shaking your head.

"N-no, that's alright. Uhm, well, as I just said, I totally understand what you mean Momo. Being on a court by myself, dribbling, scoring, headphones in, and music into my ears, makes my blood pump and I get into this zone. Sometimes I even pretend I'm a certain player in the NBA either knocking down game winners or threes and hearing the crowd cheer. It's silly but it's just how I felt."

Momo smiled.

"It's not silly (YN), I think it's really cute." You smiled and hummed. "May I ask when did you decide that you wanted to be a-" She paused as you gave a look. "Ah gomen, maybe it's not the time to ask-"

"Oh don't worry about it Momo. We could use the rest, besides, our times aren't strict and you're doing really well."

"Hehe~ thanks (YN)," you nodded, "alright, as I was saying, when did you decide to be a player?"

"Well I told you before, nine years old after attending my first game, I started to practice with a ball and net in my backyard and I remembered I just chucked shots up like nothing," you smiled as did Momo, "and then after a week, I started to view games on TV and youtube and watching the pros dribble, dunk, shooting threes, passing, fast breaks, blocks...I was captivated." Momo nodded, "day after day I played outside and even started to copy moves of the players. I remember being out there for hours and didn't want to go inside because in my own words 'beating Micheal Jordan'" Momo hummed, "...and in middle school that's when I made the decision to join the team. Everyone, including myself, was pretty awful." 

"You? Awful? Never." Momo joked as you chuckled.

"Yeah, you should have seen me back then, my mindset was to score and score and score...it was horrendous. I was a ball hog, asking the ball every time and trying to pass and shoot like I was the MVP." Momo laughed, "I let it get to my head and I remember the coach telling me that while it's great to score, I have to remember that I have teammates to help me and that this is a five on five, not a one on five. It took a while, but I got those words into my head. I apologized and as a team, we were better once we clicked."

"You were a starter weren't you~" Momo tilted her head as you nodded.

"Second half of the first year and onward. Then in the last year of middle school, I was asked if this what I wanted to continue doing through high school and potentially a career...I said yes. This is what I wanted to do."

Momo smiled at your smile while looking at the ground...

"That's nice (YN), that's exactly what happened to me. Dancing gave me spirit, memories and tons of fun and I knew this is what I wanted to do and I'm so glad I did." Momo smiled at you and even you felt her happiness rising. "...and you know, with you teaching us all your moves (YN)...maybe I can show you a couple of my moves~"

You blinked at her.

"What do you mean?"

Momo hummed.

"Hmm~ there's quite a few songs that I choreographed dances for to pass the time and to work out with...so I was wondering if you would like front row seats to a couple of them?" Momo tucked some hair behind her back as you smiled.

"Really?" She nodded, "well I'm not going to say no to that."

"Great! Then hopefully soon I can show you some of my techniques...and I'm sure you're going to love each of them~ Especially one that...well you'll see for yourself~"

She gave an amusing look as you returned a nod.

"Then, I shall be waiting."

She giggled.

"Great~ now should we get back to training?" She asked as you nodded.

"Sure, but do you mind if I say something?" You asked as Momo shook her head, "I don't mean to be uptight or anything Momo. I know, you're all strong and well fit and eager, but if something is wrong, no matter how small like even an aching stomach, please tell me and don't push yourself alright."

Expectedly, Momo gave a sentient smile.

 "Aww Senpai~ that's not uptight at all. I promise you, I'll let you know if something is wrong alright." You nodded, "and arigato. It means a lot to me (YN) that you care about us all."

"I do care about you Momo. Deeply. You're important to me after all."

Upon hearing, Momo couldn't hide her smile...nor the fast, pleasant beat of her heart or the bright and comfortable feelings she has being with you.

And out of excitement, Momo scooted closer and brought her arms around your left arm, hugging it as she hummed. You merely smiled at her emotion as Momo then placed her head on your shoulder and rested there.

"Hehe~ I care about you too (YN)." You smiled as Momo snuggled a bit to you. "It's wrong but, thank you for staying."

"You're welcome Momo...you're very much welcome."

"Hmm~...Can we stay like this for a few minutes?" you heard and you couldn't say no to her, either of them for that matter.

"Course."

"Arigato..." Momo muttered and sighed in bliss as she closed her eyes and relished the moment for hopefully the few minutes she had till they resumed training.

'Can't time go any quicker! I can't wait to talk to him.' 

-------------------------------------

TIMESKIP

28 MINS

"Left...left...right...keep the ball close Sana, there you go, good job...right, left, good work. Now shoot."

Sana held the ball, jumped and released the ball towards the rim...

THUMP

Sana groaned as the ball rolled to the right of the court.

"Good attempt." You said while Sana sighed.

Sana was dribbling around cones you placed as you walked alongside her. She was switching hands and going around the cones based on what direction you said until she was ordered to shoot the ball from where she was.

"How you make this so easy (YN), I don't understand."

"Years of training Sana. But don't worry, you'll get better soon enough. Let's have a water break." Sana nodded as you both headed towards the bench with your drinks already out with both of you getting your respectives bottles and chucking down water and removing sweat with some towels.

"So excited for tonight?" You asked as Sana looked curious at you.

"Tonight?"

"Yeah, aren't we hanging downstairs tonight?"

A few blinks and a realization caught Sana.

"We are?"

"Yeah...hehe." You chuckled at her look. "You know I didn't expect you to forget Sana." You joked as Sana turned her head towards her home.

'What do I do?'

"...you can stay with Jihyo, Sana." You asked knowing that she was most likely worried for her. Sana heard and turned back to you. "I don't mind if you want to be with her in your room."

Sana gave a faint smile and shook her head.

"No, it's okay...gomen, I guess I did forgot."

"That's okay...you sure you want to though? I could ask another- hey..." Sana slapped you on the chest.

"Yah! No no no! I may have forgotten but spending time with you is something I'm not letting go~" Sana then lunged and hugged your arm, "I now have you all to myself all night~"

Which was true, she was anticipating having her one-on-one night with you, but under the circumstances, it wasn't as powerful as it was before.

'Sorry girls...'

"Gomen if I forgot..." Sana leaned back but still held your arm as you nodded.

"No apologies needed Sana." Sana hummed.

"Right...so what do you want to do?" She asked as you shrugged.

"Up to you, doesn't matter." Sana smiled.

"Hai, hmm...well...oh, could we watch a drama?" She asked as you nodded.

"Up to you."

"Then a drama it is. I'm only on episode 3, but so far it's great. It's about a-...huh, I'll let you watch and see. I know you haven't seen lots of dramas, but trust me, this one is good~"

"Then I shall be looking forward to it."

Sana hopped in her seat in excitement.

"Yay~ I can't wait~ It's been a while since we got to hang."

"Sana we hanged before dinner last night."

She poked your side.

"Which is too long for me~" You smiled in response as Sana giggled. "Speaking of dinner, (YN), I want to thank you again for yesterday." Her beautiful smile lit you up as you smiled back.

"You're very welcome Sana. And I'll do it before dinner again if you want?"

Sana clapped her hands together and pressed her cheek to the side of the right hand

"Yes please~" You smiled at her aeygo. "Speaking of which, you know, I speak to my parents about you." 

You leaned back in astonishment.

"Really?" She nodded. 

"Keeping them updated and all. That was the promise of having you be with us to be safe. I told them not to worry, but as you said with Dahyun's, they're gonna be anyway. Over time it got a bit up and down. I told them about our training, our meals, every little thing. Even when you comforted me during the storm...I didn't tell them about me, well, sleeping on you hehe~" You smiled as Sana's smile went down quick, I'm gonna be honest, they weren't really for you being with us, especially mom." You nodded.

"Like any parent would."

"I know, but they trusted me to be okay around you and it got sadly got rocky after...our photoshoot..." Sana spoke with a disheartening tone and you felt your arm being tightened between her arms.

"Hey, that's long past now." Sana nodded.

