Best Kept Secret

Midnights in Vietnam

"Ugh, nothing's really Insta-worthy" Jihyo sulks looking at her own as well as Sana's phone.

"We don't have your idea of perfect but this one is good." Jihyo scowls as Sana points to some. "Alright but, Twice TV unnies may have captured something for us."

Jihyo sighs and put the phones down. She turns attention to a Sana snuggling beside her. As Jihyo fiddles the other's mane, Sana starts thinking aloud her thoughts with it "I'd like to try shorter hair. But..."

"But? Cause you'd twin with me?"

"Hmm, I'll try cutting just a few cm. Also, I'll dye it darker. It needs rest from bleach anyway."

"I'd love that for you." Jihyo says as she can't help but smile brighter. She's not a fan of blonde Sana. For her, natural look is superior. She urges her to open up "So, what's the 'but' about?"

Sana definitely wants to look more attractive to her partner. But Jihyo would become one of the only two light-haired members along with Dahyun differing in length.

Dyeing her hair dark wouldn't help a blonde Jihyo. A set of bangs to such flashy color essentially doesn't hide her. Considering the anticipated grand year-end events are coming in fast. Everyone will be on them.

Sana tries to talk about her worries, "Just that..." The world is gonna spot my Jihyo quickly and will look with prying eyes. She misses her timing, not able to continue as a door knock interrupts.

"We're back!" Nayeon is heard from the other side. She and Dahyun just got back from Korea for a quick show guesting accompanying JYP himself on Knowing Brothers. Nayeon hands them some gifts.

"Thanks, Nayeon-ie!" Jihyo receives the gifts when Nayeon suddenly holds her wrist. The unnie wants to talk to her.

Sana heard it and excused herself delaying the confrontation of her thoughts. Until it's forgotten through busying themselves on Japanese music station guesting and with the team eventually going back to Korea.

As the days pass, however, the need to discuss and prepare for the inevitable is becoming apparent.

They are currently rehearsing for the Asia Artist Awards, where Kang Daniel is confirmed to attend. Add to that a heartbreaking news in the history of K-Pop: Goo Hara committed suicide just two months after her friend Sulli had done the same.

With all those nightmares, tears, and zoning out that even therapies and medications are not helping; Sana couldn't stop worrying for Jihyo who's been enduring both the hate and well wishes out of this whole fake dating thing.

But since they themselves are the only ones who understand each other, Sana asks the rest of the girls especially the 3mix unnies Nayeon and Jeongyeon to preside for careful thought sharing.

"Sooner or later, HE will be on a same event as us", Nayeon says.

Upon searching the internet, Jeong confirms that "Actually he's gonna be there on AAA. Maybe on MAMA too. Any plans?"

Sana finds Jihyo's hand and whispers to her quick, "This is the 'but' I failed to talk about. With that blonde," touches the tips "you won't be able to hide even if you have bangs."

To which Jihyo appreciated. But she says "If that's the case then I'll gladly let the world witness the truth. The truth that we have nothing with each other. There may be no other greater opportunity than this. I'll take it."

"So, the plan is 'Be Yourself' huh. I'm in!" Chaeyoung as the ever proponent of self-expression supports it.

Mina wouldn't be able to join on this event as the audience goes beyond just Once. She's still on limited public exposure. Regardless, she gives her two cents. "Just like everyone Jihyo-yah, remember that I'm here."