Xuan’s alarm went off at 8am. She sat up from her bed and turned off her phone alarm. She stretched out her body and happily sighed. “Alright, time to annoy the crap out of the girls!” Xuan got out of bed and did her morning routine. Then she went back into her room, changed into her gym clothes (black muscle shirt, black sports bra and black shorts) and grabbed gym bag, 

 

She went out of her room and made her way to the living room. She the speaker and connected her phone to the speaker. With a smirk on her face, Xuan turned up the speaker and blasted a song (BOOM by Tiësto, Sevenn, Gucci Man). Let’s just say her mission was a success.

 

All the Itzy girls came out of their room, groaning as they heard the loud music. They went out to see Xuan, smirking with her arms crossed. Ryujin glared at her. “Xuan unnie you’re playing your music too loud.”

 

“That’s the point, Ryujin. Nothing like waking up fresh in the morning like some good old loud- hey Yejiiiiii.” Xuan was interrupted when Yeji went over and turned off the speaker. “Aw man, the bass was about to drop.”

 

“Why are you waking us early?” Yeji asked as she crossed her arms and glared at Xuan.

 

“Because we’re gonna work out, remember?” The girls groaned as they remembered that’s the punishment Xuan was giving them.

 

“But do we have to workout this early?” Lia whined.

 

Xuan nodded. “Remember, I’m not giving you girls any mercy. Which includes waking you girls early. Plus, that means less people at the gym at this hour.” Xuan loudly claps her hands, “Now go and get ready girls!”

 

The girls got ready into their gym clothes and Xuan beamed. “Alright let’s go girls!”

 

“Wait! No breakfast?” Lia asked.

 

Xuan shook her head. “We will go out to eat after the gym but I think it’s better to eat after you workout. You girls will be burning a lot of calories today.” Xuan evilly chuckled which made the girls concerned.

 

All of them made their way to the dorm’s gym. There were a few people already here but it was not crowded, which Xuan liked. Xuan turned her attention to the girls. “Alright, time to stretch before you girls go through hell.” While the girls were stretching, 

 

Xuan pulled out a Rice Krispies treat and ate it. Yuna saw this and pouted. “How come unnie can eat but we can’t?”

 

Xuan smirked. “Because this will help me out during our workout. You’ll see.” After eating the treat, Xuan pulled out an energy drink and downed it one go. She tossed the items into the trash and did her own stretches.

 

After all the girls were done warming up, Xuan clapped her hands. “Okay girls, we will be running on the treadmill for 30 minutes.”

 

“That doesn’t sound bad.” Chaeryeong said.

 

“I hope it doesn’t since y’all dance and have stamina but this isn’t a simple run on a flat incline. Now get on the treadmill.” All the girls followed and went to their own treadmill. The girls started the treadmill. “Now, set your incline to 12 and your speed to 3.” The girls followed Xuan’s instructions and changed their settings.

 

“This doesn’t seem that difficult.” Ryujin scoffed. “You call this hell?” Little did she know, those were her famous last words.

 

After being on the treadmill for 30 minutes, the girls flopped onto the floor, trying to catch their breath. Xuan giggled at the scene. She crossed her arms and smirked. “Still think this isn’t hell, Ryujin?”

 

“Screw your unnie.” Ryujin retorted as she tried to sit up.

 

“Not the response I was looking for but that statement is also normal in this situation. Trust me, I said the same thing to my friend when u first did the same thing. Though, I swore more. Anyway!” Xuan clapped her hands again. “Rest time is over! Time for the next exercise.”

 

“Unnieeeee, can’t you give us 5 minutes to just breathe?” Yuna said as she panted.

 

Xuan walked over and squatted down to Yuna’s level. “Nope!” Xuan smiled and patted Yuna’s head. “Alright let’s go girls!” The girls groaned as they got up and followed Xuan.

