You Could Never Be

Chapter 3

Author's note:

I know it's been almost two years since the last update. Due to Yeji and Hyunjin's recent collaboration (REAL LIFE!), I have been inspired to update this story, especially since the last chapter ended with Yeji saying she would like a collaboration with Hyunjin. 

I also want to note that when I began this story, it was before Checkmate was released, which means that there is a discrepancy of what I wrote about it versus what I would write about it after it's release. Also, since there have been two discographies released since Checkmate, I'm going to try move the story quicker to catch up to the most recent events. 

Anyways, enjoy! 

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Chapter 3

"Hmmm..... Hyunjin?" Ryujin mimicked Yeji's answer from Wendy's Radio Show asking who Yeji would like to collaborate with. All the girls (but Yeji, of course) busted out laughing. "Our fans seem to think we have similar dance styles..." Lia chiming in the teasing of Yeji.

The girls were in the van leaving Wendy's Radio show to go back to their next schedule event.

Yeji let out a defeated sigh, "I wanted to say Stray Kids, but Ryujin beat me to it. So I just gave a specific answer."

"Unnie, do you think this will be a hot topic among fans now?" Chaeryeong asked genuinely. "Or do you think jealous fans will be upset?"

"I really don't know," Yeji answered continuing to feel more insecure about her answer during the radio show.

"I think Unnie and Hyujin Oppa collaboration would be so cool!" Yuna saying with true excitement. "Unnie, I don't think you have anything to worry about. I think fans would be excited about the answer you gave!"

"I don't know. The public can think too much these days," Yeji replied still unconvinced that what she said was appropriate; however, the maknae did make her feel a tiny bit better.

"Yeddeong, you need to stop overthinking these things," Ryujin said as she put her head on Yeji's shoulder. "You can be too professional sometimes."

Yeji put her head on top of Ryujin's and let out another deep sigh. I do overthink things a lot.

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Little did Yeji know, after ITZY appeared on Wendy's Radio Show, stressing over who she'd want to collaborate with was the least of her worries in the Checkmate era. In fact, Midzys and Stays seemed to react positively about Yeji's answer about collaborating with Hyunjin. On the other hand, Yeji and her members were not prepared for how the public would react to Checkmate's title track that was supposed to show a fun summer vibe. 

Yeji could see how the public's reaction was taking a toll on all the members. But as the leader, Yeji knew she had to be strong. As much as she would like to just cry whenever she pleases, she couldn't show a tear to any of the girls.

Yeji looked at the clock beside her bed- 3:57 AM. She barely slept, which has been the norm the past couple of weeks. Yeji started to think about the comments she saw about their recent comeback, and she violently shook her head as to try to erase them away from her mind. It didn't work. Yeji wanted to scream. Of course, she knew that screaming wasn't an option. 

Yeji sat up from her bed knowing that she wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. Today, Yeji and her members didn't have to be awake until 7:30 AM, which is later than normal. 

I need to distract myself, or else I will go crazy.

Yeji got up from bed and quickly changed out of her pajamas into sweatpants, hoodie, and a hat. She grabbed her phones and keys, and then put on her shoes. Without a thought, she left the apartment quietly so as not to wake up any of the girls.