Love Contract

Chapter 12

"Hey, Tzuyu-ya. Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?" Dahyun asked, her voice laced with concern as she gently patted Tzuyu's back.

Later that morning, Sana and her friends decided to swim in the pool while Mr. Lee and Y/N busied themselves with preparing the barbecue. The sun was high, casting a warm glow over the scene, and the group agreed that a poolside barbecue would be perfect for lunch.

As the clock struck eleven, the aroma of grilling food wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and splashing water.

The others were enjoying their time in the pool, reveling in the refreshing water, while Tzuyu and Dahyun sat on the deck, their feet submerged in the cool, clear pool.

"It's just frustrating." Tzuyu admitted, her voice tense as she tightly gripped the tiled edge of the pool. "How can she act like that? She looks like a teary emoji, and I hate it. Did she really need Sana-unnie to feed her?"

Dahyun sighed, her gaze drifting to Momo and Jeongyeon, who were laughing and playing in the pool. "You know, just because you love or like someone, it doesn't mean you can expect them to like you back. It takes time and effort. And if it still doesn't work, then maybe it's time to accept it and move on."

Tzuyu's brows furrowed in confusion. "Dahyun-unnie, what are you talking about?"

Dahyun tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. "Eh? You like Sana-unnie, right?"

Tzuyu's eyes widened in surprise before she burst into laughter. "What the... No! Of course not!" she exclaimed, playfully swatting Dahyun's shoulder.

Their laughter mingled with the sounds of the pool, a moment of lightheartedness amidst the tension. Meanwhile, Y/N watched from the barbecue station, her thoughts a jumble of emotions as she glanced at the group, her heart heavy with unspoken worries. Mr. Lee, sensing her unease, offered a reassuring smile, hoping to lift her spirits, if only for a moment.

"Ah! Yah! Stop!" Dahyun pouted, rubbing her shoulder where Tzuyu had playfully hit her.

"I'm just frustrated that Y/N didn't remember me." Tzuyu confessed, her voice quieter now. "I mean, it's understandable since I was only seven when we met, but she promised me something. She said we would meet again after two years."

Tzuyu's eyes darted around, taking in the sight of their friends splashing water and playing with water guns, their laughter echoing in the warm morning air. The playful scene seemed worlds away from the heavy emotions she was feeling.

The conversation fell into a sudden, contemplative silence. Dahyun's mouth hung open, stunned by Tzuyu's revelation. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Ladies! The barbecue is ready!" Mr. Lee called out, having just finished setting up the large table with Y/N's help.

"The first one to arrive gets to be the king!" Nayeon exclaimed, immediately dashing towards the table while gripping Mina's hand, who giggled as she was pulled along.

"Ah! That's not fair!" Momo shouted, rising from the pool and chasing after Nayeon, leaving Jeongyeon to follow suit with an amused grin.

As the group converged on the table, their playful banter filled the air, momentarily lifting the heavier emotions that had settled around Tzuyu and Dahyun. The enticing aroma of grilled meat and vegetables mingled with the laughter, creating a lively and comforting atmosphere.