Wendy looks at her own reflection in the mirror and laughs a little.

 

 

 

So goofy in that high-school uniform. 

 

 

Yeah, who to blame that her character in that TV musical is a high-school teenager.

 

 

 

But with her perfect puppy eyes and cute cheeks, it is quite convincible and people are into  it.

 

 

 

She carefully adjusts her tie, her blazer, and her skirt. 

 

 

Everything is right where they belong.

 

 

 

It is going to be a great night. 

 

 

She said to herself.

 

 

 

 

“Wendy, are you ready ?”

 

 

“Hey Wendy, we need you. You’re the real star here.”

 

 

 

 

She turns around and flashes a warm smile to the rest of the cast. 

 

 

“Nah, you guys just need a translator.” 

 

 

 

 

 

“No, this is your big night.”

 

 

“You are making it like it’s her wedding.”

 

 

 

 

“Hmm… It is kinda… You know.”

 

 

“We’re finally meeting your girlfriend.”

 

 

 

 

“Yeah, she’s here tonight too.” She pats their shoulders. 

 

 

 

 

“Let’s rock it then !!!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Irene ?” 

 

 

 

A brunette in a black evening gown turns her head and meets another girl in red.

 

 

 

“Hi, Suzy.”

 

 

 

“You look gorgeous tonight !!” The younger girl smiles. “By that, I also mean it must be Jessica-unnie’s design, right ?”

 

 

 

Irene shyly nods, “Yeah, indeed. You look good in red too.”

 

 

 

“I heard Wendy is going to perform tonight.” Suzy mutters while they are heading towards the red carpet.

 

 

 

“Yes, I heard.” 

 

 

 

Suzy glances at the expressionless face and it scares her a little for no particular reason.

 

 

 

She always notices this trait of the older girl and she boldly makes a conclusion that the girl must have a lot of secrets, most likely wounds, hidden within her.

 

 

The fair skin and delicate features that made up of her goddess-like appearance making her more inapproachable.

 

 

 

 

 

Irene, on the other hand, is completely oblivious towards another Bae’s gaze since she’s been deeply immersed into her own thoughts.

 

 

 

Underneath the beautiful skin of hers, lives a lost little girl.

 

 

 

Carrying her own thoughts, Irene walks on the red carpet and greets the bombardment of flashlights with her most presentable smile.

 

 

Deep inside, all she feels is coldness on her bare skin exposed from the dress and soreness of her eyes.

 

 

 

Irene keeps the smile on.

 

 

She waves and answers the meaningless scripted questions from the reporters.

 

 

 

She is doing this only for her dream, her fans, her loved ones who support her all the way.

 

 

She has been an obedient girl who follows close to the books and the rules.

 

 

 

Except for the time that she insisted going to pursue a dream of being an idol, and her parents were much shocked that a shy girl would dream to be performing in front of thousands of people, although she got the look and such.

 

 

And it is very much the only time she had the right and freedom to decide her own fate, to make her own choice for her own life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Unnie, are you cold ?” Suzy finishes her red carpet walk and now joins her at the backstage.

 

 

Irene looks at the hand that is softly rubbing her arm, “It’s okay. Thanks, Suji. Let’s go and get changed, shall we ?”

 

 

Suzy is a little mesmerized by the warm smile and once again tails the older Bae.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Unnie, this is some great view here.” Joy exclaims as they settle down on the seats in the stadium.

 

 

“Thank your Jessica-unnie.” Taeyeon winks at the said girl beside her before taking out her professional camera.

 

 

Jessica smiles in return and continues her original position - just sitting there looking down at the fuss like a boss, or a queen.

 

 

 

“Sooyoung-ah, can you spot Wendy over there ? Isn’t that her sitting on the right of the bald guy ?” Seulgi nudges her girlfriend.

 

 

Joy is trying hard to secretly lean closer the dumb bear, “Where ? I can’t see……”

 

 

 

“It’s just right there.” Naeun ignores the youngest’s seduction effort and points.

 

 

“Seriously, Seulgi you have to help her. Joy might be taller but she has bad eyesight.” Sera hides her giggles while winking at the giant maknae.

 

 

 

“Guys, people are staring. Behave.” Hyuna cooly flips her hair and silences the crew.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Irene first performs her own song then does the collab stage with Suzy.

