The radio show was only running for a month but the popularity was sensational. It blew the mind of those behind it, included Yena and Yuri themselves. They didn’t expect it to be that huge when they only shaped the show according to what they like. Surprisingly, everyone tuned in to listen to their radio show and whatever was talked in the show would definitely make the trend. If one think it’s just that and counted as normal, then the next thing was practically impossible to be done. Whatever songs that were played that day would become the most searched and listened as those who tuned in would search for the songs and put them into their playlist. To those who didn't, they would go search and listen the songs out of curiosity. That’s just the impact that Yena and Yuri brought into their show. The result made every artist competed to be in the show and when the staff didn’t know whom to pick, it would end up in Yena and Yuri’s hand. 

Advertisements were flooding into the show. Some companies even contacted the staff to ask the songs of their artists to have a chance being played in the show. However, the staff would always answer with 'they would bring it up to Yena and Yuri because song choices were always up to the two of them.' It’s a deal that was brought up by Yena and Yuri on week two of their show which luckily agreed by the team. Ever since then, the songs weren't touched by anyone else but Yena and Yuri. With what’s happening, suddenly, the radio show also turned into a really exclusive and prestigious show. 

Other production teams tried to recreate this phenomenon by asking popular artists to be the radio dj. If not, those production teams would pick the time when most people would tune in and at the same time, avoiding the time slot of 'Yena and Yuri’s playlists', how the show was named. People definitely still tuned in for those other radio shows but it’s not as crazy as when it's the day for 'Yena and Yuri’s playlists'. 

Eventually, it also made Yena and Yuri’s production team curious about it and they went to do the survey themselves to know what made them tuned in the show. Various answers came in and it ended up as a corner for Yena and Yuri to talk about in the show because the team believed Yena and Yuri should know of the love and support from the fans of the show if they hadn’t known about it, which kinda impossible from how loud the fans were in the social media during the airing day. 

The answers to the why were a lot. It started from the most simple one, the songs. Casual listeners expected the drop of quality of song recommendations but so far, Yena and Yuri didn’t fail them as one hit song came after one another. So, those casual listeners ended up staying, adding more audiences to the show. They were even curious of how Yena and Yuri didn’t run out of songs yet. Yena and Yuri chuckled at that curious statement or question when they first saw it, which Yuri answered during the show that the both of them were listening to every single songs and from various eras, then discussed about it. Although the process was much troublesome and tiring than when it’s answered but that’s enough. As long as their song choices could make others happy and relaxed or turning their bad day into a slightly better one, it definitely worth their hard-work, and the hardship in picking those songs was quickly forgotten.

Then, came the second answer to the why. Most of the fans coming from both groups or the new fans after listening to the show told the team, chemistry. They didn’t expect to see such a great chemistry between the two since they came from different groups, although there was an incident starting the interaction between the two to the public, the fans took it as the matter of the past and as a kind gesture coming from Yena.

It’s a bit weird to say it this way but Yena and Yuri seemed to pull out the best of one another and definitely complete each other. Yena pulled the silliness of Yuri out which the fans never saw before which made the fans fall for Yuri even more and thanked Yena for it. Meanwhile, Yuri could always easily controlled Yena when everyone knew that Yena would act out of control with her silliness. Yena would quiet down with one comment from Yuri before the two changed to another topic. The fans were also having fun with watching them bickering or teasing one another because all those moments only made the fans’ day brighter. 

That chemistry definitely made the fans started to ship the two, the particular term that was pretty known by the fans and the idols too. Yena and Yuri definitely knew about it. However, the two just pretty chill with it and basically didn’t make it as something to stop them. Although to some people, the whole idea of it would make others uncomfortable or awkward about it. 

Yena and Yuri saw a lot in social media, good and bad but they always took the good and positive ones. They would note down the suggestions, constructive criticisms, or whatever the fans wanted to see or hear. So, to some fans listening to the show, it also became a wish fulfilling show as Yena and Yuri would do it silently and randomly for certain things, like a request from the fans, although for encouragement to the fans, they would always do it from the moment they saw it. 

So, other than what mentioned earlier, the fans felt seen by their idols with how Yena and Yuri catered their feelings. The two happily did that without any force or pressure as the two had the same ideals on wanting to make others feel happy or at least slightly better if the fans were in hard situation with their show, a place where they could reach out and made their voice heard by their fans. 

Yena and Yuri were really loved not by the production team but also to those tuning in to the show. They definitely felt happy in receiving all those love. It’s one of the things that made artists like themselves happy. It’s just similar to when someone reciprocated to one’s feeling, like it wasn’t one sided. Besides, those interacted with Yena and Yuri would also get the positive vibes and feelings from the two.

Yena and Yuri could be said living the best moment of their lives. Their interaction was well loved by everyone. Everyone wishing for more of it while Yena and Yuri indirectly fed everyone with it because the two always spent time to get something to eat or drink before or after the show, depends on their schedule. That was sort of became the awaited moment for the fans. 

On the first outing after work, Yena and Yuri even made their own theories and speculations on how fans would make their outing as while they ate their dinner. They even waited together for the fans’ theories to come as Yena drove Yuri home, continued with a little talk before bidding goodbye. Then, continued with a phone call while Yena drove back to the dorm. Surprising them, nothing happened except for the fans being happy to see them being that close. Yena was even greeted by her members reading what her fans had written from the moment she stepped into the dorm, giving secondhand embarrassment for her as she was still talking with Yuri at that time and Yena definitely heard Yuri laughed at her before the rest of her members joined in Yena’s talk with the younger as all of them had gotten much closer compared to before.

***

It’s early dawn. The sun still couldn’t be seen. Yena was already outside of her dorm building with her manager keeping her company as it would be the start of the filming for her new variety show. Her dorm apartment building stood tall behind them as they stood by the entrance, the appointed place for them to gather up with the production team. The wait didn’t take long as she could see a few cars coming closer to them and then went to park nearby. Then, she saw the staffs carried the equipments down and headed towards them to set it up. 

Yena talked a while with the PD while the staff were setting the equipment up. The PD playfully asked Yena how ready she would be for a really long day filming because they really wouldn’t stop and basically kept filming. Yena definitely was ready but she was still confused because she was still pretty much in the dark about the show. Yena tried to ask more but the PD told her just to wait for it because she would get to know once they started recording to create honest reaction. Yena then jokingly commented on hopefully she didn’t step into a huge trap. Everyone just let out a soft laughter to not disturb the silence since it’s still so early.

