Thion 3XQ: Journey [ON HOLD]

“Isn’t this great?” Tzuyu beamed. “We may have a chance here”  Tzuyu was glad to know that they may have a chance to get some help in going back to the planet. 

“Yeah great” Sana said monotonously as she walked away, to head back to her room. Along with Momo, Nayeon and Jeongyeon following behind after they gave Tzuyu a pointed smile and nod. Tzuyu expected her and the other girls to be more excited. 

“eh what’s wrong ?” Tzuyu asked. 

Elkie bonked her in the head with a nearby book. “You idiot” 

“Ow! What the fuck ” Tzuyu winced and rubbed her head. “What was that for?” 

“You’re so dense it’s not even funny” 

“What did I do?” 

“You know Sana likes you right? I know you know and I know you like her too. I know you do! So why do you keep messing around with her like that?” 

“Wait what? I’m not messing around with her” Tzuyu said while still rubbing her head. 

“Tzuyu, you’re my friend and so is Sana. I know you’re a little slow and stupid when it comes to girls but you cannot possibly be that dense” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about” Tzuyu furrowed her brows. 

“Why would you accept that date? Why would you accept that date in front of Sana?” 

“What do you mean why.. wouldn’t you? Look, this is a great opportunity here and may I add only opportunity for some kind of progress. I’m doing this for Dahyun and for all the others that are trapped on that damn planet” Tzuyu exhaled. 

Elkie gave her a look, she understood Tzuyu’s feelings but she still felt a bit bad for Sana. 

“Sana and I are just friends..” 

Elkie shook her head. “I hope you know what you’re doing” she said before she walked away. 

Tzuyu groaned in frustration wondering why everyone was upset with her, she sighed and walked back to her room as well. 

-

Tzuyu was stumped. She was stumped because what was she supposed to do.. on a date.. with a princess? She knew Mia couldn’t leave the estate so she’d have to make do with what was in the palace. She thinks they’ll have to use one of the rooms and doors to go on the date. Jisun didn’t really inform her much on what Mia likes or dislikes. Tzuyu herself hasn’t been on too many dates, her last proper girlfriend was Elkie and she was always the one to initiate dates and take them places. So Tzuyu was a bit clueless. 

Tzuyu groaned as she rubbed her temple. She thought back to the previous day, how the girls all reacted, especially how Sana reacted. She tried to shake the feeling away and focus solely on this date she’d have to do but the feeling still lingered behind. 

“It’s okay Tzuyu, you’re doing this for the good of others” she muttered to herself as she followed the guard towards the room she was supposed to meet the princess. 

“Hello princess” Tzuyu said as she entered the room. 

Mia was sitting, waiting for her. She was dressed down, she wasn’t in her usual princess attire. She wore casual clothes and she didn’t wear her tiara. She wanted Tzuyu to treat her like a normal girl she’d go on a date with, even if it was just for today. 

Mia stood up and smiled. “As much as I love hearing you call me ‘princess’, I’d rather you not be so formal with me okay?” 

“Uhm..” 

“At least for today?” 

Tzuyu hesitated for a little before nodding when she saw Mia’s pleading eyes. She smiled after she saw Tzuyu’s response.  

“So where are you taking me?” Mia asked. 

“Well, since you can’t really leave. I figured we could try one of the doors? I’m not sure what you like though.. or we can take a stroll around the estate..?” 

“Hmm.. I’ll like whatever you like. It doesn’t matter where we go as long as you’re there” Mia said as she linked their arms together. 

“O-okay.. well I was thinking maybe we could watch a movie?” Tzuyu thought watching a movie was a great idea because they’d have less time to talk. They began walking towards the theater room. 

“Hmm I’ve never been on a real date before. I’ve only seen these kinds of dates in films”

“Films?” 

“Well yeah. Since I’m a princess, I can’t really date as freely as I can. Usually suitors would come and ask for my parent’s permission. Then usually the date would be us walking around the estate, talking. With of course a number of guards following” 

“Ah how come guards aren’t following us now?” Tzuyu turned to see if they were being followed but saw no one. 

“Oh they are. You just can’t see them but they’re there. If anything happens they’ll be ready. But I’m sure nothing bad will happen. I feel quite safe with you” Mia slightly squeezed Tzuyu’s arm. 

Tzuyu awkwardly chuckled. She regretted the idea of this even more now. But she did it to get some help from Jisun. So she had to suck it up for now.

“So what kind of movie do you like?” 

“Ooh I really like those romantic comedy films? There’s this new one that I’ve been dying to watch but Jisun never wants to watch it with me. She never wants to do anything with me” she pouted. 

“Well we can watch it right now if you’d like” 

“Yes. I’d like to” 

When they arrived at the room, Mia chose the film she wanted to watch, while the latter got some snacks for the both of them and returned to the seats. During the movie, Tzuyu’s sure that Mia wanted to hold her hand or something because she kept inching her hand closer to hers on the arm rest. But Tzuyu didn’t want to lead her on so she placed both hands in her lap. She was regretting the date even more now because she felt like she’s just using the princess for her own benefit. While Mia had given up on holding hands, she focused more on the film they were watching. Tzuyu, trying to rid her guilt, suddenly thought of Sana and how they sneaked out to jump on the trampolines. She smiled as she recalled the memory. 

