-Um...Yoong, I think you are gonna want to see this

 Yoona leans over to Sooyoung's side, curious as the serious sentence just came from the shikshin

 -Oh my god...

 Yoona freezes as she reads the harsh comments from the antis on their site. They were targeting her favorite unnie. They were talking about how Jessica were acting all lovey dovey around their hoobae EXO. Apparently they were jealous at Kris's and Jessica's close friendship.

 -Unnie, what the heck is this ?!?! - Yoona slightly raises her voice, feeling very furious

 -What do you think ? Those antis are at up again - Sooyoung answers, rubbing her temple out of frustration

 -Why would they do this ? Did unnie do something to anger them?

 -She and Kris went out for a meal. Then everyone in EXO dropped by. The result is, she and 12 boys had a meal together. Some paparazzi shot some photos and uploaded them on the Internet

 -Just because of that, they talk trash about her?

 -You know how they are

 -...Does unnie know ? - Yoona asks, worried

 -I don't know Yoong. She has her schedule. But we'll know when we go to Music Core later

 -You think she would be okay?

 -I don't think so Yoong. You know how fragile she is

 -Should we do something?

 -No. Let's just wait and see if she knows or not

 The 2 Horse zodiac girls sigh in frustration, feeling angry for their fellow sister. As the latter has said before on Radio Star, she doesn't have many friends. So she only hangs out with the people she knows best. But because of the antis, she can't even see their faces anymore. Typical is the situation between Taecyeon and her. They used to go everywhere together, have fun like kids their age. I guess that's what you have to pay for being an idol

 Later at the stage for Music Core, everyone notices Jessica's weird mood. The latter was so happy. The staffs were happy seeing her like that. But for the members, they know there's something wrong

 -Sica ah, did something happen today ? - as the leader, Taeyeon knows the best how Jessica acts when she's sad or upset

 -No. Everything is perfectly fine

 Seeing Jessica's smile, it's just not right. The latter's smile isn't like this, at least not her true smile. This is the smile that she always have when she tries to hide her emotions

 -Fany, what's wrong with Sica ? She's looking really strange today - Yuri asks, looking at the zoned out Jessica

 -I don't know. She was like that since this morning

 Tiffany shakes her head, frowning confusedly at her American bestie.

 -Girls, I think I know the reason - Sooyoung speaks, gaining attention from the 6 girls

 -I do too

 -Sooyoung, Yoona, what do you mean by that ? - Hyoyeon asks

 -Read this

 Yoona sadly takes her Ipad out, searching for the article she and Sooyoung read a while earlier. As the members read the article, Yoona keeps her eyes on the lonely looking Jessica, who is getting prepared for her make up.

 Yoona's POV

 Unnie, you know you can just talk to me about it. Why hide it under that fake smile of yours ? I hate that smile even more than people talking about my mom. It shows that you're hurt, that you're sad, that you're upset and I hate it. I really hate it

 Author's POV

 -Sooyoung, is this even real ? - Yuri shakily asks, her anger risen

 -I'm afraid so. A lot of websites have been updating and the comments from all of them I think are about 10 thousands already

 -How could they do this ? It's not her fault - Taeyeon speaks, her tone getting scarier

 -That's the anti for ya. They don't care a on how they can hurt other people's feelings - Yoona bitterly says as she was the first one in all of them to receive these kinds of comments when they debuted

 -Did Jessica unnie read this ? - Seohyun asks, worried

 -You saw her smile Hyunnie. I'm 500% sure that she has read it - Hyoyeon replies, sighing

 -Should we do something?

 -Let's just wait and see. If she needs us, we'll be there for her

 Everyone nods at Sunny's sentence, completely agree on the idea. Seeing their fellow member like that, they couldn't help but wanting to beat the crap out of those antis. Don't those people have better things to do than to hurt the hard working idols' feelings

 Soon later after the conversation, everyone has to gather for their make up. While having her hair done, Hyoyeon takes a few glances at her best friend

 Hyoyeon's POV

 Sica ah, why don't you just once talk to us ? Can't you see that we're here for you ? Why can't you just tell us that you're sad and you want to talk about it ? You don't have to be strong. We can be strong for you. Why is it that you let the pressure of being the 2nd eldest and the main vocalist get to you ? You're still our Sica. If you're sad, please just tell us, at least tell me. Aren't I your best friend ?

