Serendipity

Chapter Thirteen

Hongjoong's POV

I shouldn't have handled that conversation the way I did with Jennifer, but I couldn't handle the thought of her with someone else, so I went ahead and did it. I knew someone's feelings would be hurt, and I knew it would be either me or Wooyoung. I had to preserve the band and as Ateez's leader, I wondered if I needed to step aside.

I couldn't handle the thought of Jennifer being with someone else, so I took matters into my own hands and tried to make her feel the same way about me. I knew that I was doing the wrong thing, but I couldn't help myself. I had to try and make her mine, even if it meant sacrificing my own feelings.

But I realized that I couldn't win her over, no matter how hard I tried. She didn't feel the same way about me, and she never would. I had to face the fact that I was never going to be with her, and I had to move on.

I knew that I had to focus on the band and my career, and I had to put my personal life on hold. I couldn't let my feelings hinder my success, and I had to be strong.

I would have to tell jennifer to do what she wishes and I would back off. She have to stay my employee and she could be happy pursuing whoever she wished.

The next day, as we gathered in the practice room, I tried to act normal. I knew that everyone could feel the tension in the air, but I refused to let it affect our practice session. We had a comeback to prepare for, and we needed to be focused.

As we ran through the new choreography, my gaze kept drifting towards Jennifer. She seemed to be handling everything well, her professional demeanor never faltering. But I could see the hurt in her eyes whenever she glanced my way. I knew that if I didn't put an end to this awkward situation soon, it would damage our working relationship.

When practice wrapped up, I decided it was time to finally have a proper conversation with Jennifer. "Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?" I asked her hesitantly.

"Sure," she replied, her voice guarded but polite.

We stepped out of the practice room and found a quiet corner where we could talk privately. Taking a deep breath, I mustered up my courage and started speaking.

"Jennifer, I wanted to apologize for how I've been acting lately," I began. "I know I've been pushing you away and making everything awkward between us. And that wasn't fair to you."

She looked at me intently but didn't say anything right away. "Hongjoong, you don't have to apologize," she finally said softly, "I understand why you reacted the way you did."

"But it doesn't make it right," I insisted. "I have no claim over your happiness, and it was wrong of me to try and control who you interact with outside of work."

Jennifer looked down at her feet and sighed. "You're right," she admitted quietly. "But despite your flaws... and this whole situation... there's still a part of me that cares for you."

Hearing those words made my heart ache even more than before. I wanted so badly to reach out and hold her, but I knew that wasn't an option. I had to let her go – for both our sakes, and for the sake of ATEEZ.

"Jennifer," I said slowly, "I care for you too. But please believe me when I say that my ultimate

priority is the well-being of ATEEZ and our success. That means I need to keep my distance from you, at least on a personal level."

Jennifer nodded solemnly, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I understand," she whispered.

"And one more thing," I continued, trying to keep my voice steady. "You are free to pursue whatever personal relationships you want. You don't need my permission or approval, as long as it doesn't interfere with your work."