Mia noticed the older girl smiling to herself and she wondered if Tzuyu was enjoying herself as much as she was. She felt a bit sad when Tzuyu moved her hands but she tried not to think too much about it. They continued watching the movie and occasionally Tzuyu could feel Mia looking at her, she tried hard to ignore it. When the movie was finished Mia asked “So what did you think about the movie?” 

“It was nice” although Tzuyu hadn’t really been paying attention.

“I thought the same. The way they were so perfect for each other and when he proposed, it was so cute” she squealed. “So where are we going next?” 

Next?? Tzuyu didn’t plan a next. She thought this one movie date was it. She hadn’t come up with any other ideas. 

“Uhh right, next uhh” she tried so hard to think of something while Mia looked at her expectantly. “Well next we can-“ Then an idea came to mind. Before Elkie, Tzuyu had another previous relationship, but it only lasted about 5 months so she didn’t really count it as one. Her ex-girlfriend took them on a boat ride towards a big beautiful tree near a cliff. There they watched the sunset and talked for hours. She thought maybe she could emulate that date, but she wasn’t sure if there was a room for it. 

“We can go on a boat ride?”

“Oh” Tzuyu swears she saw a little disappointment in the latter’s face. 

“Or we could do something else?” 

“No, no let’s go on the boat ride” 

“Are you sure? Is there even a room for that?” 

“Yes there is actually, there’s a room that shows you illusions of places in your memory. If you can think of a place that has a boat ride then maybe we can go?” Mia explained. 

Well that’s incredibly convenient and super cool. “Woah really? That’s so cool. So shall we go?” 

Mia nodded and led the way. The room was an ordinary room with nothing in it. It reminded Tzuyu of the room back on planet Thion 3XQ. 

“Close your eyes and think about the place, try to recall a memory” Mia instructed. 

So Tzuyu closed her eyes and thought of the date she and her ex girlfriend went on. 

“Now open your eyes” Mia said. When Tzuyu opened her eyes, it was exactly how she remembered it. There was a swan boat on the lake and the tree on the cliff was across the lake, the sun was also setting. “Woah.. this is so cool” it was like an exact replica. 

Mia was happy watching Tzuyu excitedly look around. 

“Shall we get in the boat?” 

Mia looked at her hesitantly but agreed. They both got into the swan shaped boat to paddle themselves across the lake. 

“Tzuyu can I be honest with you?” 

“Sure” 

“I’m scared of water”

She looked towards Mia who was gripping the side of the boat so hard her knuckles were white. 

“Oh..Oh Oh my god I’m sorry! Why-Why didn’t you tell me?” They were already too far in to turn back. 

“Let’s just quickly get this over with” Mia said and that was Tzuyu’s cute to peddle faster. During their short ride Mia explained to Tzuyu about her fear of water and depth, she told a story about how she almost drowned after Jisun kicked her into their pool one day when they were little. When they finally reached the otherside of the lake, Mia hopped out of the boat. 

“Oh god your guards are going to kill me” Tzuyu held her head. “I’m so sorry, you should have told me” 

Mia was trying to catch her breath. “They won’t.. it’s fine.. I’m fine” it took a few minutes for Mia to calm down a little, while Tzuyu profusely apologized, for them to finally walk up to the cliff just in time for the sunset. 

“Wow it’s beautiful” Mia said as she saw the view. Tzuyu sat on the grass and looked out into the view, she wishes Sana could see this view too. “It really is” 

Mia sad next to her. “How do you know about this place?” 

Tzuyu didn’t want to tell her that she’d come here on a date so she lied and said she came here with Chaeyoung and her girlfriend for a picnic. 

“Oh you’re really close with your friend Chaeyou huh?” 

“She’s my best friend. I’d do anything for her..” Tzuyu felt sad thinking about how Chaeyoung was angry with her right now. 

Mia smiled. “Well we finally get to talk some more so.. tell me about you” 

“What about me?” 

Mia shrugged. “Whatever you want to tell me” 

“Uhh..” 

”Okay, I’ll ask. Where are you from?”

”I’m from the city, Vlale. I was born and grew up there and now I live at the base” 

“What’s the city like?” Mia had always dreamed of seeing the city of Vlale in person, or any city for that matter. But Vlale was the biggest city on Zanerth. 

“Well the city is very big and there’s tons and tons of people. So you could imagine how busy the street are” 

“I bet it must look beautiful” 

Tzuyu chuckled. “Not really. I mean it does have its beauties but there’s a lot of ugliness behind it..” 

Mia noticed Tzuyu’s eyes became sad but it lasted no longer than a few seconds. “There’s some good food there tho. Like my best friend’s girlfriend’s cafe. She makes the best coffee and little pastries” 

“Oh really?” 

