Nayeon felt unwell as they were on their way to the rehearsal stage. She hadn't slept well the night before, so even after breakfast, she still felt uncomfortable.

"Unnie, are you tired? Lean on me."

It was Momo's voice, who was looking at her with worried eyes. Nayeon had tried her best to hide her fatigue, but somehow, the person next to her noticed. Since that was the case, she didn't want to continue pretending that she was fine. The oldest member wrapped her arms around the younger one and buried her face in her neck.

The pleasant scent from Momo's hair relaxed her, and so before they arrived at the stadium, Nayeon managed to doze off for a while.

However, Hirai Momo wasn't the only one who noticed Im Nayeon's fatigue. The person sitting behind her, who was also her roommate, understood it better than anyone else. That person understood that she was uncomfortable because she couldn't sleep last night, but did Myoui Mina understand why?

Myoui Mina didn't want to face Nayeon's feelings because she couldn't resolve everything smoothly without hurting anyone. And Mina hated that.

The Japanese girl suppressed a sigh, not wanting the person next to her to hear. Chaeyoung was leaning on her and had her eyes closed, but Mina knew she wasn't asleep. This little girl was very sensitive and would realize if something was wrong, and then it would be awkward for her.

Suddenly, Myoui Mina had an idea. That's right, Son Chaeyoung was very sensitive, could she also have noticed Nayeon's feelings? Mina wasn't sure about this, because Nayeon had hidden it very well, and only the direct target that the oldest member was aiming at, like her, could feel the abnormality. But what if Chaeyoung knew? Thinking of this, Mina felt a chill down her spine.

If Chaeyoung found out, what would she do? Myoui Mina didn't know how her lover would react, so she was worried. Mina thought she had two options: one was to talk to Nayeon clearly before Chaeyoung found out, and the other was to tell Chaeyoung herself. But perhaps Mina wouldn't choose the second option, because that could cause problems in the other two's relationship. It was best for her to resolve everything without Chaeyoung knowing anything.

The rehearsal went very smoothly, both for the four people performing Gashina specifically and the whole group in general.

However, for Im Nayeon, things were a bit more difficult. The oldest member felt her head spinning, and she had to stand for a while in front of the stairs leading down to the stage because she was dizzy.

When she regained her vision and her breathing stabilized a bit, Nayeon dared to step down. But at the last step, her weak left leg suddenly gave way, and Nayeon would have almost fallen if someone hadn't caught her.

"Lean on me."

The familiar jasmine scent, the soft and gentle voice. It was none other than Myoui Mina, who had been observing and intentionally lingered behind Nayeon since the end of the rehearsal stage.

She just wanted to make sure Nayeon was okay. But even though Mina knew Nayeon was having difficulties, she only walked behind her and didn't intend to help, or rather, Mina couldn't. Only in urgent cases like this, when the oldest member was about to fall, did she act.

"Thank you."

Nayeon said weakly as the other person supported her shoulder and helped her walk. Mina sighed, and this made her feel like she was being a burden. For some reason, Nayeon suddenly really wanted to cry. She gently pushed Mina away and said she was fine. But her gentle push was no match for Mina because the other person held her shoulder very tightly and absolutely didn't look at Nayeon even once.

"Nayeon unnie, I've been looking for you. I was afraid you'd faint out here."

Chou Tzuyu suddenly ran out from backstage and hurriedly asked about Nayeon, surprising both the person being asked and the person next to her. They usually never saw Tzuyu like this.

"I'm fine. You're suddenly so worried about me, it's a little scary."

"Then if I do this, are you scared?"

Tzuyu gently removed Mina's hand from Nayeon's shoulder and put her arm around the smaller person's waist and pulled her away. The Japanese girl didn't say or react anything special, only standing there and watching them leave.

"Now I'm really scared."

"If I didn't do that, you would be even more scared."

When Nayeon saw Son Chaeyoung's small figure approaching her, she understood why Chou Tzuyu was acting so strange.

"Chaeyoung noticed that the two of you hadn't entered the waiting room and kept asking everyone where you and Mina unnie had gone. I took the opportunity to run out here before she went looking."

"Thank you." Nayeon didn't expect Tzuyu to be so observant and quick-witted.

"But do you two really have something going on? The scene just now..."

"You're overthinking it. There's nothing going on. I almost fell just now, so Mina helped me."

"I understand, but if the person who saw that scene wasn't me but Chaeng, then Mina unnie would be in a bit of trouble."

Nayeon was about to say something, but Chaeyoung had approached and greeted them.

"Nayeon unnie, are you okay?"

"Oh, I'm fine. Just a little headache."

"Then I'll go find Mina unnie."

Chaeyoung seemed to have run out of patience, so she quickly left. But Chaeng didn't need to rush because Myoui Mina, with her familiar gait, appeared right after. And her face was a little unhappy, but very quickly her lips automatically formed a smile when she saw who was waiting for her.

"Chaeng, were you waiting for me?" Mina said while taking Chaeyoung's hand.

The smaller one quickly pulled her hand away and coldly turned away, leaving Mina confused and not understanding anything.

"I'm going to the restroom."

Chaeyoung's heart felt like something was burning fiercely. Although she didn't see Nayeon and Mina alone together, she was certain about it. And whether they were together in a crowded place or a deserted place, whether they were together for a long time or a short time, it made Chaeyoung want to explode when she thought about it.

Chaeng just didn't understand why Tzuyu was next to the oldest member, when just a few minutes before she saw the maknae playing on her phone in the waiting room. If Tzuyu hadn't been there, Chaeyoung could have had the opportunity to get to the bottom of everything.

When Son Chaeyoung opened the bathroom door, she saw Myoui Mina standing right in front of her. But Mina didn't intend to step aside to let her pass; instead, she pushed the shorter girl back inside, then locked the door.

