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Kim Chaewon.
In South Korea, she is adored by fans as a beloved singer and actress. Starting at just 10 years old, she devoted herself to training and perfecting her talents. At 15, she got her big break when she was cast in a popular high school drama series. She had always dreamed of fame, love from fans, and being in the spotlight. And those dreams came true - but at a cost. She had few genuine friends, no close relationships, and a public image that didn't align with her true self.
Her popularity continued to soar after her breakout role in another hit comedy/drama series when she turned 21. She even landed lead roles in blockbuster films, graced magazine covers, and won numerous accolades. However, none of it was enough for her. Each triumph only fueled her desire for more. This time, she set her sights on a music award - the prestigious Daesang.
Chaewon’s yearning for more was insatiable, but her bratty and annoying behavior often overshadowed her talent. It made collaborations with talented people a distant dream for her. As her fame grew, so did her sense of entitlement. It was as if she was invincible, untouchable, and above reproach.
“What?!” Chaewon scrolled through her phone. She recently followed Miyawaki Sakura on Twitter hoping she would follow her back. But three days passed, and there was still no response from the famous Japanese composer. This irked her more than it should have. She couldn’t believe she was being ignored. Didn’t the artist know that she was Kim Chaewon, the Kim Chaewon? With a huff, she threw her phone on the plush sofa beside her, petulantly crossing her arms over her chest. She fumed, silently cursing Sakura under her breath.
She always gets what she wants… and she wants Miyawaki Sakura, a song composed by Miyawaki Sakura.
From the moment she heard the album featuring a collaboration between Sakura and Huh Yunjin, another famous singer in South Korea, she knew she needed the composer to win her the Daesang. Only Sakura's unique music could express the charisma and charm that she, Kim Chaewon, exudes. But Sakura had a reputation for being selective with whom she worked — not even fame or fortune could sway her decisions.
Should she call her manager and make her beg Sakura to work with her? Or should she swallow her pride and reach out to the composer herself? She hated the idea of both — people usually bowed down to her, not the other way around. But this time might be different. This was Miyawaki Sakura she was dealing with. And if she really wanted a song that would be an instant hit, she needed a different approach.
With a resigned sigh, Chaewon grabbed her phone and dialed her manager's number. She paced the plush carpet of her penthouse as she waited for her to pick up. She answered on the third ring.
“Chaewon, it’s 3am. Why are you calling? Did something happen?” The grogginess was evident in her manager's voice, reminding Chaewon of the ungodly hour.
“I need you to arrange a meeting for me,” she said, her tone resolute. “With Miyawaki Sakura.”
There was a pause on the other end of the line. “Chaewon, go to bed. Just sleep it off.”
“No. You promised. You said you would do anything to make my dreams come true,” Chaewon insisted, clutching the phone tighter.
“And Miyawaki Sakura is your dream? C’mon, Chaewon. We’ve talked about this already.”
Chaewon was on the verge of exploding. “Yes, she is. I want her to help me with my song. I want Miyawaki Sakura!”
There was a long pause on the other end of the line and for a moment, Chaewon thought her manager had hung up. But then she sighed, the sound heavy with resignation.
“Alright, alright.” There was no use arguing with the actress when she was hellbent on getting her way. “I'll make some calls, but I'm not promising anything. She is not an easy person to convince.”
“Yes! Thank you!” Chaewon hung up before her manager could utter another word. A smug smile of satisfaction spread across her pretty face. She was determined to get that song and nothing else mattered. Her dream of working with the Japanese artist would definitely happen.
_____
“She said no,” Chaewon’s manager didn’t look up as she dropped the bombshell, her eyes still fixed on her phone. Answering emails while dealing with the actress was a skill she had acquired over the years.
“What do you mean 'no'?” Chaewon sputtered, her eyes widened with disbelief. Her makeup artist was applying the final touches to her flawless face, but Chaewon couldn't care less about her appearance in that moment. She was too shocked by what her manager had just said.
“Sakura said no. She refused to work with you,” her manager replied calmly. “We can find a different compo—”
Chaewon stood up abruptly, causing her makeup artist to stumble back in surprise. “I don't want a different composer!” she snapped, her voice rising with each word. “I want Miyawaki Sakura and no one else!”
Her manager finally looked up from her phone, “Chaewon, I’m just your manager. I’m not god… I can’t force her to—”
“No!” Chaewon cut her off, her eyes flashing with anger. "I don't care what it takes. Offer her more money, more publicity, whatever she wants. But make this happen.” She grabbed her purse and stormed out of the dressing room, leaving her stunned manager and makeup artist in her wake.
Chaewon couldn't believe it. Miyawaki Sakura had the audacity to refuse her? Who did she think she was? Chaewon was used to getting what she wanted, when she wanted it. And right now, she wanted Sakura's talent, her unique sound, her musical genius…
“Shit!” Chaewon almost dropped her purse when she bumped into someone as she angrily marched down the hallway. She looked up, ready to unleash her fury on whoever dared to get in her way, but the words died in her throat. Standing before her, with an amused smirk on her beautiful face, was none other than Miyawaki Sakura.
Chaewon's jaw dropped as she stared at the woman. Sakura was even more stunning in person, with her long blonde hair and piercing eyes. She radiated an aura of confidence and charm that Chaewon found both infuriating and alluring.
“You should watch where you're going,” Sakura said, her voice smooth as silk. “Wouldn't want to ruin that pretty face of yours.” She started walking away and Chaewon just stood there, momentarily stunned.
Did Sakura say she had a pretty face? Was that a compliment or a taunt? Chaewon blinked rapidly, processing the encounter. She watched as Sakura sashayed away, her heels clicking against the tiled floor.
Suddenly, her fury and pride flared up again. “Sakura!” she called, rushing to the composer.
Sakura stopped and turned around, an eyebrow arched in silent question. Her gaze was cool and aloof, the complete opposite of Chaewon's heated one. “Umm… Yes? Do I know you?”
Chaewon could feel her cheeks flush with indignation. Her face was literally everywhere — TV and subway ads, billboards, magazine covers — and now, she was being disregarded by the one person whose attention she sought. “Are you messing with me?” Chaewon asked, her irritation clear through her clenched teeth.
“Do I have a reason to? I don’t think we—”
Frustration bubbled within Chaewon. She wasn't used to being treated like she was insignificant, and from Sakura of all people. “I am Kim Chaewon,” she said, emphasizing her name as if it was a title of prestige. “And I need you to make a song for me.”
Sakura's gaze didn't waver, but there was a flicker of surprise in her eyes. She’d only heard of Chaewon’s temperament; to witness it firsthand was something else entirely. She thought it was amusing in a way, the thick veneer of confidence barely concealing the desperation beneath. There was something about the way Chaewon demanded a song from her, like she was entitled to it, that made Sakura want to laugh.
“Why would I make a song for you?”
“Because!” Chaewon didn’t know what to say, her brain fumbling for a reasonable argument. “Because...Because I'm...I'm talented and people love me,” she finished lamely.