“Yeah it’s near the base you should check it out sometime..” as the words left her mouth Tzuyu regretted saying it, she knew the princess was not allowed to leave the palace. She noticed Mia looking far into the distance, as it lost in thought. “I-I’m sorry princess, I didn’t mean it like-“ 

“It’s okay. And didn’t I tell you not to call me princess?” She looked a bit dejected. 

“Are you okay?” 

Mia nodded and sighed. She pulled her knees to her chest, and crossed her arm. “Sometimes I wish I could leave.. it’s tiring you know? I feel trapped here like a prisoner. I love my parents but they’re a little overprotective of us. Of me” 

“Why’s that? Have you tried to talk to them about it?” 

“My grandmother did the same to my mother, and when she finally reached of age, she finally left the palace for the first time. But when she returned, she said the world is dangerous and keeps us here in the state. We’re not allowed to leave until I finally take my position as queen” 

“Well that’s..”

“Tzuyu, that’s years away. I’m 19 right now, I want to see the world. I want to travel the universe but I can’t” 

Tzuyu wanted to help her, she could see how torn the princess was over this. She thought that nobody should be going through this at all. 

“I don’t know what to do..” Mia said defeatedly. 

Tzuyu knows she’ll regret saying this but she couldn’t care about it right now, she wanted to help somehow. She put her hand on Mia’s shoulder. “I don’t know how to help you, but I’ll find away to” She doesn’t even know how because she couldn’t even get permission from the Queen to travel back to Thion. 

“Really? You would do that for me?” 

“Yes. I would, I don’t think it’s right. You deserve to be free regardless of who you are. We leave tomorrow but I’ll come back to help you so just wait okay?” 

Mia nodded. “You’d really do that and come back for me? Do you promise?” 

She didn’t want to make any promises she wouldn’t be able to keep. “Uh if your promise me one thing” 

“What is it? Anything, I’ll do it” 

“You need to fight for it. Fight for yourself and your freedom too. Please, or else nothing will change. You gotta try. Okay? Promise me you will?” Tzuyu held out for her pinky. Mia hesitated a bit before linkining her pinky along with Tzuyu. “I promise” 

Tzuyu smiled. “As long as you try” 

“Why are you so nice to me?” Mia suddenly asked. “How are you so perfect and nice? You also want to help those other species on that planet.. why?” 

Tzuyu shrugged her shoulders. “It’s the right thing to do. When someone needs help, I want to help them, Mia” 

Mia felt flustered hearing Tzuyu say her name. She hadn’t called her by her name, not once. Tzuyu felt her staring at her. “What?” 

“You called me Mia” 

“Oh- I just thought you wanted me to-“‘ she was cut off when Mia suddenly kissed her. She quickly pulled back when she realized what was happening. 

“Oh-I’m sorry I did that so suddenly. Tzuyu I-“ 

“No no no. It’s okay I was surprised it’s all” Tzuyu awkwardly chuckled to try and reassure her. She looked around to see if any guard would come to beat her up or something. Mia felt the way Tzuyu tensed up when they kissed, she also noticed that she wasn’t kissing her back. She had a feeling that her feelings may not be reciprocated but she had hope. 

“Do you want to do it again? Properly this time?” Mia asked shyly. Tzuyu hesitated because again, she didn’t want to lead the princess on but then she felt bad to say no to her after noticing how sad Mia looks. 

“O-okay”

Mia once again kissed her. The kiss was nothing like Sana’s. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t.. it wasn’t Sana. All Tzuyu could think about was how much she wanted to kiss Sana right now. The kiss lasted a few seconds before Mia pulled away again. She still felt Tzuyu’s tense body yet again, and Tzuyu still didn’t kiss back.  She didn’t know what to make of it. 

“Tzuyu, do you like-?” 

Suddenly a guard appeared out of seemingly nowhere, which made Tzuyu jolt. “Princess, it’s time for you to leave”  the guard pushed Tzuyu out the way to get to the princess. They ushered the both out of the room.

“I’m sorry” Mia said. 

“It’s okay. Did you enjoy today?” 

“I had a lot of fun with you Tzuyu” Mia’s eyes lit up. She was about to say something else before the same guard told her that it’s time to leave. She was sad because they barely got to talk. 

“It’s seems you have to go, I’ll see you tomorrow” 

“Yes, goodbye Tzuyu” 

Tzuyu smiled and bowed, she then started walking away before any of Mia’s guards got rowdy. Mia watched her leave feeling hopeful. 

-

Tzuyu was sitting in bed, staring at the wall, feeling a bit tired when she heard a knock on the door and Elkie’s voice. She let her in and the latter sat on the bed. “So.. how was the date?” 

Tzuyu shrugged her shoulders. “It was fine” 

“What did you guys do?” 

“Nothing much. Just walked about and talked” she didn’t want to bring up the kiss because she felt it wasn’t necessary to. 

“Well.. do you like her?” 

“What? No. She’s nice and all but I’m not into the princess like that” 

Elkie felt a bit relieved after hearing her response. “Oh that’s good. Then what about Sana?” 