"What are you doing..."

Chaeyoung didn't even finish her sentence before someone used their lips to stop her. Because of the surprise and feeling like she was being forced, plus the lingering anger from before, Chaeyoung tried to push Mina away. But she was no match for Mina, who stubbornly held her tightly, so she had no choice but to hit her, hoping the taller one would release her from the pain.

Even though Chaeyoung felt a pang of guilt after doing it, she had hit Mina many times on her shoulders and back. Meanwhile, the other person had no intention of giving up, even holding her tighter. Chaeyoung knew she couldn't escape Mina, and her kiss was gradually making her lose her composure.

Chaeng felt both breathless and wanting to sink into the feeling of Mina's lips on hers, so she responded to her. When Mina realized that Chaeyoung was no longer resisting, she became more passionate than ever.

The Japanese girl wasn't sure what to do when kissing because she wasn't a good kisser herself, but Mina also knew she had improved a lot just by following her instincts.

Myoui Mina only did what she liked with the other person's lips, lips that were fuller and softer than anything she had ever tasted. Mina sucked on those lips like eating the sweetest candy in the world, sometimes she gently bit the lower lip with her teeth and then softly ran her tongue over it as if soothing her. Each of them felt a desire for more each time they turned their heads. But then they had to let go of each other.

"You... are really bold," Chaeyoung said while taking deep breaths.

"I just wanted to ask for a birthday present. You only wished me a happy birthday just now, but you didn't give me a present."

When the numbers on the phone screen jumped to 00:00, Chaeyoung had exclaimed a birthday greeting and became the first person to wish Mina a happy birthday this year. But Mina thought she had the right to ask for a kiss as a gift.

"Okay, then I don't need to buy a gift anymore, it saves money."

Mina only looked at her, smiling very brightly without saying anything. She knew she had at least calmed her anger somewhat. And just that was enough, even if she had to take more hits, it felt worth it.

"I think I need more gifts."

Chaeyoung didn't have a chance to refuse, and she probably didn't want to refuse either. When their lips touched again, she felt like an electric current ran down her spine. Chaeyoung suddenly shivered, her whole body reacting to just a simple lip touch. Right now, Chaeng knew that not only her heart belonged to the person in front of her, but her whole body also belonged to her.

Chaeyoung felt she needed Mina more than ever, she hugged the taller person tightly around her neck while her fingers ran through her hair and gently massaged her scalp. Mina's hands placed on Chaeng's waist and back did the same, gently massaging as if wanting to relax the other person.

They kissed slowly and affectionately until Mina's hand somehow slipped inside the younger one's shirt. The other person's cold hand surprised Chaeyoung and made her feel a little strange in her lower abdomen. Mina slowly stroked her waist as if wanting to feel all the softness and smoothness there.

Chaeyoung couldn't help it and let out a small groan, very, very softly but enough to make the other person gasp. Mina was also clever enough to know what she should do at this time. She quickly used her tongue to slip between her lips as if asking permission to enter.

Chaeng didn't have any complaints about this, and she very quickly parted her lips to welcome Mina's "little pink friend." Both of them truly went wild when their tongues touched, it was a fierce battle to gain control of the kiss.

Mina rampaged in Chaeyoung's mouth, and she became more and more passionate, even her right hand had been placed on her lover's behind and didn't hesitate to caress it. But they still knew they shouldn't be too "loud," so the sounds from the kiss were restrained as much as possible. Chaeyoung struggled to prevent her moans from escaping while being attacked relentlessly both above and below.

When they parted, their gasps were impossible not to hear in this small space. Mina quickly hugged Chaeyoung tightly to her shoulder while she also buried her face in her neck to suppress the ambiguous sounds.

"Chaeng, you smell so good..."

Mina used her nose to touch the sensitive skin on her lover's neck, the hot breath she exhaled on her skin made the other person's legs feel weak, to the point of wanting to collapse.

"I want a hickey, is that okay?"

"But..."

"I won't leave a mark in an easily visible place, okay?" Mina's usually clear voice was now a little hoarse, she pleaded in a low voice, making Chaeyoung unable to refuse no matter how much she wanted to.

Without waiting for Chaeyoung to answer, Mina scattered kisses on her neck, just light kisses, but it made the fine hairs on her arms stand up. Mina kissed and pulled her collar to one side. As the kiss went lower, she began to suck on her collarbone and some places right on Chaeyoung's chest. Mina was very gentle and slow, so the marks she left were only faint red marks, about to turn pink.

But that gentleness and softness seemed to drive Chaeyoung crazy. She used her hand to cover her mouth to prevent herself from moaning aloud. Chaeyoung truly loved Mina in those moments when she caressed her. It was when she knew how much the other person loved her, and she felt like the happiest girl in the world.

"Chaeng, I love you. Do you believe me?"

Myoui Mina stood up straight and looked into the younger person's eyes. That look contained so much affection that Chaeyoung felt overwhelmed. Chaeyoung had never had any doubts about that; it was the most believable thing in the world. And for her whole life, Chaeng only wanted to be by Mina's side so she could tell her:

"I believe you."

Without hesitation, without doubt, without any conditions, because Myoui Mina and her love were what she willingly believed in.

"Oh, Son Chaeng! Your lips are a little swollen." Jeongyeon said as she passed the maknae on her way to the car.

Chaeyoung was really embarrassed. Both she and Mina had to wait for the leader to call before they finally returned to the waiting room.

Chaeng didn't know why Mina suddenly asked her if she believed her, but she had answered that she would. And now Chaeng wondered if her thoughts over the past few days were correct. Clearly, Chaeyoung had doubted Mina, she felt guilty but still didn't think she was wrong.

