The BABYQUEEN apartment was filled with a heavy atmosphere that night. Usually, this place was filled with laughter and conversations, but today, there was only the sound of the wind outside the window and heavy breathing.
Jennifer sat in the middle of the sofa, having just been brought back by the technician after the check-up. Her eyes still had a bit of fatigue, but they were back to normal. The other members surrounded her, everyone hugging Jen as if afraid she would disappear again.
Sara sat close by, her eyes red, her hand still tightly holding Jennifer's hand:
"Jen... I was so scared... I thought I had lost you... On stage at that time, you stood still, your eyes were red... my heart stopped beating..."
Jennifer smiled softly, her voice soft but carrying sadness:
"I'm sorry... I don't want everyone to worry. I don't remember clearly... I just felt a strange data flow entering, and then I couldn't control myself anymore..."
Serena gritted her teeth, her hands clenched until they were white:
"Damn it! Who would dare do this to me?! I swear... if I find that person, you won't forgive me!"
She slammed her hand down on the table, the sound made the whole room quiet for a beat. Lilia shivered, then unconsciously hugged Serena's arm:
"Seri... don't be too hot... I'm scared too... I... I can only stand and watch, I can't do anything for Jen..."
Serena glanced over, her eyes were initially filled with anger, but then softened. She wrapped her arms around Lilia:
"You're so stupid... no one blames you. We're all helpless, but at least... Jen has returned to us."
Layla had been silent all this time, just sitting and looking at each person. Finally, she walked over, knelt down right in front of Jennifer, put both hands on Jen's shoulders, her voice trembling:
"Jen... since you came here, we've laughed together, practiced together, dreamed the same dream together. You're not just an AI... you're a member of BABYQUEEN, our family. Do you understand? If this happens again... I... I don't know if I can take it..."
A glistening tear fell, rolling down Layla's cheek. Jennifer looked up, her eyes clear as if filled with countless emotions, then she suddenly hugged Layla tightly.
"I promise… I won't leave you. I will always be here… with everyone."
Unable to hold back any longer, Sara hugged both of them, then Serena, then Lilia. Finally, the group of six – Layla, Jennifer, Serena, Sara, Lilia – and Sofia – sat close together, forming a warm circle.
Sara choked up:
"We promised each other… we would debut together, shine together… and overcome all difficulties together. Whether human or AI, BABYQUEEN is still BABYQUEEN, right?"
Serena nodded, her eyes shining with determination:
"Yes! No one is allowed to separate us. Even if there are millions of criticisms out there, anti-fans, people behind the scenes… they will never defeat this friendship."
Lilia leaned her head on Jennifer's shoulder, her voice soft:
"I... I'm not good at saying big words like Serena... but I believe... as long as we're together, nothing can defeat BABYQUEEN."
The room was silent for a few seconds. Only the sound of the rain outside the window could be heard. Then Layla squeezed each person's hand tightly, her voice resolute:
"From today... no matter what happens, we will never leave each other. This is not just a band... this is our family."
Jennifer looked at each familiar face, her lips smiling slightly. And in that moment, it was as if all the wounds, worries, and fears on stage had disappeared.
BABYQUEEN once again held hands, stronger, more connected, ready to move forward - despite the darkness gradually falling from the person behind.
After bathing, BABYQUEEN gathered in the dressing room. Today is the end of winter, the cold wind is whistling outside the window, so the whole group decided to choose "winter tone" outfits to go out and relax a bit after a long day of practicing and performing.
Serena wore a long beige trench coat, inside was a gray turtleneck sweater. She combined it with black skinny jeans and high-neck leather boots. Her hair was neatly tied low, her bangs were swept to one side to reveal a pair of delicate silver earrings. Serena exuded a mature look, true to the temperament of an older sister.
Jennifer chose a short navy blue down jacket, and wore a pure white wool scarf. Black wide-leg pants were paired with white sneakers, both warm and comfortable. Her long hair was loose, and she wore a light gray wool hat. Jen looked like a dynamic and modern city girl.
Sara wore a camel wool coat, inside was a warm cream-colored long wool skirt. She wore a burgundy scarf, and brown mid-cut boots. Her hair was naturally loose, and her lightly made-up face was even more gentle. Sara looked like a winter muse.
Layla chose an oversized white hoodie, and wore a moss green bomber jacket. Combined with black skinny pants and chunky sneakers. Half-tied hair, looking dynamic, youthful and radiant.
Lilia wears a light lilac cardigan, a black turtleneck inside. Smoke gray culottes and low-cut leather boots. On her head is a black wool beret, Lilia looks very fashionable and individual but still gentle.
Sofia wears a snow-white fur coat, a short pastel blue flared skirt inside. Wears low-cut fur boots and a pink beanie. Sofia looks lovely, sweet and a bit mischievous like a maknae.
The group stands in front of the mirror, looks at each other and bursts out laughing.