The recording started soon after. Yena somehow felt nervous because this was the first time she did the show alone. She thought she was supposed to have a partner but since no one came to join her, she concluded that she was alone, thinking that maybe that the production team decided to cancel the idea for her having a partner or that there’s something hidden and waited for her to figure out.

“Good morning. Before I give you the cue card showing your destination or what to do next, I’m going to say that the car on your left is provided for you to use or not.” 

The last part left Yena thinking but she nodded as she wanted to keep listening on what’s in store before asking what might confused her for it. 

“You won’t have your phone or your wallet at all. Missions would be given to you to collect funds that would be accumulated for further use. With that means, food, gas and every kind of spending would be coming from that money you’ve collected.”

Now, it started to make Yena nervous. What if she failed the mission? That meant she would starve? This show was definitely different compared to others that she was in before.

“What if I failed the mission and have no money at all?”

“That’s when the flexibility of the show came. You could work, you could walk, you could sell your shoes, your jacket, anything. Basically, you could think of your own way to get money.” 

“Then, why take my phone and wallet away? I have money.” Yena said, definitely felt wronged with the possibility of starving. 

“To keep it fair.” The chuckle of the PD could be heard as he told it to Yena.

“If not things would be too easy.” 

“And definitely no preparing food or anything as we’ll do a search before filming every time.”

“No!!!” Yena dramatically said before she squatted down and sighed. “Just what did I get myself into?”

“Don’t be too sad. A word of consolation, if you saved enough, you could even travel with a plane.” 

“I don’t know if I should be happy with it or not. If I don’t manage to pay for the return flight I might be stranded in random country.” Yena replied but with that said, she understood on why it was a high budget show and the team definitely laughed at what she had said.

“We’re actually pretty flexible. So, as long as you’re creative enough, everything is possible.” The PD gave Yena a bit of ambiguous hint for the rapper to figure out.

“I honestly don’t feel so right now.” Yena tried to figure out what the PD meant and it seemed that she would need her members to figure it out since they tend to see something that she didn’t.

“So, if I choose not to use this car and walk my way until I feel tired and decided to drive, how can I get to it if I leave it behind?”

“We got that covered. Don’t worry. There’s a tow-truck ready. The truck will follow you along the way, the cameramen too.” 

Yena listened to another mind-blowing fact about the show. In a way, it would be fun and she believed it would also be a good learning experience since she would get the rewards after the hardship.

“So, ready for your first mission?” 

Yena gave a nod, slightly nervous and the cold morning air definitely didn’t help. The rapper clad in her white hoodie — yellow shirt peeking from the small gap around the collar of the white hoodie, the contrast made it easy for people to see — slipped her hands into the side pockets of it to keep her warm. 

The PD handed Yena a cue card and Yena walked closer to get it. The PD also handed Yena a phone and the key to the car. Yena went back to her previous spot, next to the car and flipped over the cue card to read it.

“First mission. Find your partner. Every minute counts.” Yena read it aloud before looking back at the camera, trying to register what she just read. The moment Yena understood what it meant, which she believed the faster she found her partner the better, she made a run but quickly stopped soon enough. 

“Wait… What’s this phone use for?” Yena asked, which brought a laughter to the PD. The PD felt that he indeed was right to insist in picking Yena for the show.

“The direction to your partner is there and the balance to the money you earn through mission would be there. Sometimes we’ll send a message for the mission to your phone too. You could also make a phone call to your partner if you two ever got separated. Well, after you found her of course.”

“Okay..” Yena walked while unlocking the phone, looking for the app that could point the direction of her partner to her.

Yena directly started her morning jog towards her partner with two cameramen following her. She definitely would save as much fuel as she could. Because she didn’t know what would come later on. 

“Why isn’t my partner moving?” Yena wondered, looking at the dot in her phone.

“Did that person have different mission?” Yena spoke to herself and at the same time hoping the cameramen would hint her something which she definitely didn’t get any and she totally didn’t get surprised by it at all.

Yena kept running, heading towards her partner’s direction. She went through all the shortcut she knew, trying to close as much distance as she could with running. Sometimes, she would take a little break with walking. She didn’t even have time to think whom her partner could be. Only one thing came to mind, finding her partner as fast as she could. 

After running quite some time, Yena decided to drive. She looked around and she indeed found the tow truck following behind her slowly. She then told the cameramen that she would drive now and gave a sign to the person driving the truck to bring her car down.

She unlocked the car and got into it, finding all the camera were perfectly installed. She checked her condition on the rearview mirror, chuckling at how messy her hair was. She brushed her fingers once through her hair before she started the car. Then, she saw the fuel. 

“They don’t even give me full tank. This is only half!!!” Yena whined in the car and slightly stomped her feet, letting out a childish tantrum. She pouted and glared at the meter for one whole minute before she calmed down after she let her emotion out.

“Alright. Let’s go.” Yena cheered herself up and picked some songs to play as she drove towards the destination, so she could forget about the frustration she felt earlier.

The closer she got, the more she felt the neighbourhood was really familiar. It’s like she had driven to this place for a few times. Then, realisation came to her that it’s the apartment building where Rose’s members were staying, but were there other artists staying there that she didn’t know of? She couldn’t help but being hopeful that it’s one of Rose’s members. It at least made her felt relieved that it’s someone that she knew and she didn’t need to be worried of trying to stop the awkwardness from building up. Another thing to be thankful for, if it was indeed Rose’s members, was that she didn’t need to be worried of rumors at all. Somehow the only group that she wasn’t being gossiped with was Rose. There was shipping, she knew but everything was in friendly kinda tone among fans. So, it could be said that everything was in positive vibe whenever it came to Rose which definitely a really great thing to her, especially with Yuri there. 

With hopeful heart, Yena entered the parking space of the apartment complex, trying to find her partner, eyes glanced on the GPS occasionally to make sure she didn’t go the wrong way. She definitely couldn’t wait to meet up with her partner soon as she could feel the curiosity building up and if she didn’t find her partner soon, she knew she would get annoyed with this bubbling up feelings.

Yena’s train of thoughts was disturbed by the sudden ping from her phone, thinking that she had arrived to the destination. Glancing to the phone, Yena saw the message notification.