Everything between Chaeyoung and Mina was still good. They had a very fun day off with the other members yesterday. Between the times they spent with the whole group, they still had their own private moments. And they almost never left each other's sight.

However, deep down, Chaeyoung still felt that something was wrong. Especially every time she accidentally caught Nayeon's gaze. Chaeng really wanted to have a conversation with Nayeon, but what was the reason? How would she start? Chaeng didn't have the courage to utter the question she always wanted to ask, and she was too afraid of the answer.

Damn it, if she kept everything inside like this, Chaeyoung would soon be stressed. Perhaps, whether she wanted to or not, she should tell Mina everything. Or Chaeyoung herself would tell Mina to talk to Nayeon, why not?

Chaeyoung had secretly decided that tonight, after their performance and return, she would do what she needed to do.

The stage ended very quickly.

Nayeon didn't understand why she was "pushed" by the crowd to this dead-end spot. Next to her was a loving MiChaeng. Chaeyoung seemed to be leaning her head on the taller one's shoulder, and the other was leaning down as if whispering something. It was annoying that Nayeon didn't want to do anything other than stand right there and pretend she didn't care.

She wasn't exactly heartbroken, but she felt very uncomfortable. Nayeon knew she should give up. Give up silently, quietly. But honestly, she also hated the fact that she had to give up before even starting. Perhaps because of this, Im Nayeon had held on until now.

Always hesitating between the two choices of continuing and stopping, because somewhere in her mind, there was still the thought of what if... What if Mina would look at her? That thought was only flickering like a candle in the wind, because whether it was now or in the past, in Mina's feelings, she had never seen Nayeon.

Myoui Mina was now only busy building a "quality" time with her lover. Perhaps for her, being in the middle of a crowd but sinking into a private world with only Chaeyoung was the most interesting thing. It was as if they had sunk so deep in this love that they were both enveloped in a thick "layer" of love, making the noisy world outside unable to touch them.

When they returned to the hotel, Mina was very surprised when she was pulled to Chaeyoung's room by the oldest member while playing a game. It turned out that everyone had secretly organized a birthday party for Mina. Son Chaeyoung held a plate of choco pie with a candle, and the other seven girls sang happy birthday to Mina.

Seeing that lovely scene, Mina only wished that her birthdays for many years to come would be spent with these familiar faces, and especially with the person she loved the most - Son Chaeyoung.

Myoui Mina really wished for that, and when everyone asked her, Mina didn't hesitate to say it.

"I only wish that my next birthdays, and the ones after, will be spent with everyone."

"I thought you would wish to marry Chaeyoung."

Momo said, and everyone burst into laughter, while Chaeyoung could only sigh, and the main character slowly opened her mouth.

"I've wished for that since last year, don't worry."

Chaeyoung felt a slight heat rising from both cheeks when she heard everyone exclaim in admiration. Knowing she would be teased, why didn't Mina avoid it at all? But it was unclear whether she was embarrassed entirely because of the teasing or because of what Mina had just said. Maybe it was both.

"We have to fly tomorrow, so we probably won't be drinking much tonight."

Jihyo spoke, and the others didn't have any objections. They quickly laid out the food they had bought earlier on the floor. But suddenly, Nayeon pulled out a bag full of fruit wine bottles and placed it in the middle.

"I already bought it, so we have to drink it."

Nayeon said and shrugged calmly. She really wanted to get drunk, but she also knew her limits, so she only chose fruit wine with very little alcohol. Why did she want to get drunk? To sleep well, Nayeon wanted to have a good sleep.

"Why are you staring at me like that? If you guys don't want to drink, it's okay. I can finish all of this myself."

"No, I'll drink with you."

"Me too, I can't let my Nayeon unnie drink alone like someone who's heartbroken."

Momo and Sana happily spoke, making Nayeon feel somewhat comforted. The others didn't say anything, Jihyo was also quiet, so it was considered approved.

Before Nayeon opened the first bottle of wine, she briefly saw Mina's complex gaze cast at her. If Mina knew why she wanted to turn to alcohol, would she feel sorry for her?

Im Nayeon didn't care, she drank, then ate, then continued to drink. Trying to appear very excited and happy. She even cheered on her younger members to clink bottles with reasons such as celebrating Mina's birthday, congratulating the group for receiving a lot of love from people all over the world...

"What's the reason this time, big sister?"

Jeongyeon teased but also didn't forget to raise her bottle, preparing to clink with her older sister's bottle.

"Congratulations... on Mina and Chaeyoung's love."

Nayeon turned towards the two younger ones who were sitting huddled in the corner. Because Chaeng wasn't old enough, only Mina drank with the older members. Both of them looked very surprised at the reason Im had just given. It was unclear whether Nayeon was drunk or not, but she didn't seem to be able to control her facial expressions well anymore. The corners of her lips couldn't smile naturally, and her dry eyes just ten minutes ago were now slightly watery.

"Hmm, this is worth celebrating."

Jihyo happily congratulated, and the others also clinked their bottles together. The sound of glass clinking made Nayeon's head spin slightly. The wine was very light, but drinking so much would still make her tipsy. However, that couldn't stop Nayeon, even though now she mostly had to lean on the person next to her - Chou Tzuyu.

Tzuyu knew the reason why Nayeon had become like this, and she also hoped that only she knew. The maknae had sighed countless times in her heart since the beginning.

Tzuyu understood that she shouldn't advise Nayeon not to do this. Nayeon needed the alcohol more than anyone because of the suffering she had to endure. Chou told herself that at least with her by her side, the oldest member wouldn't say or do anything that would reveal her secret, otherwise, everything would be very complicated and awkward.

"Drinking all the time is boring, let's play a game." Nayeon excitedly suggested.