 

They were at the gym for about two hours now. Xuan put them into a routine of 4 sets of 10 reps of the exercises she gave them (cable squats, leg presses, leg extensions and thigh abductors). The Itzy girls were exhausted and sore and they knew they were gonna be sore for the next few days.

 

“Xuan. If we can’t dance properly tomorrow then we’re gonna blame it on you.” Lia said as she was taking a sip of her water bottle.

 

Xuan chuckled. “Worth it. Anyways, we have one last exercise to do and it’s my personal favorite… deadlifting!” Xuan waved her hand, signaling the girls to follow her.

 

All of them arrived at the racks where they will be deadlifting. The girls got nervous seeing all the heavy weights at the bar. Xuan laughed at their faces. “I know it’s scary but it’s not that bad. Plus you girls will be starting with no weights anyways. The bar is a bit heavy but I know y’all can handle it.” Xuan went over and took off the weights on each side, making sure the bar was empty. She lifted the bar and set it down on the ground. “Okay I will demonstrate how to deadlift. The key is to make sure you move straight and the bar is close to your shine. Don’t round out your back and don’t squat down or you’ll hurt yourself. God, I’ve been there before.” Xuan said as she remembered hurting her back the first time she tried to deadlift.

 

Once she demonstrated how it’s done, the girls took turns trying it out. First Yeji, then Ryujin, and then Yuna. When it came to Lia, Xuan noticed some incorrect forms in her lifts. Xuan went over to her side. “Lia, you’re pulling your shoulders when you go up.” Xuan put her hands on Lia's shoulders which surprised Lia.She became flustered by Xuan’s touch. “Just relax and pull with your arms. If you pull with your shoulder, you’re gonna hurt yourself. Now try again.”

 

“O-Okay, Xuan.” Lia took a deep breath and did it again, following Xuan’s advice. She did it successfully.

 

Xuan smiled and clapped. “Good job, Lia! Who knew sloths could lift?” Xuan laughed at her own joke.

 

Lia shot her a glare. “I will not hesitate to throw this bar at you.”

 

“Alright alright I’m sorry. Anyway, just finish your set.” Lia nodded and she managed to finish her set. Now it was Chaeryeong’s turn.

 

As Chaeryeong was doing a few reps, Xuan noticed that Chaeryeong also had some incorrect forms as well. Xuan walked over to her side as she set down the bar. “Chaeryeong, you’re rounding your back. You shouldn’t be bending your spine or you’re gonna hurt yourself. Also, you’re squatting when you’re lowering the bar. Just bend your upper body. Here, I’ll guide you.”

 

Xuan placed her hands on Chaeryeong’s abs and back. Chaeryeong blushed as Xuan helped her get her form right. “Just keep your back straight the hold time when you go up and down. And remember what I told Lia, don’t pull with your shoulders. Now go.”

 

Chaeryeong nodded and took a deep breath. She followed Xuan’s guidance and did a proper deadlift. Xuan happily clapped her hands. “You did it! Now finished your set.” With that, Chaeryeong finished her set and the girls continued with their routine.

 

After the girls were done, they were able to finally rest as they were done with Xuan’s hell of a routine. Xuan smiled at the girls. “You girls finished and you all did your best! I’m very proud of you and I’m satisfied with the punishment. Now I hope you all learn your lesson to not to steal my clothes. If you want to try or borrow, then it’s fine but ask for it first. Understand?”

 

“Yes Xuan/unnie.” They all said.

 

“Good. Now it’s my turn to show y’all my deadlifting skills.” Xuan walked over and put on the weights on the bar. The girls were shocked by the amount of weight on the bar. 

 

“Xuan unnie are you gonna be okay?” Yuna asked.

 

Xuan nodded. “Yeah I’ll be fine. I just want to hit my personal record today.” Xuan finished putting on the weights and went over to her gym bag. She took her lifting belt. Then she took off her shirt, showing off her sports bra.