 

 

The hot pants and the crop top she’s wearing surely is one of the reasons the audience screaming their heads off.

 

 

 

 

An Irene on stage is totally different.

 

 

 

That’s why people say she’s born to be an artist.

 

 

 

 

She’s fearless, confident, charismatic, drop-dead gorgeous.

 

 

She kills the moves. 

 

 

She nails the notes.

 

 

She flows along the rhythm.

 

 

 

 

She smirks hearing the cheers and screams.

 

 

 

 

“Damn, I shouldn’t have known Asian girls are hot.”

 

 

“Dude you should shut your mouth, you are ogling over her girlfriend.”

 

 

 

“Oops, sorry Wendy. Nice girlfriend you got there.”

 

 

“It’s fine. She won’t mind neither.”

 

 

 

 

Wendy flashes another bright smile towards her new friends and watches the Daegu girl shining on the stage, with the whole stadium cheering for her.

 

 

 

Like a mom, she is so proud.

 

 

 

 

After a twirl, Irene’s eyes find a cute hamster in high-school uniform at the front row.

 

 

 

Just like the time where she found her on her debut stage.

 

 

 

 

She’s always there.

 

 

 

 

Irene can’t explain how much she wants to hop off stage and gives her a big hug right now.

 

 

 

She has been thinking, not everybody can endure having her as their girlfriend.

 

 

From her trainee era, her ex-lovers have been complaining how little time and energy she could spent with them, and how much she loves her dream more than them.

 

 

 

 

Irene thinks, it’s just they don’t understand.

 

 

 

She also wants to love someone whole-heartedly, and being loved whole-heartedly.

 

 

She longs to be understood and understands her love even the slightest gestures.

 

 

 

She has been waiting for someone who could share her dream and burden, understand her every tears and smiles, while she could be let into their hearts. 

 

 

 

After all those things, Irene would say she has found that someone.

 

 

 

 

That cute little hamster who has created many great memories with her. 

 

 

That cute little hamster who has never left her.

 

 

 

 

Irene smiles at the thought that the cute little hamster would have felt and thought the same way as she does.

 

 

With that genuine smile plastered on her face, she ends her performance and leaves the stage.

 

 

 

 

She does cherish every time she gets on the stage.

 

 

Especially at hard times like this.

 

 

 

If it wasn’t her friends, her family, and that hamster, she would think she could no longer smile in front of the cameras and flashlights.

 

 

 

Once again, she slays it and her company would be the happiest on earth.

 

 

 

But she is lost inside.

 

 

 

Each step heads to an unknown place for her.

 

 

 

 

Is everything right ?

 

 

 

Will everything be alright ?

 

 

 

 

All she knows, is that she wants to be on stage and she wants to be with the hamster.

 

 

 

And these could not be wrong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Irene returns to her seat and casually chats with Tiffany and Suzy.

 

 

She would steal glances at the other end of the front row, feeling all nervous all the sudden.

 

 

 

 

Love makes people stupid.

 

 

Irene finally understands.

 

 

 

 

They have been dating for more than a year and her heart would still pound looking at her without her noticing.

 

 

 

 

It doesn’t take long for Irene to hear that gentle voice echoing in the huge stadium.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Look, it’s Wendy-unnie’s turn !!!!!!” Joy shouts in glee and Seulgi is waving the lightsticks with her slender arms.

 

 

“Oh my god, I’m so happy !!!” Sera holds a small banner with Wendy’s faces and side-hugs Hyuna.

 

 

“See, I told you she looks good in that skirt.” Taeyeon jokes a little and Jessica sweetly smiles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With a few other backup vocals harmonizing, Wendy slowly paces towards the centre of the stage with a spotlight on her.

 

 

Her burgundy hair, white shirt, red tie, blue blazer all shine so brightly.

 

 

 

 

“I walked across an empty land,

I knew the pathway like the back of my hand.

I felt the earth beneath my feet,

Sat by the river and it made me complete.”

 

 

(“Somewhere Only We Know” - Darren Criss in Glee)

 

 

 

 

She feels the light on her and it feels good.

 

 

She projects her feelings into her voice and it feels good.

 

 

 

She has been thinking a lot too.

 

 

 

In this past year, everything seems to be so important for her. 

 

 

 

Everything.

 

 

 

She has changed a lot.

 

 

 

She met Irene.

 

 

She lost her grandpa.