 Author's POV

 Hyoyeon sighs sadly then turns to her stage outfit. Their new song is totally her style, which can only be hip hop. She smiles, realizing that this was her prime time, the time she can shine the best. Thinking about that, she feels bad for Jessica. The latter trained the longest but gained one of the least popularity when they debuted. And the antis, she had the most of them too. Hyoyeon herself has suffered because of them, but she feels bad for Jessica more

 The latter was hated ever since she was still a trainee, just because she made friends with the good looking oppas that had debuted before. For example, SJ's Donghae, DBSK's JaeJoong, SJ's Heechul or even the hoobaes like EXO's Kris. It wasn't her fault that she made friends with boys. It's just so happen that she made friends with the good looking ones. The antis just don't understand. They think their bias are theirs to own.

 -Hyo, what's in your mind ? - Tiffany asks, seeing Hyoyeon's rare serious side

 -Just thinking about Sica. Remembering our trainee days

 -I see. You and her are the closest, you would know what she is thinking if you look at her eyes

 -We all can. Even Sunny who met us 9 months before debut can see it

 -You're right. She can't hide her feelings because they're all spoken through her eyes

 -You like that about her the most right ?

 -Uhm. She's not like the others I met in the US. Most of them are fake, their eyes only show greed for fame. But until I met Jessi, I didn't know how eyes can sparkle with passion and emotions that strong

 -You sound like a love sick puppy Fany ah

 -Don't you love her too ?

 -Of course I do. It's just that I can't express my feelings openly like you

 -I know. I'm special aren't I ?

 Hyoyeon playfully nudges the joking girl's shoulder. The 2 rarely talk like this so it's a nice change for their friendship.

 -It's nice to talk like this huh

 -I know right - Hyoyeon smiles charmingly

 -Are we gonna be the new Royal Couple for the fans ?

 -Ha ha ha. Maybe

 The 2 have a good laugh as they, along with the others, get on stage for rehearsal.

 Letting the members check over their dance moves, Tiffany stands aside as the latter has already memorized the moves by heart and was too lazy to warm up. Maybe she's getting lazy decease from Jessica.

 Tiffany's POV

 I lazily lean on the wall. Then I notice Jessi. She's practicing her dance moves alone. It isn't like her. Usually she would talk with the fans or talk to us. My heart just hurts seeing her like that. She's always the quiet Jessi we knew since years ago. Even though the fans might see that she talks a lot more nowadays, at home she's still the quiet but sometimes dorky Jessica.

 When I read that article, I feel the same as the others. I feel angry and hurt. Our sister isn't like that. She's not the type to swoon over young guys and tries to take advantage of them. Oh those stupid bull on the Internet. Sometimes, I just wish us to be normal girls. Then we wouldn't be hurt by the stupid people that hate us for no reason. I don't want to see any one of my members got hurt. I swear, I'll find the person who did it and wipe him/her out of the surface of the Earth

 Author's POV

 -Guys ! Start the rehearsal please - the PD shouts from the audience stance

 The music pops on and the girls start doing their song. Everything was going on smoothly until Jessica tripped on a rope and falls down the stage.

 -Sica !!!!

 The members run to her as fast as possible.

 -Sica, are you okay? Are you hurt? - Sunny asks, worried

 -I'm fine Sunny ah. It's just a little bruise

 -No it's not just a little bruise. Taeyeon, help me get her to the chair please. I'll go get the medical kit

 Taeyeon nods then helps the cucumber feared Jessica on the chair. She looks carefully at the latter's ankle, praying that it isn't sprained.