"I know that too, but I still feel just a teeny tiny bit guilty." Sana pouted and looked right at your frown.

"Come on Sana, I don't want you to feel guilty at all. What happened wasn't your fault." You saw Sana gave a frail smile and nodded.

"Arigato (YN). After our talk that night, I felt a whole lot better." You nodded and knew these girls were more sensitive than any other, especially Sana. You'd figured it'll be a while before Sana can truly be a hundred percent fine with that. "I told my parents all that happened there as well."

"Yeah?" Sana looked forward.

"They said it wasn't my fault either and it was one unfortunate accident between you and Koni. Since then they were...frail on you."

Sana felt uneasiness, but she felt something over her arm as she looked down and saw your other hand patting her. She looked up at your small smile...and it gave her a light comfort.

"Do you think it'll help if I talk to them like Dahyun's?"

Sana shrugged.

"I don't know, maybe it's worth a shot. I know they're scared as to how Dahyun's were and since they're in Japan, it's a bit scary for me to live in another country. Ever since Sixteen, they can be worried about my safety. You know I can't imagine how your parents are feeling." Your smile went down at a pace. "Being at another continent and all and with what's been happening. I remember that they wanted you to go back." She looked at you with a frown.

"...I, uh, well I get calls here and there like you. But don't worry, everything is alright..." You spoke in a flatter tone as Sana nodded.

"Hmm~ that's good. You know my parents want to come to the k-ball to see me play live." You nodded as you were glad that topic passed quickly.

"Yeah?"

"Hai, they said they'll try and ask for days off, but they don't know how long for. I want them to go to the finals when we make it."

You heard 'when' and smiled.

"We'll make it alright. No one is gonna stop us." 

"Hehe~ of course~ So...are your parents coming? I would very much like to meet them."

"..."

Sana noticed a change in your expression as hers drop.

"Oh, can they not come?" Sana quickly assumed as you remained still.

"...Uhm, I-I don't know, uh, well they said they might, but...they get busy." Sana took note of your sentence, it was all jumbled and frail as she stared at your unease.

"Oh, well hopefully they can come." Sana tried to raise some moral to you as you nodded.

"Yeah...well, you wanna continue or sit still?" You stood up not waiting for an answer as Sana stood up too.

"Hai, let's do this." You nodded as Sana followed you to the rim.

You took a deep breath to relax yourself and to forget about the last few seconds of that conversation.

"(YN)?" You looked left to Sana's smile. "Arigato."

You smiled a few seconds later.

"Of course Sana."

Sana nodded and went to retrieve the ball.

------------------------------------------------------------

TIMESKIP

24 MINUTES

"After you." You opened the door for Sana to walk through as she thanked you. She walked in and stopped after a few steps.

"Why'd you...Jihyo?"

You both looked forward as you saw Jihyo now standing up from the lone couch and started to walk towards you both at the foot of the stairs, hands held together and in the workout clothing she wore this morning.

"Jihyo?" Jihyo approached till she was about two feet away from you both, "hey, how are you feeling?"

Jihyo looked between you two.

"I'm fine." You nodded.

"That's great, but Jihyo honestly I would-"

She shook her head.

"I've rested enough. I'm ready to go." Jihyo stared right at you, yet you didn't seem to convinced that she was all there.

You turned to Sana, mentally asking her what she thinks. Sana turned her head to Jihyo's poker expression...then back to you and nodded.

"...Okay then," you turned to Jihyo, "but if I see anything off, I'm calling it okay."

She nodded.

"Okay, let me use the restroom real quick and we'll talk about what today is." Jihyo nodded once more as you walked past her. Sana stayed behind as they both heard the door close and she saw and heard Jihyo releasing a sigh.

"What are you doing?" She took a step toward Jihyo and whispered.

"It's like Mina said Sana, I have to be okay and not the way I was."

"But isn't it too quick? You couldn't even look at him hours ago," Jihyo pursed her lips, "You don't have to force yourself Jihyo, I'm sure (YN) won't mind if you-"

"It's fine, I'm well aware Sana, but I'll be fine. I'll admit, I overreacted with...that, but I can't continue to act all weird with him." Jihyo seemed determined, yet her voice faltered as Sana studied her. 

"...Sigh...if that's what you want." She nodded. "So...what about...you and (YN)?" Upon hearing, Jihyo's sight lowered to Sana's stomach and her body slumped slightly. 

"...I don't know Sana, I really don't."

Sana observed Jihyo's faltered expression as she blanketed Jihyo into a hug, exactly like Nayeon.

Sana knew how much Jihyo's head was racking in all this, she's pretty much in her leader's position as well, only it wasn't just Tzuyu to think about.

Nayeon and her hid it pretty well, though, Nayeon sometimes seems upfront, but nothing serious, so hopefully Jihyo can be as well.

Sana wondered what Nayeon said to her upstairs, hopefully nothing too revealing.

Jihyo stayed still and felt Sana snake her arms around her and, for the first time in some hours, gave a thankful petite smile while Sana placed her head on her shoulder.

"We'll figure it out Jihyo...don't worry."

Jihyo gave a small smile, it felt great to have her sister's aid.

"I hope so. Thank you Sana."

Sana leaned back and held Jihyo's shoulders and gave a supportive smile. 

"Of course."

"No really, thank you. You, Nay and Mina. I'm sorry for acting this way." Sana felt the sorrow in her voice as Sana smiled.

"Gwenchana Jihyo, it's okay. Don't worry. Alright?"

Jihyo nodded.

"Now be safe okay. Don't push yourself."  

"I know...thank you." Jihyo capped it off as she went around Sana to exit through the door to the outside as Sana went towards the couch and looked left at the bathroom door closed. So Sana turned and rested herself on the couch, taking in the cool AC air, resting her legs, and thinking about Jihyo.

She couldn't believe she wanted to do this so quickly. It's only been a few hours since the talk, but Mina was right about Jihyo having to be calm about this. Sana knew what Jihyo was feeling to hurt another member's feelings by liking you. 

It was like that to Nayeon and when she was called out for liking you, Sana was relieved that Nayeon only supported her and wanted to talk about their shared feelings for you...about what Sana didn't know, but this was needed for Tzuyu and Jihyo as well.

And then tonight.

Sana had a small, minimum, tiny part of her that wanted to say no for Jihyo's and Tzuyu's sake, but the large, maximum, giant part of her wanted to be with you for a whole night. She felt bad, but the latter got to h-

CLICK...SQUEAK

Sana turned her head to the bathroom door to see you coming out.

"(YN)?" 

You turned right and Sana was sitting on the couch, arms on her lap and looking right at you with a frown.

"Oh, hey." You waved as Sana waved back and stood up as you approached her. "What do you think?" You asked Sana, walking around the couch to be near you as she shrugged.

"I talked with her for a bit and she wants to do this and while I want her to rest, if she says she's better...go easy on her please?" She asked as you nodded.

"Of course Sana." You validated as Sana nodded. "It'll be okay, just a light workout and we'll be done for today and see about tomorrow. You know how Jihyo is though." Sana gave a mini smile and nodded.

"Yeah, stubborn." You hummed, "but committed and determined, sounds like someone else I know." She looked to you shaking your head." Alright, keep an eye on her okay."

"Of course I will. You rest Sana, you did amazing today." Hearing that, Sana smiled even more...and being Sana, she stepped forward, widen her arms and gave you a quick two-second hug, and slowly pulled away to see your smile at her.

"Thank you (YN). And I'm excited about tonight." She muttered. "We're gonna have fun."

"Me too and yeah we are. Think about what we should do okay?" You agreed as Sana hummed and stepped towards the stairs as you watched her go up the last step and saw her turn and waved at you for the last time before entering her room to reveal Nayeon and Mina sitting on their beds and turned towards Sana.

"Sana." "Hey."

"Hey," Sana crept inside and closed the door behind, "So Jihyo?"

"Yeah, we were surprised as well." Nayeon pointed at Mina as she nodded. "She said anything to you?" She furthered as Sana shook her head and headed closer to them.