“Park the car before looking for your partner.” 

***

Yuri’s dorm was pretty lively considering how early it was. How could it not? Yuri was in a variety show without the members for the very first time. The members were excited for her. The members even surprised Yuri with a breakfast which definitely helped with erasing the nervousness that Yuri felt at that moment.

“Unnie, I’m nervous.” Yuri told Hyewon who was sitting next to her, watching Yuri eating the French toast Sakura had made for them. 

“I must have not in my right mind when the manager asked me. I shouldn’t have taken this job.”

“You’ll be doing just fine.” Hyewon assured Yuri. 

“Just be yourself.” Sakura said after placing a plate of sandwich that Chaeyeon made. “You can do this.” 

“Should we make a call to a particular someone to give you a pep talk?” Chaeyeon took a seat, joining the members after finished cooking.

Yuri instantly blushed, clearly knowing whom Chaeyeon was referring to. The members that sat around her laughed at her reaction, with the exception of Hyewon. She knew that close unnie of hers was always stoic regarding things like this. That’s not exactly the reason but Yuri didn’t need to know that Hyewon always tried to control her emotion whenever things related to Yuri and this time, Hyewon was making sure not to show her jealousy towards Yena.

“Yena unnie is not an early person. Better not to disturb her. Besides, this whole show is still a secret.” Yuri tried to act cool and took a glance at the bracelet on her wrist to seek for comfort.

“Ohh… we don’t say anything regarding Yena Unnie.” Wonyoung chimed in, taking one piece of apple to eat. The comment definitely made Yuri blushed once again before Yuri turned solemn after a while. 

“I think I’ll be fine.” Yuri tried to assure her members and also herself.

“Are you though?” Chaeyeon intercepted, concern clearly shown on the leader’s face, worrying over their main vocal. Her teasing earlier was only a way to ease things up, so that Yuri didn’t get stressed out over it.

“Just worrying over who my partner would be. Unnie knows how I am with strangers. What if I ruin the show because of my awkwardness.” 

“Sometimes, you just got to let it flow, you know? Don’t think about it.” Chaeyeon tried to make Yuri felt better. 

“Fans should definitely see how funny you are lately. And everyone will love you. Just like how your radio show is.” Sakura joined in to calm Yuri down.

“Yena unnie is there to help me. I’m going to be so lost today. It’s a long filming too.” Yuri pouted as she came to realisation on what was going on. She didn’t get much information about the show and she just knew that it’s going to be a long recording, taking 2 days 1 night for it. She definitely wasn’t in the right mind when she took this job. 

“You’ll work it out.” Hitomi gave Yuri a hug, hoping to make Yuri felt better. 

Yuri pursed her lips in a thin line, being in deep thoughts on how she would handle it later. She took a piece of sandwich and ate it absentmindedly. She was staring into space and her members looking at her confused. Yuri’s train of thoughts was stopped by the sound of ringing doorbell. 

“Must be manager unnie.” Chaeyeon was already on her feet and headed towards the door to open it for their manager.

“Are you ready?” 

“Yes, after I finish this, unnie.” Yuri answered, slightly dreading but at the same time knowing that she got no other choice but to walk out of the door for her schedule.

Their manager sat down on the couch on the living room nearby while Yuri eating her breakfast, eating a bit of everything before taking one last sandwich to eat. Finishing her sandwich, Yuri stood up and bid goodbye to her members with their manager followed behind Yuri as Yuri headed out.

Chaeyeon still had worries plastered on her face but she also knew Yuri would make it work. Their main vocal might not realize it but the latter definitely always worked hard to make sure everything went on smoothly, making sure herself wasn’t a burden to the team. Hopefully whomever Yuri’s partner was, that person could bring that confidence for the younger, just like Yena did. She probably should thank Yena properly when she met up again with Violet’s main rapper for the change Yena brought for Yuri that slowly changed the ambience within their group, in a good way.

Plugging her earphones, Yuri listened to songs as they headed down to the entrance, the appointed place for the meet up. She picked casual outfit for today as her members suggested because they didn’t know what would come to her so it’s better to stay safe. Yuri looked at her own reflection in the elevator to make a check on herself, making sure her hair was fine, nothing was wrong with her pink cardigan and her white sling bag that was just below her waist, giving a contrast to the jeans she was wearing and her shoelaces were perfectly tied. Taking a deep breath along with the ding of the elevator, she exhaled upon the elevator door opening. Okay, she was ready. That’s what Yuri told herself.

Walking out of the elevator, the nervousness was there lurking. Yuri wasn’t new to this feeling. It’s always like that whenever she had a schedule alone, in a new environment or meeting new people. A brush of a bracelet on her wrist sort of waked her up from her little daze as she absentmindedly walked towards the main entrance with her manager. Yuri had tiny smile on her face that didn’t get missed out by her manager. Did the manager ask Yuri about it? She definitely didn’t.

Gaining a bit of confidence after the bracelet sort of knocking some sense into her, she definitely felt that she could do it. It also reminded her that she needed to take it off and kept it on the pocket of her jeans. It’s a long filming but it didn’t necessarily mean that she couldn’t contact her members during their break time right? Okay, maybe she did say a tiny lie to herself because she knew who she would be contacting during break time. She did talk with her members but it’s just different kind of feeling when it’s Yena.

Yuri and her manager stood side by side in silence, each busy with their own phone while they waited for the production team to come. If it’s not at dawn, Yuri would probably text or call Yena until the production team came. 

Yuri definitely knew about this channel. It’s quite popular and she definitely watched a few shows with the members from that particular channel. Came to think of it, maybe that’s the reason she accepted the job offer. There’s this feeling of pride as if she accomplished something from being acknowledged by the PD from that channel. It’s really weird for her to be in a variety show but she wouldn’t stop herself from trying when the chance came knocking on her door. The sound of footsteps approaching and also catching a few figures from her peripheral glance caught Yuri’s attention. Slipping her phone into the bag, she greeted the team with a smile. 

“Good morning.” Yuri greeted and bowed to the staff.

The staff returned the greeting and smiled as they set their equipment. 

“So happy that you received our offer. We know that we didn’t talk much about this project and basically no meeting set up before.  You don’t know how grateful we are for you to accept this offer.”

“Actually I’m the one who feels really honoured.” Yuri sincerely told the PD.

“I hope you’re ready for the long filming.”