Everyone thought it would be the legendary Truth or Dare of every fun gathering, but they were surprised by Im.

"Let's play 'King,' but since we don't have playing cards here, we'll draw lots."

Nayeon said while taking some chocolate candy wrappers made of foil paper, then numbered them from 0 to 8.

"Whoever draws number 0 will be the King, with the right to call two random numbers to do whatever they want. If anyone doesn't accept the request, they have to drink wine."

After Nayeon numbered them, she crumpled the pieces of paper into nine balls and threw them into the middle of the circle created by the members. Because it wasn't the familiar game, everyone was excited.

In the first round, the King was Jihyo. The leader asked numbers 3 and 5 to dance a strange dance together.

Yoo Jeongyeon and Kim Dahyun excellently completed the request without any obstacles. Of course, the others couldn't miss the opportunity to record a clip to tease them.

The second person to be King was Kim Dahyun. Everyone felt relieved with the thought that Dahyun wouldn't think of anything too bizarre. It was true, she only suggested number 4 to kiss number 7 on the cheek.

This would be a very light request if number 4 wasn't Mina and number 7 wasn't Nayeon. Coincidentally, everyone simultaneously looked at Chaeyoung.

In response, Chaeyoung put on a face as if asking: "Why are you looking at me?" Then she looked at Mina, who was sitting still and hesitant.

"What are you sitting there for? Aren't you going to fulfill the request?" Chaeyoung smiled and nudged the older one's shoulder.

"I can take the punishment..."

"I don't want you to drink too much."

Chaeng made aegyo, and Mina couldn't refuse anymore because Nayeon had already stood up and waited for her. She calmly looked at her, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Nayeon had forgotten how to hide, and she was also tired of doing so.

Gently, Mina's lips touched the oldest member's smooth cheek, and it immediately made that spot feel as hot as if it had been burned. Or at least, it made the older one's heart feel like it was on fire.

Nayeon let her arm, which she had raised halfway to stop herself from hugging the girl in front of her, fall limply. She knew her face was as red as a tomato, but she could probably use the excuse that she was drunk, right? Nayeon also knew that Mina's influence on her was very strong, even though she had tried to deny this many times. She only hoped that everyone wouldn't notice that strong influence.

"Look at our unnie, she's as shy as a young girl. Stop acting, please."

Park Jihyo didn't hesitate to expose Nayeon's "acting" when she saw the other person covering her face with both hands and swaying shyly. The others joined in teasing her and burst into laughter.

Im Nayeon was very clever when she didn't try to hide what she couldn't hide, but instead let it show naturally, even exaggerating it to distract everyone. But unfortunately, there was still one person who could easily "read" the oldest member.

Son Chaeyoung curved the corners of her lips with her thoughts. A kiss to confirm what she had always wondered was very worthwhile.

The third round began with Yoo Jeongyeon's victory. She immediately called for numbers 1 and 8 to dance to Mr. Taxi. And this caused a small shock in the room when they saw that one of the two people being punished was Sana.

"Yah, Yoo Jeongyeon! Did you peek at my lot? You're dead!"

Jeongyeon was gradually attacked by Squirrel, while she didn't have a word of defense, only laughing until her stomach really hurt.

In the end, Sana refused to fulfill the request that she thought was ridiculous of Jeongyeon, so she accepted the drinking penalty.

The atmosphere was very comfortable with bursts of laughter that began to heat up. Because the next person to draw number 0 was Im Nayeon, she said:

"This time we have to go big, numbers 2 and 6 kiss, lip to lip."

Chaeyoung froze when she heard the oldest one's request. She secretly prayed that the person holding number 2 would be Mina, but there weren't many coincidences like that in life.

"Chou Tzu, you're doomed this time."

Jeongyeon cheerfully clapped her hands, and the others also had expressions of watching a good show. Only one person had a gloomy face, pursing her lips without saying a word.

"Good luck." Im Nayeon smiled and patted the younger one next to her on the back, also giving her a playful wink. A good opportunity to understand what Chou Tzuyu was thinking, Nayeon thought.

"Wait a minute, because this request is very difficult to fulfill, I want to ask the two of you if you agree to do it or not. I don't want anyone to be unhappy."

Park Jihyo came to the rescue of both of them. She glanced and knew that her same-aged friend was uncomfortable even though her face tried to appear calm.

"I can't do it, I'll take the punishment."

Chaeyoung said as if afraid someone would steal her words, because she saw Chou Tzuyu seemed to have no opinion on this matter. Chou's face was still the same as usual, expressionless. Perhaps the maknae was really going to fulfill Nayeon's request. But Chaeyoung couldn't do it, she felt that Mina seemed very unhappy.

"But you can't drink wine." Nayeon replied with a smile that wasn't a smile, not wanting to give way to this good show.

"It's just fruit wine, it's not..."

Before she finished her sentence, Chaeng felt someone grab her hand and pull her back.

"I'll drink it for her."

"Woah, Myoui-sama is so cool."

Hirai Momo exclaimed when she saw Mina standing in front of Chaeyoung. Mina smiled, but everyone felt a chill because of that smile.

"Okay, but because you're taking the punishment instead, you have to drink more than usual. My bottle is more than half full, drink it all."

Nayeon brought her "more than half full" bottle of wine in front of Mina. She said that, but in fact, the liquid in the bottle was still a lot, looking like only a sip had been taken. But that didn't cause any difficulty for the Japanese girl. Mina drank it all in one go, then without looking at the person in front of her, she took Chaeyoung's hand and returned to her seat.

Chou Tzuyu, who had been indifferently watching everything, also pulled the oldest member who was standing like a statue back to her old spot. The things that had just happened were things that the maknae had predicted, so she didn't feel she needed to intervene. There was only one thing she couldn't have expected, which was the sudden sulking of the person sitting next to Chou.