"Apologized for behaving the way she was and that she wanted to this but that's it. I told her to take it easy." Mina and Nayeon nodded.

"Pretty much what she told us too," Mina confirmed. "I hope she'll be fine with (YN) alone. I know she wanted to go alone, but...I don't know."

"She wants to be alone Mina. Maybe not so well at first," Nayeon answered as Mina had to agree. "But if that's what she wants then so be it. So meanwhile, what do we do about Jihyo and Tzu?" Nayeon asked as Mina shook her head.

"Nothing until Jihyo talks to her."

"'If' she talks to her." Nayeon emphasised 'if'.

"So that's it?" Sana asked, not liking the fact that they are leaving Jihyo like this nor that it doesn't help with her or Nayeon's same scenario.

"I'm afraid so. Honestly, it's all up to her."

"And what if she doesn't talk at all?" Nayeon asked as Mina gave some thought. "...I know it's kind of wrong, but if Jihyo can't get to Tzuyu, what if Tzuyu gets to Jihyo?"

Mina and Sana looked at one another before to Nayeon.

"So 'we' tell Tzuyu?" Sana asked as Nayeon verified it. "I don't know Nayeon. That seems...backstabby."

"I know Sana, but I love Jihyo too much to have her in that state of mind. If she really...likes (YN), then we should do something."

"Hol on Nayeon, we don't even know what they want." Mina stated, "I think we should let time pass and see what either wants."

"Either? So you think Jihyo likes (YN) for real Mina?" Sana asked as she nodded.

"Yeah." Mina stated as Nayeon and Sana looked at her. "Leaders of their own teams, harsh years of training, personalities, both went through pretty much the same lifestyle to get to where they are. Jihyo is close to him because she knows exactly what he's been through and sadly for him, it sounds worse than the nine of us. And then with Koni, it only enhanced that." Mina explained as the other two comprehended it.

"I suppose...but you think she admires him instead?" Sana asked back.

"I thought that too," Nayeon cut in, "you heard her, whatever she asked Tzuyu, she feels. She was even jealous of us being around him, he makes her feel something new, and then the dream...I don't think it's admiration. When have you seen Jihyo act all weird like this before in our years and before? Even the rest of us stress about work or something outside of Twice, she's the one to come forward and encourage us whenever or support us we need it." Nayeon turned to Mina. "In Jihyo and my years as trainees together, I've never seen her like that, no matter what projects or sessions we had, she would always go head first into it. Seeing her like this, it's like a whole other person."

Mina sighed softly and tapped her bed with her fingers.

"What about you Mina?" Nayeon asked her, "when you were alone with her, did she say anything?"

Mina looked to Nayeon and then at Sana.

"A bit...here let me repeat."

And so Mina started to explain the brief moment of her and Jihyo and what could transpire.

---------------------------------------------------

MINUTES AGO

You waved back and started to walk back towards the door as Sana went into her room, no doubt a talk with Nayeon and Mina.

You sighed as you approached the back door and saw Jihyo...

Nevertheless, you opened the back door and Jihyo noticed it right away.

'Here he comes...alright then.'

Jihyo stood up right away as you approached her. 

She thought about what to say to apologize for this morning, yet she figured that you would either be upset or frustrated at her so to not look into you, Jihyo closed hers.

"...(YN), I know I-gasp" 

Jihyo lost her breath as, once again, was enveloped into a hug from you this time. 

Similar to Sana yet Jihyo felt more of a rush as she saw nothing but your shirt, her eyes enlarged and the beat of her heart increasing as she felt your arms around her back.

"I'm glad you're okay Jihyo." 

So soft she heard as those words came to her, Jihyo's expression fell.

She made you worry over nothing, over some petty lie... 

"I-it was just a headache." She said to alleviate your thoughts.

"No." You pulled back, dropping your arms to your sides and leaving Jihyo to feel rather...cold. "It doesn't matter what you have Jihyo. You know as your coach and friend, you come first before anything."

Jihyo felt guilt spreading in her as she marked up at your eyes before lowering her sight once more, unable to take your sight on her.

"I know...(YN), I'm so sorry for not telling you sooner."

"You don't have to apologize Jihyo, as long as you're okay, then it's ok-"

"No, no it's not okay (YN)." Jihyo's left hand grabbed her right arm, comforting herself, "I made you feel regretful and worried for me...you and the others over som-"

GRASP

"Jihyo, Jihyo relax."

Jihyo felt a weight on both her shoulders, your hands pressed firmly and your fingers digging into her cotton shirt and skin just slightly. Again the contact felt heated as Jihyo struggled to keep in check at your comforting smile.

"It's okay, it's okay. Regardless of anything, we'll still feel those emotions no matter what Jihyo, course we'll be worried, it's how it is. And right now, we're all feeling great about you being well. And if you say you're okay, then there's nothing to worry about anymore. Besides, we knew you'd be better soon enough. So don't feel bad about anything. We're glad and happy to know you're up. Especially me."

Jihyo figured that there was no point in saying anything back. At this point, she estimated you'd know what to say to whatever she had to say and make things right with her.

Jihyo nodded slowly as you nodded too.

"And Jihyo, we all know how strong and able you are to push through the small and the large, but even so, it's okay to take breaks here and there. So if you do want to apologize, move it forward and promise me this, no matter what, if you feel anything off, anything at all, even if a finger is aching, let us know beforehand okay?" You topped it off, you had a smile to show an uplift in you and hopefully her.

And it was working, not the way you thought though.

There it was...Jihyo was feeling the same as before and a few times all over again as you smiled at her...that damn smile that Jihyo now viewed differently.

She'd figured you'd be upset, based on your reaction on the bench, but here you were supporting her.

'Again. He's switching it up again just for me to feel better about this...'

She then felt your hands leaving her shoulders and somehow Jihyo felt heavier before the action.

"But you're not the one who should be anyway. The others and I noticed yesterday and I should have said something. I'd figured you were tired, but that's no excuse, that's on me. Mainly this morning and for that, I'm sorry as well." Jihyo was about to say something, but what can she do? 

She hated that you were feeling sorry over nothing.

With that in mind, Jihyo merely nodded as you smiled at her.

"Okay, then, if you're really up for it, we're going to go easy for today, and tomorrow we can go back to full-on alright?" Jihyo looked right at you, emotionless as one can be, she really couldn't bring a smile or even force one.

Why?

Why you? 

The same guy Tzuyu likes.

'Why did I had to fall for you (YN)...'

You grimaced at her expression, but Jihyo being Jihyo, her being the leader and someone to look up to for the others, you knew she had to feel awful about pushing through the pain she had and to make others worry.

After all, you knew someone else that was in her shoes.

Rather than pushing her to be happy, you'd figured it's best to do what she wanted and go from there.

"Okay. And sorry about the hug Jihyo, it's really great to hear and see you doing better." Your smile showed once more and it made Jihyo wince at what she was doing.

"It's okay...thank you (YN)." She mustered up those measly words and you nodded.

'He's looking out for me and I lie right in his face...'

"Of course Jihyo. Now then, if you're ready, let's begin?" You asked as Jihyo nodded, she did come out here to do this after all, "okay, shooting or passing?"

"...passing."

You nodded, "Alright, I will be alternating between cutting through the paint and towards the rim or you setting me up with some threes from the paint. Precision and speed, alright?" You asked her opinion as she nodded. "Let's grab some balls then." You turned your back to her and went to retrieve a few balls, Jihyo fixated on your back as she let a sigh out.

This was much tougher than she thought. 

'Here we go.'

---------------------------------------------------

MINUTES AGO

Mina walked out the dorm to the backyard and towards you dribbling the ball left and right. Jihyo came into the room after thirty minutes and each girl asked how she was.

Jihyo nodded and said she felt good and everything was okay with you and her. Said you had her play slow and steady and she was thankful for that and wanted to lie down. The others nodded and Mina left to train with you.

