untitled ; 2024

caught in a crossfire

Hyun-jeong pushed open the door to the familiar café, her eyes scanning the room until she spotted Ji-yong in their usual corner. The place was bustling with the midday rush, but their corner was a quiet oasis amidst the chaos. Ji-yong was already seated, nervously fidgeting with a cup of coffee, his face a mix of concern and frustration.

"Sorry I'm late, Ji-yong. Traffic was a nightmare," Hyun-jeong said, sliding into the seat across from him. She gave him a warm smile, though her own exhaustion was evident.

"It's okay," Ji-yong replied, forcing a grin. "I've been thinking about Seung-ri. He's been driving me nuts with his attitude lately."

Hyun-jeong took a sip of her coffee, watching him with sympathetic eyes. "What's been going on?"

Ji-yong leaned back, running a hand through his hair. "He keeps messing up his lines during practice. It's like he's not even trying. We have our debut soon, and I'm worried about how things will go if he doesn't get it together."

Hyun-jeong nodded, trying to offer reassurance. "He might just be nervous. Debut preparation is tough for everyone. Remember how stressed we were?"

"Yeah, but this is different. I just wish we could go back to the way things were, when it was just me and Young-bae," Ji-yong said, his voice tinged with longing.

As Ji-yong continued to vent about Seung-ri, Hyun-jeong listened attentively, offering occasional nods and words of comfort. Ji-yong's frustration was palpable, but Hyun-jeong's presence seemed to ease some of his anxiety.

"I get it. It's like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders," Hyun-jeong said. "But you've always been resilient. You'll find a way to make it work."

Ji-yong gave a half-hearted chuckle. "I hope so. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one holding everything together."

Hyun-jeong decided to steer the conversation towards lighter memories. "Do you remember how we first met?" she asked, a nostalgic smile playing on her lips.

Ji-yong's eyes brightened with recognition. "Of course I do. That variety show we did together. You were so competitive, even as a kid."

Hyun-jeong's mind wandered back to their childhood. She could vividly recall the sunny playground where she and Ji-yong first crossed paths. They had both been participants in a lively game, their laughter ringing out as they competed. The air was filled with the energy of youthful excitement, and their playful banter had quickly turned into a genuine connection.

Young Hyun-jeong had been animated and determined, her competitive spirit evident as she faced off against Ji-yong. "You're really good at this game!" she had exclaimed, eyes sparkling with excitement.

Young Ji-yong responded with a wide grin, clearly enjoying their interaction. "Thanks! I've never met anyone who's so much fun to hang out with."

Their easy camaraderie and mutual respect had forged a bond that had only grown stronger over the years.

As the flashback faded, Hyun-jeong's smile lingered. "We really hit it off right from the start," Ji-yong said, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "It's hard to believe how far we've come."

As the conversation shifted back to the present, Ji-yong's expression grew serious again. "Honestly, I've always felt more comfortable in a duo. Working with Young-bae was amazing. Being in a group... it's different. I don't know if I'm cut out for this."

Hyun-jeong reached across the table, placing a comforting hand on his. "It's understandable. Sometimes, smaller teams just click better. But you'll get through this. You always do."

Ji-yong sighed, his shoulders relaxing a bit. "I just wish things were simpler. It feels like everything is so complicated right now."

As they finished their coffee, Hyun-jeong and Ji-yong stood up to leave, their conversation having eased some of Ji-yong's worries. Hyun-jeong gave him a reassuring hug before they parted ways.

"I'm really proud of you, Ji-yong. No matter how tough things get, you're going to do great," Hyun-jeong said, her voice filled with genuine warmth.

"Thanks, Hyun-jeong. I don't know what I'd do without you," Ji-yong replied, his gratitude evident.

As they went their separate ways, the weight of their respective challenges seemed a little lighter. Their friendship, tested and strengthened over the years, remained a source of unwavering support amidst the uncertainties of their careers.

The next morning, Hyun-jeong's peaceful start was abruptly shattered when Eunhyuk barged into her room. The sound of the door slamming against the wall jolted her awake, and she looked up, startled, to see Eunhyuk standing in the doorway, a serious expression on his face.

"Hyun-jeong, you won't believe what's all over the news!" Eunhyuk's voice was a mix of urgency and disbelief.

Groggy and disoriented, Hyun-jeong rubbed her eyes and pushed herself up from bed. "What are you talking about?" she asked, her voice thick with sleep.

Eunhyuk handed her his phone, where the screen displayed the latest news blog. The headline screamed: "Mystery Man Spotted with K-Pop Idol Hyun-jeong!"

The article recounted how an unnamed source had seen Hyun-jeong entering a café with a man. The source described their interaction, noting, "They seemed too close to be labeled as friends," but the man's identity remained a mystery.

Hyun-jeong's heart sank as she read the words. How did this happen? she wondered, feeling a pang of confusion. She had taken care to keep her meet-up with Ji-yong discreet. The café had been chosen specifically for its low profile.

Eunhyuk's expression softened with concern. "I thought you were careful. This is blowing up everywhere. The company wants to see you."

The mention of her manager's involvement snapped her into focus. "Oh no, this is bad," she muttered, quickly dressing and heading to the company with Eunhyuk.

At the company office, Young-joon awaited her in his office, his face a mask of professionalism mixed with worry. As Hyun-jeong entered, he gestured for her to sit.

"Hyun-jeong, we need to address this situation immediately," Young-joon said, his tone firm but understanding. "The rumour has already caused quite a stir. We need to clarify the situation before it escalates further."

Hyun-jeong took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "I met my bestfriend yesterday for a catch-up. We've been friends since childhood. There's nothing romantic between us. I thought I was being discreet, but clearly, that didn't work out."

Young-joon nodded, taking notes. "We'll issue a statement clarifying the nature of your relationship with him. It's important to address this head-on to avoid any further speculation."

Hyun-jeong felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Thank you, manager oppa. I appreciate your help with this."

As she left the office, she felt a renewed sense of determination. The damage had been done, but with her manager's support and a clear explanation, she hoped to put the rumour to rest and move forward with her career.

The day had been challenging, but Hyun-jeong's resilience and the strength of her friendships would help her navigate through the storm, just as they always had.