Eric Nam: The American Maknae: Book 2

Long Awaited Closure

December 2015

Super Junior continued to move after the departures of Sungmin, Shindong, Siwon, Donghae, and Eunhyuk. To fill up the missing gaps, Zhoumi and Henry joined in taking the place for the missing members. It was nearly half of the original lineup, but despite that, the boys showed they were veterans in the game. Just a month ago they celebrated their ten-year anniversary on their YouTube channel. They each got retell their memories in the past decade, their embarrassing moments, moments that made them laugh or cry, lessons learned, and what hope they have for the future.

Eric Nam who was seventeen was now approaching his thirties. Part of him was happy to be the baby, but another missed those simpler when just about every ajumma would treat him with affection. They were now the oldest amongst their peers, idols who were debuting were mere children when Super Junior first stepped into the scene.

They performed Mamacita and Devil with wonderful reception. Elfs in the background were holding banners of the members. Even postcards were glued into their support. Eric Nam could now move forward in peace after the fiasco with MBC. They agreed to cancel their segment which ended with a "farewell ceremony". Fans notice the change in atmosphere as Seohyun was noticeably sad.

Eric Nam used this time to take a momentary break from the entertainment industry to focus on his personal relationship. With 2ne1's uncertain future, Eric decided to make up for lost time. He gave her lots of love and affection. Rumors of cheating arose from a clip of Eric Nam embracing another girl which was later to be confirmed Ailee.

SM issues a statement defending him by saying it was part of an upcoming commercial shoot in New York and that they respect the privacy of their idols. This however did not completely dispel the rumors.

And so to finally put an end to the drama for good Eric Nam stepped forward to give out a speech.

"Umm... Annyeong y'all. I've had a great time today with everyone. I got to meet all the new rookies this year congratulations on debuting. I just want to say gamsahabnida Elfs from the bottom of my heart. To make it a decade was not easy. We went through hardships, but these hardships are what makes us stronger as people. Now as an idol in my mid-twenties, I hope to enjoy the moment I have right now with my friends, with my family, and most importantly with my fans the Nam Nation. Before I finish off, there is something important I would like to say." Eric Nam cleared his throat and gathered his thoughts.

"I think I owe everyone an apology for how disingenuous I acted. To tell the truth I have not been honest with myself. There are people I cared so deeply that I kept my personal feelings hidden so they couldn't get hurt, little did I knew I was hurting those close to me.

Seohyun, the girl that I watch grow up from an innocent teenager to now a beautiful young woman. I am proud as a fellow sunbae to see you blossom. I'm now aware of the feelings you have for me. It took me so many years to realize that truth. Mianhe, mianhe for causing you so much pain and confusion. You have loved me with all your might, but my heart belongs to someone else. Don't feel like your life is over. I know for a fact there is a man out there for you, who will love you much better than I have. I don't blame you at all for this, but I do hold MBC accountable for dragging the both of us in this fake reality TV show. You didn't deserve to be misled the way you have. I sincerely hope they will reflect on the harm they caused. I will always cherish you Seohyun as my youngest sister.

To my real yeobo, the person who is the most beautiful a man could ever ask for. We've had so many nice memories as we both got accustomed to our roles as idols. We may come from rival companies, but you will always be my best friend, partner, lover, my one and only, Ailee... Saranghaeyo. I hope you can forgive me for all the pain I have put your through. The more I was away, the more I kept you in my heart. I was hurting, a lot. I could feel your absence when you're not hear. Never again will that ever happen. From now I will do my best to be your perfect boyfriend, not just an idol, but as simply Nam Yoondo, a man of God raised on sweet tea and apple pie. Will you be my girlfriend again?" By this point the audience was left flabbergasted and in tears. Of those crying the most was Seohyun and Ailee, important women in his life who were recovering from pain.

He then walked to where Ailee was seated and kneeled down.

"Saranghaeyo Ailee-ah. I love you with all of my heart will you please forgive me?" Eric asked facing directly at her.

Ailee was so overwhelmed by emotions, but she stood up embracing his hand.

"I forgive you oppa... Please stay with me every single day." She caressed his face before her lips met his. For a straight minute he kissed her lips. The cameras capture an intimate moment of two heartbroken people coming back together. This would even overshadow whatever Super Junior did that day. It didn't matter what people thought of them, what mattered was Ailee was by his side. Seohyun already left, devastated but understanding of her situation.

Tiffany and Taeyeon comforted her for the remainder of the day. While Eric left the Mama's holding Ailee by the hand. It was done, the public was now aware that Eric Nam was in relationship. He said nothing else even as the paparazzi tried asking him questions. His face remained impassive, feeling particularly drained.

Later on Christmas Day, Eric Nam celebrated with only Ailee. He hugged her, kissed her, embraced her. It was a kind of love never felt before. He truly desires to do more but his Christian conscious told him he should wait. They went to church to celebrate the nativity of the Son of God who sacrificed his life for everyone's salvation. In a way this instilled him hope that things will be brighter.

As the church bells rang on Christmas Day, Eric Nam embraced her kissing her.

"Saranghaeyo for saving me Ailee-ah. I would have never been able to move forward without you. Let's proclaim to God that 2016 will be a year of joy because he promised us we will. Whether we're no longer idols or not does not matter. You will always be my Ailee." Eric Nam embraced her side as the couple went home to rest.