 

Chaeryeong and Lia’s jaws dropped as they saw a semi shirtless Xuan in front of them. Xuan definitely has toned and built arms and shoulders. Her abs aren’t as toned as the rest of her body but they’re getting there. The rest of the girls were giggling as they saw the two gawking at Xuan’s body.

 

Yeji smacked the back of Chaeryeong and Lia’s heads. “Yah. It’s rude to stare. Also, you two are drooling. Better stop before Xuan catches you two.” Yeji smirked as the two shook their heads and watched with innocent intent.

 

Ryujin noticed something on Xuan’s back. “Xuan unnie, you have a tattoo?”

 

Xuan looked at Ryujin and smiled. “Yep! It’s my first and only tattoo. It’s just a fox mask but it’s cool. My friend designed it and I got it as a birthday gift for myself.”

 

“Wowwww I want a tattoo as well!” Yuna exclaimed but she received a flick from Lia. “Ow what was that for unnie?”

 

“No tattoo for you ever! You’re too young and the fans and the company will scold you forever.” Lia lectured and Yuna pouted.

 

“Alright girls. Time to show you what I got.” The girls watched as Xuan put on her lifting belt. Then she walked over close to the bar and bent down to grab onto it. Xuan closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She waited a moment. Then, she started to lift the bar. She was struggling a bit which made the girls worried. After a bit, Xuan was able to successfully lift the heavy bar and dropped it suddenly. “Woah! New PR. Let’s gooooooo!”

 

Xuan yelled happily while the girls cheered for her. Xuan laughed as she took off her lifting belt and put it back into her gym bag. She walked over in front of the girls. “Alright. Now that we are done, how about we get some breakfast?” The girls nodded in agreement and all of them left the gym to go eat at a nearby restaurant.

 

After eating breakfast, all of them returned to the dorm and took a shower to clean off their sweaty bodies. When they were all done, they went back to their schedules for the day.

 

Night time came around. The girls just finished their dinner after a long (and sore) day of their scheduled events. Xuan was in her room studying her notes as midterm season was right around the corner. Her phone notification went off and Xuan picked up the phone to check what it was. It was VLive notification. She checked out the vlive and realize that Lia was going live again. “Huh. I wondered what she was doing.” She left her phone open and continued back to her studying.

 

As Lia was greeting Midzys and talking to them, she started to sing random song covers. Xuan smiled as she heard her angelic voice. I always admired her vocals. Xuan realized that Lia was gonna sing for a while so she decided to make Lia some honey ginger tea with lemon. It was also a perfect time for Xuan to take a break from studying. 

 

Xuan exited her room and entered the kitchen. She got one cup for Lia and one for herself. She started to make the drink for Lia, her phone still opened to her Vlive. As she was waiting for the tea to brew, she heard a familiar song that Lia was covering. Way Back Home by SHAUN. It was one of Xuan’s favorite songs to listen… and to sing. A memory came into her head.

 

Xuan finished singing the song. Hien clapped her hands as Xuan put away her guitar. “Wow! You’re a very good singer, Xuan. I can’t believe you sang fully in Korean.”

 

Xuan smiled at Hien. “It took a lot of practice but I managed. I wanted to end our first date on a good note.”

 

Hien smiled back at Xuan. “You didn’t have to. This first date was already special for me.”

 

“Yeah but I also wanted you to know that by singing that song for you…” Xuan grabbed Hien’s hand and kissed the back of it, making Hien blushed. “It means I’ll always be by your side. No matter where I go, my home is where my heart is. My heart will always be with you.”

 

Xuan snapped out of her thoughts as the timer for the tea went off. She quickly turned it off and continued making the rest of the tea. Xuan scoffed at the memory she had. My heart will always be with you… yeah right. These past few months have done nothing but put stress on it. Xuan didn’t realize it but she felt tears streaming down her face. Xuan quickly wiped her tears away and moved onto making her own drink. I’ll talk to her soon. Right now, I have to focus on studying for my midterms.

 

After making Lia’s tea and her own drink, Xuan knocked on Lia’s door. She waited for a moment until Lia opened the door. “Oh Xuan! Are you joining me again for VLive?”