 -Taengoo, I'm okay. Don't worry so much

 -Don't lie to me Jess. Let me have a look first

 Taeyeon's sudden English shocked Jessica, who is now sitting completely still. The latter has improved her English rapidly as she spent a lot of time with Tiffany.

 -I guess you're alright. But wait a bit, better be conscious.

 As Taeyeon finishes her sentence, Sunny comes over with a pack of ice. Taeyeon receives the pack, beckons the shortest to go to the members, making sure that they are alright and prepared. As Sunny stands up, she notices a strange look in Jessica's eyes

 Sunny's POV

 Is that loneliness in her eyes ? And hurt ? Sica, what are you doing to yourself ? Can't you realize that you're hurting yourself ? Why can't you just be weak for once ? Why do you have to be strong ? We don't need you to be strong. We need you to rely on us when you're sad.

 Sica ah, I really don't like seeing you like this. Even Kris doesn't. He called me earlier just to remind me to check up on you. Sometimes I even think that kid has a crush on you. Sica ah, don't curl up in the corner. You have feelings for peace sake, express them. Not just through your beautiful eyes but your mouth too. You can just tell us. Don't hurt yourself, please

 Author's POV

 Sunny sighs then returns on the stage with the other 6 girls. As soon as her feet touch the floor, Yuri runs to her, asking

 -Danshin, is Sica alright ?

 -She's alright. Just need a little ice to lessen the pain - Sunny replies, still surprised with Yuri's speed

 -You sure ? What about her feelings ?

 -I saw hurt and loneliness in her eyes

 -Really ? Then why can't she just tell us ? Aren't we family ?

 -That's what I was thinking. We gotta do something. We can't just leave her like this

 -Well do you have any idea how we're gonna do this ?

 -I don't know. Do you have anything?

 -Actually, I think I do

 Yuri slowly whispers to Sunny's ear. The bunny's reaction was quite anticipating. Nodding, eyes wide opening, again nodding.

 -It's a great idea Yul. Let's go tell the others

 Yuri smiles proudly then runs to the others, telling them about their plan

 -Do you think we can really do that ? With all the fans and the staffs ? - Tiffany asks, worried after hearing YulSun's plan

 -I think we can. The fans won't mind. Hell they would be thrill to see one of our traditions in action - Taeyeon speaks up, clearing everyone's worry

 -Will manager oppa even agree ? And the staffs ?

 -Don't worry Soo. I think we should do this our style - Hyoyeon smirks

 -SoShi style ~ - Yoona follows

 -Stop it you two. We'll set the stage then

 As Yuri's sentence finishes, everyone huddles in a circle. Unfortunately for them, Jessica, who was sitting on the chair facing the stage, saw the scene

 Jessica's POV

 They're doing our cheer without me. There's a reason for that right. Is it because I'm hurt ? Or is it because…

 No ! I shouldn't think that. They are my family. I trust them so much.

 Why am I like this today ? I'm sad, upset and hurt just because of those articles. They never got to me before, why now ? Is it because I'm sensitive these days ? I hate myself because of that. Because we're having our schedule right now, we have to go online to research about what the fans think about our new song. And with that, slowly I got curious of what the other fandoms think about us. I got curious of what their reaction might be. Continue to hate us or turn to liking us ?

 That's why I clicked on that website. And the result is I'm sitting here, trying not to burst out crying. I told myself not to go to those sites. I hate myself for not having enough strength to overcome this on my own. I want my members to comfort me.

