New Beginnings

The days following that conversation felt surreal for Ji-eun. It was as if the world had shifted beneath her feet, and she was now walking on a path that felt both familiar and foreign. The quiet ache in her chest remained, but there was a sense of freedom that came with it, a freedom she wasn't sure she was ready for.

She spent the next few days focusing on her training, pouring herself into the routines, the songs, and the choreography. But there was always a lingering thought in the back of her mind: What now?

Without Ji-hoon's presence as her manager, everything felt a little off balance. She had always relied on him to guide her, to make sure she stayed on track. But now, for the first time, Ji-eun had to take charge of her own destiny, and that was a scary thought.

The other trainees noticed the change in her. At first, they didn't know what to make of it. Ji-eun had always been so composed, so focused, that her sudden introspection was a stark contrast to the confident persona she had built. Her friends, especially Minji and Haeun, were the first to reach out, sensing the shift in her mood.

"Ji-eun, are you okay?" Minji asked one day during their break between sessions. "You've been acting strange lately. Is everything alright?"

Ji-eun gave her a small, reassuring smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm just thinking. You know, about everything that's happening. About where I'm going."

Minji raised an eyebrow but didn't push further. She had always respected Ji-eun's space when she needed it. Haeun, on the other hand, was more forward.

"You've been carrying a lot on your shoulders," Haeun said with a knowing look. "It's okay to lean on us, you know. We're here for you."

Ji-eun swallowed the lump in her throat, grateful for her friends' understanding. "Thanks, Haeun. I'll be okay. I just need to figure out how to move forward without Ji-hoon."

The mention of Ji-hoon seemed to linger in the air, and for a moment, Ji-eun felt the weight of the decision she had made. It was a difficult one, but it was necessary. She knew that. She had to prove to herself that she could do this on her own.

---

Later that week, Ji-eun received a message from Ji-hoon. His words were brief but filled with the warmth she had always associated with him:

Ji-hoon: "I hope you're doing okay. I'll always be here if you need advice. Keep pushing forward, Ji-eun. You've got this."

She read the message several times, feeling a mix of emotions. His words were comforting, but they also reminded her of the distance between them now. Ji-hoon had always been there for her, guiding her and offering his wisdom. But now, she was on her own. And that scared her.

At the same time, she knew this was a crucial step in her journey. Her dream of becoming an idol was no longer something she could achieve simply by following someone else's guidance. It was something she had to build for herself, brick by brick.

The following weekend, after another week of intense practice, Ji-eun took a break from the rigorous routine. She went for a walk around the campus, the cool breeze brushing her face. The campus had started to feel more like home, and she was slowly adjusting to the new rhythm of her life. But there was still a part of her that couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing.

As she passed by a small café near the university, she spotted a familiar face sitting by the window, sipping coffee. It was Ji-hoon.

Her heart skipped a beat, and before she could think twice, her feet were carrying her toward the café. She hesitated at the door, wondering if she should go inside or turn back. But something inside her pushed her forward.

The bell above the door jingled as she entered, and Ji-hoon looked up, his eyes widening in surprise when he saw her.

"Ji-eun?" he said, his voice soft but surprised. "What are you doing here?"

Ji-eun stood there for a moment, unsure of how to respond. It felt so strange to see him without the weight of her professional life hanging over them. He wasn't her manager anymore, but he still held a special place in her heart.

"I… I just needed to talk," Ji-eun said, walking toward his table. "I've been thinking a lot, about everything."

Ji-hoon gestured to the empty chair across from him. "Sit down. Let's talk."

As Ji-eun sat down, she realized just how much she missed these quiet moments with him. No agendas, no expectations—just the two of them, talking like they used to.

"I'm still figuring things out," Ji-eun said quietly, looking down at her hands. "It's hard, Ji-hoon. Not having you as my manager anymore. I don't know if I'm ready for this."

Ji-hoon smiled warmly, leaning forward slightly. "You don't have to do it alone. You've got your friends, your family, and me. Even if I'm not your manager anymore, I'll always be here to support you."

Ji-eun felt a weight lift from her shoulders. For the first time in days, she allowed herself to breathe. Ji-hoon wasn't going anywhere. He was still a part of her life, just in a different way.

"Thank you," Ji-eun whispered. "I think I needed to hear that."

They sat in silence for a moment, the quiet hum of the café around them. Ji-eun knew that there was still a long road ahead, full of challenges and uncertainties. But for the first time, she felt ready to face it all. On her own, but not alone