 

Xuan shook her head. “Not really but I do want to make you some tea since you’ll be singing for a while.” Xuan handed Lia her cup of tea. “Here, it’s honey ginger tea with lemon. It’ll help with your throat.”

 

“Oh thank you Xuan!” Lia grabbed the cup and then grabbed Xuan’s hand. “Come in and join me. You don’t have to be in the Vlive but you can at least listen to me. Better than your phone.”

 

Xuan sighed but happily complied with Lia's request. The girls entered the room, Lia went to her usual spot while Xuan sat in the extra chair. Xuan couldn’t help but chuckle at Lia’s struggle to sit down. “I see you’re still sore haha.”

 

Lia whined and faced her phone. “Midzyyyy, Xuan was so mean to me and the girls. She made us go through a rough work out and now we’re all sore. Can you all scold Xuan for me?” Suddenly there’s a bunch of comments jokingly scolding Xuan. Lia smiled at the comment and turned to Xuan. “See Xuan, even MIDZY agrees that you are bad for putting through that workout.”

 

Xuan chuckled and went into front of the camera. “Did Lia mention the reason I took them to the gym? It’s because they stole and wore my clothes without permission. So they had to be punished.” Xuan smirked while Lia smacked her shoulder.

 

“Yah! Don’t expose us like that! People might get the wrong idea!”

 

“Serves you right for making it look like I’m the bad guy.” Xuan said as she took a sip of her drink.

 

“Whatever! I’m gonna go back to singing for MIDZY.” Lia said as she took a sip of her tea.

 

“Can I request a song?” Xuan asked which threw Lia off. She wasn’t expecting that request from Xuan.

 

“Y-You want me to sing you a song you want?” Lia stutters.

 

Xuan nodded. “You ain’t my bias for nothing. I’ve always admired how strong your vocals are.” Xuan giggled which made Lia blush.

 

“O-okay but only if you sing too.” 

 

That made Xuan cough on her drink. Xuan was not expecting that request as well. “W-wait what?”

 

“It’s only fair.” Lia smirked, “Also it’s revenge for calling me a sloth during the gym.”

 

“Fineeee, but you sing first.” 

 

“Deal! Now what do you want me to sing?”

 

“Hmmmm.” Xuan pulled out her phone and scrolled her Spotify playlist and looked for the song. Once she found it, she played it. “The song is Indigo by Niki. She’s one of my favorite artists.”

 

Once the song ended, Xuan turned off her phone. Lia nodded at Xuan, “Okay, interesting choice but I think I can do it.” Lia looked up the lyrics and started playing the instrumental audio. Then she started singing.

 

Xuan could not believe how well the song goes with Lia’s vocals. Xuan did not have any regret choosing this song (even though the songs itself has its… innuendos but Xuan isn’t going to explain that Lia). When Lia finished, Xuan happily clapped her hands which made Lia blush again. “Did I do well?”

 

“You were amazing! I love your singing so much. My god, I’m getting butterflies in my stomach.”

 

Lia blushed harder and lightly smacked Xuan on the shoulder. “God you’re too nice sometimes Xuan. Now you sing!”

 

Xuan nervously laughed and rubbed the back of her neck. “Now I’m nervous. I haven’t sung in a while and I’m not really good. But how can I top what you just did now?”

 

“Oh you’ll be fine Xuan. Now sing! I want to hear your voice too.”

 

“Okay okay just give me a moment.” Xuan thought for a moment of a song to sing and then a song came into her mind. She quickly found the acoustic audio version and played it. As soon as it was time, Xuan started singing.

 

I could never find the right

way to tell you

Have you noticed I've been

gone?

