Our Old Manager.

What She Couldn't Say.

Next week. Y/N could feel it in everything.

In the way Daniela spoke about the places she still wanted to visit. In the way she started mentioning the things she would miss about Seoul. In the way ordinary moments had begun to feel strangely precious.

The decision itself was no longer the difficult part.

Y/N had made it. She was going with Daniela but the younger simply didn't know that yet. Before she could tell her, there were a few people Y/N needed to prepare.

Jinho was the first.

Y/N found him behind the café counter, sorting through a pile of receipts with an expression that suggested he had already lost an argument with the paperwork.

"Jinho oppa." She called out. He looked up and asked her what she needed. "I'm leaving Seoul." He stared at her. "You're joking."

"No." Y/N shook her head with a thin smile on her lips. His hands slowly lowered the receipts. "Okay. That's not what I expected you to say." Y/N leaned against the counter. "Daniela's programme ends next week. She's going back to the States." Jinho watched her face. "And you're thinking about going too?"

Y/N gave him a small smile. "Something like that." He let out a quiet breath. "You've really thought this through, haven't you?"

"More than once."

He nodded, absorbing it then his expression softened. "You're going to be missed around here." Y/N smiled. "By you?"

"Don't get sentimental." She laughed. Jinho came around the counter and pulled her into a brief hug. "Just remember us when you're famous in America."

"I'm already famous here, remember?" Y/N joked. "Sure you are." Jinho gave a nudge and gave her another look. "Now go tell Nayeon before she finds out from someone else."

"She already knows."

"Of course she does." Jinho was not surprised.

Kwangjoo found out after closing. The café was quiet, chairs pushed against tables while the last of the lights remained on. Y/N stood beside him as he checked the doors. "I wanted to tell you something."

He glanced at her. "Go ahead."

"I'm preparing to leave Seoul."

Kwangjoo's hand paused on the lock. "For Daniela?" Y/N nodded. "She'll be returning home when the programme ends."

"And you've decided to follow her?" Y/N looked toward the empty café. "I've been thinking about it." Kwangjoo didn't answer immediately. He knew Y/N well enough to recognize when thinking really meant deciding.

"You've built this place from the ground up," He said quietly.

"I know."

"And you're willing to step away from it?" He asked. "For a while." He gave her a thoughtful look. "Then make sure you leave it in good hands." Y/N smiled, "I have Nayeon."

"Exactly." A small smile crossed his face.

Jihyo's reaction was considerably less calm. They were sitting together when Y/N slipped the news into the conversation.

"I might be leaving Seoul soon."

Jihyo nearly dropped her drink. "Excuse me?" Y/N laughed. "You heard me!"

"I definitely heard you. I'm just hoping I heard you wrong."

Y/N explained.

Daniela's programme.

Next week and the possibility of leaving alongside her.

Jihyo listened without interrupting this time. When Y/N finished, she leaned back. "So this is serious." Y/N nodded. Jihyo smiled faintly. "You've been happier lately." Y/N looked down. "Have I?"