Sakura raised an eyebrow at that, her lips twitching into a slight smirk. “Is that so?” she questioned mockingly. “Hmmm… No, thanks.” She turned around and resumed her stroll away.
Chaewon stood, stupefied. No one had ever turned their back on her so coldly! She wanted to storm over and turn Sakura around, make her see the error of her ways. But instead, she found herself rooted to the spot, staring at Sakura’s retreating figure. “Hmph!” She crossed her arms over her chest and huffed out a breath, watching as Sakura disappeared around the corner.
A burning determination ignited within the actress. She was not going to let Sakura reject her like this. She was Kim Chaewon after all, a star that people adored. No one could ever dismiss her so easily.
“Alright Miyawaki Sakura,” she murmured to herself, “you want to play hard to get? Then be prepared for Kim Chaewon.”
_____
“Hahahaha!” Sakura laughed loudly as she read Chaewon’s latest interview on her phone.
Magazine: Is there anyone specific that you hold in high esteem, perhaps an artist? Or another actor?
Chaewon: I’m glad you asked. I’ve been listening to songs composed by Miyawaki Sakura lately.
Magazine: Why? Have you met the Japanese artist before?
CW: We bumped into each other once or twice, but I admire her music deeply. She makes the kind of music that touches people's hearts. I hope we can collaborate someday.
Sakura shook her head, her laughter dying down to a soft chuckle. She had to admit, Kim Chaewon was persistent. But the question was, was she persistent enough?
Over the course of the next few weeks, Chaewon seemed to be everywhere Sakura turned. From morning talk shows to late-night interviews, advertisements to charity events, Chaewon's face was plastered on every billboard and television screen in the city. She even managed to sneak in a mention of Sakura during each of her television appearances. Sakura couldn't help but marvel at her dedication.
One afternoon while Sakura was enjoying her coffee at a corner café, she caught sight of a familiar figure on the sidewalk. Chaewon, in a casual yet elegant outfit, was waving enthusiastically to the crowd gathering around her. As if sensing Sakura's gaze, she turned and their eyes met.
Chaewon's lips curled into a mischievous smile, her eyes sparkling with an unspoken challenge. Sakura won’t turn her down in public, right? She entered the café with a burst of energy that brought the low hum of chatter to a sudden stop. All eyes were on her as she confidently strutted towards Sakura’s quiet corner and slid into the seat across from her.
"Well, fancy seeing you here, Saku-chan," Chaewon said, her voice loud enough for everyone around them.
Saku-chan? What on earth. No one had used that nickname for her since she was in junior high. Sakura arched an eyebrow, amusement twinkling in her eyes as she set down her coffee cup. “Do I know you?”
Chaewon's smile never faltered, but Sakura noticed a flicker of annoyance flashing in her eyes.
“Funny,” Chaewon retorted. “You’re really funny.” She leaned forward, making sure that everyone could see how close they were together. She knew that this would go viral if someone caught this on camera.
Kim Chaewon and Miyawaki Sakura — having coffee together? The headlines were practically writing themselves.
Sakura laughed lightly, leaning back in her seat. She watched with interest as Chaewon's smile twitched at the corners. The actress was really pretty but god, her cheekiness was insufferable. Still, as much as Sakura hated to admit it, she was drawn to Chaewon's audacious personality. The woman was a mix of restless energy and cunning wit, and she was just the right amount of entertaining to keep Sakura engaged.
“You’re relentless,” Sakura lifted the cup to her lips, keeping her gaze on Chaewon. “I'll give you that.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Take it how you like. The answer's still no. I'm not working on your song.”
Chaewon looked around, the entire cafe was listening to their conversation by now. She leaned in, dropping her voice to a stage whisper. “Are you sure? What if I cry on national television? Tell all your fans how mean you are for making a girl cry," she threatened, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
Sakura laughed again, her voice filling the room and silencing the whispers. “Oh, please, I'm sure my fans will send you boxes of tissues for your tears."
Chaewon's smile slid off her face and Sakura could almost see the wheels turning in her head.
“Name your price then.”
“I’m not interested, Kim Chaewon. I think you should find—”
“What if I promised to behave?" Chaewon cut her off, the abruptness of her words making Sakura choke on her coffee.
Sakura gaped at her, coughing and waving away Chaewon's concerned hand. “You? Behave?” She wheezed out. But deep inside, the offer piqued her interest. Seeing Chaewon tamed might just be the spectacle she never knew she needed. She cleared her throat, studying the sincerity in the younger woman's eyes. After a moment of silence, she responded.
“That's a very tempting offer.”
“Tempting enough to work with me?” Chaewon asked. Her latest role as an innocent college girl prepared her for this next move — batting her eyelashes with a pleading look that she knew was hard to resist. The café fell silent again, the patrons watching the drama unfold with baited breath.
Sakura sighed, resting her elbow on the table, masking her contemplation with a lazy smile. She glanced outside the café, watching the paparazzi scurrying around, hoping to catch a mere glimpse of their interaction. With a final sip of coffee, she turned her gaze back to Chaewon, her smile morphing into a smirk.
“Alright, I’ll work with you.”
Chaewon’s smile widened, her eyes glinting with triumph. She extended her hand across the table, which Sakura took, the contact sending an unexpected jolt of electricity through them.
What happened next caught the actress off guard. Sakura tightened her grip on Chaewon's hand, her smirk morphing into a stern expression. “But on one condition.”
Chaewon's triumphant smile faltered, replaced with curiosity. “Condition? What—”
Sakura leaned in, her lips almost touching Chaewon’s ear. “Don’t fall in love with me.” She whispered.
The words hung heavily between them, and Chaewon could feel her heart pounding. Shock washed over her as Sakura released her hand and leaned back onto her chair, the smirk returning to play on her lips.
For a moment or two, the café seemed to have gone unnaturally silent, with the only sound being the clattering of dishes by the counter. Chaewon was frozen in place, her eyes still wide from the unexpected comment. Sakura, as though completely unaffected, simply looked at her watch before standing up.
“Wait for my email. We'll discuss the song and your work schedules then,” she announced, throwing a few bills on the table. She glanced at Chaewon one last time, her gaze unreadable. “Don't disappoint me.”
With that, Sakura walked out of the establishment, leaving a perplexed Chaewon at the table. The chatter gradually started filling in the silence again, leaving her with the lingering feeling of Sakura's hand on hers and the heavy words that had been spoken.
Chaewon blinked a couple of times, still processing what just transpired. Her triumphant smile was now completely wiped off, replaced with a serious expression.
Don’t fall in love with me.
What the fuck. Why would she fall in love with Sakura? Sure, the woman was brilliantly talented, breathtakingly beautiful with her unique aura, and had an air of mystery that lured people in. Sure, she could make the coldest hearts soften with her melodies. But…
Chaewon shook her head, trying to rid herself of the thoughts starting to creep in. She’d never ever fall in love with someone like Miyawaki Sakura. Impossible. Psssh.
