LIA POV
Waking up in Y/N's arms isn't surprising anymore. Specially knowing that I'm safe everytime he's with me. Being enclosed by his arms, feeling his breathing as well as his heartbeat is something that I would like to wake up every morning to but behind all of this is my fear. My fear that he will leave eventually. Fear that we might not work out. Fear that he doesn't feel the same way I'm feeling. I lifted my head from his chest to see him smiling once again. He might be dreaming of something nice. I just hope I'm the one his dreaming of.
Y/N POV
I was running, chasing Lia who's running along the shore of a quiet beach. Her smile was as radiant as the sunset on the background. I was about to catch up to her and hug her tightly when I felt a small movement from my chest. I then opened my eyes to see Lia. Right there in my arms smiling. I was so lost in my thought, being not able to form any word, I just smiled back at her.
"Good morning." Her words were as soft as clouds coming through my ears.
"Good morning." I replied.
"How long have you been awake?" I asked as she diverted her eyes to think.
"About 30 minutes now." My eyes widens from her answer.
"You could've woken me up." She smiled cheekily.
"I'm joking. I was up for just a minute." She said.
"We should probably get up. I'll prepare you breakfast." I replied and she nodded enthusiastically.
After exiting her room. I couldn't help but smile at the fact that we're like a couple but as that entered my mind. I got scared. Remembering what Juju did. I don't know if I can give my heart again that easily. Lia went to do her morning routine while I prepare our breakfast. Just a simple omelete with toast. After devouring it. We got settled in the dining table and decided to chat a little.
"What are your plans for today PD-nim?" She asked.
"I was thinking of getting a good work out since it has been a while." I replied and her eyes widens.
"Do you want to come with me?" She frowned from my question.
"I would like to but there will probably a lot of people and I might cause a scene. I don't want to bother you." She replied.
"Don't worry, I know a place. They're probably close right now but I do know the owner. So we could probably sneak in?" Her eyes widens.
"Wouldn't that be illegal?" She said and I chuckle in response.
"I'm friends with the owner. So we don't have to worry about that. So are you gonna come with me?" I said.
"Since I don't have any other activities today. I will but can we go to the mall after? There's a sale I saw for something I've been wanting for a long time." She replied and I just laugh.
"Okay we will." She cheered.
We both cleaned up the dining area as well as the dorm, then we got prepared to go to Kim's gym. The drive was just us listening to songs as well as her sharing stories of her family. We reached the gym and we both got in by the entrance with a spare key Kim gave me before leaving. After changing to my workout clothes. I saw Lia in her sports wear. I just stared at her. 'How can she be so attractive just by sitting there casually.' I thought to myself.
"I'll start now. You can go and do your workout as well." I said then we both started stretching.
I started to drift into my workout mode after running at the treadmill. I then turned my attention to the weights for a bit of a muscle workout.
LIA POV
I was doing my abs workout when I saw Y/N started lifting weights. Every curl of his arm my eyebrow raise noticing his arm's veins popping out. With me losing focus of my surrounding I accidentally kicked my water container and it made a lot of noise.
"Lia! Are you okay? Did you get hurt?" Y/N said dropping the weights and immediately running towards me with a genuine look of worry in his eyes.
"A-... I-I'm okay. I didn't noticed the water. I'm really sorry. I'm fine. Y-you can go back to working out now." He sighs in relief. 'He looks so cute when he's worried.' I thought to myself. I smile to him and he gave me a chuckle.
We then return to what we are doing, actually with me just staring at him while he puts in boxing gloves and starts to hit the heavy bag. I can feel his power with every punch and kicks he does to the heavy bag as it sways a long with him. Then I started noticing how each strikes he does grows more and more louder. Is he... is he frustrated? I tried to look at his eyes and I can see that he's actually not looking. His eyes were closed and he looks angry.
"Y-y/n?" I tried calling to him but he didn't hear my voice due to the sounds of his strikes.
"Aw!" I pretended I was hurt and he immediately stopped at run towards me.
"Lia! What happened?!" He asked as I hold my ankle pretending it was hurt.
