Unspoken Feelings ( A love that defines the odds )

37. Steps Toward Tomorrow

The sun hung low on the horizon as the TWICE members found themselves gathered around the practice room one last time that evening. Their final schedules of the day—recordings and rehearsals—were behind them, and the night ahead was theirs to enjoy.

It had been a week since they started talking seriously about their futures, and every day, the weight of their remaining time as idols seemed to grow heavier. But tonight, they wouldn’t dwell on the sadness. Tonight was about savoring every moment they still had together.

“Who wants takeout?” Jeongyeon asked as she collapsed on the practice room couch, pulling out her phone. “We deserve a treat.”

“Momo’s going to want jokbal,” Dahyun teased, earning a groan from Momo, who was already rubbing her stomach with satisfaction.

“I could eat more…” Momo admitted sheepishly.

Jihyo shook her head, “Why am I not surprised? How are you not full after today?”

“Because I’m Momo,” she replied confidently, causing the room to erupt in laughter.

As Jeongyeon placed the order, the members sprawled out across the practice room floor, stretching out and chatting casually.

“I’ve been thinking,” Nayeon began, looking at the others. “Once we’re done with all this, we should take a vacation together. Just the nine of us. No cameras, no schedules—just us.”

Everyone paused, the idea immediately sparking excitement.

Sana was the first to speak, “That sounds amazing! Where would we go?”

Tzuyu, sitting beside Sana, added, “Maybe somewhere by the ocean? We could just relax and enjoy the peace.”

“I’m in,” Mina said quietly, her hand lightly brushing Chaeyoung’s as she stretched. Chaeyoung, in turn, looked down at their hands, her mind racing with the thoughts she’d been wrestling with ever since their last conversation with Jihyo.

Mina’s subtle touch only fueled the nerves bubbling inside her. But she had made a decision—tonight would be the night.

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Later—TWICE Dorm

Back at the dorm, the takeout arrived, and the members huddled around the living room, devouring the food with the same energy they brought to the stage. The night stretched long and comfortable, laughter filling the air as the girls savored their time together.

Nayeon and Jeongyeon, the “husband and wife” duo of the group, were particularly animated tonight. Nayeon leaned back on the couch, tossing a playful look Jeongyeon’s way.

“You know,” she said with a grin, “I think we should really open that cafe. I’d get to boss you around for a change.”

Jeongyeon smirked, pretending to consider it. “As long as you bake everything. I’ll just handle the coffee.”

Nayeon laughed, nudging Jeongyeon in the side. “Deal.”

Across the room, Momo was engrossed in a conversation about food with Dahyun, as usual. Dahyun shook her head in mock exasperation as Momo went on about her dream food vlog.

“Let me guess, every episode is going to feature jokbal,” Dahyun teased.

“Of course!” Momo replied confidently. “And you’ll be my taste tester.”

“I knew it.”

Meanwhile, Jihyo noticed Chaeyoung’s gaze lingering on Mina, who sat quietly beside her. Jihyo raised an eyebrow, catching Chaeyoung’s eye and giving her a pointed look. It was the same look she had given her during their teasing session at the practice room earlier that week—the look that said, It’s time.