True enough, when she opened her Twitter on her way back home, everyone was talking about their meeting. People even posted photos of them at the cafe, and almost every comment beneath the photos was talking about the unlikely pair, speculating about possible collaborations or even dating rumors - as if!
Ignoring the sudden flutter in her stomach at the thought, Chaewon quickly tweeted out her response: “Just a business meeting with Miyawaki Sakura. Exciting things coming soon!” She then turned off her phone, deciding not to deal with the social media chaos for a while.
“Are you happy now?” Chaewon’s manager asked, looking at her through the rearview mirror of the car. Her eyes held a hint of concern and curiosity. Chaewon was silent for a moment, watching the city blurring past.
Don’t fall in love with me. Why did Sakura say that? She replayed the conversation, trying to understand why those words had been spoken. It wasn't a warning, it was a plea.
“At least you got her to say yes to the collaboration, right?” Her manager's voice broke into her thoughts. The older woman was trying to lighten the mood, but Chaewon could only nod absentmindedly in response. A hollow laugh escaped her lips, “Yeah, guess I did.”
Chaewon lay back against the plush leather of the vehicle. She touched the ear which Sakura whispered into… Ah, fuck! She felt a heat rise in her cheeks. She just wanted a song, a song that would make people love her more. Why did Sakura have to be so… so…
Challenging, Chaewon thought to herself. So challenging, and so maddeningly intriguing, and so achingly beautiful. All she had wanted was a hit song for her album, not the whirlwind of emotions that Sakura had stirred up within her. If she knew this would happen, she would have never chased the composer. But now, it was too late to turn back. The rollercoaster had already started and all she could really do was buckle up and hope for the best.
When she got home, she decided to learn everything about the artist. Google was her best friend for the night as she delved into Sakura's past, her achievements, her music. She learned about where Sakura grew up, how she had been a prodigy since a young age, and how she rose to fame as a composer. The more she read, the more fascinated she became.
Nothing personal came up with the search though, no hints at past relationships or any scandalous rumors. Sakura, it would seem, was an enigma wrapped in a puzzle, her private life as carefully composed as her music.
One thing she noticed… All her collaborations were with other female artists. Hmm… Suspicious? Perhaps. But maybe she just didn’t want to work with male artists for some reason. She even had a quote on her website stating, “I feel that female voices carry a unique emotional depth that inspires me in my compositions.”
She looked up each singer and to her surprise, everyone was extremely attractive - like drop-dead gorgeous. And all single? Her curiosity was piqued. Was there something between Sakura and these singers? After their collaborations, no one had worked with Sakura again. Each singer vanished from her creative sphere as quickly as they'd appeared, moving onto other pursuits and leaving a trail of chart-topping hits in their wake. It was almost as if Sakura had some unspoken rule about not repeating collaborations.
Don’t fall in love with me.
Chaewon shook her head. Sakura was just joking, right? She didn’t mean it, did she? Did the others really fall in love with the composer hence their swift departure from her life?
Minutes turned into hours as she scoured the internet for any signs of past romantic entanglements. And she finally found one photo… A black and white snapshot in a tucked away corner of a fan forum. Sakura, her hair shorter than it was now, draped her arm casually over an unnamed woman’s shoulder, both of them caught mid-laughter in a timeless moment. The other woman's face was half hidden behind a curtain of hair, but the close intimacy of their bodies and the warmth in Sakura's eyes were undeniable. The caption underneath simply read, “A memorable evening.”
Chaewon couldn’t help but save the photo to her phone, her head spinning with theories. She read and reread the thread below the photo. Fans were speculating whether the woman was an old lover or just a friend, but there was no conclusive answer.
The young actress closed the forum with a sigh. She wasn’t the type to stalk someone's past, least of all Sakura's, but the curiosity had now transformed itself into a stubborn seed in her mind. She tried to dismiss it, focusing her thoughts on other things like her upcoming projects, the new song she was eager to create. But it was like an itch that she couldn’t reach — she wanted to know everything about the mysterious artist even if…
What, Chaewon? Her inner voice chided her. Even if what? You fall in love with her? The idea was preposterous, wasn't it? Yet she couldn't shake off the sudden unease that settled within her. Was she slowly being ensnared in Sakura's enigmatic aura? Was she following the footsteps of the many singers before her who had found themselves entranced by the genius composer?
Chaewon tossed and turned that night, sleep eluding her as her mind raced with thoughts of Miyawaki Sakura. She knew she needed to keep a professional distance, to focus on the music they were supposed to create together. But every time she closed her eyes, that black and white photo with its lingering echoes of laughter appeared. The way Sakura's eyes danced, the way her arm draped over the other woman's shoulder - it was all there, etched into her closed eyelids like an indelible ink.
The following morning, Chaewon woke up with a stiff neck and a resolution. She had to set boundaries, draw a line that wouldn't be crossed - at least not until their song was complete. She took a deep breath and wearily got out of bed, her sleepless night evident on her pale features. Despite her fatigue, she spent most of the day at the studio where they were filming her latest drama.
Her co-stars noted the far-off look in her eyes, her distracted manner. She seemed to be running on autopilot, mechanically delivering her lines and performing her scenes. She was still charismatic, still compelling to watch but there was an underlying restlessness that only those who knew her well could discern.
“Is everything okay?” Her manager asked her during their lunch break, eyeing her with a mix of concern and curiosity. Chaewon simply nodded, offering a half-hearted smile.
"Just a little tired," she replied nonchalantly, poking at her salad with disinterest. Her manager frowned, clearly not buying her excuse.
"Chaewon, I’ve never seen you like this… Did something bad happen?”
“No, no… I just… I wasn’t able to sleep well last night.” Chaewon finally took a bite of her salad, attempting to alleviate her manager's concern. Still, she watched with perceptive eyes, not entirely convinced.
“Do you need me to call your doctor?”
“No… I…” Chaewon took a moment, pausing in the act of raising another forkful of salad to her lips. She sighed, setting down the utensil and meeting her manager's worried gaze squarely. "I... I think it's just stress," she said, “but nothing I can’t handle.” She forced a smile onto her face, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. Dismissed with a reluctant nod, she turned her attention back to her food, though she ate without really tasting anything.
The rest of the day crawled by at a snail’s pace, every second amplifying Chaewon’s exhaustion. She couldn’t wait to retreat into the confines of her own room, alone where she could let her guard down. Sakura had been a constant thought buzzing in the back of her mind, disrupting her focus like an irritating insect she couldn't swat away.
It was her fault for letting her pride get the better of her. She couldn’t take no for an answer and her stubbornness to earn Sakura’s respect had landed her in a predicament she could not simply maneuver out of with her usual charm and charisma. She was in uncharted territory, dealing with emotions foreign to her. She needed to understand what she was getting into before she could formulate a plan.
“Cut!” The director called out abruptly, pulling Chaewon from her thoughts. The shooting had ended for the day and Chaewon let out a sigh of relief, her shoulders sagging slightly. She acknowledged everyone's goodbyes with her usual charming smile, though her mind was already miles away.
