A Goodbye, Filled With Sorrow

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The next morning, I woke before Han, my heart heavy with the decision I had made during a sleepless night. He looked peaceful as he slept, the faint lines of worry from the past few days temporarily smoothed away. I resisted the urge to reach out and brush his hair from his face, knowing it might wake him.

I didn't want him to wake up—not yet. Not before I left.

Quietly, I slipped out of bed and began getting ready for a painful goodbye. This wasn't a decision I was making lightly, but I knew it was the only way to protect him. By the time I finished, the sun was just starting to rise. My hands trembled as I folded the small note to leave on the dining table:

Han:

Please don't be upset with my decision—it's one I made with a full heart. Supporting you and loving you has brought me more happiness than I ever thought possible. I'd make this choice endlessly, over and over again, just to share this life with you.

I fought back tears as I quietly closed the door behind me.

Later that day, Han walked into the meeting with management, his jaw set and determination etched into every line of his face. I wasn't there to see it, but I could imagine the tension in the room, the way his presence demanded attention.

"What's this about?" he asked, his voice clipped.

One of the executives cleared his throat, sliding a folder across the table. "Before we get into anything else, you should know Y/N resigned from her position as a backup dancer this morning."

The words hit Han like a punch to the gut. He stared at them, his mind racing. "She...what?"

"She contacted us directly," the executive continued, "and explained her decision. She felt it was best for the team and your career if she stepped back. We've accepted her resignation."

Han's hands clenched into fists at his sides. "You just let her quit? After everything she's done for this company?" His voice was rising, but he didn't care. "She's one of the best dancers we've ever had."

Another executive raised a hand, trying to calm him. "We recognize her talent, Han. In fact, we've decided to offer her a new opportunity—one that aligns better with her skills and avoids any further complications."

"What opportunity?" Han demanded, his anger barely tempered.

"She's been offered a chance to debut with a girl group under JYP Entertainment," the executive said, meeting Han's fiery gaze. "Her resignation as a backup dancer won't end her career. If anything, this could be the next big step for her."

Han sank into his chair, his emotions a whirlwind. Relief that Y/N wouldn't lose everything she had worked for mixed with frustration that she had felt the need to sacrifice her current position for his sake.

Meanwhile, I sat in the corner of a dance studio, staring at the email confirming my contract termination. The words blurred on the screen, but I didn't need to reread them to know what they said. I had made the choice to put Han first, even if it meant letting go of the role I had fought so hard to earn.

But the next email had been an unexpected surprise. JYP Entertainment had offered me a spot in their upcoming girl group. My hands shook as I read through the details: auditions, training schedules, and a contract that would make me a trainee once again—this time with the possibility of debuting.

Part of me was furious at myself for feeling even a shred of excitement. I hadn't made this decision to advance my career; I had done it to protect Han. But now, staring at this opportunity, I couldn't help but feel a spark of hope. But was this what I wanted? I've never really tried my shot at singing even though I've had some compliments here and there from family when I was young.

JYP mentioned that I should start vocal training straight away if I wanted a sliver of a chance of debuting, but what if I wasn't cut out for my face being on the big screen? I am a talented dancer but what if being an idol isn't what I am supposed to do?

My mind began racing, knowing I needed to make a decision quickly. Suddenly, my phone buzzed, and I glanced at the screen. It was Han.

I hesitated before answering. "Hey," I said softly.

"Why didn't you tell me?" His voice was quiet, but I could hear the emotion behind it. "Y/N, why didn't you let me fight for you?"

"Because you've already fought enough," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "This was my decision, Han. You shouldn't have to choose between your career and your personal life."

"You didn't have to give up everything," he said, his voice cracking. "They told me about debuting. Is that what you want? Idol life isn't something you commit to on a whim Y/N. I need you to be very sure you are ready to give up lots of personal space for this lifestyle."

I swallowed hard, unsure how to answer. "I don't know. Maybe. I just... I couldn't let them force you to make sacrifices because of me."

"Y/N," he said, his voice softening, "you didn't have to go through this alone. We're supposed to be a team."

"We are," I whispered, tears slipping down my cheeks. "But sometimes, being a team means making the hard choices for each other."

There was a long silence on the other end of the line before he finally spoke. "I just want you to be happy. Whatever you decide, I'll be here. Always."

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