“I think I am.”

“That’s great. I guess you already know it would take 2 days 1 night and promoting the location we would be filming later on. Our filming would be really flexible, if it couldn’t be finished in these 2 days, we’ll continue it next week or the next day if your schedule and your partner is free.”

“Now I feel nervous.”

“Don’t be. Despite that we keep everything as secretive as we could, soon you’ll know everything.”

“Okay. We’re ready.” One of the staff said.

“Let’s roll. Are you ready?” The PD asked Yuri.

Yuri looked at her manager, asking silently through her eyes to make a last check on her. With a nod and a smile from her manager, she knew that she was fine. At least, she could feel a bit relieved that at least so far one thing was going on the right way.

“Um… can I ask a question?” Yuri saw a nod from the PD and she quickly continued. “Is it fine for us to start without my partner?”

“Don’t you worry about it. As we’re speaking, that person is also doing the same or maybe already starting the mission.” 

So, that person had a different mission than her and seemingly also starting from their own apartment. Yuri quickly deduced. 

“So, let’s get started?” The PD asked Yuri this time, to make sure the artist was ready.

“Okay.” 

So, the camera started rolling with a clap of the slate and the PD started to speak out her instruction. 

“First thing, no mobile phone, no money or food and drinks if you brought those with you.”

Yuri felt a bit nervous with having nothing with her but at least she knew that she would be fine. It’s not like she was stranded somewhere with nothing and no one with her. She got a whole team with her, so that should be fine. Right? 

“Okay.” Yuri handed her phone and wallet to her manager before looking back at the PD, waiting for the next instruction.

“Now, mission.” The PD handed the phone from the production team and also a cue card for Yuri to read.

“Mission: Your partner is heading towards you. Predict the time she would arrive.”

“You have 5 minutes to write down your answer.”

Standing there, Yuri stared at the piece of paper. Why would she need to make a huge decision for the two of them on the very start of the show? Panic could be seen at first on her face before a few moments later, she stared at the piece of paper in a calmer way. A hint of seriousness, however, was etched on her face, looking like the students who were taking a test. 

No words or movement coming from Yuri, her lips pressed in a thin line. A gust of morning breeze intermittently accompanied them, making their clothes and hair fluttered. This kind of silence made everyone didn’t dare to make a sound as they were afraid, it would disturb the train of thoughts that was running through Yuri’s mind.

Usually five minutes would feel like a second at how fast it went. This time, it felt like hours. Suddenly, Yuri made a movement. What’s in her mind? No one knew. Yuri this time didn’t even spare a glance on the paper, not writing a thing too as she simply moved it away from her view. Yuri changed what she was staring at with the phone on her hold. At first, Yuri planned to check on the time but since it’s only two minutes passed, she decided to just look on what there was on the phone and would write her answer when the five minutes time approaching. At least, she could predict more accurately that way. Looking at the phone, easily she could see all the apps available in the phone. It wasn’t hard as there wasn’t anything much in it. Then, she caught gaze on the tracking app and opened it without delay. After loading, she could see another dot appearing, showing where her partner was and how the latter approaching her location. Her eyes directly shone brilliantly, glad that she could roughly predict the time and not blindly guess. The corner of Yuri’s lips started to curve up into a small smile. 

Finally tearing her gaze from the phone, she gave a playful glare to the PD for not telling her that there’s such an app in her phone. Yuri could only see the PD smile, a proud one. It was as if the PD knew that Yuri would end up looking at the phone and glad that Yuri did so, proving the latter was right. It’s like that happy and proud gaze when a teacher found their students answered the questions correctly. 

Not dwelling too much on it, Yuri tilted her head down and went back to stare at the screen until the last minute she had, Yuri then took the paper and pen, finally wrote down the time. Then, she walked towards the PD and handed it to her.

“Let’s find somewhere to sit and wait then.” The PD said to everyone around. 

The cameramen shut off the camera but kept two on with Yuri as they discussed on where they should go. 

“Any idea where we should go?”

“There’s a cafe nearby that’s really well known for its croissant.” Yuri said, thanking Hyewon silently for being a food expert and always recommend something nice for all of them. 

“Then, let’s go there. It’s not really nice to disturb people by standing here for way too long anyway.” 

Yuri nodded, standing there looking at the staff that were busy arranging things. Her gaze was empty to others but Yuri was hiding the storm of anxiousness building inside of her. During the time she parted ways with Yena, she slowly built back her wall and this was the result of it. She hid her feelings better from others. The grip on her phone tightened, fingers slightly turning pale from the gesture.

When the team ready to move out, Yuri could only follow behind. Yuri would occasionally glanced at the phone on her grip, looking at the red dot moving slowly in her screen. Cameramen and the PD thought that Yuri’s concern was about the answer she had given, however, Yuri’s concern was for the entire different thing. The nervousness of whom her partner was, was lot bigger than the answer she gave earlier. She was afraid that she would partner up with intolerable person, the person with clashing personality and principle, causing the other to dislike her for the very first day and making everyone uncomfortable with the whole situation. It’s a bad habit of her, thinking too much. It’s just something that she couldn’t change at all. Sighing once, she tried not to think of it and turned off the screen to her phone. Looking ahead, she followed with heavy heart but keeping a small smile to hide how she truly felt.

***

Two people, two hearts, palpitating with opposite reason and feelings upon the idea that they’re getting closer to the partner. One approached the other. One waited for the other. One approaching was full with anticipation, excitement and happiness which could be seen with the smile and lightness of her footsteps as she couldn’t wait to meet that person. The other one was filled with dread, nervousness and pressure which showed with how she walked slowly as if there’s unseen weight on her shoulders. Even she couldn’t hide the nervousness on her face. Others predict that it’s because of the mission but to that person, she was nervous with how that particular red dot on her app showing how her partner getting closer her when she took a glance on it.

Yena made a tiny jog and she followed the sign on the app. She wondered where her feet would bring her to as she followed the direction. She knew for sure that she was heading away from the entrance. That knowledge was from how many trips she had made so far to this location whenever she drove Yuri back. 

As she was getting closer, she put a stop and glanced around. If someone was doing a filming, she should be able to see the crew around. Seeing suspicious group of people, she decided to head towards that direction, even making a small jog on it. If it’s the correct crowd, the faster she closed the gap the better, lessening the chance of losing track of her partner. 