Her manager gave Chaewon a final worried glance before dropping her off at her apartment. “Rest well, Chaewon,” she said, her brow furrowing in concern.
Chaewon chuckled softly, “I will... don't worry.”
As the car pulled away, Chaewon trudged up to her apartment, her mind still buzzing with thoughts of Sakura. She leaned against her front door, letting out a long, deep sigh. For the longest time, she stood there in silence, soaking in the tranquility of her own little haven before pushing open the door.
The apartment was shrouded in darkness, only a faint glow from the city's night lights seeping through the drawn curtains.
All her life, she had never been so interested, so invested, in someone who stood up to her. Sakura was like a puzzle she wanted to solve, a mystery that caused a kind of unrest within her. She kicked off her shoes and not bothering to turn on the lights. She walked past a framed poster of her latest movie, the one that truly propelled her to stardom, barely giving it a glance. The public loved the charming, coy Chaewon they saw on screen but she wondered if someone would really like her true self — the one that was stubborn, easy to anger, and annoying. The Chaewon who struggled with her own shortcomings...
Ding. A notification popped up on her phone.
Miyawaki Sakura followed you
Chaewon had to blink several times, making sure the dim light wasn't playing tricks on her tired eyes. Sakura had followed her back after weeks of ignoring her on social media? Her heart inexplicably sped up, the tension in her body easing slightly.
She hastily went to her profile to confirm. Sure enough, there was Sakura's familiar face in her followers' list.
A notification flashed up again: Miyawaki Sakura liked your post
Chaewon's heart fluttered as she clicked on the notification, inadvertently holding her breath as she saw which post Sakura had liked. It was one of her old posts, a candid shot of her that had been taken during the shooting of her latest movie. A seemingly innocent smile graced her face in the photo, a sharp contrast to her real self.
Another notification popped up: Miyawaki Sakura commented on your post
Chaewon felt her hands quivering as she hesitantly opened the comment, her heart pounding so violently she could hear its rhythm ringing in her ears.
“Cute smile. You should do this more often.”
She turned off her screen and gently put her phone down on the kitchen counter. It felt weird… She was used to receiving likes and comments, adoring words from fans that filled her feed every day. But this one was different; it was from Sakura. It was like she was 16 again and having a silly crush on someone from school. Chaewon ran her hands through her hair, frustrated at herself for being so affected by a simple interaction.
Sakura told her she had a pretty face, a cute smile… But she knew that the composer also detested her because of her attitude. What else is likeable about her? She found herself asking in the silence of her apartment.
Her fans called her adorable, charming, talented… What else? What else does she have that would make her special? She didn’t want to be just another singer in Sakura’s life.
Shit. Chaewon had never been so worked up before. And it was over a simple comment, something anyone anywhere could write without a second thought. But it was Sakura…
“Aaaaahhhh!” The actress was ready to pull her hair out. She should have realized sooner…
Miyawaki Sakura would be the death of her.
_____
“Good to know you can show up on time,” Sakura said as she opened the door to her private studio. She didn’t even greet Chaewon, no pleasantries exchanged whatsoever. The composer merely moved aside to let the Chaewon in, her eyes already back on the music sheet in front of her.
Chaewon entered quietly, her usual bratty demeanor replaced with a certain pensiveness as she looked at Sakura. It had been so long since she felt this awkward around someone. She watched the composer, engrossed in her work, and Chaewon felt something flutter in her stomach. She quickly shook it off, reminding herself that she needed to keep everything professional. She never had trouble setting boundaries with her co-stars so this shouldn’t be a problem… Right? She felt a slight heat on her cheeks when Sakura suddenly looked at her as if realizing she was still in the room.
“What are you waiting for? Sit and we'll start,” the composer directed, her eyes returning to the sheets spread across her piano.
“Of course,” Chaewon stammered slightly, moving to sit beside Sakura on the piano bench.
Did they have to be this close to each other? Chaewon wondered as she tried to focus on the piano keys and not the shoulder pressed against hers. She caught whiff of the pleasant scent of Sakura's perfume and she had to close her eyes to remind herself to breathe and keep her wits about her.
“What’s wrong? You look tensed,” Sakura finally noticed Chaewon's discomfort, breaking the silence.
“Nothing,” Chaewon managed to fake a smile. “It’s been awhile since I’ve… Since I've worked this closely with someone,” she finished. She took the opportunity to glance at Sakura. The sight was mesmerizing and Chaewon found herself captivated.
“I thought this was what you wanted?” Sakura’s eyebrow arched, a teasing smirk tugged at her lips. "Or was it only talk?"
The challenge in Sakura's voice roused Chaewon from her reverie. She turned to face the composer, her eyes spitting fire. Her competitive spirit was suddenly rekindled.
“What? Of course not,” Chaewon tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, injecting as much defiance into her voice as she could muster. "It wasn't just talk."
“Good to know. I don’t like wasting time…” Sakura trailed off, her fingers lightly grazing the piano keys. A beautiful melody started to fill the room. Chaewon, drawn by the enchanting sound, leaned in closer to observe. “So, Kim Chaewon… What kind of song do you wanna create?” Sakura finished her question, not looking away from the piano. Her fingers danced across the keys, creating a melody that seemed to caress and challenge Chaewon at the same time.
Chaewon hesitated, her eyes focused on Sakura's skilled hands as they glided across the keyboard. There was something about the composer that just drew her in, a force she couldn't quite comprehend. She observed Sakura's fingers, nimble and precise as they danced over the piano keys… She wondered about the other singers who sat on the same bench she was on now. Had they felt the same encompassing energy that Sakura possessed?
“Chaewon?”
“Oh, I…” Chaewon blushed, caught off guard. “I’m not sure yet. I just want something special. Something… unique?”
“That’s pretty vague,” Sakura chuckled softly. “I thought you already had a solid plan in mind because you were so relentless.”
Chaewon bit her bottom lip, embarrassment creeping in. "Well, I…" She trailed off; at first, she only wanted to prove a point, to show Sakura and everyone else that she could have the composer say yes to her. She still wanted a Daesang, but somewhere along her pursuit of the popular Japanese artist, her priorities had changed. The moments she had spent thinking about Sakura far outranked the fleeting moments of dreaming about the award. She was suddenly aware of the quiet in the room, the melody dying down and the composer's fingers now at ease, awaiting her reply.
“Maybe something that sounds like... you,” she finally said. The moment the words were out, she internally cringed. What did that even mean? She barely knew Sakura, and yet, she found herself wanting to understand the woman behind the music. Her words were met with a surprised silence. Sakura stopped playing entirely, her hands hovering over the keys as she turned to look at Chaewon.
“Are you just here for…” Sakura didn’t want to say it but she had met a lot of beautiful singers — women who just wanted a piece of her allure, her fame, her talent. And a few wanted something else entirely.
“Hey, don’t get the wrong idea,” Chaewon said quickly, her face flushing a deeper shade of red. “I didn't mean it that way...” She fumbled for words, hoping to clear the misunderstanding.