“What about her?” Tzuyu had been sitting on the seat across from Elkie, staring out the window. Elkie was so persistent in bringing up Sana. “Like I told you, Sana and I are just friends.. and that’s all we’ll ever be” 

Elkie noticed Tzuyu looking a bit sad when she said that last part. “And why is that?” 

“What do you mean why? We can’t be anything more” 

Elkie groaned, knowing well, where this was going. “You can’t still be worrying about Chaeyoung..” 

“How can I not? She’s my best friend, we’re almost like sisters. How can I not feel guilty about it?” 

“You can’t keep doing this to yourself. You deserve some happiness too. Chaeyoung has moved on and I’m sure she’ll understand eventually. Like you said she’s like family to you” Elkie tried to reassure her. 

Tzuyu shook her head. “I can’t do that to her” 

Elkie groaned. “Why can’t you admit that you do like her? And that you want to be with her?” 

“You don’t know if I like her or not..” Tzuyu mumbled. 

“It’s so obvious” 

“No, I don’t know if I like her or not” 

Elkie sighed and held her head, Tzuyu could be so stubborn sometimes. “Okay well what do you feel when you look at her?” 

“I don’t know..” 

Elkie glared at her. 

“Okay okay” Tzuyu groaned. “I mean I don’t know.. I think she’s pretty” 

“And..?” Elkie tried to push her to keep going.

“She’s cute.. she has this really cute side to her. The way her nose crinkles when she laughs.. and her laugh.. it’s so cute. And when you see her smile it’s hard not to smile too..” Tzuyu unconsciously started smiling and Elkie thought it was cute how Tzuyu looked like she was in love or something. 

Tzuyu cleared her throat after a few seconds. “So uhm yeah she’s okay I guess”

Elkie smirked. “Okay, so how would you feel if Lisa and Sana got together..?”

Tzuyu scoffed. “They never would” 

“And how do you know that?”

“Sana’s too good for her. Wait, why are you even bringing her up?” 

“It’s obvious that Lisa has her eyes on her. I’ve heard from others around the base that she always gets what she wants” 

Tzuyu was aware of Lisa’s habits and hated the thought of Lisa trying to worm her way with Sana. 

“So?” 

“Didn’t she ask Sana out that night and didn’t Sana go out with her?” 

“That doesn’t mean anything because Sana ended up in my bed that night” Tzuyu argued, she didn’t mean to bring it up and her cheeks got red thinking about what they’d done. She didn’t remember exactly what happened but she knows the two drunkenly slept together. 

“And you enjoyed it didn’t you? You liked it. But if you keep brushing her off she’s going to get tired of it and who knows maybe she’ll really choose Lisa this time” 

Elkie was really starting to annoy her now. “She wouldn’t do that” 

“How do you know? Do you think you can keep playing with her forever?” Elkie started raising her voice slightly, to piss Tzuyu off and it was working. 

“I know that, okay?” 

“Then what are you going to do about it?” 

“What can I do?” 

Elkie scoffed. “You’re so stubborn oh my god” 

“Okay well what the fuck do you want me to do?” Now Tzuyu was the one to raise her voice.

“Be honest with her” 

“I can’t. I can’t tell her” 

“Tell her what?

“That I like her!” Tzuyu huffed. Elkie was glad that Tzuyu finally admitted it but to get her to do something about it would need another extra push. “Okay well tell her how you feel” 

Tzuyu ran her fingers through her hair and leaned her back on the chair. “I can’t. You know I’m not good with these things. And I can’t do that to Chaeng..” 

“Again with that, come on. Put your own happiness first I’m begging you. Chaeyoung will understand. Don’t make me beat the shit out of you for you to get it” Elkie punched her on the lap, not too hard but hard enough to make Tzuyu groan. 

“Okay okay, I need to tell her but I don’t know when..” 

“Well find the right time to tell her. I’m rooting for you Tzuyu” 

“Yeah yeah. Is that all you came here to talk about?” 

Elkie ruffled her hair. “Yes and no, it’s almost time for dinner so let’s go” she said as she pulled Tzuyu to stand and dragged her out the room. 

Similarly to breakfast, Sana avoided eye contact with her at all costs which made Tzuyu a bit sad. After dinner was finished they all went back to their respective rooms. Tzuyu was laying in her bed thinking of her talk with Elkie. Eventually she fell asleep with dreams of her and Sana. 

She awoke later to her phone ringing. 

“Hello?” She slurred. 

“Did you forget? Get up it’s time for us to meet the princess” Elkie whispered through the phone. 

“Oh yeah right I’m coming” she quickly hopped out of bed and grabbed her hoodie and opened the door. 

“Sorry” she sheepishly whispered as she saw Elkie shaking her head. She also noticed Sana looking at her but turned her head as soon as their eyes met. 

“Okay let’s go” Momo said. 

They all walked in silence towards where Jisun had instructed them to meet. Tzuyu wondered if there were any guards following them. Jisun had instructed for them to stand in a seemingly empty hallway and wait for her to come to them. Once they were there, Tzuyu tried to use this opportunity to talk to Sana. She moved a little closer to the older girl and whispered “Hey Sana, I-“

But Sana doesn’t give her the chance and walks right past her to stand next to Momo. Elkie shook her head watching the interaction. 