Once again, Nayeon drew number 0 and called numbers 1 and 5 to perform a very cheesy confession scene for her to watch.

Chou Tzuyu sighed when she saw that the person who stood up was Mina, and the other one slightly frowned. Both of them didn't look happy with this request, and both intended to refuse, but Tzuyu spoke first.

"I'll take the punishment."

"Then who will drink the wine for her?" Dahyun asked and looked at the others. The older sisters didn't seem to want to help their youngest because the game was very fun and interesting.

Tzuyu didn't say anything but quietly turned to look at Nayeon as if pointing her out. Im knew for sure that Tzuyu would choose her, so she wasn't surprised, but what annoyed her was Yoo Jeongyeon's words.

"So taking the punishment will mean being punished more, right?"

Very quickly, Jeongyeon gave her older sister a freshly opened bottle of wine.

"No way, my bottle wasn't that full just now."

Nayeon spoke with dissatisfaction, not expecting to put herself in this situation.

"Then let Mina drink first, and you have to drink the rest. Do you agree?"

"No need."

For some reason, when she heard the other person's name, Nayeon felt very uncomfortable. The oldest member snatched the bottle of wine from Jeongyeon's hand and drank it until there wasn't a single drop left.

This "tit for tat" couldn't have been more glorious, making the younger ones laugh and tease Nayeon a lot. But how could the kids make her more uncomfortable than she already was? The wine ignited Nayeon's mind, making her heart feel as hot as if it was on fire. Nayeon didn't understand why she was drinking so much when it couldn't make her feel any more peaceful.

Probably because she hadn't drunk enough, she thought.

And Im Nayeon continued the fun, not even remembering that she had to fly early tomorrow. Her mind couldn't think straight anymore.

It wasn't until Nayeon smelled the faint scent of jasmine near her nose that she realized she couldn't open her eyes. Even so, Nayeon could still make out who was next to her. A mole on the side of her face, one on the bridge of her nose, it was Myoui Mina and no one else.

Oh, Myoui Mina was holding her waist, and her arm was around Myoui Mina's shoulder. The other person was helping her walk, but why couldn't she feel her legs?

"Let go of me, I can walk myself."

The first command didn't have much effect. Mina didn't even glance at her but only stared straight ahead.

"Did you not hear me? I don't need you to worry, let go."

This time, Nayeon not only spoke but also wanted to break free from Mina's arms, but she immediately felt a sharp pain in her waist. It was Myoui Mina tightening her grip on her waist, so tightly that Nayeon thought she might get a bruise there.

"You're really stubborn, I'm not your lover, so don't hold my waist like that." Nayeon shouted loudly.

"You're the stubborn one. If you say another word, do you believe I'll throw you down the stairs?"

Im—still—struggling—Nayeon suddenly felt like she was sweating. She obediently let the younger one help her, or rather, drag her because Nayeon couldn't walk steadily anymore. Looking at Mina's face at this moment, she might really do it. So from that moment on, Nayeon didn't dare utter half a word.

After successfully placing the oldest member on the bed, Mina felt like she was about to collapse. Im Nayeon when drunk was truly a handful.

"Mina..."

Nayeon mumbled something that Mina couldn't hear clearly, so she had to lean down. Unexpectedly, Nayeon grabbed her neck and kissed her on the cheek, then whispered "happy birthday."

Mina froze, intending to scold the person who was so drunk that she didn't know anything, but when she looked up and saw Nayeon smiling brightly at her, she gave up the idea. What was the point of arguing with a drunk person?

"Mina..."

"What is it now?"

The person being called tried to remove the arm around her neck, then sat on the edge of the bed as if waiting for Nayeon to continue.

"I hurt..."

"Huh? What did you say? Can you speak a little louder?"

"I said I hurt."

Nayeon spoke louder, Mina leaned lower, and the sentence just barely reached her ears. Immediately, Mina pulled back the blanket, wanting to see where the oldest member hurt. Because earlier on the way, Nayeon was too unruly, so they bumped into the wall.

"Did you bump into something? Tell me, I'll get some medicine to apply for you." Mina worriedly pulled up the older one's sleeve and carefully examined her.

"Here, I hurt here."

The oldest member pointed to her heart, her eyes that had been closed all this time now slightly opened to look at her.

"There? Wait a minute, I'll get some medicine and come back."

"Don't play dumb. Myoui Mina. I hurt because I like you," Nayeon pulled the other person's hand, not letting her leave.

"You're drunk, Nayeon." Mina slowly sat down on the bed, took a deep breath, and then dared to turn to look at her.

"I'm not drunk, I even know you threw me into the wall just now..."

"No, I didn't mean to." The Japanese girl widened her eyes in surprise and quickly explained.

"I know you know that." Nayeon smiled slightly.

"Know what?"

"That I accidentally fell for you."

Without hesitation, without fear, Im Nayeon went straight to the point, making Mina a little surprised.

"I just accidentally did, Mina. I didn't want this to happen. I don't know why I like you, so I don't know how to stop."

The words were gentle and calm, but Nayeon's eyes were already filled with tears. The oldest member sat up and leaned against the headboard, suddenly bursting into tears when the person in front of her hugged her tightly.

"Why are you hugging me?"

"Because I know you need this hug."

That sentence made Nayeon give up the idea of breaking away from the younger one's hug. The oldest member wrapped her arms around Mina, hugging her tightly as if to prove that she wasn't dreaming.

"I understand you didn't mean to." Mina's hand gently stroked Nayeon's back, hoping to soothe her sobs.

"I also don't intend to take anything for myself."

"I know."

