𝐁𝐨𝐲𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 - 𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒇𝒇 (𝑨𝑴𝑩𝑾)

38: Petty Queen

himalayasally, writtenby_raye and especially LinaFildne for voting, commenting on the book and following me.
Thank you so much 💕

***

Liliana, Chloe, and Mariah sit in the lounge, their legs stretched across the cushioned seats as they wait for Minsu, Luana, and Eliška to finish meeting with the new songwriter. The faint hum of air conditioning fills the quiet room, punctuated by the occasional footsteps of trainees walking past.

Liliana stares at the floor, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "I feel like I've been in a constant whirlwind since I got to Korea," she finally says, her voice low but shaky.

Chloe tilts her head, glancing at her. "What do you mean?"

Liliana sighs, sinking further into her chair. "Everything keeps happening so fast. One moment things seem fine, and the next... everything just collapses. And now I keep thinking about debuting."

Mariah leans back in her seat, her expression guarded. "Well, that's natural. It's what we've been working toward."

"But it's not just about debuting," Liliana continues, her voice trembling slightly. "What if people don't like me? What if I ruin everything for the group? I've heard the rumors... I know not everyone is okay with someone like me being in the lineup. What if-what if I'm the one that ends up destroying the team's image?"

Mariah's brow furrows as Chloe frowns, scooting closer to Liliana.

"Hey, don't say that," Chloe says gently, placing a hand on her arm.

Liliana shakes her head, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "You don't understand. I don't know if I'll even make it to debut. What if the company decides I'm not worth the risk?"

Mariah purses her lips before speaking. "I mean, it's possible," she says carefully.

Chloe's head snaps toward her. "Mariah-"

"No, listen," Mariah interrupts. "I'm not saying it will happen, but the lineup isn't finalized yet. The company could still make changes if they think it's necessary. That's just how this industry works."

Liliana's shoulders slump further, her head bowing as Chloe shoots Mariah a sharp look.

Mariah softens her tone. "But look, Lili. If it comes down to it, I'm fine with you getting the center position. I won't try so hard for it anymore. You've got what it takes, and honestly... I'd rather you have it if it helps."

---

Chloe's POV

I stare at Mariah, disbelief flooding my chest. You won't try so hard anymore? What the hell does that mean?

To me, Mariah's words feel off-like a backhanded compliment wrapped in faux generosity. Liliana doesn't need anyone's pity or permission. She's been working just as hard as the rest of us, maybe even harder.

I glance at Liliana, who looks even more defeated now, her hands trembling slightly as they rest on her lap.

"Liliana," I say, forcing calm into my voice, "how about we get you something to eat? You've been skipping meals lately. Mariah and I can grab something for you."

Liliana looks up at me with tired eyes and nods faintly. "Thanks, Chloe. That'd be nice."

I stand, nodding toward Mariah.

Mariah groans, rolling her eyes. "Seriously? Now?"

"Yes, now," I reply firmly.

---