The moment it was just a few steps away and she saw that back figure of that person, she directly knew whom that person was. Yena could notice that figure easily, even in the crowd of people. That flutter and warmth once again enveloped her. It’s the effect of that person. Besides, this view brought her back to that time of goodbye that they had when they were kids as the light from the sunrise hit the back of her figure. It gave a contradictory meaning. It’s like a closure in a way for their story. She found her once more, despite it’s for the show this time. There were no longer kids and they were adults now. She would take this image as the replacement for what happened in the past. If she was holding back her tears back then, this time the corner of her lips curved up into a smile and her gaze softened. This moment, she would engrave it deeply in her heart as she no longer saw this as a show for that particular moment. 

“Ham…”

Yena quickly stopped herself, realising what she was going to call Yuri with, seemingly to wake up from her momentarily trance, remembering that she was actually filming right now. Luckily, she didn’t do so because that nickname was only reserved for herself. If she called Yuri with that who would know how many other people would call her with it as well. At that moment, Yena could see that Yuri and the staff stopped on her track.

“Hamburger for breakfast. Is that okay, Jjoyul?” 

***

The moment, Yuri heard that voice and that nickname that almost left the latter’s lips, she could feel that uneasiness and weight left her body. She felt that flutter in her chest when she finally knew whom her partner was. It would even take a while for her heart to calm down after it. The worry and the nervousness she felt earlier, vanished just like that. Just with the presence of Yena was enough to sweep whatever that could cause uneasiness to Yuri. At times, Yuri was scared that she would be too dependent on Yena after she didn’t live with this feeling for years. However, with Yena around, it’s hard for her not to because the warm feeling that was radiated by Yena was so hard for her to resist and she would only want to bask in it for as long as she could after living in a cold and dark place for years. 

After Yuri composed herself, she turned around and looked at Yena first. The latter was always like that, cool, cheery and gave that silly smile of hers that made her heart beat out of control. It’s like whatever Yena did was trying to break her composure that she tried to build as they were filming right now.

“Sure after we make sure our fund is enough.” 

“Yah… is the fund the most important thing right now?”

“It definitely is, unnie. We have 0 in our balance. What can we eat with no money at all.” 

Yena seemingly to just remember about it at what Yuri had said. Yuri could only shake her head. It wasn’t hard for her to picture kid Yena on this adult Yena. Yena’s attitude didn’t change at all although if she must compared it to the idol Yena she knew before, Yena definitely changed a lot.

The two interaction and expression was perfectly captured in the camera. The PD definitely had an approved smile with it. Insisting to get the two of them in the show was definitely not a waste. Catching their interaction once when the two walked out after their radio show after listening to it from the first time it aired only made her to be more certain in having them in her show. It’s like growing up together with them, watching them and nurturing them to be even more popular. 

“So, let’s check Yuri’s answer then.”

“What answer?” Yena asked Yuri curiously as she walked towards the younger, closing the small space in between them.

“My mission. To predict when unnie will arrive.”

“Wow… must be hard on you.” 

Yena could already guess on how Yuri must be worrying herself over this mission. She knew the younger’s habit all too well. Without Yena realised, her eyebrows had knitted closer as she thought about Yuri’s worry and nervousness earlier. What would happen if she wasn’t the one partnered up with Yuri? Since it wasn’t something that actually happened, the thought went away as quickly as it came.

Yuri being the one seeing the change of expression in Yena’s face definitely could guess what the older was thinking. Yena was always so thoughtful, another trait that she saw returning to Yena after they found each other.

“So after calculation, we’ve already sent your reward to your account.”

Yena and Yuri turned to face the PD to listen to the next instruction. They would check the reward later. There’s no rush regarding that.

“Next destination.”

A cue card was handed out and Yena was the one rushing out to take it. Yena brought it back to Yuri’s side as they both read at it before sharing a look with one another.

“How both of you gonna go there, it’s up to you.”

The moment that was said, the two directly opened their phone. Yena was checking her fund. Yuri opened the map to figure out ways towards the destination set for them. 

“If there’s any mission from the team we would send a message to the two of you. If not, basically both of you could figure out everything by yourself. That’s why we keep on saying that our show is pretty flexible.”

They were multitasking, doing whatever they had in mind while listening to what the PD had told them. The two had the same conclusion after listening to what was said. If people think flexibility was nice and easy, to the two they found it way more difficult. It’s not a first day or two they did show like this, they basically had known the basic of it. To have flexibility meant a bigger responsibility for them. The rise and fall of the show mostly was in their hand. Once again their creativity was put into a test.

“So, I have 25,000 won with me. I believe you have the same.”

“I’ve checked the map. We could head Daegu by train, bus or car. I omit the plane idea because unnie knows why.”

Yena directly chuckled at what Yuri had said. 

“We would need to sell everything that we have for that plane idea. Did they mention about pricing for the ticket? We should find the cheapest way to head to Daegu.” Yena said while she pointed to the direction where she came from. The two directly walked slowly towards that direction.

“Breakfast first or how?” Yena asked while making their way towards the car, Yuri followed beside her while still browsing through her phone. The two were busy with their misssion and sort of had forgotten about the other staff that was with them earlier. Basically the two went to their own world and the dynamic between the two was captured directly by those who saw it.

“From what I see, the cheapest one would be with train. But what about the car?” Yuri muttered with her eyes glued to her phone, still making sure that she didn’t make any mistake although if she did, she knew that Yena wouldn’t mind about it.

Yena’s duty was watching over Yuri to make sure the younger didn’t stumble from not looking at the path. Yena knew how Yuri could be when the younger got too serious about certain things. Yuri could basically ignore everything until the sense of her curiosity was satisfied or that the problem she was facing solved.

With Yena around, Yuri was completely relaxed. She knew that she would always be safe with Yena around. Just like how Yena would occasionally pulled her closer towards the older when there’s a car coming or there’s something coming in her way. At some point, Yena even made sure that she was walking in the inner side while Yena walked on the outer side to make sure that no cars or any other vehicles could hurt her. 

Finally raising her head, Yuri looked at Yena whom still occasionally looked at her as the older watching over every step she took. Yuri gave Yena a questioning look and Yena looked back at Yuri confused. 

“What’s wrong?” Yuri definitely could hear the confusion in Yena’s voice.

“Unnie, you haven’t answered my question earlier.”

