(Tzuyu's Side)
The song faded. Her heartbeat was still loud as the music's beating.
"That was nice, kids!" JYP complemented with a clap. "Let's get started with the second voice." Twice nodded with a smile. He then notice Tzuyu still standing like a manequin. "You can take your seat now, Tzuyu-ssi."
She flinched. "S-Sorry." Sitting back with a small blush tinting her cheeks.
After JYP turned the mic off—for communicating to the booth—he then faced her with a curious look. "So, how was the song? Too bubbly?"
Tzuyu shook her head with an awkward grin. "Uh- no. I find it amazing actually. I-I like the beating."
The man nodded his head before facing back the computer and checked the song's music track. "Since your lyrics is about for someone who you had a crush with, I find it much better to have an upbeat-type of beating to give the lyrics an energetic vibes." He glanced with a smile before continuing. "Since it's about 'young love', get me?"
Tzuyu nodded her head nonchalantly. She doesn't really know anything about composing songs. Heck! She didn't even realized she had written a lyrics.
What love does.
"I-I like the song, PD-nim. I was overwhelmed that you decided to make it as one of Twice's songs."
He then pressed the mic button. "Ten minutes, review the second voice sequence." After hearing the group says 'yes' he then turned off again. He then turned his chair to fully face her.
Tzuyu swallowed hard and stay as is. She felt that he's going to drill her with questions. His looks were so intimidating making her feeling so small.
"I'm really curious, Tzuyu-ssi." He said. Kneading his fingers together bringing it under his chin. "As far as I know, you're not really the musically-inclined type." Nodding, pressed his lips. "So, I immediately assumed you wrote it for someone." He added a smirk. "Who's the guy?"
Tzuyu darted her eyes around the room with an much awkward smile. She even felt her sweat drops turned into ice cubes. "I was just inspired, not really for someone specific."
JYP nodded. "But I can feel the scent of 'love' in your lyrics Tzuyu-ssi. All of my lyricist here were inspired depending on what influenced them the most. Take Monotree—for example—her lyrics were same as yours—all about her crush—same style since she's too shy to confess." He raised both brows. "As a lyricist as well, I know when a person is inspired to something—or someone."
Tzuyu swallowed hard. How is she even going to tell him that she was head over heels to one of his 'kids' in Twice? Would he even permit her?
"Don't worry about liking an idol." He said with a shrugged.
'No, this is so sudden. It's probably a bait question.' She thought. "Idols are likable anyway."
The man nodded and intertwined his own fingers and brought it up to his face. "So you're saying someone you like is an idol?"
Tzuyu can feel the tension already, but of course she knew how not to fazed and keep calm. She shook her head.
"Okay, then who? I probably wouldn't know anyway." He added a chuckle.
Before she could answer, the door swung open and both of them looked at the new comer.
"PD-nim,"
"Ah, Sana-ssi-" JYP smiled as the girl approaches. "Is there a problem?"
Tzuyu was frozen in her place while staring at Sana. She can't believe that the girl she wrote the lyrics for is here in front of her conversing with JYP about the singing sequence. Nonetheless, she didn't say a word and just look at the monitor for a little entertainment and a little distraction.
"What do you think, Tzuyu-ssi?"
She flinched and looked at the man. "Y-Yes? Pardon?" She added a small smile. She can also feel how intense Sana's eyes looking at her.
"I was asking if the sequence was okay?" JYP repeated.
Tzuyu nodded. "Uh- yeah. It's fine—I think." She then scratched her nape and looked away.
As JYP continued explaning things to Sana, her eyes can't help but steal a glance at the girl.
'I am crazy.' She thought. Taking a deep breath before silently exhaling it. 'I can't concentrate like this—not when she's around. Tsk.'
"You okay there, Tzuyu-ssi?"
"Eh?" Tzuyu looked at the man. She then noticed that Sana already left and went back to the booth.
JYP shook his head with an amused grin. "Thinking deep, are we?"
She looked away with an awkward grin. "S-Sorry, I was just thinking about the song."
Witty.
"I am sensing you are thinking about someone you like."
Shit.
"I wouldn't assume if I were you." Her tone became cold.
Whenever she's in a defensive mode, her tone will become quieter and lower than the usual.
Rubbing her temple, she sighed. "Don't mind me, PD-nim. Can I get back to work now?" She asked politely with a small smile.