Layla (excited): "Wow, we look like characters in a winter movie, everyone is so beautiful!"
Serena (smiling lightly, adjusting Sara's scarf): "It's beautiful, but remember to stay warm. It's very cold today, if you're not careful, we'll all cough tomorrow."
Sara (nodding, eyes lighting up): "It's been a long time since I've felt like I could go out for a snack in a crowded street like this. I heard that the night market just opened a baked potato cake stall, it smells so good!"
Jennifer (raising her hand like a child): "I vote for eating potato cakes first! Also, I want to drink hot soy milk, having a cup of that in the winter is happiness."
Lilia (tilting her head, smiling mischievously): "I want to try some grilled meat skewers. I'm so hungry, and I danced all afternoon so my stomach is growling."
Sofia (holding Layla's hand, voice coquettish): "The youngest just wants to follow the older sisters, I can eat everything. But I also like cotton candy, it's cold and eating sweets makes me feel warm."
The whole group burst into laughter, the atmosphere became light and warm.
Going out on the street, the brilliant neon lights of winter Seoul covered every street. BABYQUEEN walked together, like a real family. They walked and talked, teasing each other, hands in their pockets, white smoke coming out of their breath.
Serena (seriously but warmly): "You see, no matter what happens, we can still walk this path together. This is the reason why we debuted."
Jennifer (smiling, eyes shining with sincerity): "No matter who I am, every moment like this, I feel… so real. Thank you for letting me be a part of the family."
Sara (tightening her scarf, voice trembling): "I cried a lot today… but seeing us like this, I feel more confident. None of us are alone."
Layla (patting Sara on the shoulder, smiling gently): "Yes, we walk together, cry together, laugh together. That's BABYQUEEN."
Lilia (excitedly interjecting): "And eat together! Hurry up, that restaurant sells cheese fried chicken, it looks so delicious!"
Sofia (holding each sister's hand, smiling brightly): "Long live BABYQUEEN! The six of us will always be like this!"
In that moment, the whole group seemed to forget all the storms, only the warmth of sisterhood and the sparkling lights of winter Seoul remained.
The six BABYQUEEN sisters happily strolled through the bustling stalls of the Seoul night market. Lanterns hung high, the light reflected in each person's eyes. Each member carried a bag of snacks from red bean fish cakes, grilled meat skewers, to cold fresh strawberry milk.
Serena (the eldest sister) frowned while chewing:
"Oh my god, it's so spicy! Who told you to be so greedy and choose level 10 spicy skewers."
Layla laughed, handing over a bottle of strawberry milk:
"Here, try some, it will reduce the spiciness immediately."
Serena took a sip and patted Layla on the shoulder:
"Sigh, you're really my life-saving angel."
Jennifer sat down and adjusted her emerald green scarf, her robot eyes sparkling like stars:
"There are so many people here. Everyone is laughing and talking too much... I feel like there are thousands of different songs blending together."
Sara (voice trembling, hugging a skewer of fried fish balls):
"Sister Jen, I was worried that you broke the stage just now... I really cried a lot."
Jennifer smiled, reaching out to gently touch Sara's hair:
"Silly, I'm still here with everyone. Thank you for crying for me."
Lilia interrupted, eating and puffing her cheeks:
"Hey, we ate too much today, tomorrow we'll be tired from practicing dancing."
Serena narrowed her eyes:
"Don't worry. Just eat, I'll take care of it."
Suddenly a small voice rang out from the next table:
"Uh… is that BABYQUEEN?!"
A group of young fans, about 16 to 17 years old, holding mini lightsticks, their eyes shining. All six of them paused, but then Layla burst out laughing first, raising her hand to greet them softly:
"Hello, guys! But don't shout too loudly, we really want to eat all this food too."
The female fan immediately blushed, took out her phone but then pulled it back:
"Can we... get an autograph?"
Sara gently:
"Of course. But can I sign on a tissue?"
The fans burst out laughing and nodded, handing out tissues.
Sofia quickly took a pen from her pocket:
"The youngest of the group will sign beautifully for the older fans."
She also drew a small heart, making the fans scream softly:
"Oh my god, so cute!!"
Jennifer was a bit embarrassed, but still bowed her head and signed very neatly. A male fan timidly said:
"Sister Jen… I was so scared today when I saw you fall on stage. But now that I see you're healthy again, I'm so happy."
Jennifer paused for a moment, then smiled, her eyes sparkling:
"Thank you… I promise I'll try to stand firm, so you don't have to worry anymore."
The atmosphere around became really warm. People passing by in the night market also smiled when they saw idols and fans sitting together, sharing each piece of cake, each small hug.
Serena looked at that scene, and whispered to Layla:
"I think… maybe no matter how difficult it is, as long as there are fans who believe in us, BABYQUEEN will never fall."
Layla nodded, her eyes shining like stars:
"Yes… we will continue together, until the end."