make it or break it // lee chaeyeon + miyawaki sakura

really like you

Sakura's POV

I will never forget the very first time I had gotten so curious about this thing called 'love'. I was 4 years old when I first heard of that word and I remember asking my mom about it over and over that we'd basically lost track of time and ended up forgetting about cooking dinner so we decided to eat out instead.

It was one of those calming days in Japan - the weather was not too cold nor too warm, so I enjoyed playing at the park that time that my mom had to wipe my sweat with a soft and refreshing towel every minute. I ran and ran around while she sat on a bench not far away, observing my every move with a huge smile on her face.

My dad was at work and he promised he'll be home for dinner so we can all eat together.

He did keep that promise, thankfully.

We ended up eating at my favorite sushi place near our home and even if it wasn't those fancy nights where we would have to put on a bunch of shining and shimmering jewelries and expensive clothes, I knew I was happy and content.

My dad told me that in Japan, the word 'love' is something that isn't usually thrown or said around casually, and that's because Japanese people value it so much.

My mom said that although she doesn't often say it to me or to my father, she simply lets us know she loves us through her actions - and that's probably one of the things that had struck me the most.

So when I met Chaeyeon, I became more sincere with the things I do for her because I always wanted to see her smile and show how genuine I was to her.

All these thoughts suddenly bring me back to that special performance we did for our very first MAMA appearance back in 2018. Being there with Chaeyeon - being able to finally dance with her on the same stage as IZ*ONE members - was so magical, I'll cherish that moment forever. It was refreshing and calming.

Despite being surrounded by hundreds and thousands of people, all that mattered to me the most was the fact that I was sharing that special dance number with my best friend and as I reminisce all the things that had ran through my mind the minute our eyes locked on that stage, I was taken back to my childhood - to when I first asked mom and dad about love.

"Love is about crossing boundaries; it doesn't matter if they're from the other side of the globe or if they're a girl or a boy or even if they're not any of those two. What matters the most is what you feel towards them - that's what love is to me." My mom said years ago, and back then, it was so hard for me to understand what she meant.

Then Chaeyeon happened, but after I heard her say that she only saw me as a friend back in Japan, I was so motivated to move on and get rid of my feelings for her.

But then that breathtaking stage happened, and from that moment on, I knew for sure... that I was in love.

And getting over her will be harder than I thought.

Hyewon's POV

I was currently in the mood to play my guitar but sadly, when I took hold of mine, I notice that one of the strings had been cut off.

It must have been Yena.

Since I couldn't play my own, I exit my room and make my way to Minju's room to see if she could lend me hers. From a distance, I can hear faint sounds of guitar strings being played.

Nonetheless, I knock on her door and take a peek after opening it ever so slightly. I was quite surprised of what I saw though. Quickly, she wipes her face with the sleeves of her hoodie, acting like I had not just caught her crying a few minutes ago.

"Why are you crying?" I straightforwardly interrogate, helping myself into the room and shutting the door close behind me.

"I'm not, unnie. I'm just..."

"Just what?"

"Writing a song and got a bit emotional." She answers with a chuckle.

I stare at her for a minute or so, until she grows uncomfortable and uneasy of the atmosphere.

She frowns and scowls. "Don't stare at me like that, Kwangbae."

I brush off her remark and take a seat beside her on her bed, "Play what you were playing earlier."

It wasn't a request, it was more of a command.

"I'm not done writing it yet."

I flash her a smug smile, "Yeah? But it did sound pretty familiar to me."

"What are you talking about?"

"You were playing that song you wrote with Tomi."

Once those words were said, she blushes almost immediately and she scratches the back of her head.

"No, I wasn't..."

"Play it." I push further, knowing how easily she gives in sometimes.

"Only if you'll sing."

Smirking, I nod my head with confidence, "Deal."

She adjusts the guitar on her lap as I hear her heave a sigh of defeat. Then, comfortable silence takes over right before she starts to play the chords of one of our songs.

"Really like you, nae soneul kkok jabajweo (Really like you, please hold my hand tight)
I son nochi mara jweo (Please don't let go of this hand)
Ttaseuhan du soneul jabgoseo kkumkkul su itge (So we can dream while holding onto our warm hands)
I really like you I really really like you
Neowa hamkkeraseo (Since I'm with you)
Hwanage binnaneun kkumeul kkweo oneuldo (I am able to dream a brightly shining dream again tonight)
With you~"

She sighs, making me turn to face her. That was then I realize that tears were slowly sliding down her cheeks, and she was already quietly crying.

"Ya." I emotionlessly call out.

"What?"

"You can tell me what's wrong."

She wipes her tears and chuckles, "It's nothing."

"Is it because of the song?"

"Yeah, it makes me feel accomplished knowing that I wrote it." She attempts to joke but I just playfully roll my eyes at her.

"You're such a terrible liar."

"What? It's true!!"

"..."

And suddenly, a realization hits me.

"I think I know the reason now."

"What are you talking about, Kwangbae? What makes you think I'm lying?"

"You wrote that song for Chaeyeon, didn't you?"

I wish I hadn't said what I just did, because when I look into her eyes, I see how sad she'd become once again. Tears well up and her bottom lip quivers, as if she was fighting so hard not to break down in front of me.

I then caress her cheek with my right hand (I'm not sure how that happened, I don't really know how to comfort crying people) and make her look up to me.

"I don't like seeing you cry."

"I'm sorry," she hiccups. "I don't even know why I'm crying."

Much to my surprise, the most surreal and unbelievable happened.

The next thing I know, all I could taste on my lips were her salty tears. And for some reason, it felt impossible to push her away.