"I've chosen to do what's best for all of us, but why am I still the one who hurts?"

The Japanese girl loosened her arms and used her thumb to wipe away the tears on the other's cheek. Mina felt that she wasn't worthy of making the oldest member shed tears like this, but how could Nayeon understand?

"Nayeon, you're not the only one who hurts. I swear I'm also feeling incredibly uncomfortable." Mina wasn't lying; she couldn't bear Nayeon sobbing on her shoulder. "But you have to stop, I can't give you what you want."

"When you tell me to stop, do you know how to make me stop hurting?"

Mina stared blankly at the eyes that were swollen from crying. She didn't know if her words were too cruel. Deep down, Mina didn't want to hurt Nayeon, because she knew she couldn't heal her.

"I'm sorry." In the end, Mina could only sadly say sorry.

"Mina, can you say anything other than this sentence?"

The sobs gradually subsided, Nayeon had stopped sobbing. She knew this request was absurd, but hearing the other person's apology didn't help at all. Because it wasn't Mina's fault.

"What do you want me to say?"

"Say you don't like me, don't love me. You only love Chaeyoung."

Myoui Mina silently looked at the person in front of her. Her eyes were more sparkling than usual because of the tears, and her wet eyelashes sadly drooped down. What was Nayeon thinking? Mina wished she knew. But anyway, she still couldn't bring herself to say those words, wouldn't that cut deeper into her wound?

"Actually, I don't need you to say it; I already understood it from the moment I liked you."

"Are you sure you understand, Nayeon?"

Im Nayeon was startled when she heard Mina say that, could it be...?

Mina didn't look at her but only looked down at the floor. Then she looked up, her eyes facing the empty space in front of her, and slowly spoke.

"Do you understand that you really like me or just like the way I love Chaeyoung?"

"What do you mean?"

"If it was liking me, you probably wouldn't have waited until now, right?" Mina smiled slightly. "Those are two completely different things, don't confuse them. I just want you to know that it's not just me who can love you like this, anyone who truly loves you can do it."

"I...don't think I'm mistaken." Nayeon rubbed the hem of her shirt; she was confused.

"Don't rush to be sure. Let time tell whether it is or not." Mina patted the oldest member's shoulder and smiled encouragingly.

Im Nayeon began to remember if her heart had ever beaten fast because of Mina's smile, or if her day had become brighter just because of the other person without any reason. It seemed like it hadn't.

So perhaps Nayeon had really misunderstood, but whether it was a mistake or not, there was still only one result. Nayeon knew that saying these things today was the furthest she could go. This was an interesting emotional experience that Nayeon would probably never forget. Looking back, she had nothing to regret when entering this path. Not everyone could feel pain because of Myoui Mina, right?

Nayeon felt satisfied that she dared to step over the safe line and place her feelings with Mina. Im Nayeon had drunk wine, had cried loudly, had expressed all her heart. Only at this age did she dare to like, dare to endure the heart-wrenching pain. Otherwise, in a few years, when Nayeon was wiser, she would stop herself from "being" foolish. When her heart was more steely, it wouldn't allow any feelings to creep in. This was the privilege of youth.

Everyone should once walk on the path of unrequited love or secretly liking someone. It was not an easy path, full of thorns and many deep holes. But going through those thorns, climbing out of those deep holes, you would see how strong you were. And if you couldn't do it, let time help, it would smooth the thorns, fill the holes so you could continue.

"I think I know what I should do. So you don't need to worry. And you don't need to be afraid of being caught between me and Chaeyoung, there won't be anything for you to be awkward about."

"Thank you, unnie... I'm not worthy of you being like this."

A knock on the door interrupted Mina's sentence. When the door opened, they saw Chou Tzuyu standing there with an expressionless face. It wasn't early anymore, so both of them wondered what the maknae was doing here.

"Chaeyoung said she wanted to switch rooms."

Tzuyu said and naturally walked over to sit on the set of chairs placed in the room. Even though she didn't say who Chaeyoung wanted to switch rooms with, the other two probably understood.

Before leaving, Mina patted the oldest member's shoulder a few times and smiled as if wanting to give her more strength.

"Go quickly, or she'll be waiting."

Nayeon seemed to have returned to her normal state and even playfully winked at the other person.

When Mina left, Tzuyu finally let out a sigh.

"What did Mina unnie say to you that your eyes are so swollen?" Chou felt sorry when she looked at the other's swollen eyes, secretly blaming Mina for causing all of this.

"You have a brain, use it to think."

"My mind has been blown away by Chaeyoung." Nayeon's teasing couldn't affect the Taiwanese child.

"What happened?" Nayeon asked curiously.

"We just had a fight." Tzuyu covered her face.

"Why did you suddenly fight? This is the first time I've heard you two fight."

Tzuyu was silent for a moment before recounting in a weak voice.

"Chaeyoung didn't seem happy when she saw Mina unnie helping you back to the room. All evening, she kept pacing back and forth and mumbling about whether she should call Mina unnie or not. She also said something that smelled of suspicion between you two."

"Then what else?"

"Chaeng started asking me about this morning, when I suddenly appeared next to you. I said I was just looking for you because I was worried, but then she asked further."

"What did she ask?"

"She asked if I saw you and Mina unnie together? I honestly said yes but cut out the part where she helped you walk. But for some reason, Chaeyoung still didn't believe me. She said I definitely knew something and kept questioning me. She even asked me if I thought you liked Mina unnie." Tzuyu said in one breath, looking somewhat dissatisfied.

"She really asked that?"

"Yes, I just replied, 'So what if she does, and so what if she doesn't?' Suddenly Chaeng got angry and said if my lover was liked by someone else, would I be calm enough to ask 'so what' like this?"

"Then what happened next?"