"Not yet, you should see how the song goes. If ever you don't like something we can change it."
"I think it is fine already? Uhm-" Darting her eyes to the screen then to the girls inside the booth. She then saw how Sana was giggling, though she can't hear them but it was obvious enough that Momo was the one talking about something that made laugh. Oh how she really wanted to hear those again.
"Ah, I see." JYP said taking back her attention.
"Yes, PD-nim?"
"You like one of them."
Oh shit.
"Eh? I was just curious since they are busy laughing and all." Tzuyu shrugged.
"Right," He smirked. "I'm really curious about who you like though. Why won't you tell me?"
"It's a private matter, PD-nim." Stopping herself from rolling her eyes. She just yawned while covering her mouth. "My apologies. I'm just tired."
"Well, you can go home now." He said while turning back to the computer.
"Really?"
"No, of course." He chuckled as she rolled her eyes. "Not after this recording is done." He then pressed the mic. "Let's start. Ready?" After the approval of the girls, he then played the recorded song earlier.
As Twice kept adding the second voice, Tzuyu was in a trance everytime it was Sana's turn.
'Oh God.'
Sana looked like an angel to her eyes. She also realized how the girl is not her usual bubbly self as well. Sana clings a lot especially when she's around, but these past few days it's all different. When they passed bg each other, Sana will just smile and bow a bit then walke away. Unlike before, she was always engulfed with a hug. Did she do something wrong? Sana became distant after they had their trip at Nami island, or was she just thinking too much?
"You like Sana?"
JYP's voice brought her back in a flinched and looked at him in surprised.
"Did you say something, PD-nim?" She asked and her heart was about to jump off.
"I said, you like Sana?" His smile was gone and was replaced by a terror aura. I think he didn't like what he assumed.
Tzuyu swallowed another air, preventing herself from giving away. Hurriedly composing herself, she sighed. "I didn't say that I like Sana."
"I'm sure I heard you mumbling her name while looking at her."
JYP's voice became an authoritative and it's scaring the shit out of her.
Tzuyu shook her head once again and looked at him. "I don't like her that way. I like someone else."
Hearing gasped, both of them looked at the booth. They then found the girls looking at them with wide eyes. Sana was just looking at the paper she was holding and seems like she didn't even noticed.
"Oh, I forgot." JYP said while turning the mic off.
In short, Twice heard everything. Tzuyu started to sweat like crazy. She didn't mean to deny it, she just had to.
Sana then raised a hand.
Clicking back the button, the man leaned forward. "Yes, Sana-ssi?"
"Can I go to the restroom?" Sana said with a smile.
JYP nodded before turning the mic off. Sana then left along with Nayeon following behind.
"Shit." She cursed under her breath.
"Is there a problem, Tzuyu-ssi?" He asked. Still got the boss-tone but much lighter compared to earlier.
She then thought about the consequences, but eventually doesn't care anymore. Sana heard her, and she's sure of that. Sana heard how she said she doesn't like her that way. She was sure before—based on her friends statements—that Sana likes her, but not after when they got back. Sana was suddenly became somewhat distant and now she's not sure if Sana still likes her.
"Would it be a problem if whom I like was an idol?" She asked. 'It's now or never.' As cliche as it is, that's what she felt right now.
JYP fully faced her with a serious face. "For me, it is not. But-" He paused. "It's much better if whom you like is not one of my idols."
This shit is becoming real.
"Then I'm sorry to say that whom I like was one of your idols." She looked back at him with the same intensity.
"Who then?"
Contemplating on what to say, should she fake the name, or tell the truth? She took a deep breath.
"It's. . . "
••••••••••
(Other girl's Side)
"Sana. . . " Nayeon whispered as she kept knocking on the cubicle door. The girl kept sobbing hard, hearing hiccups, and small snorts. "Sana, let me in please."
Nayeon knew why. They just clearly heard what Tzuyu said. Tzuyu likes someone and that someone is not Sana. Nayeon's heart was broken into pieces after hearing Sana started crying. She loves Sana like a sister and she can't bear standing there doing nothing.
"Sana," She called again. "Maybe Tzuyu just said that since it was PD-nim she was talking to. She can't tell him the she likes someone who is under PD-nim's artist." Trying to convince the crying girl inside. "And besides, you should not cry too much. We're not done with the recording yet. PD-nim will notice."