“What kind of idea am I supposed to get?”
Chaewon cleared her throat. The room suddenly felt too small for the two of them and she wished she could be anywhere but there. “I… uh, just meant that I admire your music. Your style. I want to understand it better… become a part of it. I don't want to ride on your popularity or anything like that. I want to learn from you.”
“Really? It doesn’t sound convincing.” Sakura snapped back, her eyes betraying a hint of disappointment. Chaewon wasn't surprised. After all, her intentions were nothing short of preposterous.
“Then why did you agree to take me on?”
Sakura paused, her fingers tapping out a slow rhythm on the polished wood of the piano. "I saw something...something that made me think maybe you're not as bad as I originally thought.” The composer's voice was quiet, almost melancholic.
“Something like what?”
Sakura turned to look at her, her eyes studying Chaewon’s face. She thought the actress was adorable even when she was flustered. She sighed, running her slim fingers through her hair as she searched for the right words.
“I saw… passion, I guess,” She finally said. All her life, she’d only met one person who could match her own fervor for music, but that person left her behind long ago, carried away on another journey of their own. When she met Chaewon, she saw that same spark, that determination and obsession with music, hidden behind the exasperating facade.
Well, Chaewon was indeed passionate in everything she did, even if it came off as bratty and entitled. She had an unfulfilled desire, a need to prove herself, to become better than she was. She had a fiery spirit that refused to die, no matter how many times she was shutdown or criticized. She wasn’t just a brat seeking the limelight and Sakura saw that now. It reminded her so much of herself when she was younger.
Chaewon just nodded. She didn’t really know how to respond to Sakura's words, feeling a strange mix of relief and fear. She'd been so sure that Sakura thought her nothing more than a vain spotlight seeker, an inconsequential annoyance. But now to hear that she saw something more... it was confusing.
“Now, tell me," Sakura continued, her voice breaking the silence that had descended between them. “Why do you want to make a song?”
Chaewon looked down at her fidgeting fingers, contemplating her words. She didn’t want to sound overly sentimental, but she also didn't want to lie. “I do want to be more famous, I want more people to love me… But no one really knows who I am, you know?” Her voice wavered a bit, revealing her vulnerability. “I want people to see me for who I truly am. Not just an actress or the girl who sings, but me: Kim Chaewon. I want to create a song that will show everyone my true self.”
“Are you prepared to put in the work that comes with it?” Sakura asked, her gaze never leaving Chaewon's face. “Are you ready to face all the criticism, the long hours, the stress? Are you ready to open yourself up for everyone to see?”
Chaewon was silent, and for a moment Sakura thought she wouldn't reply.
“Yes, I’m all in.”
_____
One afternoon during one of their writing sessions, Sakura handed Chaewon a cup of steaming black coffee. She took it hesitantly, holding it close as the warmth spread through her fingers. They sat across from each other, their workspace littered with scribbled notes and drafts of songs that hadn't quite made the cut.
“I’ve watched a couple of your movies the other day,” Sakura seemed to break the silence out of nowhere. She held her cup tightly, looking down into the liquid as if it held some secret.
Chaewon looked at her, surprised, waiting for her to continue. “Oh? And what did you think?”
“Hmm…” Sakura hummed. “Do you really wanna know?” Her eyes held a spark of challenge, causing Chaewon's heart to flutter unknowingly.
"Well, don't leave me hanging," Chaewon replied, leaning back against her seat. Her eyes never left Sakura's.
“I think… You’ve never felt the real essence of your characters," Sakura said. Her gaze was piercing, but not scornful, as if she was pushing Chaewon to acknowledge a truth.
Wait, what? Chaewon felt somewhat lost, her self-assured exterior faltering. She had won awards for acting so how could it be that she never understood the essence of her characters? She wanted to protest, to defend her craft, but the words were stuck in her throat.
Sakura, realizing her blunt comment might’ve been a little too harsh, softened slightly. “I didn’t mean...” she started, “I didn’t mean you were… lacking? No, definitely not. It’s just that… There’s something missing in your portrayal. It's like... like you're holding back."
Holding back? Chaewon thought, grappling with the idea. She glanced at Sakura, her brows furrowing. She was known for her expressive performances; critics had even called her 'the queen of emotional vulnerability'. Holding back was never part of her professional repertoire. She couldn’t even hold back her temper most of the time. But even as she argued with herself, a part of her recognized the truth in Sakura's words. There was a small, fragile piece of her that she had always kept hidden, even from herself. An emotional depth that she had never allowed herself to explore.
“I'm not holding back,” Chaewon retorted. Her eyes dropped to the cup of coffee, the steam rising and twisting into airy tendrils. She traced the rim of the cup with her fingers, lost in her thoughts. “I put my heart into every role I play.”
“Maybe… but why do you do it? Why are you an actress? Why not just a singer? Your voice is outstanding.” There was no judgment in Sakura’s voice, just plain curiosity as she looked at Chaewon, her fingers lightly touching the edge of her own coffee cup.
Chaewon was taken aback by the question. No one had ever asked her that before – not in any interview, not at any audition. She had never really considered why she chose this path. It had always been a part of her, as natural to her as breathing.
“I… I don't know,” she admitted, her gaze drifting from Sakura to the window. It had been a dreary winter day and it matched her mood perfectly. She’d always known that her expression as an actress was wildly different from her singing persona. The screen was her playground, and there she could transform into anyone she wanted to be, free from the constraints of her own personality. But when she sang, it was pure Chaewon - raw and uninhibited. It was scary how vulnerable she felt in those moments, baring her soul to the world with nothing but a microphone in hand.
“Music is different. I can’t hide behind a script or character,” she continued, her fingers absentmindedly twisting the rings adorning her digits. “It's...it's as if I'm laid bare for everyone to see and judge. It’s like standing naked in front of a crowd.”
Sakura, who had been sipping her coffee, paused at Chaewon's words. Setting her cup down, she studied Chaewon's face, as if seeing her in a new light. “But now you wanna release an album? That’s a brave step, Chaewon. So why do it?”
Chaewon looked directly into Sakura's eyes, a fire kindling in her own. “Because I want to be myself. Because I want to show people who I really am, beyond the actress they see on screen,” she confessed.
“What if your fans don’t like it?”
“Have you made a song that didn’t make it to the charts, Sakura?" Chaewon countered, a challenging glint in her eyes.
Sakura raised an eyebrow at the sarcasm laced in Chaewon's words. It felt like a test, a joust of sorts between their respective talents. “No,” she replied matter-of-factly, not bothering to hide the pride in her voice.
“I think you’re the best person to help me make this album. Not just because your songs chart, but because you bring out real emotions in your compositions. I trust you can do the same with my voice,” Chaewon said.
“I see… The first song you released back when you were what… maybe 16, 17? Did you write it?” Sakura asked.
Chaewon swallowed hard, her eyes shifting back to the window. “No...I didn't.” She admitted quietly. She remembered that song well — it had been her debut as a singer, the first time her voice graced the airwaves. But the lyrics, the melody… it hadn't been hers. “I was told what to sing, how to sing it...”