The talk between her, Sana, and Nayeon went nowhere as they lasted with what Mina said and to let them figure out what to decide.

"Hey (YN)." Mina saw you turn and stopped dribbling the ball as you carried it with one arm.

"Afternoon Mina. Jihyo in your room?" Mina nodded, "That's good."

"How did she do?" Mina asked upfront as you nodded.

"She did what I expected. We played slow and she was quiet. She told me she felt sorry about making us worry." Mina sighed.

"Well, of course we'd worry."

"That's what I said. I told her not to. Hopefully she'll mull it over."

"Yeah, hopefully. Thank you for taking it slow with her. It's not easy for Jihyo to be at a pace while the others are doing work."

"I understand that mindset. And of course Mina. It's the only thing to do for her." Mina nodded. "alright, ready?" You asked Mina as she nodded.

"Hai, oh hang on. Give me a sec."

Mina reached down and grabbed from her pocket what looked like a hairband and brought it up to her mouth to hold onto it while fixing her hair since she complained that it got in her way. 

While watching her, Mina turned to you...

'Wow...'

Mina gave a smile as she held her hair with one hand and took the band with the other.

'Man...they really are beautiful...'

"Gomen, ready (YN)?" She gave a sensual smile as you nodded mindlessly.

No word could describe how pretty Mina was as you smiled.

"Let's do this Mina."

"Hai." And you both walked side by side to start training.

--------------------------------------------------

MEANWHILE

AT ANOTHER DORM

"Man he moves so quick, it's like a blur. How can he be that young and-"

"Hey Jennie~" 

A voice stopped Jennie from finishing her sentence as Jennie looked up from her phone. Lisa came in wearing a white designed tank top with black gym shorts on while Jennie clicked the phone's home button.

"Hey Lisa." Jennie responded as 

"What you doing?" Lisa came towards Jennie. 

"Watching videos." Lisa smirked, "no, not of (YN)." Jennie added as Lisa laughed.

"Hahaha, sure Jen~ sure you ar-hey!" Lisa was hit with a stuffed animal that Jennie had near her. "Geez I just was joking...lighten up." Jennie rolled her eyes.

"You girls tease me about him daily now, it's getting pretty old."

"Can you blame us?" Lisa cross-legged sat on her bed near Jennie's as her leader sighed.

"I never should have told you girls about him..."

"Oh come on Jennie, I don't blame you for having an eye on (YN), you even said so yourself that he's pretty handsome with that cute side to him. Even Wendy's got a bit of a crush on him too the more we study him." Lisa pointed towards the door as Jennie groaned.

"I don't have a-oh my god, I'm not thinking about him okay? I'm thinking of Sonto." Lisa frowned. "Today he was quiet. Sure he was there to guide us, but he seemed a bit distracted."

"Yeah, well, he did say his daughter got sick yesterday. I would be distracted as well." Lisa agreed as Jennie nodded. "But nothing we can really do for him, but wish her well."

Jennie tapped her bed.

"I know that. I mean sure we didn't see eye to eye at the start, but I do feel a bit bad." Jennie remarked as Lisa nodded.

"Yeah. Hopefully whatever she has will be over soon. Now then, let's talk about (YN). Are you gonna ask him out?" She asked as Jennie shook her head. 

"Oh my god Lisa really?" 

"Why not? Come on, he's great."

"We've talked about this, A, he likes Twice more, B, the company is not gonna allow that, C, I know Nayeon and Sana likes him, I'm not gonna go and just take him from them and D, (YN) isn't here to date but to train."

Lisa hummed.

"Then why all the flirty interactions with him yesterday and when he was here? I mean come on "go a few rounds with him"?" Lisa repeated her words as Jennie smiled.

"It's fun to see Nayeon jealous. Her getting mad yesterday when I asked for a match as well as hugging him was too funny. Plus it was a fun little one on one match with her all pent up." Lisa smiled. "...okay, maybe I was a bit interested when we first met," Lisa smirked, "but after thinking about those two liking (YN), I'm gonna let it be. Sure, he's a great guy and all, but I don't see us having a thing going on."

"So not even a one date?" Lisa disregarded Jennie's speech.

"Lisa, come on." Jennie groaned as Lisa raised her hands up.

"Alright, alright, you do you I guess...so, you think Nayeon or Sana will ask him?" She asked Jennie as she shrugged.

"I don't know, whatever happens, happens." Jennie grabbed her phone as Lisa nodded. 

"Right, but still, doing what they did yesterday for him? That's a little crazy isn't it?" She asked of her as Jennie nodded.

"Hey I don't blame them. You should read what some poeple wrote, it's not pretty." Lisa nodded.

"Well I'm sure their Once aren't happy to have a guy being with Twice living with them twenty four seven can make some of them a bit ticked. But he's drowned them out. The girls certainly didn't though."

"I honestly think we would have done the same...but knowing our company, I'm sure they would have kicked (YN) out quick for the reputation." Jennie responded.

"Sad, but true." Jennie nodded. "Well, at least we got Sonto, sure he isn't (YN), but he's very knowledgeable in bask-"

"Lisa! Jen! Dinner's ready." The two heard Rose's voice as they looked towards the door.

"Coming!" Lisa yelled out and stood up, "well, you coming?" She asked as Jennie shook her head.

"Not right now, my legs are a bit sore still."

"Oh, well want me to bring you a plate?" She asked as Jennie shook her head. 

"No thanks, but a drink will be nice."

"Alright, be right back." Lisa gave two thumps up at her leader as Jennie smiled in appreciation.

Jennie frowned as Lisa left the room and picked up her phone to see her video on pause. Had Lisa seen you on the screen, Jennie would have been teased non stop till the next morning. 

She had been watching you, highlights though to witness you in action and hopefully learn some moves. It was intense to her how the other teams seem to be so inefficient when guarding you. 

'I should have been more forward with him to be with us...as well asked him sooner. Oh well, congrats on whoever gets him you two.' 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

TIMESKIP 

34 MINS

TWICE DORM

THUMP

SWISH

.

THUMP

SWISH

"Good Mina, one more."

THUMP

SWISH

"Great, that's great Mina. Alright, it's halway done so come and take a break." 

Mina nodded and followed you towards the bench.

Mina had made 20 layups while catching passes from you. She was learning how to attack the rim, adding to her defensive skills, Mina figured she needed to work on her offense. Shooting was medicore for her and she knew that, so layups were her hopeful techniques and too assist both Tzuyu and Jeongyeon when needed.

A two-way player is what you would describe Mina and that would be very deadly.

You were already near the bench when you handed Mina her bottle. She thanked you and she dranked the contents of it...and then silence occured.

.

.

About a minute passed and Mina didn't know what to say or talk to you about.

For now, she'll take her own advice and wait this out. She didn't want to make or push or rather meld anything together, even as much as she wan-

"You think I did the right thing in letting Jihyo play?" This made Mina turn with a confused look.

"What?"

You turned to Mina, "I know it's too late now, but do you think having Jihyo train was dumb of me?" 

Mina shook her head quickly.

"Of course not, plus she said she appreciated that you let her. And you took it slow and steady as well (YN). I see no harm if you were taking care of her closely. You nodded.

"Yeah...I'm overthinking it aren't I?"

Mina let out a comfort smile.

"(YN), it just means you care about her."

"I care about all of you Mina."

Mina's comfort smile grow just a bit.

"And us to you (YN)...so...yesterday, about us being important, are we really?"

You nodded.

"Yes you are Mina, you really are."

Mina gazed at you for a few seconds and turned to look forward...and then back to you as she moved a hand to the top of your arm.

"...I hope you achieve your dream (YN). We all do." You trailed her hand to her smile and seeing that smile, not just hers but all, made your day.

"Arigato Mina. Honestly your support means everything." Mina nodded and both of you were gazing at one another with Mina's hand still on you.

You looked foward, but Mina kept her stare at you.