Nayeon tried her best to make the girl give in, in a comforting way.
"You heard what Tzuyu-ssi said." Sana choke.
'-ssi? Oh no.' Nayeon thought. Hearing Sana putting on the honorific means it's a bad sign. "But Sana-"
"I heard it loud and clear." Sana said in a stern voice startling Nayeon in the process. She then opened the door and revealed a slightly puffed-eye Sana. "I'm done. I tried. . . really. . . " She looked down and went to the sink to wash her face.
"Like I've said Sana, Tzuyu-"
"YAAHH! ENOUGH NAYEONNIE!" Sana exclaimed and threw a glare at her from the mirror. Nayeon swallowed. "DON'T PUSH HER TO ME ANYMORE!" Sana hurriedly wiped her face and looked at her. "I HAD ENOUGH GIVING MYSELF HIGH HOPES ALL THE TIME, OKAY?" She looked away and hurriedly put some concealer and light lipstick before going out back to the recording studio.
Nayeon looked at Sana in pity while following the heartbroken girl. She was thinking how to ask Tzuyu. She wanted to ask her if what she said was true and asks if who. She surely wanted to make her friend happy.
.
.
.
Twice had gone back home after three hours of recording and finalization of the song.
The door slammed shut making the other four girl flinched in surprise the moment everyone entered their dorm. Sana immediately stormed to their room earning a sigh from the rest. They're just glad that their Manager stayed behind since they're having a meeting.
Nayeon slumped herself on the couch with a loud sigh. "Oh God." The others followed and sat beside her.
"This is unexpecting." Jihyo mumbled.
"Well, it definitely came right out of Tzuyu's mouth." Mina said, sighed.
"I'm sure Sana is crying again." Momo pouted while leaning her head in Mina's shoulder. The others sighed in approval.
They knew Sana is absolutely crying out her heart again, and they didn't know what to do anymore since they really tried to buy her with different amusing ideas, but still no avail. Sana is near, yet so far.
"Should we- you know?" Mina looked at Nayeon.
The girl raised her brow. "Like what? Ask Tzuyu if who's that bitch? Ugh-" She rolled her eyes.
"Maybe Tzuyu was just lying. You know how strict JYP is when it comes to relationships—especially if its his artist." Jihyo shook her head. "I don't know- part of me wanted to ask her who, but the other part wanted to mind our own business because of course- that's her life, who are we to stop her from liking someone?"
The sob from the other room became louder and they cursed under their breath. Sana surely heard them.
Nayeon elbowed the latter and hushed her. "You're too loud!" She whispered.
"Sana-chan. . . " Momo whispered with a pout.
"Any ideas guys?" Nayeon looked at them while trying to lower her voice as much as much as possible. "We can't keep Sana like that. We have a scheduled guesting tomorrow."
"Let's ask the other Photograp—"
"I already asked Jeongyeon." Nayeon cut her off, crossing her arms.
The latter raised her brow. "Oh? What did she say?"
Nayeon sighed. "They don't know who. I mean, Tzuyu always kept saying that she's not interested in Sana, yet Tzuyu never said anything about liking someone—that's what Jeong said."
They all sighed again. This is getting more complicated than anything.
How can they ever juice any info from the Taiwanese girl when she was too quiet and had a stoic face all the time? Approaching her was already hard, and now they'll be asking who she likes? That would take a lot of guts.
But they also knew Tzuyu is a good kid and friendly at times, but the thing is they'll be asking something so personal and thinks that it might trigger the girl.
"What to do. . . " Jihyo mumbled.
Suddenly their doorbell rang. They all then looked at the door.
"Manager-nim?" Momo mumbled.
"Idiot!" Nayeon smack her head playfully. "Our Managers knew the code. They don't need to ring the doorbell."
Jihyo stands. "Who could it be." She then looked through the peep hole and gasped hurriedly opening the door.
Nayeon and the other ran towards the door and had an obvious shocked face.
They just all kept standing still while looking at the unknown person who had his head hang.
Seconds later, the person looked at them and can clearly see how red his eyes are. Jihyo and the others had their hearts quicken.
"Help me-" The person said, giving them goosebumps.