“O-oh…” Yena stuttered slightly. She seemingly forgot to answer that because she was too busy looking after Yuri. “Don’t worry about the car. They would make sure to bring our car to wherever we are. They had a tow truck following me, just in case I decided to walk.”

Yuri had a playful smile when she heard Yena stuttered, knowing the older must have been a daze earlier and was caught by her. Yuri nodded as she listened to Yena continuing the rest of her speech. At least, they got it covered and they basically didn’t need to worry about anything and just need to make sure that they had enough money for their trip to Daegu. If not, what should they do if they got no mission at all? That, she should think of it further and discuss it with Yena when she thought of one.

After that, their walk mostly consist of silence. No one seemed bothered to speak. This pretty much the most silence recording that they had taken for the day, maybe except for the part where Yuri was thinking earlier but it’s a different case as everyone knew how Yuri was a quiet person. With Yena came into the equation, this situation could be said as quiet and serene. Yena seemed different when she’s around Yuri. She could be said, evolving. Into a much mature and thoughtful person. The mischievousness and playfulness could still be seen but with a different kind of tone. The gleam in Yena’s eyes changed too. Occasionally one could see how she adored Yuri through that honest pair of eyes. Soon, ones would learn what was only exclusive to the people behind the screen. 

The car came into the view pretty soon. With the key in Yena’s hand, she pressed the button and one beep and flash of yellow of the blinkers coming from the car giving a sign of it getting unlocked. They got to their respective side and got into the car. 

“So, what time train should we get?”

“The 9 a.m one. The cheapest one for today and we still have plenty of time to get to the station too.”

“Mmm… you’re right. It’s still pretty early.”

Yena started the car but they hadn’t moved out of the parking lot at all. The two just sat down with the air conditioner on, chilling the interior of the car. 

“Are you hungry? We could find something for the two of us to share.” 

Yuri definitely understood Yena’s concern. The two shared a look. Yuri definitely could see the worry on the older’s eyes. How could she not know that Yena would always take care of her well being? She wanted to ask Yena if the older was hungry by chance because she didn’t feeling so. However, she was worried that if she said no to the older, Yena would hide it from her even if the older was feeling hungry. 

“Unnie…” 

Yena could sense the seriousness in Yuri’s tone. She definitely understood the underlying meaning behind the tone that the younger used. Usually a tone like that was bound with a serious talk coming. It’s not hard to read. However, what could be a serious talk when they’re filming? So, she didn’t bother with the weight behind the meaning of Yuri’s voice. If they were alone, that… definitely would be of a concern.

“Yes?”

“Don’t lie to me, okay?”

Yena definitely got confused over it. She didn’t think that she lied to the younger so she definitely didn’t understand where that statement came from.

“What is it?” 

“Actually, I’m not hungry. But if unnie is hungry, unnie should get some food.” 

A chuckle came before it disappeared into a smile on Yena’s face. So, it’s because of that. 

“I’m not hungry. Let’s just head to the station. Then, we’ll just get our food there and eat it during our train ride.”

What Yena had said definitely was an idea that came to Yuri’s mind earlier before Yena mentioned it. At first, she thought that it would be a great idea but keeping it to herself and was going to bring it up to Yena after they're on the station. Who would have thought that Yena was the one bringing it up. That plan gave them a chance to relax, enjoy the ride and eat at the same time. Maybe they could even have a chance to take a nap too. Yuri gave Yena a nod as an answer, agreeing to the idea. Concluding everything, Yena drove them off to the station, marking it as the proper start of the show.

***

Upon the arrival, they could see that station was crowded as expected of people heading out or arriving to work. Yena drove the car to the spot mentioned in the message they received earlier on one of the red light stop on their way there. It’s the park next to the station. So, Yena drove them to the parking area.

She parked the car and went towards the small park along with Yuri. It’s far more secluded compared to the busy entrance that she saw earlier. The park could be counted as empty. Getting closer to the park, they saw the production team already set everything up and waiting for them. Walking on the stone pathway, they walked to the team, giving a bow in the process as they stepped into the filming area.

“So, what do we have now?” Yena asked excitedly.

Yuri could see the impatience in Yena’s eyes. She smiled softly, seeing the image of small Yena in this adult Yena. It was a silent assurance of how Yena remained the same and nothing really changed. 

“I can see skipping rope here.” 

Yena walked towards the skipping rope and bent down to take it up. She went next to Yuri and look at the staff with questioning look. 

“One should stay here and skip rope until the other comes back from buying the ticket to clear the mission. If it fails, you’ll lose the fund from this mission.” The PD explained the mission to Yena and Yuri.

“I guess both of you already know that you can transfer your money from one account to the other using the app, right?” The PD continued, recalling that she hadn’t told them about it.

Yena and Yuri nodded before they turned to look at one another. Without a doubt, the two shared a tacit understanding. They just smiled at each other before looking back at the PD.

“Yena unnie will do the skip rope and I’ll go buy the ticket.” Yuri announced it for the staff.

“The two of you can start anytime.”

“Okay.” Yena and Yuri answered at the same time. 

Yena took the phone out and opened the app before she transferred all of her money to Yuri. It’s better for Yuri to have more than less. She wanted them to finish this mission in a go. So, she didn’t bother to leave any to herself. 

“Alright. Done.” Yena muttered, looking at Yuri as she slipped her phone back to her pocket. 

“Unnie… you send all of your money?” A tone of surprise and disbelief could be heard in Yuri’s voice.

“Why not? Rather than if you go there and don’t have enough. It would just bring us trouble. Besides, it doesn’t matter if it’s in your account or mine anyway.” Yena nonchalantly answered. She always thought that whatever she had was to be shared with Yuri and that all of her things also belonged to Yuri. 

“Okay then. I trust unnie to jump.”

“I trust you to run.”

Both of them shared a smile and Yena let out a sigh, getting herself ready. She held the handle to the skipping rope, jumping on the spot for a few times as a warm up. Once she was ready, she gave Yuri a nod and she started to jump. At that moment, Yuri also made her run followed by the cameramen. 

The moment Yuri was out of her vision, the PD looked at Yena and said, “You have two choices. One to leave and drove to Daegu and got 100,000 won or stay and get 50,000 won.”

Yena was taken aback at first, didn’t expect a hidden mission like this. However, she knew her answer without even the need to think. A confident smirk came on her face as the answer followed up a second later. “I’ll stay.” 

