Together As One

2 steps forward, 1 step back

[Solar's POV]

When I heard what our Jinnie said, I was surprised. She wanted to address the public about this matter as soon as possible as she had thought she was causing more trouble by delaying her response to the issue. Of course I wasn't surprised that she would think that way. Our maknae was always considerate and thoughtful and always made sure her actions would affect others as little as possible. But what caught me off guard was that she wanted to address this matter. Personally if it were me, I wouldn't want to address the issue yet. Not until I was emotionally stable, and considering her physical condition at the moment, if I were in her shoes, all the more I would delay my response.

"Hyegi ah... are you sure about wanting to address the issue already? You know the public can be very critical and ridiculous with their response..." I worriedly asked her.

She nods her head firmly.

"Yes unnie. If I don't address this now, there may be an endless cycle of assumptions made and I'm afraid their assumptions may hurt you all and other people I treasure." She says quietly but with determination.

My heart softened again. She was thinking for others more than herself again. Sigh... but if it was her wish, as her leader, I would definitely support her as long as it doesn't hurt her.

I turn and glance at Wheeinie's expression. Her eyebrows were furrowed and mouth pressed to a thin line, deep in thought. I knew immediately that she must be extremely worried about her best friend's decision. It was written all over her face. Just then the doctor came in.

"Sorry to interrupt but I need to conduct the check up for Ahn Hyejin ssi now. Could yall leave the room temporarily? It will be very quick." She politely requests of us and I grab the 2 other members and we walk out to wait outside Hyejin's hospital room.

As we take a seat outside, I held Wheein's hand tightly.

"What's on your mind Wheepup?" I ask her gently, urging her to share her thoughts instead of keeping them to herself.

She sighs loudly before starting.

"I'm just worried about the response Hyejin will get. You saw how hurtful the public can get right? And she already is struggling with her recovery. I know she is improving, but what if this sets her back?" She frowns before getting up, pacing up and down the doorway.

"Hey Wheein ah... I know you're worried about our Jinnie, and I'm so angry with the public as well... but if this is what she wants, maybe this is a step forward for recovery? As much as I wish all that I'm saying is true, I know there could be a possibility of backlash as well. But there again, perhaps her addressing the matter will lessen the hate she gets?" At this point, I wasn't sure how to reply Wheeinie, but I tried to sound as rational as possible. I needed to be strong for our maknae line. They were like my kids that I needed to protect and keep safe.

"Yong Sun!" I hear a familiar fatherly voice call out.

All 3 of us turn our heads and we saw our CEO nim walking hurriedly towards where we were sitting.

"CEO Kim!" We greet and hug him.

"Hope you girls are doing fine... where's our Hyejinnie?" He asks concerned for all our wellbeing.

"The doctor is conducting a check up on her. She says she should be done shortly." I reply CEO Kim and he nods his head.

"Ah... CEO Kim..." I hear Byulie start off. She pokes me and I understand what she was trying to do.

"Um... earlier on, we saw the news about the issue regarding Hyejinnie's cuts... um... we told her about it.. and she says, if necessary, she wants to address the public on this matter as soon as possible. Because, she thinks that..." before I can finish my sentence I hear CEO Kim finish it for me.