••••••••••
(Sana's Side)
Sana hugged her dog plushie closer as she tried to stop her tears from streaming down. She can't help it, she even cried more after hearing her friends, but they are right in a way. Who are they—or, who is she—to stop Tzuyu from liking someone? She doesn't have a hold of the Taiwanese girl's heart. She did tried her best to do effort get closer to her in a way thinking that she probably might have a chance. After hearing Tzuyu through the mic, her heart was grind to a fine powder.
Pretending she didn't heard it the immediately excused herself to go to the restroom. After locking up, her eyes opened the valve and gushed the hurtful tears out. She really thought Tzuyu liked her already, but maybe because of her doubt it became much more painful than it should be. After Tzuyu saved her from a crazy sasaeng fan and act all like a girlfriend by hugging her and even bringing her back to her room, she really thought that the girl had a slight hint of liking her back. Then again, all thoughts just went downhill and gave her the most heartbreaking confirmation after hearing Tzuyu saying she likes someone else.
Her tears kept falling and falling the more she wiped it away.
"Stupid of me," She mumbled, checking her phone after unlocking it. Her eyes watered once more after seeing her wallpaper—it was the photo she took when Tzuyu was not looking during their ferry ride. "I already decided to stop, didn't I?" She blamed herself. "Then why did you raise your hopes back again, Minatozaki?" She choked, swallowing hard. A knock came.
"Sana?"
Nayeon's voice came up behind the door. She didn't responded.
"Uhm- we'll be just going down the convenient store. Do you want something?"
Nayeon called out calmly and almost in a whisper, yet she still didn't respond a breath.
"Uhm- okay? We'll just buy you something sweet. We'll be out in just an hour or two, okay?"
She still didn't respond and then heard the slight tack of their feets walking away. She then sighed and sleep took her over.
••••••••••
A few days had gone, along with finishing their music recording for their upcoming new album, they had another photoshoot schedule for their album cover. Sana was still not in the mood but always tried her best to act jolly and happy in front of Onces.
After they got out of their dressing rooms, they immediately went to the photoshoot area where a Photographer was waiting.
"Hi~" The girl smiled. "I'm Jeon Somi, I'm gonna be your new Photographer."
"Eh?" Twice chorused with wide eyes, especially Sana.
"Wait-" Nayeon inserted. "You're a newbie?"
Somi nodded, still flashing her bubbly smile.
Nayeon nodded. "Ahh, an add-on."
"Uhm- no." Somi retorted with an awkward grin, gripping onto her camera closer. "They need a new Photographer, so yeah- I'm the one who was newly hired. This is my 5th day actually since Twice had no other schedules, I wasn't able to meet you a bit earlier—up until now."
"Are you perhaps Tzuyu's new partner?" Jihyo asked.
The girl shook her head again. "I have no partners."
"Eh? Tzuyu was our assigned Photographer. Was she assigned to another group?" The latter pushed.
The girl blinked and tried to remember. "Uhm- I haven't met her though, but I knew that she was Twice's Photographer."
"So, where is she?" Jihyo asked again.
"She resigned."
The girls looked at the person behind them and found Jeongyeon walking towards them with a camera on hand.
"I'll be assisting her for now since this will be her first actual shot." She said nonchalantly while walking towards camera stand and attached her camera on top.
"Wait-" Nayeon shook her head in disbelief while walking towards Jeongyeon. "She resigned?"
"Yep."
"Why?" Nayeon asked, but only to earn a shrugged from the girl. She then looked at her members.
The tomboy sighed. "All I know is that she was packing her things and said her resignation was approved and she'll be leaving back to Taiwan. That's it, she then left us hanging without any reasons. That kid sometimes pisses me off, she's too reserved and quiet." Shaking her head, she then called for the newbie who immediately came to her aid.
Meanwhile, the four girl looked at each other worriedly before looking at Sana who had a much more dejected face. They knew Sana was devastated about what Tzuyu had said back then, and now Tzuyu left all of the sudden.
They are all baffled as to why, but the again it's the girl's choice and they have no right to tell her what to do.
"It's much better this way." Sana mumbled and proceed to the front while waiting for the Photographer's que.
"Sana. . . " Nayeon and Jihyo mumbled while looking at her worriedly.
••••••••••
A/N: 👋
SaTzu is sailing hard. 😊 I love it. Twitter was so full of them. 💕
Ciao~