"Mina, if anything is up or you feel the need to rest , no matter what it is, you can ask to sit out and take the day off alright? You nine first before anything and I don't want any of you to overwork yourselves." You turned to her as Mina lit up like no other at your words.

'He really is something else...'

"Hai, I will (YN). Thank you and that applies to you (YN) too okay?" You nodded as she nodded back. "...You know, those mines aren't gonna mine themselves. It's been a while since we played huh?" She stated as you nodded.

"It certainly has, you want to log on after all this?" You asked as she looked surprised.

"You aren't doing anything?"

"Well Momo wants to chat a bit, but after that I'm free."

'Momo?' Mina thought. She would think that later, but now, she had an opportunity to be with you, so...

"Alright (YN), I would love that." You smiled.

"So would I Mina." Mina nodded...but she realized something. "Thank god for the clouds to come out," you said cutting off Mina's thoughts as she saw you looking up, "now we have no sun to worry about. You wanna continue or a few more minutes?" You looked at her as Mina blinked several times.

"H-Hai, let's get to work. I want to work on defense now." You nodded as both of you stood and Mina followed you to the rim...and she came back to her thought.

'Did I say love? Why did I say love?'

------------------------------------------------------

TIMESKIP 

28 MINS

You shot yet another basket into the hoop and defeated Dahyun yet again. The back up point guard challenged you to a one-on-one match...yeah it didn't go so well as Dahyun had hoped.

She huffed once more and glared at you. "One more, (YN)!"

You chuckled and bounced the ball, smirking slightly. "Another game? My, my Dahyun you sure are persistent today."

Nonetheless, you gave a charming smile and tossed her the ball. And so the game began. It started out with them just blocking each other from making shots...sorry, my bad, it started out with Dahyun attempting to block you from making shots as you kept on cruising through on scoring and the same cannot be said with her on the other side, but one her seventh attempt, Dahyun found an opening and went for making a shot...and got rejected so quickly by you as it didn't even leave her hands since you put your hand on the ball.

"Are you kidd-(YN)! Stop bullying me." Dahyun complained as you laughed.

Dahyun pulled back and tried to do some left and right feints to trick you but nothing was working as you mirrored her movements. So Dahyun figured to surprise you, but making a jump shot from where she was...you let it happen

By the time the ball hit the front of the rim, Dahyun leaned her head back and groaned towards the sky, you kept your mouth shut while controlling your laughter.

"Ahhh! How can none of us ever score on you (YN)!?"

You gave her a charming smile. "This was a great game Dahyun."

She looked at you quickly with a pout

"Yeah right...great would be if I was behind by one, not a billion to zero." Dahyun raised her hand to form an 'o' shape representing the zero as you shrugged.

"Hey you wanted me to play hard. Besides, your handles are getting better along with your shot selection." You noted as Dahyun sighed...and in a blink, brought her hand up and placed a finger right in the middle of your chest.

"I will beat you someday (YN), even if it takes years." You grinned at her goal.

"And I will accept every and all challenges you ask for." You returned as Dahyun smiled and even got a chuckle as you repeated her action. "Hehe, alright, let's take a water break Dahyun."

She nodded and followed you towards the bench. Dahyun sat down as you opened the cooler to the side and offered a nice cold bottle for Dahyun. She thanked you and took the bottle, already feeling the chilly exterior. She opened the cap and drank the refreshing water down her quenched throat.

"Ah~ that's good," you took a sip as well, "this is fun." You lowered the water bottle. "and it's all thanks to you."

"Hehe, thanks Tofu, I'm just training you girls. I don't see how I'm making this any fun." Dahyun smiled.

"Oh come on (YN), we both know that the charity match wouldn't have been nearly as fun without you there. No offense to the idols there, but they aren't exactly basketball players. With you there, hehe, it was a whole new level. Watching you destroy Jimin and his team was fun to watch." She grinned as you chuckled.

"Well, yeah, it was pretty fun."

"See~ then you made this whole K-ball event something for everyone to talk and join in. If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't have a great match with BlackVelvet and the whole K-pop community wouldn't be into it. Heck Izone, Momoland and Itzy all V-lived yesterday their training sessions. You got us into it by watching you and playing alongside is pretty amazing."

"Hey I could say the same about you girls. And besides, you didn't need me to have a great match, I know regardless you would have done well even under another coach."

Dahyun's smile faded just slight.

"Honestly, I don't think so (YN). I don't think we would have connected with another coach like you so easily. You mix in well with us." You hummed.

"Thanks Dahyun." This time Dahyun smile came back. 

"Speaking of us, I heard Tzuyu had a great time last night."

"Yeah, it was great. We talked, ate and watched Harry Potter and-well tried to watch since we fell asleep, but overall it was a fun night. I got to know Tzuyu a bit more."

Dahyun nodded.

"That's great...so~ when's our night?" You eyed Dahyun.

"Huh, we haven't hang in a while have we?"

"Just the two of us? No."

"Right, I'm sorry Dahyun." 

"(YN) come on, don't apologize. Can't blame the others for wanting to be with you." You shrugged.

"Still, I didn't mean to ignore you-"

Dahyun waved a finger in front of you.

"Nonono, I don't want to hear any negativity. Just when."

You looked between her and her finger as you smiled.

"Right...uh, well we can hang tomorrow, though I don't know about a sleepover till the day after tomorrow."

Dahyun had a thinking expression.

"Your schedule is packed (YN)." She joked as you chuckled. "Soon we all need to make appointments with you." You shook your head at her statement. "And sure, I'm looking forward to it. But I would very much like to hang out soon." You nodded.

"Alright, you got something in mind?"

"Hmm~"

"Oh what do I want indeed (YN)~"

You were a bit taken aback by that statement.

"Why are you sounding like Momo?" You joked as Dahyun laughed.

"Hahaha, I guess that did sound Momoish...alright, I guess since everyone is getting their shot at you, I figured I would join, so, I would like you and me...to play a song."

"Play a song?"

"Yup! You know I like to play piano right?"

You nodded.

"Of course I do, who doesn't? But Dahyun, I don't know a single thing about pianos."

She grinned.

"Even better. You brought your basketball expertise to us and I would like to bring my piano expertise to you. I'll be happy to teach you (YN). It's very simple once you get to it." You smiled and chuckled.

"Jesus, I'll be an idol with you girls teaching me your expertise then." This gave Dahyun a shift in expression.

"You're being taught?" Dahyun asked as you shrugged.

"I was mostly joking. I mean Momo wants me to learn some dance moves with her, Nayeon wants to sing in karaoke, and now you with piano. I'm gonna guess Chaeyoung probably wants me to rap next." 

Dahyun pointed at you.

"Hey, I wouldn't mind paying to hear that. Get you in a booth and-" Dahyun gasped, "That sounds like a great idea!"

"Uhh, no." You slouched as Dahyun nodded.

"Of course it does! Imagine your own single! Gasp! You can be the first NBA player slash idol!"

"Dahyun-"

"No I change my answer, I want you to record a song!" She pointed at you as you tilted your head.

"Dahyun you can't be serious..."

"Come on (YN), where's the harm in it? It'll only take a few hours and we can all have fun making it with you. Plus we can do a rap like Chae and I. What do you say?"

You were about to decline...then again...who can say that they recorded with Twice.

"...what song?"

Dahyun expression lit up.

"Oh, I cannot wait to tell the others of what you agreed to. I can see it now already," Dahyun raised a hand up to the sky and looked right at it, "the biggest Kpop news in the history of Kpop, the best NBA player (YN)," She points at you with the other hand, "joins Twice for the best collaboration of songs of all time~"

You laughed at Dahyun's expressive mannerism as Dahyun looked right at you and smiled at your laugh.

"Hahaha~ Oh well now sounds interesting."

"Right?!" Dahyun agreed as both were calming down from your small laughter. 

"Alright alright, it does sound fun and pretty exciting to be honest." Dahyun hummed. "Plus to record with you girls, hehe, thats sounds amazing." Dahyun nodded.

"Oh it will be~" You nodded, "alright then, I guess it's time for us to go huh?" She asked.