 

 

She was the director of her family’s business.

 

 

She debuted as a singer, fulfilling a dream she’s been dreaming for since she can talk.

 

 

 

It sounds a little too cliché but she has found the meaning of her life. 

 

 

 

“I came across a fallen tree,

I felt the branches of it looking at me.

Is this the place we used to love?

Is this the place that I've been dreaming of?”

 

 

 

And things have been ever-changing.

 

 

So fast.

 

 

She starts to be afraid that she could not grasp on them, they would just slip away from her hands as the clock’s ticking.

 

 

 

Sometimes she would wish everything could be still be the same as they used to be.

 

 

Sometimes she would realizes it’s time which brings her all the things she has.

 

 

 

It brings something to her, and takes some away.

 

 

A fair game.

 

 

 

But can she decide what stays and what goes ?

 

 

Probably.

 

 

 

Her grandfather and father once told her the same thing.

 

 

And it hits her so hard .

 

 

 

No matter how your family matters to you, you would eventually leave them or they would eventually leave you.

 

 

So little girl, you should look for your own family.  

 

 

 

People who are willing to walk the journey of life with you in the rest of their lives.

 

 

Regardless the hardships, the time, the ups and downs it might bring.

 

 

 

And nothing can take them away from you.

 

 

Not even death.

 

 

 

“Oh, simple thing, where have you gone?

I'm getting old and I need something to rely on.

So tell me when you're gonna let me in,

I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin.”

 

 

 

Wendy opens her eyes and is back from her thoughts.

 

 

 

She is still standing on a big stage, facing thousands of audience, pouring her heart out in a song, having the spotlight on her.

 

 

 

These are not just a dream.

 

 

 

This is the perfect time, perfect place, perfect people.

 

 

 

She sees her friends. 

 

 

Those smiling faces. 

 

 

 

 

She sees Irene. 

 

 

Her face might be blank but her eyes have sold her out.

 

 

 

She knows her parents are watching.

 

 

Her grandpa will be watching in somewhere, t his beard grinning.

 

 

 

“And if you have a minute, why don't we go?

Talk about it somewhere only we know.

This could be the end of everything,

So why don't we go somewhere only we know?”

 

 

 

She has to make a move for her life.

 

 

And she has to make it right.

 

 

 

 

She sings and walks towards the edge of the stage.

 

 

No one is expecting that, except her new crew.

 

 

 

 

She looks into Irene’s eyes and sings to her.

 

 

Flashbacks of them come back like a slideshow in her head.

 

 

 

 

Irene is of course shocked since everyone’s attention is also on her now.

 

 

And she has no idea what’s in Wendy’s mind.

 

 

 

“Somewhere only we know,

Somewhere we know………..”

 

 

 

Music slows down and hits the bridge.

 

 

 

Everyone gasps on their seats seeing Wendy suddenly stands just in front of Irene.

 

 

 

“Holy Christ, she holds her hand !!!!” Joy yells again.

 

 

“Son Seungwan, you are so good.” Taeyeon chuckles shaking her head.

 

 

 

Irene is too shocked to say anything.

 

 

She just knows her girlfriend is singing to her and holding her hand in front of all the audience and cameras and reporters.

 

 

 

“And if you have a minute, why don't we go?

Talk about it somewhere only we know,

This could be the end of everything.

So why don't we go somewhere only we know……”

 

 

 

Wendy doesn’t even break their eye-contact as she’s trying to say something to Irene.

 

 

She knows she has just pulled off the most dangerous stunt in public.

 

 

 

This could be the end of everything.

 

 

 

She knows. Irene knows.

 

 

 

But if they stays where they are, they are doomed.

 

 

They would break apart someday and Wendy doesn’t want regrets.

 

 

 

This is her plan.

 

 

 

She knows Irene wouldn’t dare to do anything,

 

 

So she would do the work.

 

 

 

She takes the initiative to make Irene choose.

 

 

 

She knows what would Irene choose.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suzy agapes and Tiffany is smiling.

 

 

Both of them are secretly envying such romantic scene.

 

 

 

 

Irene blinks a few times, trying to blink away the tears, and tightens her grasp on Wendy’s trembling hand.

 

 

 

She knows she’s scared too. 

 

 

 

But no need, she would always choose her.

 

 

 

Pabo.