Sakura nodded, a soft look settling into her eyes as she absorbed Chaewon’s confession. She knew well the constraints of the industry, how it forced young talents into molds they didn’t fit; she herself had fought against such molds in her early days.
“I’m sorry if I ask too many questions. It helps me understand what kind of music you want to create.”
“It’s alright, nothing you ask is too much if it helps you understand me better," Chaewon replied, a bit of the tension releasing from her shoulders. “And to be honest, it's kind of nice to be asked about what I actually want for a change.”
“That’s good. I’m excited to see where we can go from here,” Sakura said as she stood up from her seat. She stretched her arms out, the day's weariness setting in. “Tomorrow, we start fresh. We write something that's true to you — only you."
Chaewon could only smile in response, her heart feeling that familiar flutter that Sakura always managed to elicit. If this was what it was like to work with Sakura, maybe this project wouldn't be as stressful as she had imagined.
_____
Days passed and the room that had once been the battleground of their disagreements now became a sanctuary for their mutual respect and budding friendship. Long nights passed by in a blur of melodies and rhythms, punctuated with endless cups of coffee, bouts of laughter and shared stories from their pasts.
Chaewon’s resolve never faltered throughout this creative process, and it was in these moments that Sakura found her new music partner attractive. The bratty facade was just a shell, and underneath it was an ambitious woman who bore her heart on her sleeve.
One evening, under the soft glow of the table lamp, Sakura saw Chaewon struggling with a verse. Lines of frustration creased her forehead, her nose scrunched up in concentration. Her eyes, usually full of mischief, were clouded with doubt. Sakura stepped closer, peering over her shoulder to glance at the crumpled papers scattered all over the table.
“Stuck?” she asked softly, picking up one of the discarded sheets.
Chaewon sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Very,” she admitted, her voice tired. “I can't find the right words.”
“Hmm…” Sakura studied the sheet in her hand. The lyrics were heartfelt but lacked the raw emotion that would make listeners relate to the song. The words were there, but the sentiment was missing, like a puzzle piece that wasn’t fitting quite right.
Chaewon looked up at Sakura, a quiet desperation in her eyes. “What do you think I should do?”
Sakura stayed silent for a moment, contemplating. She then placed the crumpled sheet back on the table and looked directly at Chaewon. “Write from experience.”
From what experience exactly? Chaewon thought. She never had a hardship she could draw from, not something that would resonate with the emotions she wanted to express in this song. She lived a relatively privileged life thus far - no heartbreaks, no loss, no emotional turmoil. Sure it was difficult to be an actress — the long hours, the strict diet plans, the constant scrutiny - but it didn't feel like enough. She looked at Sakura with a puzzled expression, her lips parting to pose her question.
Sakura seemed to read her thoughts. “Not your struggles,” she explained, “Your dreams, your desires, your ambitions.” She paused, her eyes softening. “Who is Kim Chaewon? What does she want? From her life, from her career, from herself? Tell your audience about that,” she suggested, sweeping a hand over the mess of paper. She sat down at the edge of the table, her gaze steady and composed, waiting for Chaewon's response.
Chaewon slumped back in her chair, a look of surprise skirting across her face. No one had ever asked her that before, not in all the years of her career. For the first time, she felt seen. Seen as a person and not just a popular singer or an actress. Seen as Kim Chaewon.
She stared at Sakura, wondering how the woman in front of her could see so deeply into her soul. Her heart pounded in her chest, an unfamiliar sensation stirring within her. The time they had spent together had been marked by disagreement and frustration, yet she never felt so close to anyone before.
“Sakura, why did you tell me… not to fall in love with you?” Chaewon mustered the courage to ask. She searched Sakura's face for a reaction, hoping for a glimpse of the truth.
Sakura looked taken aback, blinking as if she didn't expect Chaewon to bring up that particular line. It took a moment of silent deliberation before she answered. “Because,” she began in a near whisper, “it's easy to mistake connection for affection, Chaewon.” Her voice tightened. “It's easy to fall into something you think is love when you're opening up like this. When you're raw and real. But it's not always love. Sometimes, it's just... understanding.”
Chaewon wanted to protest, but she knew her argument would be baseless. It would be birthed from the unfamiliar flutter in her heart, from the irrational pull she felt towards Sakura, and not from any profound understanding of love or connection.
How did the other singers before her deal with this? How did they navigate the strange, overwhelming tide of emotions that swept over them when Sakura unravels their very essence? How did they control the intensity of their feelings in the face of such unnerving tenderness?
After spending so much time with the composer, it seemed so easy to give Sakura her whole world on a silver platter. Sakura had shown her a new side of reality, a layer of truth that the industry seldom unveiled. It was daunting, yes, but Chaewon felt like she was ready to plunge into this unknown depth.
“Is that why no one sticks around after you've written for them?” Chaewon asked, finally understanding the pattern she'd noticed. “They fall in love with you during the process, and then they leave because it's too much?”
“That's one way to put it,” Sakura replied.
Don’t fall in love with me. Chaewon could still hear Sakura's warning echo in her mind, over and over again, like a haunting melody. She knew that breaking that rule could potentially dismantle the shaky bridge they were building towards one another. Yet, the risk seemed bearable, and Chaewon was left wondering why that was.
The silence in the studio was deafening, interrupted only by Sakura’s soft sigh. “It’s getting late. You should probably call—”
“Have you ever fallen in love with any of them?" Chaewon interrupted. The question hung there, suspended in the air between them. She found herself holding her breath, waiting for Sakura's answer.
Sakura stood up, her feet landing with a soft thud on the carpeted floor. “Chaewon,” she said in a low voice, her eyes not meeting the younger girl's. “This...is not a conversation we should be having.”
“But, why not?” Chaewon protested, standing up and meeting Sakura's gaze head-on. “Why am I not allowed to know how you feel?”
“I really think you should go home.” Sakura turned away and began to gather her scattered sheets of music, her hands trembling ever so slightly.
Chaewon reached out and gently grabbed Sakura’s arm, pulling her to a stop. As soon as their eyes met, Sakura couldn’t help but lean in, closing the gap between them. Her breath hitched as she felt Chaewon's hand move up to her cheek.
“Feelings are distractions we can’t afford.” Sakura kissed Chaewon’s palm before pushing it away gently. “We’re professionals, Chaewon.”
Chaewon's heart pounded in her chest as Sakura’s cool exterior slipped back into place, replacing the vulnerability she'd briefly shown. But it had been visible, Chaewon had seen it. And it was this glimpse into Sakura's heart that gave Chaewon the courage to continue.
“I dare you to love me,” the actress whispered.
Sakura looked at Chaewon, her eyes wide, as if she couldn't believe what she had just heard. If they crossed the line that she had drawn so firmly, there may be no going back.
“Chae—”
“I know you want me. Please…” Chaewon moved closer. “Stop fighting it.”
