Kep1er 999! One-shot collections [Slow Update]

Holding onto you - YeDaz

Prepare your tissue 🤧
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It was a quiet evening in the practice room, Kep1er just finished their last Japanese concert as nine and was granted a short holiday so no one came here except Dayeon. The fluorescent lights above hummed softly as she sat cross-legged on the floor, a quiet heaviness in the air. She was in deep thought, reminiscing her times with the eight members. A single tear has rolled down her cheek as she quietly wipe it off.

Yeseo, on the other hand thought of coming for a clearer look of the same practice room she used over the past two years and a half for the last time. Upon arriving, she saw Dayeon was there. The younger girl didn't miss how her unnie was silently wiping her tears away. She stood by the door with her bag slung over her shoulder for a while, she took a deep breath before knocking on the doorframe, making her presence known to the older.

The time had come—her d-day of departing from *Kep1er* was just hours away. The group's journey was coming to an end for her, and it felt surreal.

It was no secret to the group after that decision. After the news of contract renewal revealed, Dayeon had noticed the subtle changes in Yeseo's demeanor over the last few weeks. There were less jokes, rare teasing, no spontaneous laughter like before. Yeseo had been more quiet, more reflective, and Dayeon knew it was because she was preparing herself to say goodbye.

"Yeseo," Dayeon said softly, her voice carrying a mixture of concern and care. "Never thought you'd come here."

Yeseo walked towards her, her eyes a little red from the emotions she had been holding in. She smiled weakly, but it was a bittersweet smile, one that held a thousand unsaid words. "I want to capture how home look like," she replied quietly enough for Dayeon to hear it, walking slowly towards the older and sitting down beside her. "It's just... it's time. I was thinking of using the remaining times to the best because I don't know if I can ever come back here."

The silence that followed was heavy. Dayeon could feel her own heart tightening in her chest. She'd always admired Yeseo's strength, but this was a different kind of strength—one born from facing difficult decisions, one that carried so much weight.

Dayeon swallowed, trying to keep her voice steady. "I don't want you to go. You're a huge part of *Kep1er*, Yeseo. As our baby maknae, you've brought so much light and energy to all of us. It's going to be different without you and Shiro-unnie."

Yeseo's eyes softened as she turned to face Dayeon, her hand reaching out to gently rest on Dayeon's. "I know. And that's what makes this so hard. I'm going to miss you all so much too, unnie. But I don't want to hold anyone back from growing,"

Dayeon looked down at their hands, trying to control the emotions threatening to spill out. "You've helped us grow too, though. You've been with us through all the highs and lows... you've made us better. You're not holding anyone back."

Yeseo let out a small, bittersweet laugh. "I know, unnie. But the girls over there need me and Shiro-unnie too. And sometimes, I think it's my time to step aside so all of us could grow. It's hard, but I'm looking forward to what I can do next after this."

There was a pause before Dayeon spoke again, her voice quieter this time. "I'm scared, Yeseo. Scared that... we won't be the same. That *Kep1er* won't be the same without you. It's just not going to feel the same."

Yeseo squeezed Dayeon's hand softly, her smile tender. "It'll still be *Kep1er*. We all are a family, and no matter what happens, that doesn't change. The bond we have will always be there. And even if I'm not with you physically, I'll still be cheering for you every step of the way."

Dayeon turned to face her, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I don't know how to say goodbye. I don't want to do it." Dayeon looked down not wanting the younger to see her tears.

Yeseo's eyes softened with understanding, and she pulled Dayeon into a gentle hug. The younger girl held onto her tightly, not wanting to let go. "You don't have to say goodbye yet," Yeseo murmured into her hair. "Not really. We don't have to make it final. Just... until we see each other again, okay?"

Dayeon closed her eyes, clinging to the warmth of Yeseo's embrace. "Until we see each other again," she echoed, trying to steady her breath. The thought of never sharing the same stage, the same moments with Yeseo again made her heart ache, but she knew deep down that this was a part of life—people need to grow, paths diverge, but the memories and the love they shared would never fade.

Yeseo pulled away just enough to look into Dayeon's eyes. "And remember... I'll always be here for you, unnie. No matter what. If you need anything, if you ever feel lost or unsure, you know I'll always have your back."

Dayeon nodded, the words sinking deep into her heart. "I'll miss you so much. Please don't forget about us."

"Never," Yeseo replied softly, her voice full of sincerity. "You're all in my heart, always."

The room was filled with a quiet, comforting silence after that, as the two of them sat together, lost in their thoughts but knowing that, despite the parting, they'd carry a piece of each other forward.

Dayeon wasn't sure if she was ready to face the world without Yeseo beside her, but she knew one thing for sure—Yeshiro's departure from the group didn't mean the end. It was just another chapter in their story, one they'd continue to write, no matter the distance between them.

With one last, lingering look, Yeseo stood up, taking a deep breath. "Well, I guess it's my cue to go now," she said with a soft smile. "But I'll see you soon, right?"

Dayeon stood up with her, hugging Yeseo one more time, this time a little more tightly. "See you soon," she whispered. "And thank you. For everything. Yeseo-ah."

As Yeseo stepped toward the door, she turned back one last time, her eyes shining with unshed tears, but her smile was strong and full of love. "I'll always be cheering for you and the other unnies. I'll never forget the moments we've shared."

With that, Yeseo left, and Dayeon stood alone in the practice room, feeling both a deep sense of loss and an overwhelming sense of gratitude. They'd shared something special, something that would remain with her, no matter what. As the door clicked shut, Dayeon whispered to herself, "Until we see each other again."

And somewhere, Yeseo, too, whispered those same words in her heart.

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W/N
1st attempt of this pair.
And I'm sorry for the angst because I haven't move on yet :(((
This chapter was inspire by their moment on 'Daisy' encore stage at the last concert. That hug was heart-wrenching for me.

Thank you always to everyone of you who are still with this story.
Have a great time reading!
Till next times~