Yours Truly, The Girl By Your Side

Chapter 4

2 weeks later

"Where's Yuna?"

"She's getting ready for her individual shoot, Chae. She's okay." Ryujin responds to her fellow 2001 member.

The rest of the girls are in the makeup room. Lia and Yeji turn to their conversation. Ever since the incident, they've all been sensitive to her. She hasn't talked about it to the group, but she's definitely traumatized, and they all know it.

A lot of their interactions have changed. For example, someone has to be in the same room as Chae. That wasn't too different before, but now, someone has to go with her to the restroom and to any place during a performance or photoshoot.

The managers made it clear to the staff that nobody can leave Chaeryeong by herself.

Lia asks, "What do you wanna eat later?"

"I'm fine with anything. I'm not too hungry right now."

Her appetite has diminished as well, even more than before. The girls aren't sure on how to approach the situation.

All they know for sure is that Yuna is the best person to help Chaeryeong.

Chaeryeong's POV

Today's photoshoot is almost done and I'm happy with how the photos came out! The units were Ryujin and I, then Yeji, Lia, and Yuna.

I finished first and had the option of going home early. But I didn't feel safe to.

It's been a couple weeks since the incident. I've noticed so many things around me that I didn't before. I've felt things that I didn't before.

Everywhere I turn, there's someone watching me. Not in a creepy way, but it's like I've become a child. I know the staff was ordered to be with me, all I ask is that they still treat me with respect. Sometimes, I'd like to take a sip of water without eyes in my direction.

The ITZY members don't know how to talk to me anymore, and I hate it so much. I haven't said anything to them about it, so they probably think I'm not aware.

...I'm always aware.

Yuna.

I think about her all the time now.

She's the only person that can make me calm down.

In the last couple days, she decided to sleep in the same room as me. Yeji and I are roommates so there's 3 of us. I don't want it to be a nightly thing(mostly because I know she doesn't sleep until like 4 in the morning), but it feels safe now having her there.

On that day, all of it happened so fast, yet slow, at the same time. I don't remember seeing much. I had shut my eyes until I heard Yuna's voice. By the time I opened them, I couldn't make any words out myself. My throat was sore for a couple days after.

"You're safe now, my love..."

I remember hearing this the clearest. It plays over and over in my head. When Yuna's not around, it brings me peace.

"Did you wait for me, unnie?"

Someone says from behind. I jump a little in my seat.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"

Speaking of, my favorite person sits next to me.

Her makeup is done so well today. There's dark eyes shadow and some gold glitter right above a sharp cat eye. I can't help but stare.

"...Are you okay?"

"You look really pretty," I finally say.

We do this all the time. The endless compliments and reassurance. This doesn't feel too different, but a lot of things won't go back to normal.

"Thank you. You too, unnie..." she smiles, "Are you ready to go home?"

"Yes!"

"Let's get food, I'm so hungry!"

She stands and reaches her hand out to me. I grab it and stand with no hesitation.

My love.

I don't want to think my feelings for her can come from such a terrible event.

Maybe it's always been here. Maybe now, I can trust it.