Twice one-shots

Fragile (Jihyo)

Jihyo stumbled into the practice room, her steps unsteady and her breath heavy with the scent of alcohol. It had become a routine a troubling routine that her members couldn't ignore anymore. Mina looked up from adjusting her microphone, her worry etched into the furrow of her brow. The others exchanged uneasy glances, their concern palpable in the tense silence in the air.

It started innocently enough, perhaps a drink or two to unwind after a particularly demanding schedule. But now, it had spiraled into something more concerning. Nights when Jihyo would stumble into their shared spaces, her leadership faltering under the weight of intoxication. There were whispers among the members about missed schedules, slurred speeches, and the growing unease of seeing their usually composed leader in such a state.

Tonight was a stark example of how far it had gone. Jihyo had been missing from practice, and when she finally showed up, it was with a stumbling gait and clouded eyes. Nayeon exchanged a worried glance with Dahyun as they watched Jihyo slump into a chair, barely able to keep herself upright.

Sana approached cautiously, her voice gentle yet tinged with worry. "Jihyo, maybe you should lay down," she suggested, her hand reaching out to steady her leader who swayed dangerously. Jihyo brushed her off with a sharp gesture, her frustration boiling over.

"I'm fine," Jihyo muttered, her words slurring slightly. "Just leave me alone."

Chaeyoung spoke up, her voice soft but firm. "Jihyo, this isn't like you," she said, her concern breaking through the tense atmosphere. "We're worried about you."

Jihyo's laugh was bitter, a harsh sound in the quiet room. "Worried about what?" she scoffed, her words edged with self-deprecation. "That I can't handle a few drinks?"

Mina's voice was gentle yet insistent. "It's more than that, Jihyo," she said quietly, her gaze steady on their leader. "You're our pillar, but lately..."

"But lately I've been letting you down," Jihyo finished, her voice thick with frustration and shame. She buried her face in her hands, the weight of her actions crushing her spirit.

Dahyun knelt beside her, her hand resting lightly on Jihyo's shoulder. "We just want to help," she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion. "You don't have to do this alone."

Jihyo looked up, her eyes swimming with unshed tears. For so long, she had been the one they turned to for strength and guidance. Now, she felt like she was unraveling, her flaws exposed for all to see. The alcohol had become her crutch, a way to numb the pressures that threatened to suffocate her.

"I don't know how to stop," Jihyo whispered, her voice raw with vulnerability. "I don't know how to be the leader you need me to be."

They gathered around her then, a circle of support and understanding that she hadn't realized she needed until now. They didn't have all the answers, but together, they could find a way forward.

TWICE was scheduled for a VLive session with their fans a few days later. Jihyo, determined to show she was fine, joined the broadcast after a night out at a bar. During the livestream, her exhaustion and the effects of her drinking caught up with her. She slumped onto the couch, her eyes closing against her will as fatigue and intoxication overwhelmed her.

The members, accustomed to covering for her, smoothly transitioned the Vlive without alarming the fans. They brushed it off as Jihyo being tired from their busy schedule, but the incident weighed heavily on their hearts.

Days passed, and at a fan sign event, sharp-eyed fans began to notice subtle changes in Jihyo. She seemed more withdrawn, her smile strained at times, and her once bright eyes dulled by exhaustion. Some fans voiced concerns on social media, noticing her occasional absence from group activities and her subdued presence during public appearances.

In the days that followed, Jihyo's struggle became more apparent to her members. They began to intervene more actively, encouraging her to seek help and providing unwavering support through every step of her journey.

Mina took it upon herself to research support options, gently nudging Jihyo towards counseling services tailored to the unique pressures of their industry. Sana, always empathetic, spent countless late nights listening to Jihyo's fears and insecurities, offering a comforting presence that reminded her she was not alone.

Meanwhile, Nayeon and Dahyun took on additional responsibilities within the group, ensuring that Jihyo had space to focus on her recovery without the weight of leadership hanging over her. Chaeyoung and Tzuyu, ever practical, organized group outings that focused on relaxation and bonding, providing a much-needed respite from the relentless pace of idol life.

Jihyo's journey was not easy. There were setbacks, moments of doubt, and nights when the urge to drown her anxieties in alcohol felt overpowering. But each time she faltered, her members were there—offering strength, understanding, and a reminder of the unwavering bond that held TWICE together.

Slowly, with time and the unwavering support of her members, Jihyo began to heal. She attended counseling sessions, learned healthy coping mechanisms, and gradually regained her footing as both a leader and a friend. The road was long and arduous, but every small victory every smile that reached her eyes once more—was a testament to her resilience and the power of their unity.

Months passed, and as TWICE stood together on stage once more, their hearts beat in unison with a newfound sense of pride and solidarity. Jihyo, now stronger than ever, led them with quiet confidence born of overcoming her darkest moments. 

And as they faced their fans with renewed determination, Jihyo knew that her journey towards recovery was not just her own—it was a testament to the strength of their bond, a testament to the unbreakable spirit of TWICE.