Something flickered in Sakura's eyes, uncertainty or maybe fear, but it was quickly replaced by the familiar stoic gaze. “No,” she said firmly, turning away from Chaewon and resuming tidying up her music. “You should know better.”
Chaewon's heart ached, but she wouldn't allow herself to be defeated. “I have nothing to draw from, Sakura,” she continued in shaky voice, her eyes welling up. “I've never experienced love. Please…”
Sakura's grip tightened on the sheets of music, crinkling the edges. “God… you’re just…” Before she could finish, Chaewon’s lips were on hers, an act of desperation that neither of them had anticipated. It was gentle yet needy, a plea for connection that Sakura found herself unable to resist.
The music sheets fell from Sakura’s grasp, fluttering down to the ground like discarded confetti. They were forgotten as Sakura slowly returned the kiss, her hands pulling Chaewon closer.
Chaewon moaned into the kiss, her heart hammering wildly in her chest as Sakura's arms wrapped around her. She finally realized… This was everything she had desired, everything she had yearned for.
But just as quickly as it began, Sakura pulled back, her breath ragged. Her eyes, wide with something akin to astonishment, locked with Chaewon's. The actress could feel the composer's heart thrumming against her own in a confusing symphony.
“Please… go home.” Sakura murmured. There was a deep sadness in her eyes. She gently disentangled herself from Chaewon and took a step back.
Chaewon stood frozen for a moment, the warmth of Sakura's kiss still lingering on her lips. “Sakura, I…”
“It’s okay. Just go home… Now.”
The despair written across Chaewon’s face was evident, her eyes still glossy with unshed tears. With a regretful sigh, she nodded, silently picking up her stuff. She couldn’t even say goodbye as she left the room, the echo of the closing door lingering in the sudden silence.
As she walked out, her heart on her sleeve and her mind in turmoil, Chaewon couldn’t ignore the bitter taste of rejection. She had put herself out there, allowed Sakura to see her in a light that she had never shown anyone else, but the walls that composer built around herself proved too stubborn, too solid to crumble.
If only she took heed of the warnings, the many signs the universe had sent her to steer clear of Sakura.
But who was she kidding? So strong was the magnetic pull between them that she knew deep down, she never stood a chance to resist. And now, here she was, returning home with a heavy heart and a bruised ego.
Meanwhile, Sakura stood alone in the dark room, her hands trembling from the aftereffects of the stolen kiss. She couldn’t believe she crossed the line she'd so carefully drawn, the boundary she had vowed never to break. She thought back to the softness of Chaewon's lips, the intoxicating scent of her perfume, and the vulnerability in her eyes.
Fuck, you’re so weak Sakura, she scolded herself as she sank to the floor, her back pressed against the cold wall. She rested her head on her knees and let herself drown in the silence of the room. She did want Chaewon… ever since the day she said yes to working with her. She knew she was going to be trouble but how could she resist such a temptation? She was only human after all. Her loneliness and longing were not immune to the fire that Chaewon ignited within her.
The last person who made her feel this way had hurt her beyond repair, transforming her into a fortress of solitude. But Chaewon was different, and the realization terrified Sakura. The singer’s undeniable raw passion was so tempting to the composer, her vivacity and energy flowing through every note she sang. Chaewon didn't just perform music. She felt it, embodied it. And while Sakura was nothing if not a master of her craft, the singer's vibrancy made her question if she'd ever truly been alive.
The women who came before Chaewon, the voices she thought were good enough to match her music, couldn’t compare to the undeniable magnetism that the singer possessed. Every note that passed Chaewon's lips breathed life to the melodies she crafted. She had an ability to blend so seamlessly with the music that the notes themselves seemed to be born from her very soul. It was the kind of perfect harmony that Sakura had only dreamed of in her most personal compositions.
Sakura pushed herself off the floor, rubbing her tired eyes before heading over to her piano.
I dare you to love me. Chaewon’s voice echoed in Sakura's mind as she pressed down on a key, the soft note reverberating in her quiet studio. Her fingers lingered before they danced over the keys, crafting a melody that echoed the profound depth of the emotions stirring within her. She made a promise to never fall in love again… not with a singer who would just take her music and leave with pieces of her heart.
Is Chaewon really different, really special, that Sakura would risk opening the chambers of her heart once more? She played a high note, a shiver of doubt running down her spine. Every stroke on the piano seemed to echo with an unspoken question – should she dare to believe again?
It seemed foolish and imprudent, yet somehow, the composer found herself drawn to the idea. Even as she tried to push the thought away, her mind and heart rebelled against her, the image of Chaewon's expressive eyes and the sound of her soulful voice unwillingly imprinted in her memory.
Sakura closed the lid of the piano, touching the glossy wood with a soft reverence. She allowed herself a moment, just a moment, to bask in the traces of emotion left behind by her impromptu song.
I already love you, Chaewon. Sakura admitted to the empty room, the final note of her melody lingering in the air.
_____
#1 Trending in Korea — Kim Chaewon
Chaewon’s new album had skyrocketed to the top of the charts, a testament to her talent and undeniable allure. She was now more popular as a singer than she had ever been as an actress. But the triumph felt hollow, her heart aching with an unsettling emptiness that no amount of fame or recognition could fill.
She missed Sakura. She missed her biting remarks, her obtrusive guidance, her incessant perfectionism. She missed their late-night music sessions when the rest of the city was sleeping — those stolen moments when it was just her, Sakura, and the soothing harmony of their differing melodies merging into something breathtakingly beautiful.
Why does she have to be so stubborn? Chaewon murmured.
It had been two months since Chaewon’s album launch and she hadn’t heard from Sakura since. No calls or messages or even a simple congratulatory text. It was as if Sakura had disappeared from her life entirely.
Maybe she deserved the rejection — she didn’t keep her promise to behave after all. She was reckless, impulsive. But could anyone really blame her? She tried her best to not feel anything for Sakura — to keep their relationship strictly professional. But every time she heard Sakura play, every time she watched the passion and dedication pour from her fingers and onto the piano keys, Chaewon fell a little bit more.
Chaewon sighed deeply, leaning back into her plush chair, her eyes gazing blankly at her phone. The comments about her new album were overwhelming, fans complimenting her vocals, her lyrics, her ability to convey emotion through song. But what did it matter when the one person she wanted to impress ignored her completely?
“Truly a masterpiece. Kim Chaewon's voice breathes life into every note,” one review read.
“A brilliant collaboration between Kim Chaewon and the enigmatic composer Miyawaki Sakura, their fiery chemistry is evident in every track,” another praise echoed the first.
Chaewon’s heart clenched at every mention of Sakura's name. She couldn't resist scrolling further, the praises for her collaborator only serving to heighten her own mixed feelings. She remembered the night she kissed the composer — how her lips had tasted of strong coffee and late-night inspiration, how her eyes held a hint of surprise before melting into tender acceptance.
That was the last time Sakura showed any sign of affection towards her. She distanced herself. Their conversations were limited to curt discussions about their work, and Sakura made sure there was always a piece of furniture or two between them. The wall around Sakura seemed to have grown even higher, and Chaewon felt a deep pang of regret every time she looked at her.
