In Another Lifetime

Goodbyes

"I'll try..." he breathed, "because it is. Being with you now is worth any amount of pain I'll have to endure."

~♡~

Today was my last day. The fact that I had to work made it that much worse. I knew the day would fly by.

Taehyung seemed extra quiet, stressed and anxious. The guys gave him his space, knowing that it wasn't a day to try to make him feel better.

They were practicing today, and that was the extent of their schedule. They would practice, stop for lunch, and practice some more, until it was time to go home. They didn't often stop for dinner, preferring to wait until they got home, and eating there if they felt like it.

We had decided that I would stay with Tae tonight in his room. It made more sense for him to wake up there, instead of in my apartment, alone. He would need the guys. He knew it, and they knew it.

The guys also thought that we should tell the other girls that it was my last day, and that I would be leaving to go back to America very early tomorrow morning, to give them the chance to say goodbye. We had gotten very close during my 30 days here, and I would miss them so much.

They had been practicing for a few hours already, but Namjoon was getting ready to gather them together to give them the news. Apparently, Min Jee was also returning Monday.

He whistled, getting everyones attention, and they all moved to stand around him, guys included. Tae was suddenly next to me, his hand sliding into mine, squeezing gently.

"I have some news to share with everyone, it came on short notice, so I wasn't able to tell you any sooner."

He glanced around at all the faces, the guys already knowing what he would say, but trying to keep from looking sad, the girls looking at each other curiously, then back to Namjoon.

"Unfortunately, today will be Delaney's last day working here. She will be returning to America tomorrow. Sadly, we all need to say our goodbyes to her before she leaves for the day. Min Jee will be returning Monday as Taehyungs stylist once again."

Each of the girls looked at me, shock on their faces, and I could only smile at them sadly.

Hei Ran and Mi Ok both started to cry, rushing to me to give me a hug, followed by the other girls, and Tae released my hand and stepped back to allow me to hug them back.

"You can't leave Laney! You just can't. It won't be right without you here." Hei Ran cried, sniffling and wiping her eyes.

"I wish I could stay, but I'm no longer needed. Min Jee's mom is better, and I was just here to replace her until she could return."

"We'll miss you so much. Promise to visit soon, yes?" Kyung mi said, hugging me tightly.

"I...I'll try." I hugged her back, knowing I could never visit, because they wouldn't recognize me even if I did.

I hugged the rest of them, and noticed Tae, standing off to the side, his eyes glassy as he watched. I hated this so much.

Finally, after the girls had all hugged me and told me how much they would miss me, the boys started their practice again, but none of them seemed as energetic as they normally were.

Mi Ok aproached me, brows furrowed as she glanced at Tae, who seemed to be having trouble concentrating and remembering choreography.

"Tae never forgets the choreo. He must be taking this really hard."

I looked at him, seeing him swing his towel in frustration, and the tears filled my eyes, spilling over and falling quickly down my face.

"Oh my God, Laney, I'm so sorry."