"I simply said that if she trusted Mina unnie, then even if a hundred people liked her, she would still feel secure."

"You're absolutely right." Nayeon patted Tzuyu's head in comfort.

"Chaeyoung seemed to be hit right in the heart by what I said, so she got even more angry. She told me to come here and call Mina unnie for help. I haven't said anything about you liking Mina unnie, but I think Chaeyoung has already understood. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, we talked things out clearly, and there are no more misunderstandings. The rest is up to the two of them." Seeing Tzuyu's drooping eyes, the oldest member couldn't help but gently stroke the younger one's cheek.

"Really? That fast?"

"It's simple, as long as both are willing to face it, time is not a problem." Nayeon sat down on the edge of the bed, facing Tzuyu. For some reason, she felt a lingering, melancholic atmosphere surrounding the younger person.

"Are you...okay?" Chou Tzuyu hesitantly asked.

"I guess I'm okay. But if I'm not, is there anything strange about that? It just happened, I can't just turn my back and go back to normal."

Tzuyu nodded, and then they both fell into silence. After a while, she spoke:

"Chaeyoung asked me what I would do if my lover was liked by someone else. I also don't know what I would do, because the person in my heart is not only liked but even has a lover. The situation is not the same, right?"

For the first time, Nayeon saw Tzuyu not sitting straight but completely leaning back against the back of the chair. Tzuyu didn't need to say everything; Nayeon could already guess who she was talking about.

"I just want to be a close friend by Chaeng's side, but I felt that Mina unnie wasn't very comfortable with that, so I tried to limit myself. It's true that if someone has unusual feelings for their lover, they will notice it faster than anyone else, right?" Tzuyu smiled. "But I couldn't stay calm just now. Usually, I try to restrain myself when it comes to things related to the two of them, considering it as self-protection. But when I saw Chaeng having to feel uncomfortable, worried, and insecure, I couldn't feel comfortable. So I turned around and snapped at Chaeng. I'm crazy!"

"It's okay, Chou Tzuyu, it's good that you haven't confessed yet."

Both of them laughed at Nayeon's words. Tzuyu wasn't surprised that the oldest member wasn't surprised about the person she liked; this could be considered "misery loves company."

"Are we just going to sit here and watch their love unfold?" Nayeon asked while lying down on the bed.

"It's fortunate that we only chose to stay out of it and didn't choose to intervene and fight for their love."

"Do you think we can intervene between them? Besides, it's not certain that after successfully disrupting them, they will turn to like us, right?"

Tzuyu completely agreed with what Nayeon had just said. This was something that many people often mistakenly believed, that successfully destroying a relationship would create a place for them. Stupid and shallow, Tzuyu thought. Before thinking about doing anything, consider where you stand in their hearts. Sometimes your position is so far that you can't reach their hearts no matter how much you run.

"I'm sure Mina unnie will be able to resolve that mess over there, right?" Even so, Tzuyu still felt worried. This wasn't a normal mess. Especially when Son Chaeyoung's childish temper was fueled by Tzuyu herself.

"Hopefully, Mina is lucky enough. But we've talked it out clearly. If Mina explains everything carefully to Chaeng, it will be fine."

"Then let's sleep now." Chou yawned and climbed into bed.

"Yeah, only going to sleep can temporarily forget reality." Nayeon also lay down properly, preparing to cover herself with the blanket and fall into a dream.

"Nayeon, don't try to pretend you're okay and then cry secretly in the middle of the night."

"I promise I won't cry."

"Okay, I'll check your pillow tomorrow morning. If I see it's wet, what will happen?"

"I'll call you 'unnie'."

"Who wants to be older than you?"

The giggles of the two faded into the silence. Each person's private sadness seemed to lessen when they shared it together. A night in Chile passed with mixed emotions. And especially for Myoui Mina.

When Mina entered the maknae's room, she had some difficulty finding her lover because even the night light wasn't turned on. Only the light from the city outside shone in through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

But that was enough to see Son Chaeyoung's small back sitting at the edge of the bed. She sat there staring outside and didn't seem to notice someone had just entered the room.

Suddenly, Mina felt afraid to step to her side. Afraid that if she touched her, Chaeyoung would seem to shatter. How could her little girl look so vulnerable? Hadn't Mina always protected her with all her might? Hadn't she always made sure she was happy? Was she wrong somewhere?

Mina walked over and sat next to Chaeng for a while, but she wasn't sure if she had noticed this or not. Mina didn't want to disturb her, even though she had a lot to say, but the words reached her lips and then choked back.

After a long while, Mina felt Chaeyoung looking at her. Before Mina could turn to look at her, her hand brushed her hair and tucked one end of an earphone into Mina's ear.

Why are you only smiling?

Look into my eyes

Keep this trembling feeling, hug me

You came to me with the wind like the swaying flowers

You knocked on my heart, I love you

The beautiful eyes of the person in front of her suddenly reminded Mina of the past days when she started liking her, she wanted these eyes to only contain her image. Myoui Mina admitted that she had never been so selfish even when they were nothing to each other.

The days of suffering, boredom with unrequited love. The days of happiness filled just because of someone's fleeting smile. Chaeyoung was all the reasons for that. Mina had never felt so passive, but just because of Chaeyoung, her heart softened too much.

She had become so familiar with her that it seemed like she had become a part of her. Mina felt like she had loved this girl for a long time, no longer knowing the starting point and thus unable to find the ending point, only continuity was what she was sure of.

"This song is so good, isn't it?"

The little girl smiled lightly, her dimples faintly visible under her jet-black hair. Her head leaned lightly on the shoulder of the person next to her, somewhere in the distance was a strange scent that didn't belong to the person she loved and a hint of fruit wine. Chaeng felt angry, but she also felt so tired that she didn't want to say anything. Chaeyoung couldn't say how jealous she was, but how could she bear it like this.