So, Yena continued her jump, pacing it a bit to reserve strength. One regret was for her to wear a hoodie and not took it off before jumping. It would be extremely hot after this. Still, she jumped without worry and with huffs and puffs in between she continued.

Meanwhile, Yuri made a run for her life. She didn’t want to make Yena jump for way too long. She made her way into the station and directly to the ticketing area. She panted softly when she stopped right in front of a counter and at that moment, she realised that one of the assistant PD followed her and by now standing right next to her behind the cameramen. She guessed that there was something that the assistant was going to tell her and so she looked at the latter while trying to catch her breath.

“You have a choice to make. You could buy a ticket to yourself and head to Daegu and you’ll get 100,000 won or you buy two tickets and get 50,000 won.” 

Yuri remained silent after a moment of contemplation. Then, she nodded as she made her decision. 

“Are you sure?” The staff asked Yuri as Yuri made her payment.

“Very.”

***

“How could they end it this way?!” An exclaim of complaint could be heard in the living room. The owner of complaint was a huge puppy in the dorm who was already looking at Yena with pleading eyes. 

“Unnie~~ Tell me how it ends in.” A whine coming from Yujin, already shaking Yena’s arm that was holding her phone on her hand.

“No.” A reply came from two people at the same time. One was Yena and one more was from Yuri whom Yena was having a video call with, as the two planned to watch the show together when it aired.

“I can understand if Yuri unnie does this but Yena unnie, how could you betray me like this?” 

Yena ignored Yujin who was whining at her and her gaze was locked on Yuri who was laughing at Yujin’s complaint. Yena playfully rolled her eyes and held back her smile. 

“Just because you have Yuri unnie now, unnie starts to ignore me. Eunbi unnie… look at what Yena unnie is doing.” 

“Who’s ignoring you? It’s just that we have agreed on no spoiling what was on the next episode.”

“Yuri unnie, tell me do you betray Yena unnie?”

Yuri just laughed and gave a shrug to reply to Yujin and Yuri definitely could see the exasperated look on Yujin’s face. Then, Wonyoung came peeking in from Yuri’s side.

“Hello unnie. Yujin unnie, it’s no use to ask Yuri unnie. She wouldn’t tell me too.” Came Wonyoung’s voice from the line. From the tone of voice, seemingly Wonyoung also had given up in asking Yuri on the cliffhanger.

“Unnie, you are not like this before~” Yujin shook Yena’s body and Yuri could only laughed at Yena’s condition.

“Someone please drag this person away.” Yena jokingly said.

“Yujinnie, just be patient, okay? The next episode would come up in a few days anyway.” Eunbi said from the side. 

“Besides, not like you don’t know it. Those who’re on the show like this before would always keep it silence anyway.” Chaewon added and at least all those reasonable words manage to calm Yujin down.

“Let’s find something else to watch.”

Chaewon went for a search with Minju and Nako by her side to make the decision together. Yujin soon enough came to join them, wanting to give her input as well. While others were mostly busy in picking something to watch, Yena was busy talking with Yuri. The two were talking about mostly anything, what was concerning each other, what each other was doing or eating for the day, what songs each other was listening. Simple or heavy topic, they always made sure to share it with each other. Regarding what happened earlier during their call was already a common thing happening. Each other’s members tend to come pop in to join in the conversation or a simple greeting. So, the two pretty much had gotten used to it. Besides, it’s a good thing for the two, making them getting closer to each other’s members and strengthened the bond between the two groups even more. Although both Yena and Yuri never really put it into words, the two took it pretty seriously because getting closer to one another’s members was like getting the acknowledgement from each other’s closest friends and family.

***

Both the variety and radio show became really popular because of Yena and Yuri. The demand for the two, if possible, or either one of them skyrocketed, even higher from how it started at first with only the radio show. The shipping also got louder, not only among fans but also among the people behind the screen, celebrities and staff alike. 

Yena and Yuri suddenly got the spotlight as an item. They often had photoshoots together, becoming guests in various shows as well. The huge difference could more likely be seen in Yuri compared to Yena because Yuri used to be someone in the shadow, avoiding the spotlight whenever possible. With Yena who was as bright as the sun right next to Yuri, it’s impossible for people not to see her. It brought good and bad things at the same time. People approached her for various purpose. Some might have ulterior motive and some might not. Yuri did have more friends but it wasn’t really a close one. Yuri turned into a more outgoing person but not reaching the level of Yena, considering that she was a reserved person by nature. Yuri talked more with others, sometimes hang out with the members from the other groups after some observation and approval from her members. The reason of the caution was because of some of those people were trying to approach her either to gain favour with her in order to get closer to Yena or trying to use her. 

Today was the day where Rose and Violet got invited for a special performance in one of the music shows. The moment Yena arrived on the location, she directly went to look for Yuri. There’s no need to hide anything because now they had two airing shows together and it was more than enough reason for them to meet up. 

Yena reached Rose’s waiting area and she saw Chaeyeon and Sakura around but she didn’t see others. She guessed that others might be going somewhere else either to greet friends or buy some food or drinks. Her main purpose was to find Yuri so she was a bit curious. She was going to ask Chaeyeon but then she already felt someone hugging her. She didn’t need to push that person away because she could smell the faint fragrance of Yuri’s perfume. the scent of baby powder engulfed her sense of smell. She smiled softly at it before she turned around. 

“Hmm… I feel that you’re going to ask me for something.” Yena playfully accused.

“How could unnie know?” Yuri let go of Yena and the astonishment that she felt was clearly shown in her eyes clearly. Yena could feel her heart raced and how warm she felt when she saw that in Yuri’s face. This was just how Yuri looked at her when they were kids. 

“I’m just amazing.”

“Tch…” 

Yuri pushed Yena away and Yena laughed heartily before she walked back to Yuri and wrapped her arm around Yuri’s shoulder. 

“So… so… what does my Yuri want?” 

“Unnie, buy me something to drink. I forget to bring my card.”

“Sure. Let’s go.” 

The two walked away to look for a vending machine. They didn’t see that some were staring at them with jealousy and some other was feeling soft for them, definitely found them really adorable together. The two were only acting normally like how they would usually and to those who shipped them, it's definitely a blessing as they could watch Yena and Yuri's interaction directly with their own eyes.

