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It was Sunday morning.
After months of promotion, Yooyeon and the rest of tripleS' members finally got their well-deserved break.
Nestled in the warmth of a familiar embrace, the eldest snuggled closer, wanting to savor the rare, peaceful moment she had. At the foot of the bed, a little white puppy, the household's beloved companion, lay curled up, as if watching over its owner and guarding them from any possible danger.
She had the whole day planned out: sleeping in until noon, maybe ordering some food, playing with the fluffy creature and perhaps, taking a midnight stroll - an activity she had grown to cherish, especially under the cover of the night when she and her love could be away from prying eyes.
It was Sunday morning when her whole world came crashing down.
Yooyeon could still replay that scene in her head, the jarring shift from tranquility to chaos. Flood of missed calls and messages as she opened her phone. Her parents’ panic-stricken texts asking if she was okay and where she was, and the overwhelming barrage of notifications from friends, fans and management.
She remembered the confusion, that was soon quickly morphed into fear as Seoyeon's message flashed on the screen:
"Unnie, they know"
Attached was a link. She had prayed that the worst was yet to come as she shakily opened, her heart pounded loudly inside her chest.
The screen loaded, revealing her worst nightmare in glaring bold letters:
BREAKING NEWS: TRIPLES MEMBERS KIM YOOYEON AND PARK SOHYUN WERE CAUGHT KISSING BY ONE OF THEIR DEVOTED FANS!!!
Splattered on the screen were pictures of her most private moments with Sohyun, captured and sold to the media by the so-called fan.
Images of her and Sohyun hand-in-hand with little Pono running playfully ahead. Her and Sohyun laughing, leaning close together, their eyes twinkled with happiness even through the lens of the stalker. And the most scandalous of all was a blurry shot of them appearing to be kissing.
She held her breath, scrolling down to read the article. The flood of negative reactions hit her like a tidal wave. Most were shocked and disturbed by the revelation - not because it was a massive invasion of privacy, but because it was two girls being in love with each other.
The comments were a mix of disbelief, judgement, anger and outright cruelty. Some fans expressed their disappointment, feeling deceived by their beloved idols. Others spewed venomous words, condemning their love as unnatural and that they needed to be "fixed" while a few threatened to boycott the group. The media, like catching a gold mine, continued to fan the flames with speculation and twisted headlines.
She felt her head spinning. The secret she tried so hard to conceal from the world now laid bare open for dissection. The hurtful words from her fans cut deep, making her feel more and more worthless. Each comment, each headline, chipped away at her sense of self, leaving her exposed and vulnerable.
In the midst of her turmoil, she remembered Sohyun's arms snaking around her waist, attempting to pull her back down for a few more minutes of cuddling. The younger woman had just woken up, not knowing the storm that had begun to brew outside the safety of their shared bed. She nuzzled into the crook of Yooyeon's neck, whining about the early morning and wanting to sleep in more.
The persistent vibration of Yooyeon's voice disrupted the moment. Sohyun looked up, her sleepy eyes scanned the screen, her eyes froze at the bold letter, her expression gradually shifted from confusion to fear.
The couple had spent their whole Sunday morning, discussing what to do before they had to report back to the company. Despite the overwhelming fear that gripped her, Yooyeon remained determined to protect their relationship. She had believed they could face the storm together, maintaining a low profile while publicly denying the affair.
In those tense hours, they had cried, sharing their fears and hopes for a better future. She envisioned a plan where they would lay low, avoid unnecessary attention while continuing their relationship in secret. As long as they were together, they could eventually find a way through the crisis.
As they were called in, grilled and interrogated like criminals for simply being in love, the couple lied through teeth. Each member was called in one by one, all delivering the same story: that they were very close and were just being playful with each other.
Yooyeon had thought everything would be fine and they could slowly take back control of their lives. She had naively believed that love could conquer it all and that her love, her Sohyun would hold her hands through the storm, standing by her side as they fought through the public scrutiny and corporate pressure.
Nothing could have prepared her for the betrayal that came the very next day.
She was suddenly called into the manager, Haesol's office. The short woman was one of the few who knew about their relationship and had supported them in every way she could.
She remembered the nervous expression on the members' faces, as if they knew what would soon unfold, the knot of unease tightening in her stomach as she stepped into the office. Her eyes landed on the tomboy manager's sympathetic gaze before found their way to Sohyun's determined eyes.
"I'll leave you two alone", the manager said and walked out, not before looking back at Yooyeon one last time.
She noticed her lover's shaky breath, the way her knuckles turned white from clinging onto the chair, like it was the only thing keeping her grounded. Confusion and fear swirled within her. She walked closer, attempting to reach out and soothe the younger woman.
"Baby, what's -"
"We need to break up"
The words hung in the air, like cold blade that sliced through the fragile hope she had desperately clung to. Shock rippled through her body, freezing her in place. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of the words that had shattered her world.
"No ... no, we don't", she stammered, her voice trembling as she reached for Sohyun's hands, "We can figure this out together remember? We promised we would"
Tears welled up in Sohyun's eyes. The look of defeat that hung in her gaze told her that the promise they had made wasn't enough to overcome the fear that had taken root and the consequences that would soon come.
"I'm sorry ...", her heart ached as Sohyun pulled her hand away, "I thought we could, but ... it's too much. The fans, the media ... they won't stop, you see what they had been doing. And it's not just us. The group was suffering, the members were suffering, our careers ... everything is at risk"
The weight of Sohyun's words pressed down on her chest. Ever since the news broke out, every public interactions between them had been dissected and analyzed. The media had seized every moment to analyze their gestures and expressions, twisting them into sensational headlines.