 I know it sounds so selfish. I know that. But I couldn't help but to crave for those milkshakes that Seohyun made, those hugs that Tiffany gave me, those shoulders that Yuri lent me, those jokes that Hyoyeon told me, those food that Sooyoung bought for me, those unhealthy yet delicious alcohol Sunny made for me, those encourage pep talks that Taeyeon and I shared and  those cute aegyos Yoona mde to cheer me up

 It's stupid isn't it...how dependent I am on my members. I need them in my life, I can't do things on my own

 Author's POV

 A strange sound of music rings in the air, snapping Jessica out of her thoughts. The latter looks up, tears welled up in her eyes as she sees the members smiling, holding their microphones

 When I am down and, oh, my soul's so weary

 And troubles come and my heart burdened be - Tiffany starts the song with her husky voice

 And I am still, I wait here in the silence

 Until you come and sit awhile with me - Hyoyeon continues, her singing ability has rapidly improved

 You raise me up so I can stand on mountains

 You raise me up to walk on stormy seas - Yoona and Sooyoung takes over, their voices blend in well each other

 I am strong when I am on your shoulders

 You raise me up to more than I can be - Sunny continues, her sweet candy voice rings through the entire stadium

 You raise me up so I can stand on mountains

 You raise me up to walk on stormy seas

 I am strong when I am on your shoulders

 You raise me up to more than I can be - everyone blends in perfect harmony

 You raise me up so I can stand on mountains

 You raise me up to walk on stormy seas

 I am strong when I am on your shoulders

 You raise me up to more than I can be - with each word, Jessica's face drowns in tears, completely touched

 You raise me up so I can stand on mountains

 You raise me up to walk on stormy seas

 I am strong when I am on your shoulders

 You raise me up to more than I can be

 You raise me up to more than I can be

 You raise me up to more than I can be - the maknae neatly finishes the song with an impressive vocal range

 After the music ends, Taeyeon raises her micro

 -Sica ah, don't be like this

 -We don't like seeing you like this - Tiffany follows

 -I want my old Soo Yeonie back - Sunny cheekily says

 -My bossy roommate too

 -My 13 years best friend

 -My favorite unnie

 -My warm ice

 -My role model

 -My byuntae buddy

 -My American bestie

 -Our Jessica - they finish neatly at the same time

 Tiffany's eyes has gone after seeing Jessica's wide smile. The latter walks up on stage, looking at the members' faces for awhile. She doesn't say a word, just smiling sweetly at them. Right then, she wraps her arms around everyone's necks, giving them a heartwarming hug. The members sigh in relief, glad that the latter liked the song. After all, this has been a tradition for SNSD since their debut. If one of them is sad, everyone would gather and sing a song for them, hoping that would lessen their sadness.

 -Unnie, let me tell you something

 Seohyun retreats from the hug, breathing in the air as everyone waits for what the maknae has got to say

 -Jessica unnie, I don't like it when you're sad. I don't like when the other unnies are sad too. But seeing your fake smile Sica unnie, I can't bear it. Even though this is gonna sounds so corny, I want to hold you in my arms until that fake smile is replaced with a sincere one, the one that blinds our SONE's eyes every time they see it. You don't have an eye smile like Tiffany unnie or Sunny unnie but your smiles have their own specialty. They are called the killer smile for a reason unnie ah

 Seohyun pauses for awhile, catching her breath

 -Unnie get the point right ? I don't want to see that fake smile ever again. If you have something in your mind, just tell us. Or not, at least tell me. I'm here for you, we're all here for you

 Everyone froze at Seohyun's bold speech. The latter has came out of her shell ever since the gun shot incident. She has became stronger, we all have to admit.

 -Juhyun ah…

 Jessica chuckles in amusement, she hasn't seen this side of Seohyun before. She smiles sweetly then gives the maknae a big hug

 -Gomawo Juhyun ah

 She lets go and looks at the other members

 -Thank you guys. I don't know what to do without you

 -The feeling is neutral - everyone speaks at the same time

 -Did you guys work on this synchronization while I was still depressed or something ?

 The members laugh at the sarcastic joke. Finally their Jessica is back.

 -You know what. Many idols wish they were just normal kids, but I don't. Because if I am a normal girl, I wouldn't meet you bunch of crazy kids

 The group starts playfully hitting Jessica afterward. They knew Jessica meant that she doesn't regret becoming a idol, which is very hard work. They all feel the same. If they hadn't become an idol, there would be no SNSD, there would be no SoShi Bond, there would be no SONE and there would be no happiness in the world.