Tzuyu knows what she has to do. But it’ll have to wait for now. 

After a few minutes they hear footsteps and Jisun comes into view. “I see you’ve all made it” 

“Where are all the guards?” 

“Don’t worry about them. Now, follow me” Jisun took them to the library that’s filled with thousands of books, Momo thinks maybe even a million might be there. She led them to a secluded part of the library and then pushed a book, suddenly the shelf began to slide open. It was like another little library inside this massive one. It also resembled a study room. 

“What is this place?” Jeongyeon asked. 

“One of my many secret rooms” 

“Secret?” Nayeon asked. 

Jisun nodded. “I come here to hide from the guards and from my sister. No one else knows about this place besides me” 

“That’s hot” Elkie said. Jisun eyed her but said a small thank you. 

“So why’d you bring us here?” Sana asked. Tzuyu felt her heart skip a beat when she heard Sana spoke. She honestly missed hearing her voice and wanted her to be the one Sana spoke too. 

“Well a deal is a deal right?” She looked towards Tzuyu.“There’s this book, I came across it one day. It was hidden away in one of the shelves. But I think it might be useful to you” Jisun said as she handed the book over. It was a red book with god linings around the cover. There was a familiar symbol at the center of the book, one that both Tzuyu and Sana quickly recognized, it was the symbol of the Thions. 

“What is it?” Nayeon asked. 

“Well judging by her reaction I think she can tell you what it is” Jisun said. 

“It's a book. Presumably one about Thion 3XQ” 

“The writing.. it's a journal?” Sana asked. 

“It appears so. I have no knowledge of who wrote it or where it came from but I assume it’s been here for ages” 

“How did you find this?” 

“I’ve read countless books in this library. I stumbled upon it one day but since I have no interest in stuff like that I paid it no mind” 

“Have you read it?” 

“Not in its entirety. I’ve read a few pages but it bore me” 

“It’s all in Villari.. that’s strange” Tzuyu said. How would a journal about planet Thion 3XQ be written in Villari and not Ogsic. She skimmed through the pages. 

“Hold on, I've never seen this information. We’ve read countless books on the history of that planet but I’ve never read these” Sana said as she saw one of the pages Tzuyu was skimming through. Maybe the journal may be useful. 

“I’m not sure what you’ll do but I do hope you do find the information useful. And also, I hope you get to save your friend and the others trapped on the planet” Jisun said. 

“What about a ship?” Momo asked. 

“Unfortunately I can't give you any authorization. Only the book. It’s an old book” 

“Why are you helping us?” Tzuyu eyed her suspiciously. 

“Contrary to what you may believe, I’m not heartless. I do hope your little rescue mission goes well. I’m rooting for you Chou” Jisun said. Tzuyu was a bit taken aback but she wasn’t sure if the princess was sincere or not. She’d hope this book would be enough. 

“T-Thank you, Princess” Tzuyu managed to say. After a few small talk Jisun told them it was time for them to go back to their room. They would all be leaving early tomorrow so they had to sleep.

They walked back to their rooms and said goodnight but before Sana could open her door, Tzuyu grabbed her by the wrist and quickly pulled her into her room. Luckily no one noticed. Sana didn’t have time to react, it happened so fast. Tzuyu closed the door and softly pushed Sana against it, both hands were on her shoulder to keep Sana in place. 

“What the hell?”

Tzuyu furrowed her brows and stared at her. Sana tried to wiggle out and push Tzuyu’s hands off her but the latter held her in place. After a few seconds of struggling she saw Tzuyu leaning in. 

“W-What are you doing?” Sana could feel her heart beating faster now. 

Tzuyu ignored her and leaned her head on her shoulder, she closed her eyes and sighed. “You’re so warm..” 

Sana was a bit confused at what Tzuyu was doing but she didn’t want to ask. She was mad at her. 

“Tzuyu, let go of me” Sana tried to push her off again but Tzuyu ignored her.

“You know, I was with the princess all day and we had fun” 

Sana rolled her eyes. She really didn’t want to hear this right now. She didn’t want to be with Tzuyu right now either. 

“But” Tzuyu continued. “while I was with her, I just couldn’t stop thinking about you..”  she could feel Sana stopped struggling, as if she was now listening to her intently. 

“Huh?” 

“Like I wished it was you instead of her” 

Sana was trying to process what exactly the latter was trying to say. 

Tzuyu sighed. “I don’t know what you’re doing to me, Sana. I just want to be around you all the time. I just-I needed to see you. I missed you..” 

“I like you” Sana heard Tzuyu softly whisper. She didn’t know what to say, she didn’t know if she heard that right either. She thought this was a dream. “W-What?” 

Tzuyu lifted her head to look her in the eyes and cupped her cheeks. “I like you Sana.. I really do.. I’m sure you knew that already but I just wanted to tell you properly” 

Sana felt her heart beating out of her chest. She felt like she was dreaming. She couldn’t believe the words Tzuyu just uttered. 

