Crazy Little Thing called LOVE

Chapter 29 HIATUS

                                                      

The conference room at the SM Entertainment headquarters was filled with a tense atmosphere as the members of Red Velvet, Seulgi, their CEO, and Seulgi's mother gathered for a crucial meeting. Seulgi, though still recovering from her recent  surgery, had a determined look on her face. Her mother stood beside her, a silent pillar of support.

CEO Lee, a stern yet compassionate figure in the K-pop industry, took a deep breath before addressing the group. "I've called this meeting to discuss Seulgi's health and her future with Red Velvet."

Seulgi's heart raced as she knew what was coming. She had anticipated this conversation ever since her surgery.

CEO Lee continued, "Seulgi's recent surgery was a success, and we are grateful for that. However, her journey to full recovery is going to be a long one. After consulting with her doctors, we have come to a difficult decision."

Seulgi nodded, her eyes locked on her CEO. She knew that this was the only choice, the one that would ensure her long-term health.

"We have decided that Seulgi will need to go on a hiatus for at least six months," CEO Lee announced.

The room fell into a heavy silence. Seulgi's eyes welled up with tears, but she blinked them away, determined not to show any weakness. She had expected this, but the reality of it still stung.

Wendy, Joy, and Yeri exchanged glances, their expressions filled with a mixture of sadness and understanding. They had been prepared for this decision as well, but it didn't make it any easier to accept.

Irene, however, couldn't hold back her emotions. She stared at Seulgi with a pained expression, her heart aching at the thought of her being absent for such a long time. She couldn't help but wonder if her feelings for Seulgi went beyond friendship, but now was not the time to confront that uncertainty.

CEO Lee continued, "We will be announcing Seulgi's hiatus to the public, along with the news of her successful surgery. We want to be transparent with our fans and assure them that Seulgi's health is our top priority."

Seulgi's mother stepped forward, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you, CEO Lee, for taking care of my daughter. Her health means everything to me."

CEO Lee nodded, a rare softness in his gaze. "Seulgi is a valuable member of Red Velvet, and we will do everything in our power to ensure she returns to the group in the best possible condition."

With the announcement made, the company swiftly prepared a press release. The news of Seulgi's successful surgery and her upcoming hiatus spread like wildfire in the K-pop community. Fans from all over the world expressed their relief and support on social media, sending messages of love and encouragement to Seulgi.

The official Red Velvet fan page was flooded with heartfelt comments:

"Seulgi, take all the time you need to recover. We'll be here waiting for you. ❤️" "Our Seulgi is a fighter! We love you, and we're so relieved you're okay. 💪❤️" "Sending all our love and prayers to Seulgi. We'll miss you, but your health comes first. 🙏❤️"

While the fans poured their love and support, the members of Red Velvet grappled with the reality of Seulgi's absence. They knew it was for the best, but it didn't make it any easier to accept.

Irene, in particular, found herself staring at Seulgi's empty spot during rehearsals and interviews. Her thoughts were in turmoil. She couldn't decipher whether her feelings for Seulgi were those of a sisterly bond or something more profound. She had always cared deeply for Seulgi, but now, with her absence, those feelings were thrown into sharp relief. But her current relationship with her boyfriend was in her way to think about her feelings about Seulgi.

One day, as the group prepared for a photo shoot, Irene couldn't contain her inner turmoil any longer. She stepped away from the others, finding solace in the quiet corner of the studio. Her eyes remained fixated on an empty chair where Seulgi should have been sitting.

Seulgi's mother, who had been watching Irene closely, approached her with a gentle smile. "Irene, you miss her, don't you?"

Irene sighed, her shoulders slumping. "More than I ever thought I would."

Seulgi's mother sat down beside Irene, her voice gentle and understanding. "You and Seulgi have always been close. It's natural to feel her absence deeply."

Irene hesitated before speaking her thoughts out loud. "I just can't figure out if it's because she's my best friend, or if it's something... more."

Seulgi's mother placed a comforting hand on Irene's shoulder. "Sometimes, the heart knows what it wants, even when the mind is uncertain. Maybe it's time to explore those feelings."

Irene looked up at Seulgi's mother, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you for understanding, and for being there for Seulgi. She's lucky to have you as her mother."

Seulgi's mother smiled warmly. "And you, Irene, have always been like a daughter to me as well. We'll get through this hiatus together, and when Seulgi returns, she'll have a stronger and more united Red Velvet waiting for her."

The chapter ends with Irene and Seulgi's mother sharing a moment of understanding and support. As Seulgi's hiatus begins, both the fans and the members of Red Velvet embark on a journey of patience, love, and self-discovery.

"In the absence of one heart, others may find the courage to reveal their own."