They stood side by side in front of the vending machine and stared at the drinks, thinking on which to buy, definitely oblivious with what's going on around them. It's actually not surprising to those knowing the two, because when the two met, it's like the two went into an entirely different world. Yena took her card out before asking Yuri, “Have you thought of which one you want?”

Yuri gave Yena a nod and she placed her card on the vending machine. Yuri picked a can of orange juice while Yena didn’t pick anything which made Yuri looked at the older in confusion. 

“Unnie didn’t buy one?”

“Not in the mood of drinking anything. Maybe later when I’m thirsty.”

“We could always share, unnie. It would be too much for me anyway.”

“I know.”

The two walked back together along the hallway. Yuri occasionally took a sip of her drink. This time they felt the stares coming from other, maybe because they were looking at those people this time as they made their way back. However, they decided to just ignore it and those who stared at them also didn’t dare to approach them, main reason because whenever Yena and Yuri were together, others tend to get ignored by the two. With this change, Yena was definitely the one that felt extremely happy because she didn't need to get trapped with people that only tried to create rumor and used her.

“Unnie, I’ll accompany you back to your waiting room since unnie hasn’t get ready yet.”

So, the two went to Violet’s waiting room which located a few rooms away from Rose’s. Inside the room, all of Violet’s members were around with additional Rose’s members. When did Yuri’s members go to Violet’s waiting room? The two definitely had no idea. They just didn’t expect to see all of Rose’s members there.

Yuri went to take a seat on the provided couch and Yena took the spot right next to her. Yena was waiting for her turn to do her make-up. Meanwhile, she took her phone and did some browsing with Yuri leaning against right arm as the younger taking a peek on her phone. 

“So… So… can we ask the two of you something?” 

Simultaneously, Yena and Yuri raised their head up from hearing Chaeyeon’s excited voice and looked away from the phone. The look of confusion came on their face as they didn’t know since when their members were being this close to one another that had even planned this questioning session to the two of them. 

“What is it that you want to know?” Yena asked, slightly unsure. All she knew usually when people started to ask something with that kind of question and tone, those people were up to no good.

“What’s the story behind the two of you?” Chaeyeon curiously asked, silently representing all of them to ask about it.

Yuri and Yena shared a look. In that few seconds of staring into one another’s eyes, there’s a lot being conveyed, conversing with one another silently. Yena wouldn’t mind to share it but she also knew Yuri. Yuri was a private person. So, Yuri’s opinion regarding this question was more important than hers.

“Some other day, unnie.” Yuri replied after a while, answering for the two of them. 

There’s finality in Yuri’s voice when answering that, leaving no room for others to try to push on it. Besides, they knew they would get nothing if they pressed on it. If they insisted, they would just make Yena angry for making Yuri upset.

“Alright~ Alright~” Chaeyeon was pretty chill about it. She sort of expected that coming. It's not like she knew Yuri for one or two days. She just wanted to try if she would get lucky or not.

“Unnie… I just see that people has been debating about your ship name.” Yujin suddenly chimed in. Her eyes were glued on her phone. 

“What’s to debate regarding that?” Yena tilted her head slightly when she asked that question, unexpectedly making her cheek rested on the top of Yuri’s head.

“Is it Yenyul or Yulyen?” Yujin curiously asked. She didn’t even care about it at first or thinking that there’s anything to debate about until she saw what’s in the social media.

“Yeah, I’m curious about it too.” Sakura said. 

Yena and Yuri could see that others were nodding. The two of them looked at one another. They felt that they had clarified this before or maybe not. However, the two didn’t exactly care about it. Whether it’s Yenyul or Yulyen, it’s fine for them. The most important one to them was their chemistry and their friendship.

“It’s Yenyul, of course, since Yena is older than Yuri.” Eunbi made a guess about it.

“I think it’s Yulyen though.” Wonyoung contended.

“So…. Which is it?” Nako asked, couldn’t believe that this would turn into a debate. 

Everyone once again turned to ask the two particular people related to it. Yena just shrugged, not really care about it. Yuri definitely understood what Yena was thinking when that question was asked, because if she really thought of it, she would end up just like Yena. However, she knew that it would come to no end if she gave no answer to it.

“It’s Yulyen.” Yuri simply stated before following Yena in looking back at the phone, looking at some online shops.

“Is it true?” This time it’s Chaewon’s turn to ask.

“Mmhmm..” Yena answered without tearing her gaze away from her phone. “Just like what Yuri said. So, don’t keep on asking us about it anymore.”

“Unnie, you’re just whipped for Yuri unnie.” Yujin teased and Yena gave Yujin a playful glare. 

“Yah… no one is whipped for anyone.” Yena weakly retorted that gave laughter to everyone.

“Like we believed what you said, roommate.” Chaewon chuckled, enjoying this moment that she had to tease Yena.

“Told you that I’m not.” Yena tried to argue but definitely failed.

Despite that Yena was saying that, no one in the room actually believed what Yena had said. Hence, the laughter as they were having fun in teasing the latter. Regarding the person involved, she didn’t feel offended with Yena’s answer at all, because she was the person that could be said truly understood Yena. She even had a smile on her face while watching the whole scene in front of her. Besides, she did notice a clue that was hidden from other’s view but not hers, how Yena’s tip of ears turned slightly red from the shyness that she felt earlier from the teasing. At least, the whole debate of their ship name was solved that day by sacrificing Yena to all the teasings.

Author's Note:

It's been a long while, isn't it? I'm so sorry for the wait because I was hit with writer's block on what to write to build up the storyline. Other than that, being busy doesn't really help too. I'll keep on writing whenever I am free and hopefully could give a speedy update like how it used to be. However, I hope this update could make up to all the waiting. It's a 10k+ words chapter so I hope that all of you enjoy it instead of getting bored of it. Hahaha. if all of you have a better name for the radio show or the variety show, just mentioned in the comment. I'll pick the best from the one mentioned. If there's any mistake, please forgive me because I only went through this once. I'll recheck it again when I'm free. Oh, I almost forget, the next episode of the variety show was supposed to be a few days after the special performance. Please do tell me on whatever you guys want to know more of or whatever lacking in the story, I'll try my best to make it even better for all of you. Hope all of you enjoy the story and tell me later how it is in the comment, if you want. Don't forget to stay safe and healthy. See you in the next chapter 😊😊