"Did you twist it? I'll grab some ice. Don't put pressure on it." He said running to the back of the gym. I couldn't help but admire how worried he was.
He came back with a ice bag as well as a some kind of cream. He started applying it then putting the ice bag.
"Hold it gently. I'm really sorry. I didn't pay attention to you. Are you okay?" He asked still holding my hand to guide me while holding the ice bag.
"Y-yeah, actually I wanted to ask you if you're okay? You seemed irritated earlier." His eyebrows raised and then he lowered his head.
"Y-yeah. T-there just a lot of things going in my mind." He replied.
"You can tell me anything, you know that right?" I said and he lifted his head and gave me a smile.
"It's just that, I'm worried, a lot, with Coach Katie and coach kim, they haven't replied to me yet and of course I trust them when they told me that they will be alright but I just... what if they? I can't forgive myself. I should've just taken the lost." He said while punching the floor ligthly.
"You did what you should've done. I know that it is what they wanted as well so there's no point of blaming yourself." I grab his hand and gave it a soft squeeze. His finger intertwined with mine and I couldn't help but blush.
After a few seconds we both let go. "I think I'm okay now. Look!" I said pretending to tap dance. He chuckled and stood up.
"Do you want to learn how to kick properly?" He said.
"Eh?!" I replied in shock.
"I mean, I'm finished with my workout and just to pass the time?" I nodded enthusiastically.
Y/N POV
After Lia agreed I immediately put on a shin guard on her leg. I can see her a little worried but I assure her that it wont hurt because of the guard.
"Okay, we'll start with the stance..." We both settled to a fighting stance.
"Just keep your balance."
"Remember to look at the target before you kick. Okay?" She nodded.
"First is when you kick you should turn your hip as well. Synchronize it with your leg as you go." Like this I showed her the kick and it produced a loud sound.
"Woah! I don't know if I can do that." She said.
"Just try." I said and she did it but I can see her a little hesitant.
"Don't be afraid. I'm here if anything happens." I said and she nodded towards me.
She once again tried the kick but now it's more powerful.
"Woah!" We both cheered. I grabbed a kick pad and placed it on my thigh and her mouth dropped.
"Y/N! No, you're not gonna make me kick you." She said.
"Of course not me. I want you to kick the pad." I replied and she shook her head.
"Come on!" I said cutely and she pouted.
"Just one." I said and she smiled.
"I'll cook you whatever you want for the rest of the week." Her eyes widens.
"Whatever?" I nodded and she immediately take a fighting stance.
She then did everything perfectly and the pad made a loud sound.
"Omo. Are you hurt Y/N?" I was dumbstruck at the kick that it took me a while to respond.
"No, that was amazing!" I replied.
"Really?" She asked and I nodded.
We both laughed and decided to end the workout there. After taking showers we resorted to returning back to the dorm and taking another shower. We met at the living room where we both prepared to leave.
"Shopping! shopping!" She said enthusiastically but suddenly cut off by her phone ringing.
"Give me a second." She excused herself. After a few minutes she came back with an enthusiastic aura.
"Guess what Y/N?" She asked.
"I'm guessing since you're happy, your pay just got in?" She chuckled.
"Silly, my parents are home right now. They said they won't miss this comeback week and will be here till it ends." She replied.
"That's good." I said and she nodded.
"Uhm... Actually they are home right now and they want me to come there for lunch." She said.
"Oh... so does that mean we wont go shopping anymore?" She pouted and nods.
"Okay, let's go then?" We both then got prepared and left the dorm.
---timeskip---
It didn't take that long to arrive at their house. I was about to say goodbye to Lia but we were cut off by a horn behind us.
"That's dad's car." She said and we immediately park at the side of the road.
Lia got off the car and immediately approach her dad's car and I just followed her.
"Hello? You must be Y/N? Dong-hyun told me about you." Her dad asked me.
"Hello, sir y-yes I'm Y/N, L/N. It's nice to meet you Mr. Choi." I said with a smile he then looked in his rear view mirror and saw my parked car.
"Why did you park it there?" He asked.
"I was thinking of just picking Lia up after your lunch sir." I replied and he chuckled.