 

 

 

Thank you for being so brave.

 

 

 

 

 

Wendy beams feeling Irene’s grasp.

 

 

Nothing matters anymore.

 

 

 

 

 

The spotlight lands perfectly on the two.

 

 

 

“………….Somewhere only we know.”

 

 

 

“Would you go with me, Hyun-ah ?” 

 

 

Wendy lowers down the mic and asks after hitting the last notes with so much emotions in her voice and her eyes.

 

 

 

 

Go towards the unknown future, go on to the journey of life, go back to the places where their memories are.

 

 

 

 

Together.

 

 

 

 

Irene doesn’t know why there’re tears blurring her eyes, while she’s more than thrilled inside out. 

 

 

“Of course, I will. You silly.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thunders of applauses could be heard even outside the stadium as a brunette throws herself into the embrace of a girl who has just sang her heart out.

 

 

 

At first, people were slow on catching things and are all stunned by the sudden act of the girl in the blue blazer.

 

 

 

Is it a part of the show ?

 

 

Doesn’t seem like it.

 

 

 

Does she just sing to a girl ?

 

 

Seems like it.

 

 

 

Is it hard to accept  ?

 

 

A little too good to believe indeed.

 

 

 

If it is Disney, there would be narrator saying “This is an act of true love” and here goes the closing credits.

 

 

 

There ain’t much people who would do such things for love nowadays.

 

 

 

And if you think about it, there must be something else too which drives a girl to tell the world she loves another girl so much in such a way.

 

 

 

Let’s not talk about can two girls get married, or can two girls have children blah blah blah.

 

 

It’s some braveness and determination there.

 

 

 

They are just two humans who are trying to be together.

 

 

 

Two beautiful girls, if you want to put it this way.

 

 

 

Not everything must be differentiated either right or wrong. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The shows ends with Wendy dragging Irene away.

 

 

 

People don’t even know where’re they going or what’re they going to do afterwards.

 

 

 

But everyone would agree we should leave it there and take a good minute appreciating such modern romance.

 

 

 

 

 

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier ?” Irene pants a little as they were literally running away in the middle of the show.

 

 

“You would tell me not to do it.” Wendy smiles and wipes the undried tears on Irene’s cheeks.

 

 

 

“I didn’t know people would react like this.” 

 

 

“Me neither.”

 

 

 

“Girls !! Nice job !!!” Sera and the rest are all here at the car park.

 

 

“Wait. All of you know this would happen and have planned to kidnap me all together ?” Irene looks at her loved friends with a raised eyebrow.

 

 

“Kidnap part, yes.” Seulgi patiently explains. “Serenade part, no.”

 

 

 

“Unnie, can you sing like this for me too ?” Joy pouts while tugging the bear’s jacket.

 

 

“I’ve taken some nice pictures by the way.” Taeyeon grins pointing at her camera.

 

 

 

“I’m so happy for you guys.” Chorong also arrives and earns a nod from Naeun.

 

 

“So let’s go to somewhere only we know ?” Hyuna teases a little.

 

 

 

“And girls, let’s not think about what to do tomorrow.” Jessica sounds a little solemn. “It’s coming anyway and we’re all on the same boat, right ? Let’s celebrate tonight !!!”

 

 

She breaks a sweet smile as she finishes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I’m sure things’d be just fine.” Wendy reassures as they are on the backseat of the car.

 

 

Irene intertwines their fingers and says, “Things’d be just fine when you are here.”

 

 

 

“Stop it, my fingers cringed and I will crash my car.” Jessica rolls her eyes.

 

 

Taeyeon turns to them and smiles meekly, “Sorry, she’s just envying you guys.”

 

 

 

 

“Say that again, Kim Taeyeon.”

 

 

“I didn’t say anything…….”

 

 

“I’m kicking you out from my car if you say that again.”

 

 

 

 

“See, she’s totally jealous.”

 

 

“Wendy, shut up if you don’t wanna get killed today.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See guys ? It's going to end very soon as we foresee a happy ending here :D

 

Belated Happy New Year and I'm not breaking your hearts (yet).

 

 

This chapter, aka Wendy's stunt is deeply inspired by Glee's scene where this song is sung. Blaine and Kurt, everyone ?

 

That aside, Wendy the romantic freak is not disappointing anyone here ;)

 

 

I love you guys and see you soon.

xo