The 10th Member

Confused

First Person POV

The fan's eyes were big as she gushed about how much she loved our music, practically beaming with delight. I made an effort to focus entirely on her, responding to her questions and signing her t-shirt. Meeting passionate fans was always enjoyable, but I couldn't get rid of the feeling that someone was watching me.

I caught a glimpse of Sana a few steps away, her expression difficult to decipher. Was she upset? I dismissed the thought, returning my attention to the fan in front of me.

"Excuse me, we need to move on. Lots to see, remember?" Sana's voice cut through the conversation abruptly. She moved forward and grabbed my hand as I looked up, startled. Her grip was firm, almost urgent.

"Oh, right. Sorry, but we have to go." I shot the fan an apologetic smile. She nodded understandingly, but with a dissatisfied expression.

"It was great meeting you, Twice!" As we left, she called after us. I was perplexed by Sana's stress, which I could sense through her grip. Usually, she enjoyed interacting with her fans. What was happening?

"Sana, what's going on? You seemed a bit... off. Are you angry again? I'm sorry if I did some—"

"No no, it's fine. I'm fine." She shot me a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. There was clearly something bothering her but she didn't want to talk about it. I shrugged my shoulders and we continued walking until I caught a glimpse of Dahyun glaring at Sana and mouthing something I couldn't quite understand. But Sana appeared even more distressed, massaging her temples before giving Dahyun a thumbs up, signalling that she understood.

"Ok, listen. I need to talk to you, alone." Sana took a deep breath and spoke shakily. I frowned as my worry increased. What could be so important that she needed to pull me away like this?

"Okay." I agreed and followed her as she led me out of the throng of people. We located a quiet corner, and I kept a tight eye on her. She didn't seem to be herself; her typical confidence was missing. Though my head was buzzing with ideas, I was unable to guess what she was trying to express.

I stood there for a few seconds, watching her as she gathered herself. Her eyes were filled with a mix of emotions, and I could see her hands trembling slightly.

"Y/n... After you entered my life, everything has changed so much, I have changed so much and only for the better. When I see you smile, it brightens my entire day. Your laughter is like music, and your kindness... it makes me want to be a better person. Every moment we spend together, I feel more alive, more myself. I can't imagine my life without you in it."

As she spoke, I felt my heart flutter and my mind race. Her words were like a balm; they calmed me down while also igniting something deep inside of me. My pulse quickened with each sentence as I experienced a mixture of warmth and surprise. Is this how she really feels about me?

"I love the way you care for everyone around you, how you never hesitate to lend a hand. Your strength, your vulnerability, everything about you draws me in."

No matter how much I tried to hold back, my lips broke out into a smile due to the compliments. My hand automatically rose to my chest and I clutched my shirt near my heart, her words were melting it. I made an effort to breathe steadily, but my emotions were all over the place. Her words felt like a confession, but my brain quickly rationalised it as an expression of deep friendship. I was scared to hope even though I wanted to think there was more.

"Y/n, I can't keep this inside anymore. Seeing you with that fan, I realized how much it hurts to think I might lose you to someone else. I know I've made mistakes, especially with Dahyun, but I've changed. And I need you to know... I love you." Her hands reached out for mine as she gently held them, I could feel how soft they were, the same hands I'd hold so often.