"What? Do you have anything to do?" He asked.
"N-no sir. I was just gonna—." I was cut off by him.
"Pft! Then come have lunch with us. Have you already had lunch?" He asked.
"No dad we haven't." Lia answered.
"Then that's perfect. Park the car inside. We'll have lunch together." Lia's dad said as he started to go inside their property.
"I—." I was about to say something but Lia and her dad was already gone in front of me. I just shook my head and parking the car inside as well.
So here I am standing in front of Choi's residence about to have lunch with Lia's family. What could possibly go wrong? After gathering all of my confidence I reached for the doorknob but I was stopped when I felt a hand. I looked over and saw Lia who was shock as well.
"Sorry." She said and I felt my cheeks burning.
"Oh n-no, I'm sorry." Why am I blushing? After everything that we've been through why now? Suddenly my thought was cut by another voice.
"Hello? Aren't we gonna go in?" Me and Lia turned and it was her dad.
"Oh, sorry sir." I said and open the door for Lia and Mr. Choi.
We all got inside, me and Lia went straight to the dining area. As I sat down I smelled an aroma that brings me home. It was her mom's cooking. I stood up and greeted Mrs. Choi.
"Hello ma'am. I'm Y/N, I work as an alternate for Donghyun-nim." I greeted with a deep bow.
"Hello, I'm Lia's mom. We actually know a lot about you since our daughter here already told us about you through text." My heart dropped upon hearing her mom.
"I-... I..." I couldn't form a word and Lia is just beside me hiding her face with her hand.
"Eomma!" Her mom giggles.
"Is it true that you're a MMA fighter hyung?" His brother suddenly came to the dining area.
"Y-yeah." I replied.
"Awesome!" He said while sitting down.
"Oh look at Junsung." Lia said.
"What noona?" Junsung replied.
"You're never like that when my members are here." Lia replied.
"Because you're all girls."
"Is it because you're shy?" Lia teasingly replied.
"N-no." We all chuckled.
"Hyung take my side." Junsung said while pouting.
"Okay that's enough we're gonna start soon." Mr. Choi said after sitting down.
After everyone sat down, the food was settled and a familiar atmosphere filled the room. I couldn't help but smile. I guess eating with your family is different. After saying our thanks we all started. Their welcomeness was so much for me. They are handing me foods to try left and right. While they're just telling stories.
"Why did you decided to come back dad?" Lia said.
"We wanted to support your comeback." Her dad replies and she gave him a frown.
"Why?" Mr. Choi asked.
"I don't believe you."
"We actually want to support your comeback noona." Junsung added causing Lia to look at her mom and she responded with a nod.
"Mmmhh." Lia pouted cutely. I was just there smiling at them.
"So Y/N? How long are you gonna stay as an alternate for ITZY?" I was shocked by Mr. Choi's question.
"I- I'm not actually sure yet sir." I was a stuttering mess.
"Don't grill him honey." Mrs. Choi replies.
"Have my daughter gave you a hard time yet?" Mr. Choi added.
"E-eh? N-no, sir, not yet." I replied.
"What do you mean not yet?" Lia said after playfully slapping my arm.
"Hehe. I was kidding." I replied to Lia and that cause Mr. and Mrs. Choi to chuckle.
"W-why are you laughing?" Lia asked them.
"You two seems comfortable with each other." Mr. Choi replied and throat went dry.
After a few more moments we all finished eating.
"That was amazing Mrs. Choi." I said and she smiled at me.
"Thank you." She replied.
"Lia, I'll be waiting outside." I whispered to Lia.
"Lia can you give me and Y/N a moment, I want to talk to him?" Mr. Choi said.
"Dad? What are you planning?" Lia replied.
"Nothing, I just want to chat isn't that right?" Mr. Choi said while putting his arm on my shoulder.
"I- Hehe. Yes sir." I just chuckled nervously and replied.
After excusing myself to Mrs. Choi and Lia, me and Mr. Choi went outside.
"Thank you for the meal sir." I said to cut the tension.
"Y/N." He said in a serious manner.
"Y-yes sir?"
