make it or break it // lee chaeyeon + miyawaki sakura

keep you safe

Chaeyeon's POV

It's our first public appearance after going on a hiatus and we're now making our way to the agency to discuss our future activities as IZ*ONE.

"I feel so nervous about this." Yujin speaks up to get rid of the tension in the car.

I wouldn't deny the fact that I, myself, was feeling nervous too. It's been 3 months since we had to temporarily stay lowkey, I'm not sure how the public would take our sudden appearance today.

"Let's all stick together okay? We got this." Eunbi unnie tells us as if she was giving a pep talk.

Once the car arrives in front of the building, reporters and cameramen flock all over the entrance. Unnie and I were the last ones to step out to make sure nobody gets left behind. As much as possible, we were not allowed to speak up about the matter, so even if reporters try to get us to say something, we stayed silent.

My heart was beating so quickly but the moment I catch a glimpse of some of our beloved fans, I felt way better.

"Fighting!" They encourage.

Thankfully, the media was soon blocked by our bodyguards. I let out a sigh of relief when we finally enter the building.

"Are you all okay? Did anyone get hurt?" Eunbi unnie immediately asks and so majority of us shake our heads no.

"I'm fine, are you okay?" Kwangbae says in reply.

"Yeah---"

"CHAEYEON-AH! I LOVE YOU!" a deep and manly voice loudly screams that it can pretty much be heard around the place. He was fighting his way through the bodyguards that were stopping him from getting to me.

I honestly didn't know how to react, so I just bow my head courteously to acknowledge his admiration for me. Suddenly, I feel an arm snake around my waist, as if she was trying to protect me.

"Let's go, unnie." Minju instructs.

Yena's POV

I was supposed to be walking with Kkura unnie by my side, but after a few steps, I notice she wasn't standing beside me.

I turn my head to look for her, "Kkura---" then I instinctively stop when I spot her glancing at a particular pair.

I chuckle to myself.

Aish, Kkura unnie, why don't you just stop denying what you feel and admit you like her?

-

Chaeyeon's POV

Feeling all exhausted after a long day's work, I lazily get up from my bed to grab something to drink. Everyone was resting as well, since we've all been packing up nonstop for the big move to the new dorm.

When I walk out of the room, I was surprised to see the bright screen of the TV and the person sitting across it on the couch.

"Minju? It's almost midnight, why are you still up and why are you still here in our dorm?" I question, rubbing my tired eyes while letting out a yawn.

"I was watching a movie with Wonyoungie but she felt sleepy so she went ahead. I just want to finish this."

I hum in reply, marching over to the fridge to get a bottle of strawberry milk. Then, I turn my head to face the girl who was so engrossed in what she was watching, she looked like a cute puppy.

"Do you want one too?"

"No but thanks anyway."

I simply shrug right before walking over to the couch and taking a seat beside her. There was a moment of silence between us and only the sound from the TV show playing can be heard. Nonetheless, it was a comfortable kind of silence and somehow it made me feel relaxed.

I notice her getting all fidgety after a while though, so I glance to my left to see what's gotten her all bothered.

"Do you want to say something?" I initiate and I mentally facepalm when I realize how much it made the situation awkward.

"Can I be honest?" She hesitantly replies.

"Yeah, no worries."

"I..."

"Hmm?"

"Um... do you think I'm worthy to be here?"

I scrunch my eyebrows together, "What do you mean?"

"Do you think... I'm worthy to be a member of IZ*ONE?"

And just like that, my heart drops and I gulp at her question.

Why would she think she's not?

I heave a deep sigh when a sudden realization hits me.

"Have you been reading comments?" I sternly ask in which she just slowly nods to. "Ya, didn't I tell you not to?"

"I know, I just can't help it." She mumbles, probably threatened by the tone I used earlier. "I'm sorry."

I realize how harsh I sounded a while ago, so I take a deep breath and move closer to her. "Well can I be honest too?"

"Sure..."

"I'm glad you're in IZ*ONE."

It takes her a while before she can even register what I just said inside her head. And when she did understand it, she turns away from me, covering her face.

"Ya unnie, stop making me cry like this."

I lightly chuckle. "It's true! Look at me."

"No." She stubbornly protests.

"Look at me, Minju-ya." I insist, pulling her shoulders to face me.

"Whaatt." She whines, avoiding eye contact with me.

"I don't want you guys to ever think you're not worthy to be members of IZ*ONE, okay? We never knew the votes were manipulated, we're all victims here too. It's not your fault or anyone else from the group, it's the producers, so please stop doubting yourself, Minju-ya. I know how hard you've worked to be where you are now and I'm proud of you. You should be proud of yourself too."

At this point, she was bawling her eyes out, but quietly of course since we didn't want to wake the others up.

Knowing that these girls are feeling this way about themselves breaks my heart. There's something about them that makes me feel like I have to keep protecting them. Guess it's because I've already grown to love them like my own sisters.

"I'll keep you safe from anyone who tries to hurt you guys."

And with that, I wrap my arms around her in a warm and much-needed embrace.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

A little ChaeMin moment right there :> do you think Minju can potentially be the mysterious journal owner? Or could it be someone else?

Comment your guesses! I'd love to know and see what you guys think ❤