'Cause I left behind the home

that you made me

But I will carry it along

And it's a long way forward,

so trust in me

I'll give them shelter like

you've done for me

And I know. I'm not alone

you’ll be watching over us

Until you’re gone

 

As Xuan kept on singing, Lia could help but leave her jaw open in astonishment. She did not expect to sing in front of live people, let alone be this talented. When Xuan was done, Lia clapped her hands with excitement. “Wow Xuan… that was… OH MY GOD YOU'RE SO AMAZING!”

 

Xuan sheepishly chuckled. “Oh come on. I still can’t be at your level. You know you’re an idol for a reason.”

 

“But still! You have the vocals. Even MIDZY agrees. Look at the comments.” Lia pointed at her screen and Xuan blushed as she saw the comments.

 

Omg! Looks and talent. Let me date you~

 

You’re definitely the perfect idol material

 

Yo JYP! Debut Xuan as an idol please! We beg!

 

Another reason to stan Xuan

 

Then some comments came up about requesting Lia and Xuan to sing a duet. Xuan nodded her head and Lia happily clapped her hands. “How about you pick our duet song? Make sure it’s a good one.”

 

“O-Okay.” Xuan scrolled through her playlist and found the perfect song. “Okay this song is Floating by Alina Baraz feat Khalid. Specifically, the Ekali remix.” Xuan played the song to let Lia listen to the lyrics. “Fun fact: I choreographed a piece for my club as part of our performance so this song is special for me.”

 

“It’s a beautiful song, Xuan.” Lia commented.

 

“I’ll show you the performance recording later. Shall we sing?” Lia nodded and Xuan played the instrumental version.

 

They both started singing, their voices in complete harmony. Then Lia sang the first solo chorus. Xuan joined in the harmony chorus. When it was almost to the beginning of the song break, Xuan quickly grabbed Lia and started dancing with her, kind of ballroom style. Lia was startled at first but followed the groove of the music and to Xuan’s steps.

 

Xuan smiled and started singing her part. She stared deeply into Lia’s eyes as she sang, making Lia blushed as red as a tomato. It didn’t help her situation as Xuan tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.

 

The girls danced and sang until the end of the song. Xuan smiled and led Lia back to her seat, following behind back to her own seat. Lia fanned herself. “Wow, I wasn't expecting to dance as well.”

 

Xuan chuckled, “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. I hope I didn’t make you more sore.”

 

Lia shook her head. “It’s fine but was that part of the choreography you did?”

 

“Nope! What I made was completely different from what we dance together.”

 

“R-Really?” Lia’s eyes widen and Xuan nodded. “So you made that on the spot.”

 

“Well I mean I wanted to make a couple dance with that song but I never had the time so I decided to use you as my Guinea pig.” Xuan laughed while Lia just smacked her.

 

“Yah! Who you calling a Guinea pig?” Lia blushed as she realized that she did a couple dance with Xuan. She turned to the camera. “Alright well, I’m gonna end it here. I’m tired and we have a full schedule already. Everyone say bye to Xuan!” Lia ended the live and took a deep breath.

 

“You’re cute you know.” Lia looked at Xuan who was smirking at her.

 

“Yah! Stop being a tease!” Lia was about to smack Xuan but she managed to dodge and pull her into a hug.

 

“Haha I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to tease you but you are cute. I bet you really weren't expecting that dance. Though, I still have to work on it but I’ll get there.”

 

Lia couldn’t help but hug back and burrow her red face into Xuan’s chest. “Sometimes you’re such a flirt, you idiot?”

 

“Eh? Did you say something? All I heard was idiot.” Xuan asked.

 

Lia pulled away and flicked Xuan’s forehead which made Xuan whined. “You are an idiot. Now go to sleep. You’ve been studying a lot and I can see your bags.”

 

“Alright alright I’ll go to sleep.” Xuan grabbed her and Lia’s cup and exited the room. 

 

When Xuan left the room, Lia went to her bed, face planted into her pillow and screamed. After she was done screaming, she took a deep breath and sighed. “God, I really am falling for our manager.” 

 

Xuan sneezed as she washed the dishes. “God, I think Thi needs to stop talking about me.”