"I want to thank you." He added.
"For what sir?"
"I heard what you did for my daughter and Yuna." He replied.
"Oh that. It was nothing sir."
"I know how dangerous her dream is but seeing her achieved it. I couldn't let that go away. I can see how happy she is when she's up there with her members. Despite the dangers and other factors that's included. I want her to live her life to the fullest." He said while looking in the window staring at Lia.
"I know sir. I can see that as well." He then turned his head to me.
"For as long as you can. Can you take care of her?" He said with a serious tone.
"I'll do my best sir."
"I'm not just talking about protecting her from crazy fans but as well as supporting her emotionally and mentally. I've seen how she's being portrayed in the SNS. I know that it affects her as well." He added.
"Y-yes sir. I'll do my best." I replied and Mr. Choi puts a hand on my shoulder.
"During the lunch. I can see how my daughter looks at you. I'm gonna tell you that she doesn't look at people the same as you are." He said and that got me confused.
"W-what do you mean sir?" He just smiled at my question.
"Just don't do anything that will hurt my daughter, okay?" He replied.
"That's the opposite of my job sir. So that won't happen." He chuckled.
"Good answer." We finished the talk on that note and immediately got inside.
"Okay, Lia go prepare yourself you'll leave soon." Mr. Choi said as we both got in the house.
"I'll wait for you outside, okay?" Lia smiled at me.
"Okay PD-nim." She replied.
Lia went to the rest room to freshen up and as I was about to leave. I turned and looked at Mr. Choi and he gave me a smile and nod which I answered with a nod of my own. After a few minutes of waiting in the car. I saw Lia got out of their house with her mom giving her a hug before leaving. Lia entered the car and I rolled the window down to wave them goodbye.
"Good luck on your comeback honey!" Her mom shouted.
"Annyeong eomma!" Lia said waving back at them.
"Thank you for the meal Mrs. Choi." I said.
"Don't be afraid to come back." Mrs. Choi replied.
"Hyung! Teach me how to beat people up." Junsung yelled and that cause Mrs. Choi to slap him on the shoulder.
We were far off to hear her scolding Junsung so we just chuckled seeing them.
"What did you and dad talk about?" Lia asked.
"Boy stuff?" I joked and she slapped my shoulder.
"Ow. It's true." She just pouted and focused on her phone while I started playing music and turning my focus on driving.
After a few minutes we hit a newly lit red light and I decided to open the group chat and let the girls know I'll be picking them up.
After hiding my phone I turned my focus to Lia.
"So what is it that Chaeryeong is talking about?" I asked her.
LIA POV
I got nervous because obviously Chaeryeong was talking about how I like Y/N. So I just made up the best thing I can.
"I was thinking of practicing alone but I'm afraid that you might not let me since. I'm gonna ask you to drive me to JYPE everytime." I reasoned.
"Why would I not let you? I'll be happy to accompany you everytime you think of practicing alone." He replied suddenly I felt my cheeks burning. Am I really blushing? I opened my phone's camera and saw my cheeks lighting up.
"I-I'm gonna take a nap PD-nim." I said turning away hoping that my blush goes away.
"Okay I'll wake you up later." He replied.
---timeskip---
I slowly wake up because of giggles only to see that I was moving. After completely waking up I realized that I was being carried by Y/N via piggyback towards our dorm. I can hear the members giggling at the back and to be honest he was so gentle and if it wasn't for my members I could've stayed asleep. I pretended to sleep more but I can hear that we've reach the dorm. After entering I heard Y/N said that we all should get some rest. He then went straight to my room and place me to my bed gently. He brushed my hair to the side gently before tucking me in. I was so stupid that I accidentally slip a smile.
"You rest well." Y/N whispered.
"Yesterday and today was fun, I wish we could do it again." He added.
"Good night Lia." He whispered then I heard the door closed.
author's notes:
sorry for the short chapter, next chapter we'll be progressing with the other stuffs so don't worry about it. I've been stalling lately and I apologize about that but I'll be doing my best to make this story enjoyable. Sorry for any grammatical/spelling errors. Have fun y'all and stay safe.