"Just about, you did amazing today Dahyun." You noted as Dahyun smiled and stood up.

"Thanks (YN), you as well." You thanked her back as you both stood up and headed towards the-

"Hang on Dahyun," Dahyun stopped and turned to you, "if anything is up or you feel something wrong, no matter what it is, you can ask to sit out and rest alright? You come first before anything and I don't want any of you to overwork yourselves." Dahyun lit up like no other at your words as she giggled.

"Hehehe~ I will (YN), don't worry. Thank you though, it means alot."

You nodded as Dahyun raised her right hand up as you smiled and rose yours as well.

With both raised right hands, you clapped twice and you quickly brought the same hand around and over Dahyun's as you both clapped with the back of the same hands, and afterward, you both dabbed to finish it off with a small raise in your right leg like their moment in the Likey MV.

You both smiled at the successful handshake.

"I think we got that down," Dahyun noted as you nodded.

"Yeah, we do. Now then, shall we go in partner?" You waved for her to go first through the door as Dahyun pressed a hand against her heart and tilted her head.

"My my partner~ what a gentleman~" She winked at you as you smiled at her entering the dorm as you followed suit.

-----------------------------------------------

TIMESKIP

34 MINS

THUMP

The ball went bouncing off the rim as you landed on the floor and looked to Chaeyoung's frown.

"Aww...gomen (YN)."

"It's fine, maybe we should lower the rim to make it easier. I can't really do it." You suggested as she nodded.

"Go for it." Chaeyoung nodded at your action as you went to the back to adjust the height of the rim.

And no, Chaeyoung wasn't shooting, training was already said and done. She wanted to do one thing with you...an alley-oop.

An alley-oop in basketball is when one player throws the ball near the basket to a teammate who jumps, catches the ball in mid-air and slam dunks it before touching the ground. The perfect blend of teamwork, pinpoint passing, timing and finishing in basketball and normally you would be the one throwing the ball in your games, but in this case Chaeyoung was the one who wanted to as she watched some of your games again to see some more of what your do on the court since you play in her position...that and she liked watching you.

And by seeing your assists to your centers doing a dunk, she asked if you could dunk yourself, something that you weren't accustomed to doing.

The thing was while you could dunk, the key word was 'could'.

Barely it went well, mostly it didn't go well so you don't during games as shooting and layups were more of your specialty anyway.

However, Chaeyoung was eager to do this and who were you to say no.

So...

"Okay, it's a foot lower, but I think it'll work." You walked towards the corner of the court. "Ready Chae?" You asked as she nodded.

You ran from the corner towards the rim, "now." and Chaeyoung threw the ball as you jumped in the air with both hands reaching towards the ball. This time, Chaeyoung threw a great pass as you caught it with ease. Your eyes shifted towards the rim as with all your might, threw your arms and ball down in it.

SLAM

"Yeah!" Chaeyoung rose both hands up at the successful alley-oop.

You and the ball went downward, but the ball went down the net and you landed on your feet as the ball bounced away from you.

"Wow, can't believe-"

Suddenly, something or something collided on your side.

"(YN)! That was amazing!"

You smiled as Chaeyoung squeezed you and you returned the hug with one arm.

"It certainly was. Sorry if it wasn't flashy."

Chaeyoung shook her head and looked up at you.

"Who cares, just that it was great dunk."

"Well it was a great pass." Chaeyoung smiled and let go of you and dangled her arms on her side. "Well now that that's done, anything else you want to do?"

"Hmm, how much time do we have left?" She asked as you both went to check your phone and get a sip of water.

Chaeyoung went for her bottle and you went to your phone.

"About tenish minutes." 

Midway through her drink, Chaeyoung's shoulders fell and gave a pout at you afterlowering her drink as you returned a ease look.

"Come on Chae, you've done a lot today. I don't want-" Chaeyoung stood up and placed herself in front of you and pointed right at your face too which you recoiled.

"I want revenge." She stated as you blinked several times.

"Revenge? For wh-the Mario Party?"

"Yes! And I have yet to beat you at basketball in anything for that matter, but that changes today (YN)." She poked your torso as you laughed. "Don't laugh, I'm serious..." She pouted as stopped your laughter.

"Mianhae, mianhae, but you scored on me before Chae." Chaeyoung remembered and shook her head.

"That doesn't count. I don't need others to handle you. I want to beat you one on one. So...I challenge you to a game of horse!" Chaeyoung pointed at you as you raised a brow.

"Are you sure about that?" You asked as Chaeyoung's finger formed into a fist.

"Of course I'm sure! The best part is that I don't have to defend you. Plus I've been working on my shot. Watch." Chaeyoung reassured as she took the ball from your hands and went to the free-throw line as you watched. 

She took form and...

SWISH

The ball hit the backboard and into the net making a nice swish sound. 

"See. Now come on you have to make it from right here." Chaeyoung smiled towards you standing up and laughing as you walked to get the ball and to Chaeyoung's location. "Alright, but mind you Chae..."

Chaeyoung nodded as she saw you shoot...

SWISH

"I'm not losing this one either" You stated in a competitive tone as Chaeyoung grinned, "but you know who you're up against Chae, maybe playing me in a basketball shooting game isn't a smart idea."

Chaeyoung smiled as she picked up the ball you had shot and handed it to you. "Well Mr. NBA player, since you think you're so good...how about you start with H O R and S."

You laughed.

"So I only have one attempt huh..."

You smirked.

"Alright." you replied in a confident tone as you moved and turned towards Chaeyoung, your back towards the net and rim and looked straight at her. "You're on." You cockily said as you threw the ball behind your head, your eyes never leaving Chaeyoung's.

SWISH

Chaeyoung couldn't believe her ears and eyes when she heard and saw the perfect swish sound. "What the- no freaking way! That's not fair! You cheated!" Chaeyoung complained as she looked behind you at the ball that had just gone through the net. Chaeyoung then brought her hands up to your chest and repeatedly pounded you (listen smut readers, I know). "Dang it (YN)! Why must you be so good at everything!"

You just chuckled as you watched Chaeyoung slowed her actions and sighed.

"Fine, if you can do it, I can as well." Chaeyoung then quickly went around you and towards the ball rolling away as she bended down to get it and just as quickly went back to your side, her back towards the rim as you gave a pleasant smile. "Watch."

She then threw the ball to mimic your actions...

THUMP

Only for it to hit the backboard towards the right side and completely miss the rim.

Chaeyoung sighed. "Alright! You got lucky! I'm going to beat you (YN)!" Chaeyoung confidently stated as she once again went and grabbed the ball.

You chuckled. "Can't wait to see that happen." 

------------------------------

TIMESKIP 5 MINS

So the match continued and as one can expect...

"Today is not my day..." Chaeyoung muttered while sitting on the bench, slouched and pouting like a kid.

"Chae, you got some good shots." You were on her left as Chaeyoung pouted.

"Yeah, but it was nothing to you...I thought today was the day." You smiled. "Whatever, next time I'll challenge you at 'my' game. I heard from Nayeon that you did karaoke...and did just okay~ " You scoffed.

"Oh, you're on Chae."

She smiled.

"Sweet, so...how about on a sleepover tonight?" She looked very hopeful...god you hated to say no to her.

"Uhm...mainhae Chae," you started as Chaeyoung frowned just slightly and leaned back. "Sana and I are tonight."

"Oh, well tomorrow?"

"Jeongyeon."

"Oh...day after?"

"...Dahyun literally just asked." Chaeyoung closed her eyes and pouted.

"Aish...guess we all want you..." Chaeyoung spoke as your smile fell like hers.

"Well about after Tzuyu's training and hanging with Momo for a bit, I come to your room and the four of us can play a board game or karaoke downstairs?"

Chaeyoung's lips turned upward, but not to a smile.

"That would be nice, but...I'd rather it be just you and me if you don't mind." You nodded.

"Course, but probably only for an hour, is that okay?"