All Son Chaeyoung needed was an affirmation that she wouldn't lose her, no matter what happened, but she couldn't ask Mina to say that.

"Nayeon unnie sang this song for you because maybe the lyrics fit her. But at the same time, I also see myself in it."

With just this sentence, Mina immediately understood that Chaeyoung knew. This reaction of hers was something Mina hadn't expected. What was Chaeyoung aiming for?

"Actually, I didn't want to love anyone yet. I feel I'm still too young and immature for love. I was wary of you and your love, but I couldn't be wary of my heart betraying me."

Like the lyrics of the song, Mina had truly come to Chaeyoung like a wind swaying the blooming flowers. The flowers had fallen into her heart, and she wanted them to stay there forever. But would there be a time when the wind would blow the flowers far away from her? Because of feeling insecure, she had never dared to express her feelings clearly.

"I admit I had doubts. I also brought those doubts into this love with you. Normal love is already fragile, so the love between two people like us is even harder to keep whole. I'm very afraid of being hurt, so I tried to act like I wasn't too dependent on you. I didn't want to let everyone, and even you, know that you are very important to me. You are... my weakness. I don't want anyone to hold my weakness, even you."

Her voice seemed about to break but also had something firm. Chaeyoung paused and took a deep breath as if wanting to calm herself down.

"Of course, I was also afraid of being doubted back by everyone and you. Finally, that day came, and the one who saw this was Nayeon unnie. I was very panicked. I was afraid she would use this point to emphasize her feelings for you, to show you that I didn't love you enough and that she could love you more than me."

Chaeyoung shed tears, but she was quickly enveloped in someone's arms.

"I'm sorry if my words hurt you."

"Why should I be hurt?" Mina stroked her small head.

"Because I didn't trust you."

"But you love me, right?" Mina chuckled softly in Chaeng's ear.

"Yes." Chaeyoung's unwavering answer made the other person breathe a sigh of relief.

"That's enough, Chaeng. It's enough that you love me."

Mina pushed her out of her embrace. She wiped away her tears with trembling fingers. At this moment, for some reason, Mina was also very nervous.

"If someone tells you that you don't love me enough, or that you don't love me as much as I love you, tell them it's because I love you too much, more than myself. That's the only reason. I completely believe in you, whether you show your feelings or not, I can always feel it."

In some strange way, Mina could always feel how much Chaeyoung needed her. Perhaps what comes from the heart will reach the heart.

Chaeyoung hugged the person in front of her tighter than ever, she buried her face in the other's neck. Her skin felt the warmth from her, making her know that this wasn't a dream. Her Mina was still always hers.

"I'm sorry if I made you not trust me enough. I will try harder. But later, when you feel something is wrong in our relationship, please tell me right away, okay? If we have too many misunderstandings, no matter how much we love each other, we won't be able to resolve them all."

"I promise. I will also show my feelings more in the future, so that no one has any intentions with you."

"I'm very self-aware, you don't need to bother competing with anyone. I talked to Nayeon unnie earlier. Maybe she's still not really okay right now, but everything will be the same as before. So don't think about it anymore."

Chaeyoung wrinkled her nose when Mina poked her cheek. After saying everything, Chaeng felt relieved, and she seemed not to pay too much attention to anyone else besides Mina.

"Aren't you wondering how I knew?"

"We are all very sensitive when a third person appears around us, aren't we? Just like I always know who has different feelings for you without anyone having to tell me. That's called a woman's sixth sense or intuition, right?"

Mina winked and smiled mischievously, making Chaeyoung's jaw drop. Mina suddenly mentioned someone liking her. Even she didn't feel anything unusual, how could she say it as if she was sure this was happening?

"Different feelings for me? Who? Why didn't I feel anything?"

"Because they don't want you to know, how would you know? But you don't need to care. Just put all your mind on me. Let me handle everything."

Mina pulled Chaeyoung into a deep kiss and then kissed her forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, and finally lightly kissed her lips again.

"So we're okay now, right?"

"I guess so."

"Because I've been very good, can you consider rewarding me?"

"Rewarding? Rewarding what?" Chaeyoung raised her eyebrows with interest.

"Something we've never tried before, for example."

Myoui Mina's mischievous smile made Chaeng really want to punch her. She didn't know how to answer but only looked at her silently. Suddenly, the other person burst out laughing.

"Just kidding, Mina knows Chaeng is still young, so I wouldn't dare do anything to Chaeng."

"Actually, there is one thing we've never tried besides that. But I'm not ready yet, so no."

"What is it?" Mina wasn't sure if she knew what Chaeng was implying.

"Lap dance." Close to the older one's ear, Chaeyoung whispered.

Just hearing those two words made Myoui Mina feel like her nose was about to bleed.

"Oh, that's something that really needs good preparation." Mina reached out and touched her nose, trying to stop herself from laughing too much. "So, if not this time, then next time, okay? Promise me." But she definitely wouldn't let it go easily.

"Promise what? You're weird. When the time is right, I'll show you. Okay?"

"Okay."

Myoui Mina happily showed her gummy smile to the other person and then pounced on the younger one, pinning her down on the bed.

"Let's go to sleep." Mina hugged the other person tightly, but the little one struggled.

"Your heart is beating too loudly, how can I sleep?" Son Chaeyoung played childishly, revealing a troubled face.

"My heart wants to lull you to sleep."

Just because of this sentence, the "strawberry princess"'s heart softened, feeling sweetly melting. Closing her eyes and listening to the other person's gradually stabilizing heartbeat, she whispered:

"Myoui Mina, happy birthday."

True love will eventually be okay.