“Tzuyu..” Sana softly whispered. 

“I may be wrong here but I’m still gonna ask. Do you like me?” She held Sana’s hands in her own now. 

Sana softly giggled. “of course I do ” 

Tzuyu smiled and her eyes flickered to Sana’s lips. 

“Wait but weren’t you afraid about Chaeyoung?” Sana suddenly asked. Chaeyoung was sort of an obstacle between them. 

“well I still am but I can’t help how I feel about you. I just hope she’ll understand..” Tzuyu really hopes that one day Chaeyoung would. Her talk with Elkie somehow helped her, it was the extra push she needed. 

“And if she doesn’t?” 

“Hmm.. I’m not sure what I’ll do but for now I know I want you” 

Sana couldn’t stop smiling at Tzuyu’s words. She went from wanting to have nothing to do with Tzuyu right now, to wanting the younger girl so badly right now. 

“Who knew that the Chou Tzuyu would confess her feelings to me first?” Sana teased. 

“Yeah I surprised myself with that too” Tzuyu said seriously which made Sana chuckle. 

“Sana..” 

“Hmm?” 

“Can I kiss you?” 

The question kinda caught her by surprise but Sana softly smiled. This wasn’t their first kiss but she thought it was adorable that Tzuyu still asked. She was sure it wouldn’t be their last kiss either. She softly nodded and cupped Tzuyu’s cheeks, closing the gap between them. After a few small kisses, Sana deepened the kiss and softly grabbed her shoulders and pushed Tzuyu towards the bed, the latter obliged and sat on the edge where Sana then straddled her lap. Before the kiss got even more heated, Tzuyu broke the kiss to catch some air, but Sana continued giving her little kisses that trailed along her jaw and neck. 

“Sana wait..” Tzuyu exhaled. “We can’t do that”

Sana mumbled on Tzuyu’s neck “Why? We’ve done it before”

“We did it once and we were both drunk, but what I mean is that we can’t do that here, i-in the palace” 

Sana stopped to look up at Tzuyu. “You don’t want to?”

“No, I mean yes I want to but not here. Not in the palace, it’s weird..” 

Sana eyed Tzuyu for a few seconds, “My my, I didn’t know you were so picky” she said teasingly. 

“I’m not..”

“It’s okay if you are and it’s also okay if you don’t want to do it” Sana was about to get up before Tzuyu brought her back down. 

“I do want to do it. I do want you. Just not here” Tzuyu said seriously before giving her a small yet slow kiss. Sana felt herself getting warm. 

“O-Okay well stop saying stuff like that right now” 

Tzuyu smirked when she saw Sana’s cheek turn red. 

“Well, do you want to sleep here?” Tzuyu asked. 

Sana raised her eyebrows. 

“N-not like that. Just sleep and maybe cuddle a little? if you want to of course” Tzuyu fiddled with Sana’s fingers. “I just want you here with me tonight..” she muttered. 

Sana felt her heart melting. She pressed her forehead onto the latter’s “I want to”. She gave Tzuyu a small peck on the lips before getting off her. 

“We should get ready for bed though. We leave early tomorrow” 

“Yeah you’re right. It’s been a long day” Tzuyu got up and stretched her arms. 

“Can I go get changed and come back?” 

“Sure, if you want to” 

“Okay, I’ll be right back”  Sana was about to leave when Tzuyu grabbed her wrist. 

She gave Sana a small peck on her lips, which caught the older girl by surprise. “Don’t take too long” she whispered. 

“O-okay” Sana felt a bit flustered, so she quickly walked back to her room. 

After she had changed off into her sleeping clothes and brushing her teeth. She fixed her hair in the mirror and excitedly walked back to Tzuyu’s room. Tzuyu had changed her clothes as well and brushed her teeth, she was now fluffing the pillows for them to sleep when she heard a knock on her door. Sana couldn’t get in without the passcode, she felt a little happy when she heard the knock and found Sana sweetly smiling in front of her. 

“You’re back” Tzuyu smiled. 

“Told you I wouldn't take long” Sana said as she walked into the room, while Tzuyu closed the door. 

“Tsk, I don’t know.. you did take pretty long” Tzuyu looked at the time on the wall “You took exactly 5 minutes and 13 seconds” 

“You were timing me?” She asked but Tzuyu ignored her.

“Look I’ve fluffed the pillows already” she patted the left pillow “so which side do you prefer” 

“It doesn’t matter to me” 

“Well fine I’ll take the right side” Tzuyu said as she started getting in the bed. She laid herself down on the right side then patted the space on the left side next to her for Sana to join her. 

Sana playfully rolled her eyes and hopped into bed with her. Immediately, Tzuyu wrapped her arm around the latter’s waist and nuzzled her head into Sana’s neck. 

“Tzuyu” 

“Yes?” 

“The lights” 

“Oh right” Tzuyu said as she waved her hand in a down motion to turn off the lights, she then went right back to the position she’d been in before. Both girl’s hearts were crazily. Tzuyu wondered if she’d be able to sleep tonight. 