Her smile showed.

"That's perfectly fine." you nodded as you stared forward and leaned back in your seat, "...(YN)?" You turned to Chaeyoung twiddling her fingers around, "about Mario Party, I'm sorry if I was a bit forward with you and Dahyun."

"Forward? I didn't get that at all Chae, I'd figured it was all competitive nature. It made into a very great game though."

"It would have been if you and I won toge-"

And then Chaeyoung's expression screamed 'oh shoot' as if she didn't mean to say that. Her mouth closed shut and her eyes enlarged quite a bit.

You knew she and Momo had a fit when you suggested the drawing, but to see and hear Chaeyoung still affected by it gave you quite a thought. Momo and Nayeon seemed fine, but Chae...

"...Chae, it's not that I didn't want to pick you, it's that with four of you, I thought a drawing would be a better option."

Chaeyoung nodded.

"No I get it. And I know you made quite a few promises to me already, but next time, if we had to pick partners again, can you...uh...choose me?" Chaeyoung finished off without giving a glance at you. "I know it's dumb, but...I really wanted to be your partner and...well you don't have to, but-"

"Chae." Her name cut her off as you sat down next to her, "come on, it's not dumb. I'm sorry. I didn't think that I would hurt you by not-"

"I'm not hurt," She looked at you for a mere second before her eyes traveled downward, "I...I want to have as much time with you as I can." She lowered her volume towards the end. "You know before you leave..." She shrugged and tapped her fingers on the bench. 

.

.

You both stayed silent after that statement for about tenish seconds, 

"Chae, I can say the same." Chaeyoung looked towards you yet she was still embarra- "I love being with you. You're an amazing girl to hang around, be with, talk to, anything really." Chaeyoung's look said it all as she was mesmerized by what you said. "I mean come on, the time with you is something special and I wouldn't want to waste that either." You capped off as Chaeyoung pursed her lips to hid her smile...only she couldn't past two seconds as she scooted over and hugged you around your waist.

Her head pressed against your side as you smiled down at her.

"Thank you (YN). I'm happy you share the same thought. I can say the same to you." She spoke up and tilted her head upwards for you to spot her cheerful expression.

"Thank you Chae, and I'm sorry again."

"It's fine (YN) really, I understand why you did the drawing. I don't blame the others for wanting you for the same reasons. But I'm looking forward to our time even more." Chaeyoung gave a cute smile as you hummed. 

"I am too Chae, I am as well."

Chaeyoung closed her eyes and rested her head back to your torso.

"Since we only have a few minutes left, can we just sit still for that?" She asked.

"Of course." Chaeyoung hummed and took a breath to relax whatever she was feeling. 

She felt an intense sensation in her that made the middle of her torso thump hard...yet she felt at ease with it and enjoyed it heavily.

------------------------

TIMESKIP 

22 MINS

"Good Tzu, keep it up."

'Man she's energized today.'

Tzuyu put in a lot more effort, even more so than those matches with BlackVelvet, as she was attacking you with all her might around the paint.

And she was not afraid to put her body on the line, even though you didn't really want her to, but hey, you loved the performance.

Tzuyu pushed you back as you let down your strength for her to do so, of course she couldn't push you if you were serious.

Tzuyu dribbled the ball, you guarding her, eyes roaming, trying to figure out her next move. Sweat was dripping down her forehead, her neck, her collarbones. 

Her hair was sweat soaked, tied back into a small ponytail. Tzuyu finally made a decision and she snapped into action. She faked to her right then darted her way around you to her left, ran towards the rim, then jumped to make the shot. 

The ball spun around the ring once before it finally fell through with a soft swishing sound.

SWISH

"..." Tzuyu stared at the net as she herself couldn't believe that she made it in against you...wait.

She looked to you standing there in place from where she spun around you.

"Nice shot Tzu."

"Why didn't you chase me?"

You approached her.

"Well, you did a great feint and spin move that I didn't want to ruin the finish."

Tzuyu, while she felt happy that you wanted her to feel accomplished, was a bit disapointed.

"I want you to block me."

You smiled while being near her and picked the ball up from the ground.

"Well, sorry about that, but you do have to get work on getting the ball in the net. Besides Jeong, I'm sure not one will be able to block you." Tzuyu gave a small smile.

"Still, I want you to be your best so that I can be good like you." You handed her the ball as she took it.

"Hehe, come on Tzu I told you already, you're perfect the way you're playing." You gave a sensual smile and Tzuyu...

Well she couldn't help but feel happy.

"Hey, sorry but do you mind if we sit for a moment?" You asked as Tzuyu nodded. 

"Of course not. You've been out here for six hours now." She figured as you shrugged. 

"Eh, no big deal."

"We can go inside if you-"

"It's fine Tzu, don't worry. Twenty more minutes won't kill me."

"...okay." So with that, they both went towards the bench as you bended downward to take your shoe of your right foot and stretch it out a bit.

"Sorry, my foot is a bit aching."

"Are you okay?" She asked as you nodded.

"I'm fine. Just a little cooling off." Tzuyu nodded as you leaned back.

"And how are you feeling Tzu?" You asked as Tzuyu looked towards you.

"About Jihyo?" She asked back as you shrugged, "Fine, really. She'll be fine." 

"That's good. And what everything else?" She nodded to that as well, "Good. She actually came out to train you know."

Tzuyu tilted her head.

"She did?" You nodded.

"Yeah, she seemed a lot better."

"I knew she would. She's strong." You nodded.

"She very much is." 

Tzuyu looked forward and averted her sight to you and back to the court.

.

.

"...I had lots of fun last night." She felt embarassed admitting that, she didn't know why.

"I did as well." She turned to you and suddenly that feeling was evolving into bliss.

"Yeah?" 

"Of course. I wouldn't mind hanging out with you again." Tzuyu felt her heart surge.

"I would also very much like that too." Tzuyu spoke her feelings as you nodded. 

"Alright, well, when I'm free then I'll ask alright?" She nodded and felt joy as like last night, you wanted to do this again...however she wanted to further that.

"And maybe we can do something else...do you like dogs (YN)?" She asked as you nodded.

"Who doesn't?" You replied as she smiled.

"Do you have one?" You shook your head. 

"Used to. A couple of years ago actually."

Tzuyu frowned.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"It's okay, she was a very nice dog and it was sad to see her go. Her name was Sky and she was a Pomeranian." Tzuyu let out a slight smile. 

(AN - This is actually an IRL event. I had a pomeranian and she was a great friend, I love you Sky)

"That's nice." You nodded, "You know Gucci right?"

(AN - I know she has a new dog and mostly all the member have a dog/s, but I'm putting him in this just for the sake of it)

"Again, who doesn't?"

"Well, would you like to play with him someday?" She asked as you smiled.

"With 'the' Gucci? I would not mind that at all." Tzuyu smiled, "he's at your home in Taiwan right?" Tzuyu nodded.

"Yeah, my mom is taking care of him whenever we're on tour or busy. But I'm thinking about getting him back here since we're not doing anything." You nodded.

"No that'll be awesome."

"Ne...why don't you get another dog?" She asked you as you shrugged. 

"I don't know, I would like to, but at the same time, I don't get around to finding one. Plus I'm not at home very often anymore and...well it doesn't mean I don't like them though."

"I see...'maybe because of Sky'" Tzuyu thought. "Well, I'll bring Gucci and the two of us can play with him together." She remarked as you smiled.

"That sounds great." 

Tzuyu smiled back

"You know, speaking of your...mom, Sana talked to me about her parents while we were training and I wanted to know if your's are feeling okay with all this? I know you said before that yours weren't." 

"Oh, right, uh...they're slightly better with you, but mom is scared about me but not like how Dahyun's were. I told her that you weren't bad and I completely trust you to be here. I told her that I liked you here and that all those poeple are wrong about you." Tzuyu felt bashful at saying these things as you felt embarassed.

"Wow, thanks Tzu, that means alot." Tzuyu nodded. "wait, does she know about Jimin?" Tzuyu shook her head.

