SHADOWS OF TRUTH (JENNIE KIM FANFICTION)

40. New Beginnings

The atmosphere in HYBE's sleek boardroom was stifling, thick with tension and the faint scent of freshly brewed coffee. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of Seoul's skyline, but Y/N barely noticed. She sat at the long glass table, her hands folded tightly in her lap. Around her were the familiar faces of the HYBE executives, stoic and unreadable, and her LE SSERAFIM bandmates, their expressions ranging from supportive to concerned.

This was it—the moment everything would change.

The CEO of HYBE, a man whose presence always commanded the room, leaned forward in his chair, his fingers steepled under his chin. "Y/N," he began, his voice calm but firm. "Let's start with this: do you fully understand the magnitude of what you're saying? Do you grasp how your decision will impact not just you, but the group, the company, and your fans?"

Y/N nodded, her throat dry. "I do. And I've thought about this for a long time."

"Then explain it to us," he said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Because from where we stand, this looks impulsive, reckless even. You've built a career most people can only dream of. You're at the height of your success. Why throw that away?"

Y/N swallowed hard, her pulse pounding in her ears. She glanced at her bandmates, drawing strength from Chaewon's small, encouraging nod. Finally, she met the CEO's gaze.

"I'm not throwing it away," she said, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands. "I'm choosing myself for the first time in years."

The words hung in the air, heavy and unyielding.

"For as long as I've been in this industry, I've lived according to what other people expect of me. I've followed every rule, sacrificed my personal life, and molded myself into what the fans and the company wanted me to be. And I'm grateful for everything I've accomplished, but..." Her voice broke slightly, but she pushed through. "But somewhere along the way, I lost who I really am."

Her gaze shifted to her bandmates. "And I can't keep pretending anymore. I love this group. I love what we've built together. But I need to step away to find myself again."

The CEO leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "And Jennie Kim? Where does she fit into all of this?"

Y/N stiffened at the mention of Jennie's name, her cheeks flushing. "She's part of it, yes. But this isn't just about her. It's about me."

One of the other executives, a woman who had been silently taking notes, finally spoke. "You're aware, of course, that this will have consequences. For you, for the group, and for the company."

"I'm aware," Y/N said firmly. "And I'm willing to accept those consequences."

The CEO's lips pressed into a thin line. "You do realize the magnitude of your decision, don't you? This isn't just a personal choice. This is a business. Your departure affects contracts, promotions, sponsorships—millions of dollars in revenue."

"I know," Y/N replied, her voice unwavering. "But I can't keep living a life that isn't mine. I'm not just a brand or a product. I'm a person, and I need to live like one."

The silence that followed felt deafening. Y/N turned to her bandmates, her heart clenching as she saw the emotions on their faces.

Chaewon was the first to speak, her voice quiet but steady. "I'm proud of you, Y/N," she said. "This takes courage. And while I'm sad to see you go, I'll always support you."

Y/N felt tears prick at her eyes as she nodded. "Thank you."

Yunjin, ever the joker, tried to lighten the mood. "Guess this means I'll have to carry all the girl crush energy now," she said, forcing a smile. But the hurt in her eyes was unmistakable.