“So when did you start liking me?” Tzuyu asked. Sana had been softly stroking Tzuyu’s hair. “Is it because of my irresistible charms or my incredible moves?” 

“Your moves?” 

“Yeah you know the way I kick ass” 

Sana chuckled. “Sure, okay we’ll go with that” 

“No but for real, when did you know?” 

“Hmm I’m not exactly sure… how about you?” 

The question made a certain memory flash through Tzuyu’s mind. A certain memory of their time in high school but Tzuyu didn’t want to think about that right now. “Dunno, we should sleep” Tzuyu yawned. 

Sana saw how tired she was and agreed. “Goodnight Tzuyu”  she softly said. 

“Goodnight Sana” 

After a while Sana had a hard time trying to sleep. “Tzuyu?” She whispered. But all she could hear was the younger girl’s soft breathing, she was asleep. Surprisingly, sleeping next to Sana like this was comforting and made her fall asleep fast. 

She softly smiled when she realized Tzuyu was asleep. She whispered “I like you so much, Tzuyu..”

After a while she finally drifted off to sleep. 

-

Sana awoke with Tzuyu’s arm gripping her waist. They had fallen asleep in the same position as before. She smiled to herself as all the memories of the night before came back to her. The memory of Tzuyu’s confession gave her butterflies all over again. She checked the time on the clock beside the bed and saw it was almost time for them to meet the royals again to say farewell. She decided to wake Tzuyu up by whispering in her ear. “Tzuyu.. it’s time to wake up” 

Tzuyu stirred around a bit before mumbling “five more..min”

“Come on, we’re supposed to be up early. Captain Jihyo’s orders” Sana said while brushing the hair off from the latter’s face. 

Tzuyu groaned, she released her arm from Sana and rubbed her eye. “What time is it?” She yawned. 

“It’s 7 already” Sana was staring at her, usually Tzuyu was the one to wake up early. “Were you that tired? Did you sleep well?” 

Tzuyu sat up and yawned again. “I don’t know. You’re just so comfy I guess” she stretched her arms. “How did you sleep?” 

Sleepy Tzuyu is so cute. Sana also sat up and started getting off the bed. “It was good” she also stretched, closing her eyes and letting out a small moan. She found Tzuyu staring at her when she opened her eyes. Tzuyu quickly noticed she’d been caught and got off the bed. 

Tzuyu stood in front of her and leaned in to give her a kiss but Sana pulled her head back. “No we might have morning breath” 

“Oh” Tzuyu nodded, looking a little solemn. 

Sana gave a kiss on the cheek instead, to cheer her up, which worked, Tzuyu gave her a warm smile. 

“Well I better go before Momo comes and knocks on my door” Sana said heading towards the door. 

“Oh yeah yeah. We gotta get ready to leave as well” 

“Yeah..” 

“I’ll see you later” she smiled. 

“Yeah-yes” Tzuyu gave her a small smile as she walked out the door. She used her hand to smell her breath and thought it was fine. We definitely could have kissed a little. She pouted before heading towards her shower. 

-

After everyone was ready they all went outside their rooms with their bags. They were supposed to give one of the servants their bags to take to the van. As Tzuyu stepped out she saw most of them were already outside talking to Escher. Sana had been trying to fix one of Momo’s loose bag straps. 

“You’re staring” Elkie whispered next to her. 

“Huh what?”

“You’re staring at Sana or do you have the hots for Momo?” 

Tzuyu shook her head. “I’m not” she looked back and both Tzuyu and Sana made eye contact. Sana shyly smiled at her and Tzuyu felt her heart skip a beat. She smiled back pointedly and nodded. 

Elkie watched the exchange with a smirk. She noticed the faint red blush on the latter’s cheeks. “Well, well, well I see you and Sana are getting along again” 

“Yeah we had a talk and everything is fine now. We’re friends” 

Elkie rolled her eyes. “Are you sure you‘re just friends?” 

“What more would we b-“ 

“Okay are you all ready now?” Their conversation was interrupted by Jihyo. They all nodded in response and Dami once again led them towards the throne room. 

The princesses were already seated on their respective thrones. They all bowed towards them and Mia gave Tzuyu a little smile and wave. Tzuyu waved back. 

“Someone’s happy to see you” Tzuyu heard Sana say. 

“I like you though” 

Sana smiled, noticing how serious Tzuyu was. She glanced around the room, the others were talking to each other. 

Sana then noticed Mia was staring at them, specifically at Tzuyu. She got an idea and pulled Tzuyu in a corner, one that Mia would be able to see them clearly, but the others wouldn’t. 

“Where are we going?” 

Tzuyu looked around to make sure no one was looking, she didn’t want to be bombarded with questions from Elkie or the rest of the girls. But, she hadn’t noticed that Mia was watching them already. 

“Hey” Sana whispered as she put her arms around the latter’s neck. 

“Hmm?” Tzuyu smiled, looking down at her while holding her waist. 