She wasn’t really special, not to Sakura anyway. She was just another singer, a voice to bring Sakura's music to life. And if the composer truly followed her pattern, then they would never ever collab again.
Chaewon tossed her phone on the coffee table. What if she held back that night, what if she hadn't acted on her feelings, what if she hadn't crossed that line? Would their relationship still be the same? Would Sakura still talk to her with the same warmth and familiarity as before? Questions swirled in her mind like a never-ending carousel.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed on the table, breaking her out of her spiral of thoughts. The screen lit up with an incoming call. It was her manager.
“Chaewon," her manager's voice bounded through the speaker, “We need to talk.”
She paused, taking a deep breath before answering. “What is it?”
There was a moment of hesitation on the other end. “It's about your next collaboration project.”
Her heart thudded in her chest. “Who is it?" she asked, hoping against hope that it was Sakura.
Silence hung thick in the air as the manager deliberated on how to deliver what could be earth-shattering news. After what seemed like an eternity, she finally spoke, her words falling like a hammer on Chaewon's fragile heart.
“Miyawaki Sakura.”
Her eyes filled with liquid relief. Had Sakura changed her mind? Could this mean a second chance?
“Are you sure?” she questioned, a quiver in her voice. “I thought she...”
“Well, yes,” the manager cut in, sounding almost apologetic. “She asked for you specifically, Chaewon.”
Chaewon sat there, unable to respond. 'Asked for her.' She kept repeating those words in her mind.
Sakura asked for me.
“What…What do I do?” Chaewon managed to stammer out, her mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions.
“There's a meeting set for tomorrow,” the manager replied, “She wants to discuss the collaboration in person.”
A meeting. With Sakura. Tomorrow. The words echoed in her mind as her heart hammered against her ribcage.
Chaewon hung up, her hands shaking as they clutched the phone. Her tears of relief gushed down, smearing her mascara, but she didn't care. She fell back onto the couch, her breathing ragged and unsteady. Her mind was a minefield of thoughts and what-ifs. What if Sakura was doing this out of pity? What if this was all a cruel joke?
No, she shook her head, trying to clear the negative thoughts. Sakura was not that type of person. She had always been fair, always kindhearted, even when they had been at odds. Chaewon knew she had to trust in that.
She had to... More than anything right now.
_____
“So, how did you two meet?” The TV host chirped, displaying an infectious smile that belied the tension simmering in the room. Sakura and Chaewon exchanged a glance on the plush red couch, their shy smiles barely hiding the history between them.
“She crashed into me. Literally,” Sakura smirked. “One day, she just barreled into me in a hallway. She was really lucky that I thought she was cute. Otherwise—”
“Hey!” Chaewon interrupted, a crimson blush creeping up her cheeks.
“But that’s what happened… Apparently, she already had a crush—”
Chaewon tried to cover Sakura’s mouth, but the composer was too quick, dodging Chaewon's hand and grinning mischievously.
“She already had a crush on me!” Sakura finished triumphantly as the studio audience erupted in laughter.
“Stop!” Chaewon pleaded, her face burning. “I just wanted to work with you. Nothing more—”
The host interrupted, unable to hide her amusement. “Oh, just wanted to 'work' with her, huh?” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively at the audience, sending them into another round of laughter.
“You're not making this any easier,” Chaewon complained. “If I knew she was this cheeky, I might have reconsidered working with her.”
Sakura rolled her eyes playfully in response. “She’s lying, of course,” she told the host, leaning in as if to share a secret. “She loves when I tease her. It’s why she puts up with me.”
Chaewon nudged Sakura lightly, feigning annoyance while suppressing a smile of her own. The audience was eating it up, each playful barb, each knowing look.
“Well, I think it’s safe to say...” the host began, grinning broadly at the two women before turning back to the eagerly watching audience. “...we all know who the real boss in this relationship is!” The crowd erupted in gales of laughter and applause as Sakura blew a kiss at Chaewon, who simply rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the fact that she was blushing furiously.
“You’ve always been so mysterious, Sakura. It’s quite refreshing to see you unraveled like this in front of the audience,” the host continued.
“Well, to be honest…” Sakura glanced at Chaewon, her eyes twinkling. “Chaewon brought me out of my shell. I didn’t think I’d feel so alive again. And I’m just happy, thankful, that she didn’t stop trying to work with me, despite my initial hesitation."
“Now hold on a minute!” Chaewon interrupted, her tone mockingly scandalized. “Are you saying that I chased after you?”
“Well, didn't you?” Sakura's playful grin widened as she responded.
The studio filled with laughter again, lightening the atmosphere.
“Oooh…” the host laughed, leaning forward in her chair with a gleam in her eye. "Sounds to me like there's more to the story than you're letting on, Chaewon!"
Chaewon rolled her eyes again, but there was a fondness in her gaze as she looked at Sakura. “Maybe I did chase her a little,” she admitted. “But only because I saw something in her. Something brilliant, something...uniquely hers.”
“And what was that?” The host leaned in, her meticulous attention to the pair generating an infectious air of anticipation among the audience.
“That will be a secret for now. Sakura knows, and that's enough for me,” Chaewon responded, her smile small but genuine. Over the audience's collective sigh of disappointment, she added with a teasing wink to Sakura, “Maybe she’ll spill the beans someday if you ask her nicely.”
“Maybe. But I’m pretty hard to get,” Sakura said with a playful smirk.
The host chuckled at their banter, and the audience joined in, their laughter filling the studio once again. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, and even those who had initially held reservations found themselves captivated by their interaction.
“Well, I think I speak for all of us when I say we’re happy you've both won awards, and we’re really excited for your upcoming tour,” the host said, grinning at the duo. “Your collaboration has brought us some of the greatest music hits this year.”
“Truly,” Chaewon responded, her smile softening at the compliment. “We’ve put our heart and soul into creating something we’re both proud of.”
Sakura nodded in agreement. “Yes, I’m very proud of my wife so please continue supporting us.”
Chaewon blushed at the unexpected mention of their marital status. The audience erupted in a mix of gasps and cheers, some still surprised over the news of their marriage that had only recently been shared with the public.
“Thank you, Kim Chaewon and Miyawaki Sakura, for gracing us with your presence tonight,” the host said amidst the joyful uproar. “And congratulations again on your success, both in your professional and personal lives.”
“Thank you for having us,” Sakura said warmly, reaching over to give Chaewon’s hand a reassuring squeeze.
With a fond smile on her face, Chaewon squeezed back, whispering a soft "I love you" that only Sakura could hear.
Sakura leaned in as the lights dimmed and the host began her closing remarks. The camera began panning out, capturing the audience’s standing ovation for the celebrated couple. It was then that she whispered in Chaewon's ear, “Thank you for loving me.”
Chaewon turned to look at her wife, her eyes sparkling under the dimmed lights.
“Thank you for the chance.”