Music Unites Us | Haely

Chapter Sixteen: Flower Shop Owner

In the days following JYP Entertainment's official statement, Lily found herself grappling with the aftermath. Despite the company's efforts to address the rumors and protect her privacy, the media remained relentless. Various negative comments about her relationship swirled online, and although Lily tried not to take them to heart, it was hard not to feel the weight of public scrutiny.

Lily's daily routine was a mix of media obligations and private turmoil. She had hoped the official statement would quell the rumors, but it seemed to have the opposite effect. Each time she checked her social media, her notifications were flooded with a mixture of support and criticism. Some fans expressed their undying support, while others felt betrayed, questioning her choices and her dedication to her career.

Haewon, on the other hand, kept herself busy with work. But every free moment she had, she spent it reassuring Lily. They would have long phone calls where Haewon would remind her of the bigger picture and their shared dreams. Despite her own feelings of frustration with the public's intrusion, Haewon remained a pillar of strength for Lily.

On particularly tough days, Haewon would visit Lily's apartment. They'd cook together, an activity that had become their shared escape. The kitchen became their haven where they could temporarily forget the outside world. They would laugh, talk about their favorite recipes, and enjoy each other's company. These moments were a stark contrast to the chaos outside, reminding them of the simplicity and beauty of their relationship.

Lily's friends played a crucial role in lifting her spirits. They visited often, bringing comfort food and sharing light-hearted stories to make her laugh. They were there to remind her that she wasn't defined by the negative comments of strangers, but by the love and support of those who truly knew her.

Bae's POV

I was at a cafe with Sullyoon, enjoying the time we spent together as our relationship had grown stronger since our first lunch date. We had met several times, going out to eat or sometimes having meals at my apartment, where I would often cook—a skill I prided myself on. But Sullyoon, with her dark, straight hair and warm demeanor, was a formidable opponent in the kitchen. We had found common ground in our love for cooking.

As we sipped our drinks, I asked Sullyoon about Lily's condition. Of course, I had been following the news about the singer and my friend, Haewon. Lily had become a friend of mine too. Sullyoon told me that Lily had been quite disturbed in the past few days by the comments related to the news of her relationship. However, Sullyoon and JYP Entertainment were providing moral support to Lily. Sullyoon was confident that her friend and ward would navigate this issue well.

Sullyoon also shared that Lily had only a few more events to attend before being granted a nearly month-long break by the company. Sullyoon was grateful for the company's decision, not only because of the current issue but also due to Lily's extremely packed schedule since the end of last year. Sullyoon wanted to give Lily some much-needed space to rest.

Sullyoon's concern for Lily was evident in her voice. She spoke of how Lily had been working tirelessly, and this break was long overdue. Despite the turmoil, Sullyoon's faith in Lily's resilience was unwavering. She believed that with the right support, Lily would come out of this stronger and ready to face whatever came next.

As I listened, I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Sullyoon's dedication. It was clear that she cared deeply for Lily, not just as her manager but as a close friend. Her determination to support Lily through thick and thin was inspiring. I made a mental note to reach out to Haewon and let her know that she wasn't alone in this. We were all in this together, and we'd do whatever it took to help our friends through this difficult time.