Sana began giving Tzuyu little kisses all over her face, Since she knew Mia was watching, she knew she had to cement Tzuyu as hers; she had to let Mia know. Tzuyu giggled throughout the kisses. When Sana had stopped she smiled at her, they were still in a close embrace. 

“What was that for?” Tzuyu asked. She kind of liked this clinginess from Sana, she thought it was cute. 

“Give me a kiss” Sana pouted. 

Tzuyu smiled at her then gave her little pecks on her lips. 

“Happy?” 

Sana nodded and smiled. She gave one last peck to Tzuyu and let go. 

“Let’s go back now” she said as she fixed Tzuyu shirt. They both walked back out like nothing had happened. Mia felt a part of her heart break at the sight she just witnessed. How could her Tzuyu already be in love with someone else? The fact that Tzuyu looked so happy made it hurt even more, but she tried to hide the pain as best as she could. 

The royal family all began walking out as everyone bowed. 

“It’s nice to see you all again” Siyeon said. “I hope you all enjoyed your stay here” 

“Yes we did you majesty. We had a wonderful time” Sana said. 

“That’s nice to hear. I’m sorry things didn’t go as planned, I wish I could’ve done more” she then turned to Tzuyu. “Ah Tzuyu,  daughter tells me you two went on a date? Which was a bit surprising for us to hear?” 

“Uh” Tzuyu looked between Mia and Jisun and then back at Sana. “Yes.. your majesty” 

“So what do you think of my daughter? She’s a fine young lady isn’t she?” Hendery said proudly. 

“Yes your majesty, the princess is very lovely” 

“Yes, she’s quite fond of you, you know. Isn’t she darling?” 

“Yes quite so. I am as well fond of you” Siyeon said. 

“Oh is that so” Tzuyu awkwardly said, she didn’t know where this conversation was going but she wanted nothing more than to just leave right now. 

“Yes. Mia is next in line for the throne which means she’ll need someone ruling the kingdom along with her, by her side” Siyeon said, which made everyone suprised. 

“Mom.!” Mia said with a visible blush on her cheeks. 

“It’s true. I think you’re very strong and brave Tzuyu, you’re a good person. You’d make a fine Queen someday” 

Even Jihyo and Dami were suprised at what the queen was saying. They were all speechless, Tzuyu never expected the queen to say something like that. She wasn’t even sure how to respond, she glanced towards Sana who had her eyebrows raised in shock, like the whole room was. 

“Uhm I’m really flattered, your majesty but I’m much too young to even think about marriage right now. I don’t think I’m ready” Tzuyu carefully said, she noticed Mia slump a little in her chair. 

“Well you’re welcomed to come back whenever you are ready. Isn’t that right Mia?” 

“Yes Mother, more than alright” Tzuyu could see a little hint of sadness in her eyes and voice. 

“Thank you your majesties” Tzuyu bowed. 

“Well I wish you all well on your way back home” Siyeon announced and they all bowed. 

“Thank you, your Majesty. We’ll be on our way” Jihyo said and ushered them all to start walking. 

Siyeon simply nodded as they all left the room. 

They all started walking towards the outside of the palace. The atmosphere was a little awkward until Nayeon stretched her arms and sighed. “I’m really going to miss this place” 

“Yeah, the doors were so cool. There were so many more rooms left to explore” Jeongyeon pouted. 

“Well we may get to come back if Tzuyu accepts the proposal” Elkie teased. 

“Yeah what was that all about? What even happened on that date to give them that idea?” Nayeon asked.

Tzuyu could feel Sana drilling holes in the side of her head. She didn’t necessarily want to hear what they did on the date but she was still curious about it, she’d forgotten to ask Tzuyu about it last night. 

“O-Oh well nothing really” she attached the back of her neck. “We only walked around. I don’t know where they got that marriage idea” 

“Well, anyways I hope we come back here someday real soon” Momo said. “Right Captain? Can we come back here again someday?” 

Jihyo chuckled. “I’m not sure. I thought you girls have to go back to your university” 

“When the professor’s better we will. I just hope we can come back soon” Nayeon looked at the palace and sighed. 

“Okay, well it’s time to go so get in the van girls” 

Jihyo talked to Dami for a bit while the girls all got into the van. Then after, they drove off.

Mia was first to leave the room and went up to her room. From her window she could see the group all getting into the van and driving away. 

Though Mia knew Tzuyu’s heart was already taken, she couldn’t help but want to fight for her. She felt broken when she saw the car leave, hoping one day her own princess would be back for her, to rescue her. 

“Hey” 

She turned around to find Jisun looking at her. “What?” She said with teary eyes. 

“I’ll play whatever you want to play” 

Mia smiled sadly, she knew Jisun was just trying to cheer her up. “Okay” she grabbed Jisun by the wrist. “I know a place!” She said as she pulled Jisun along with her. 

Sana and Tzuyu sat next to each other in the van with their hands intertwined. Elkie could see the duo from the rear view mirror, they were talking to each other about who knows what, both with smiles on their faces. Elkie happily smiled as she watched them.