I'll Always Be There [Eunbi×Sungyoon]

9: Iz*one

The finals. It was what everyone was waiting for. He was so proud of Eunbi was surviving up to the last episode. He knew it wasn't easy; the mental and physical exhaustion was enough to make someone crack under the pressure.

That night, all the members were gathered in front of the television in support of their fellow trainees. At this point, there was only Chaewon and Eunbi left, he hoped they would both make it together. If he was really honest, he was worried for her. He was aware that many had criticized her for being greedy by taking the main vocal part and pushing Chowon who was also main vocal material to the lowest vocal position. He had no idea if that was going to affect her rank, not to mention that she was on the brink of elimination the last ranking at 12th which was a risky place to be.

Why did they always have to create so much suspense before revealing the results? It seemed to drag on and on, his heart couldn't take this!

He could tell that Eunbi was very nervous and he understood why. Since there had been no official confirmation as to whether Woollim was going to debut her in their next group and she was nearing her mid-twenties, her parents had given her an ultimatum; if she didn't debut by the time she was 25, she had to stop being a trainee and give up her dreams.

"Sungyoon ah, there's something I need to tell you."

"What is it?"

"I... I might have to quit being a trainee."

"What? Why?"

"I went home for dinner with my family last night and we had another argument. They were frustrated because I'm already 24 but I'm still training together with kids who are as young as 12 like our Dahyunie. They think I'm wasting my life away by chasing a dream that may never become a reality. They're worried because I'm behind everyone my age. I should have already gone to university, gotten a degree and a job but I have done none of that. I dropped out from college to chase my dreams and look where that has gotten me." She sighed heavily, running her hand through her hair.

He didn't know what to say. There wasn't anything he could do but try to encourage her. He couldn't convince her parents that she would debut, there was no guarantees in this industry. There was nothing he could do to convince the company to debut her faster either. They were at the mercy of the CEO which sucked. They wouldn't care if she was racing against time, they had so many other trainees to choose from if she left. To them, trainees were insignificant pawns.

"I'm sorry."

That was the only thing he could think of to say.

"I don't want to give up. I've been working towards this for so many years... I can't give up now." Her voice cracked.

He couldn't see her expression as she was looking down and her hair covered her face, but he knew she was crying. He watched as a single tear rolled off her face and dripped onto the ground.

"It's going to be okay. You have one last shot at debuting. Produce 48, you have to do it. If you work hard enough, I'm sure people will notice your talent and vote for you. You're the whole package, dancing, singing, visuals... but most importantly, you have a beautiful heart and the most selfless person I know. People will see that and appreciate you for the amazing person you are."

He wrapped her in a hug, rubbing her back as her tiny frame shook. She felt so small to him at that moment and a surge of protectiveness filled him. He wished he could protect her from the world and make her happy, but he knew that wasn't possible. He just hoped that things would work out for her and that she would get the success she deserved. Either way, he would always be there for her.