Have you ever had a moment when you suddenly started questioning all your decisions?
Because that was exactly what she was feeling right now.
People always said to learn to love what you have.
But now, Llana was starting to regret asking someone to share a room with her instead of staying alone.
Llana had thought she could finally escape the endless discussions outside and sink into a deep, peaceful sleep. Apparently, that had been nothing more than a fantasy.
Stare.
Stare.
…And here she was, locked in a staring contest with none other than Chou Tzuyu.
'Keep staring. Don't blink, 'Llana repeated the words in her head. She refused to lose. Llana would never start a battle she was destined to lose.
But… why was she even staring in the first place? And more importantly...why did Tzuyu look like she was actually enjoying this?
Every second felt like an eternity for Llana. Her eyes began to sting, her vision blurring slightly, and yet… she couldn't look away. It was ridiculous. Completely, utterly ridiculous.
'Chou Tzuyu… is this how you interact with people? By challenging them to a staring contest? I won't let you win.'
Tzuyu watched Llana's micro-expressions as their staring contest began. Amused, she locked eyes with her. Llana's deep blue eyes drew her in. It was the first time she'd stared so closely at someone with that shade, and it happened to be her favorite. If not seeing her eyes beginning to turn red, she can stare at it all day
"Aha!"
Llana shouted as Tzuyu finally blinked.
She had won the staring contest. Hahaha shame on you, Chou Tzuyu.
"Childish," Tzuyu said, unable to stop herself from laughing. She could clearly see how happy and proud Llana looked, as if she'd just won a serious battle that never really existed.
"And you're so mature," Llana shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"I know," Tzuyu smirked. Llana's annoyed expression was oddly cute—cute enough to make her want to tease her a little more.
Llana blinked her eyes once, twice, thrice, finally giving in as the sting forced her to look away. She shifted on the bed, leaning forward with her left foot propped up, wrapping an arm around it as she rested her chin on her knee, eyes lifting to meet Tzuyu's.
'… this girl is something else.' She sighed internally.
For a brief moment, the room went quiet, and a strange, comforting calm settled over them.
"Mianhae~," Tzuyu said, noticing how Llana rubbed at the sting in her eyes. After a pause, she added, "I just wanted to see if you're really as cold as they say."
Llana blinked, genuinely surprised. "Cold?"
Tzuyu smiled softly, her expression gentler than before. In the dim light, she looked angelic. "The other contestants talk about you a lot. For me, you're not cold—just… distant. You only interact with certain people and don't really try to get to know the others. So the others might interpret it as coldness."
"Oh." Llana's eyes widened slightly as she absorbed that. She hugged her knee a little tighter.
"Now that you mention it… maybe that's true."
It seems she unconsciously distanced herself again from the others.
But she can't help it, she is in a competition where everyone needs to survive, so for her it's better not get too acquainted to avoid the pain.
Llana hesitated, then added quietly, "I'm sorry if I came off as unfriendly to you"
Tzuyu shook her head gently, her smile unwavering. "You didn't."
Llana tilted her head as she looked at Tzuyu. "You know… among all the other contestants, you stay the calmest. Even though you're in the Minor, you don't let the uneasiness of thinking you might get eliminated get to you. Your singing is not as stable and polished yet, but you have this natural charm and confidence whenever you perform. It's really admirable."
Tzuyu blinked, her lips curling into a small smile. It was the first time someone outside her family had praised her, and it made her chest feel warm. She glanced down at her hands, fidgeting for a moment before looking back up at Llana. "A-anni… I might seem calm, but I'm not. I worry, just like everyone else. Maybe I'm not as talented as they are… I know people underestimate me, and many think I don't deserve the major seat. But I'll show them I do."
Llana smiled, a small but genuine curve of her lips. "I'll support you from the side."
Tzuyu tilted her head, "I'll take you up on that. If I get demoted to the Minors and end up eliminated, then you have to cry for me."
Llana shook her head giving her a little reassuring smile., "You're not going down. Don't be dramatic. The challenge hasn't even started yet."
"You're cursed. Everyone who shares a room with you ends up in the Minors," Tzuyu snorted.
"Then why did you agree to room with me?" Llana asked helplessly.
"Because you're pitiful."
"You—" Llana stopped herself, sighing softly. She could practically feel her social battery draining. "…Then I'll get my tears ready for your fall."
"Yah! How can you say something so rude? You want to see me drop to the Minor group and get eliminated already?"
"..."
Okay. She'd just play dead now.
This was the first time Llana felt completely powerless—and tired—just from talking to someone.
"HAHAHA! Mianhae, mianhae~" Tzuyu burst out laughing. "Your expression is just too cute. I couldn't help it."
If this teasing kept up for a week, Llana might either develop an immunity or a heart condition of her own.
She sent a silent prayer to whoever ended up with her. 'May their heart be as strong as steel.'
______
(Early in the morning- Practice room)
Llana stretched her arms and glanced at Chaeyoung and Tzuyu. "So… what are you planning to perform next, Chaeyoung-unnie? And you, Tzuyu?"
They had all come to the practice room together. Llana and Chaeyoung had decided to go to the company together, and Tzuyu had tagged along at the last minute.
She had been thinking all night about what to perform for the next challenge. Should she sing an original song from the system, do a cover, or dance? After more consideration, she decided to just sing a cover, and save her dancing for last. No need to show all her cards just yet.
The song she chose was already existing, and coincidentally, one of her all-time favorites from her past life.
"I'll perform JYP's Honey," Chaeyoung said confidently, her body already starting to mimic the choreography.
"I'm singing Sway," Tzuyu added, her voice light but determined.
Llana raised her eyebrows, impressed. "Wow… an English song? Good luck with that, Tzuyu."
Tzuyu smiled shyly, "Thank you"
"They must really be hell-bent on putting us down, huh?" Chaeyoung let out a soft laugh.
"With how much air you have? That's for sure." Tzuyu snorted.
"Yah! Why does everyone always think we're boasting?" Chaeyoung said indignantly, crossing her arms.
"I'm not even bragging," Llana said quickly. "What did your letters say? Mine just said… 'I will show them I can do better. Please come out.'"
Chaeyoung shivered slightly. "Mine says, 'Are you ready to feel what minors feel like?' Ugh… goosebumps."
Llana chuckled, shaking her head.
Whoever her challenger is, she'll make it clear they chose the wrong opponent.