Crossroads

The morning after Ji-eun's revelation, the weight of her situation pressed down on her. She had always been prepared to face the challenges of fame, but this new chapter was one she hadn't anticipated.

Ji-eun sat on the edge of her bed, staring blankly at her reflection in the mirror. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions—fear, confusion, and a faint glimmer of hope.

Ji-hoon knocked lightly before stepping into her room. He carried a tray with breakfast and a cup of tea, his expression warm and reassuring. "You need to eat," he said softly, placing the tray on the nightstand.

Ji-eun nodded but didn't move. "Ji-hoon, what if this ruins everything? What if the agency finds out and…" Her voice trailed off.

Ji-hoon crouched in front of her, his eyes meeting hers. "We'll figure this out together. Your dream doesn't have to end because of this. We'll find a way to make it work."

---

That afternoon, Ji-eun decided to meet with her bandmates to discuss the situation more openly. They gathered in the practice room, the atmosphere heavy but supportive.

"This doesn't change anything for us," Soo-min said firmly. "We're a team, and we'll stand by you no matter what."

Hye-jin grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "Besides, we'll be the coolest aunties when the time comes."

The others laughed, and for the first time in days, Ji-eun felt a sense of relief. She wasn't alone in this.

---

However, the agency was another matter entirely. Ji-eun and Ji-hoon knew they couldn't keep the news hidden forever. They scheduled a private meeting with the company's CEO, bracing themselves for the worst.

The CEO listened quietly as Ji-eun explained her situation, her voice steady despite the nervous tremble in her hands. When she finished, he leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable.

"This is…unexpected," he said finally. "But Ji-eun, you're one of the most promising talents we've seen in years. We want to support you, but this will require careful handling."

Ji-hoon immediately jumped in. "We'll work with the agency to manage this. Ji-eun's career doesn't have to suffer because of her personal life."

The CEO nodded thoughtfully. "Let's keep this under wraps for now and focus on the group's debut. Once you're established, we can address this publicly in a way that protects your image."

---

The days that followed were a delicate balancing act. Ji-eun poured herself into rehearsals, determined to prove that she could handle both her personal and professional responsibilities. Ji-hoon was by her side every step of the way, his unwavering support giving her strength.

One evening, after an intense practice session, Ji-eun and Ji-hoon took a quiet walk around the campus. The air was crisp, and the stars above twinkled like tiny beacons of hope.

"Ji-hoon," Ji-eun said softly, slipping her hand into his. "Thank you for staying by my side through all of this. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Ji-hoon stopped walking and turned to face her. "You don't have to thank me, Ji-eun. I love you, and I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

His words brought tears to Ji-eun's eyes. For the first time in weeks, she allowed herself to feel a sense of peace.