"I don't want her to worry about that. Knowing her, she'll break their company's doors down and go after him herself." You laughed as Tzuyu smiled. "but I wish I could because...I want to tell her what you did for me." Tzuyu looked at you and you noticed the gleam in her eyes.

"Tzu, anyone would have done so." You shrugged as Tzuyu shook her head.

"Maybe...but I'm very much glad it was you." Tzuyu gave a heartfelt smile as you smiled back.

"Hey I'll be there for you anytime, anywhere Tzu." Tzuyu felt at ease whenever you spoke like that "well, I'm sorry to break this talk up, but I think we should continue our training." You brought up as Tzuyu nodded and stood up with the ball in her hands as you fixed your shoe back in place. "And before we start," you stood up and looked at her with a serious look, "I've been the other this, but if you ever need a break or if something feels off, no matter how small, just tell me okay? I don't want you to put yourself in strain. You come first before anything Tzu."

And again and again, Tzuyu felt this 'crush' feeling accelerate and she loved it. She could only smile nod at your words as you nodded back.

"I will, thank you (YN)." She softly muttered as you smiled.

"Of course. Now then, shall we resume our training so that I can block your every attempt?" You taunted as Tzuyu wouldn't let that happen.

"You can try." She said back as you tilted your head.

"Hehe, then let's to it." You walked forward as Tzuyu smiled at your back.

'Maybe he will stay longer if I tell him to...I hope he does.'

------------------------------------------------------------

TIMESKIP

24 MINUTES

"After you." You opened the door for Tzuyu to walk through as she thanked you going in. You walked in and...

"Hey senpai~"

You smiled as you looked forward to see Momo's head turned while sitting on the couch. She stood up as Tzuyu looked to you and her.

Momo came closer and you took note of her attire of a pink short sleeve shirt with a Twice logo on it with black pajama pants and white socks.

"Hey Tzu? Had fun?" She asked as Tzuyu nodded.

"Ne Unnie, I did." Momo smiled at her and then right back to you.

"So you all done?" She asked while a foot away from you with a hopeful smile.

"Yeah, training is all-" Momo reached forward and grabbed your left arm with both of hers and tried to pull you closer.

"Great! Shall we go then?" She asked as Tzuyu, like this morning, felt the same feeling of unease.

"Someone's eager." You grinned as Momo nodded.

"I am. Let's go downstairs?" Momo tugged at you more as you were baffled.

"Downstairs?" You repeated as she nodded. You pondered for a few seconds, but you agreed to Momo's offer.

"Uh, alright. Let's go, but hold on." Momo pouted as you turned to Tzuyu who was looking at you.

"Amazing work today Tzu, keep in mind what I told you okay?"

She smiled.

"Ne."

"Now go rest, you earned it." She nodded as Momo looked at her then you as you turned to Momo. "Alright, now let's-"

"Hai!" Momo quickly pulled your arm as you shook your head and followed her towards downstairs. 

"Aish Momo, uh see you later Tzuyu," using your other hand, you waved Tzuyu off as Tzuyu waved back and saw you both leave around the corner. She followed you both and saw the two of you leaving towards the door on the right beyond the kitchen and she heard the door close.

"...sigh."

Tzuyu frowned and her opinion on Momo became more sound each day.

'Maybe she does like him too...'

Tzuyu kept a look on the door for a minute before going up the stairs.

---------------------------------------------------------------

SHUT

"Momo we're gonna fall down the stai-" You spoke up as Momo continued to drag you after closing the door. You rolled your eyes as Momo didn't listen nor said anything. 

Once on the final step and through another door where you and some girls held a sleepover, Momo then checked to see if anyone followed.

..

..

She smiled.

"Good, okay."

She closed the door and turned to see you standing there looking at her.

"Can you sit please?"

You looked at the couch and back at her.

"Okay?"

You answered slowly and confused as Momo followed you to the couch as you sat down.

Momo being in front of you, put her arms behind her back and cleared her throat.

"Now, this is supposed to be a secret, but we know your birthday is tomorrow."

"Heh, yeah I'd figured you girls would know about that."

"Well duh~ as if we would not know yours~"

She lied. 

She nor the others knew if you told them and they forgot or if you didn't say it as you gave a chuckle.

Momo lied through the teeth. She wasn't going to say that BlackVelvet told them. Thinking that they all forgot or didn't both looking up hurt her, they all had each other's days planned and ready to go and for you to almost not get one..no, that didn't make Momo happy at all.

It didn't help either that they had to be reminded and from BlackVelvet as well. Another team had to remind them, but now wasn't the time for that.

"You know you don't have to do anything right?"

"Pabo~ Why wouldn't we?" She said through her smile as she saw your bashful look.

"I...well, to be honest, I don't celebrate my birthday."

That smile that Momo had lessened as she tilted her head in confusion and folded her arms in front of her chest.

"Are you serious? It's your birthday (YN). So you never had a party?" She frowned at the last statement as you waved your hands.

"Oh I did, but not since I was like seven or something, after that, it's usually some chocolate cake, a couple of presents, and dinner at my favorite restaurant," you placed your hands on your thighs. 

"Heh, that sounds nice." She said as you nodded...recalling the memories.

"Yeah, it was fun." Momo nodded. 

"Well good, what we were going to do is what you said. Just like we do for each other." Momo smiled and raised a finger up. "So, be ready for that~"

You smiled.

"I will."

"Alright. But! I wanted to give you your present today. Right now."

You gave a bashful expression.

"Momo you don't have to-"

"Nahaha (YN)~" She wiggled her finger in front of you as she smiled, "I thought long and hard about what I wanted to give you for your birthday. I could give you some merch, but I think that's too generic. I was going to sign some things, but I can do that every day. And then I came up with something."

You gave a curious expression as Momo put her arms behind her back...and something changed in her expression as she licked her lips.

"...You see, I have been thinking about this for a bit now (YN), the past few days and believe me when I say that I have been thinking and..." Momo took a deep breath and smiled. "(YN), we like you here. I like you here...and believe me when I say 'I' like you here." Momo brought a hand to the middle of her chest and patted herself, "I mean it (YN). In the short time you've been here, I can definitely say that you're interesting, amazing, talented and really pleasant, fun and kind...and I'm pretty happy that you chose to be us," you smiled, "and I don't know about you, but...I think this is something we'll both enjoy." 

Momo took a few steps closer and sat down on your left. Her hand reached out and overlapped yours on your thigh as you gave a curious look at Momo. 

Her eyes were fixated on your hands for mere seconds before looking towards yours with a smile. 

Not a flirty one, but a soft, warm one.

"(YN)..." Her smile quickly changed to smirk. "I decided to give you 'me' as a present~"

.

.

Your mouth parted as your brain pretty much went into overdrive.

'H-her?! W-what does she mean by that?!'

Upon seeing your startled look, Momo grinned.

"Hehehe~ you're thinking naughty stuff aren't you (YN)-senpai~"

Catching that, you shook your head but was unable to comprehend complete words to her.

"N-n-no, n-not at a-all...I, uh...what..." You gulped as Momo gave a small giggle, it was very cute to her, well you were already cute to her, but she loved how startled you can get. She couldn't help but give a mature joke before asking her question to ease herself.

"Hehe~ And that's why I love teasing you. It's too much fun~" She allured as you looked away in embarrassment. "but in all seriousness...(YN), what I really mean to say and what I really want to ask you is..." 

"Would you like to go out with me (YN)?"

==================================

AND THAT'S THAT 

Jesus that took forever and I hope it was worth is.

As you read, it was mostly each girl wanting to be with you more, some more than others, but now that they are willing to admit to you this, this means more moments and maybe some...complications????

Well you'll just have to wait for the next chapter. Gomen, but hopefully I'll write this one faster.

And thank you all for the patience. Please ask any questions and I will do my best to answer every one.

So with that...thanks for taking a pause in your life to reading this! Vote/comment and thanks again!