A section of crazy fans had demanded that they leave the group, creating petitions, sending trucks and online harassment. Another, even more terrifying group, had issued threats, claiming they would kidnap them, force them into compromising situations and filmed them. The danger became so real that MODHAUS had to increase security, assigning more bodyguards to protect them from the fanatics who once claimed to love them.
"I didn't want it to come to this. I wanted to protect us, protect you ... but I don't see any other way."
Each word Sohyun spoke felt like million of knives stabbing and twisting in her heart, leaving her breathless and broken. The pain of losing the person she loved, coupled with the helplessness of the situation and the fear that had taken root in their lives was unbearable.
“You… you really think this is the only way?”, she asked, her hands trembling, “What about what we had promised each other? What about being together no matter what!?"
A sense of betrayal, not just from the world that had turned against them, but from the person she had believed would always stand by her side hit her hard. The once comforting warmth of Sohyun’s presence was now a source of intense pain.
Sohyun's gaze fell to the floor, unable to meet her lover's eyes. The resignation in her posture spoke volumes of the weight of the decision she was making. But it only deepened Yooyeon's sense of abandonment.
"You had promised me ..."
"I'm sorry Yooyeon-ah ... I really am"
She took a step back, the distance between them growing as she knew no matter what she said, she could not change Sohyun's decision.
She looked at the person she loved one last time, her eyes full of pain and disbelief.
"Goodbye Sohyun", she whispered, her voice barely audible as she turned away.
Each step she took, she had hoped Sohyun would call her back, to say that she had made a mistake and that they could get through this together. But only silence followed. There were no hurried footsteps, no words of reassurance, no last-minute change of heart.
As the door closed behind her, she let out the cry she had held in. She sank to the door, her back slided against the door and let her tears flow freely, each sob wracking her body and shaking her to the core. Flashback of their shared memories came flooding in her mind: the midnight stroll, the stolen glances, the warmth of Sohyun's embrace. Every memory was now tainted with the cruel reality that they would never be again.
On the other side of the door, Sohyun could hear the heart-wrenching sob of the older woman. Each cry pierced through the thin barrier between them, carrying with it the weight of unspoken pain and the finality of their decision. Her heart broken with the knowledge that she had inflicted this suffering, that her decision, though made with the intention of protecting both of them, had left a deep scar in Yooyeon's heart.
Sohyun looked at the closed door, defeated and helpless. If only the world weren't being so cruel to them.
The next few days were like a haze for Yooyeon. She and Sohyun were paraded from one press conference to another, their every move scrutinized under the lens of the media. Each event demanded them to repeat their released lines, denying any romantic involvement and insist they were merely extremely close friends.
"What about the kiss?", one reporter yelled out, referring to one particular photo of them.
It was a blurry snapshot of the former couple in matching white hoodies, their face close, seemingly leaning in. Yooyeon fidgeted under the table, her heart pounding as the memories of that moment rushed back. She could still feel the warmth of Sohyun's breath, the subtle brush of their lips, the loving smile the younger woman gave her as they pulled away. It was a precious moment, one she wasn't ready to dismiss.
Her throat tightened, as the clicking of the camera echoed in her ears. She hesitated, struggling to find the right words.
"There was no kiss", Sohyun stepped in, answering smoothly, her eyes calm as she looked directly at the flashing camera, "It was the angle that created this whole misunderstanding. We were just teasing each other. There was no kiss, nothing more than friends would do"
Yooyeon’s heart sank as Sohyun’s words washed over her. She forced a smile but inside, she was crumbling. The words she could not say, the truth she longed to defend were buried under Sohyun's composed response. Her fingers clenched tightly in her lap, nails digging into her palms as she struggled to keep her emotions in check. She knew this was how it had to be, for the sake of the group, for their careers, for everything they had worked so hard for.
She could only nod along as Sohyun continued to weave a narrative of close friendship, of playful moments being blown out of proportion. Their eyes met for a brief moment. A flicker of sadness and yearning passed through Sohyun's eyes before she quickly turned away.
After that, MODHAUS issued an official statement, announcing legal action against those responsible for stalking and fabricating false stories.
The company had also pulled them from activities for a few weeks, hoping to let the storm subside. The hiatus was meant to give them a break from the relentless media attention, to let them recover from the scandal.
The decision only intensified Yooyeon's sense of isolation.
She had asked to retreat to her parents' house, citing the need to be with family as reason. Ever since the news broke out her industry friends and the members had constantly checked up on her, making sure she was okay. Yooyeon tried to sound as light-hearted as possible, not wanting to be a burden to anyone. She tried to mask her devastated feeling as she noticed the one number she anticipated the most, never rang.
Her quiet, childhood home provided a temporary escape from the public eye and kept her away from Sohyun's presence. Her parents had been supportive, providing her with anything she needed and showered her with unconditional love.
Yet, even in the warmth of her childhood house, she found no peace. Without the distraction of hectic schedules, she was left alone with her thoughts. Each day, the pain of their separation and the violation of privacy became her companion. The echoes of Sohyun's breakup, the cruel reactions of the public kept replaying in her mind, making it impossible to escape.
She wanted to throw herself into work again, to return to the hectic pace of her idol life. Even if it meant facing the public eye once more, the idea seemed bearable compared to her torturous quiet time. She imagined the constant whirlwind of activities would help her forget, or at least numb the pain she was feeling.
She finally got her wish when the company assembled her and the rest of the members. However, things continued to not go her way. As if she had not suffered enough, faith decided to play another cruel joke.
"You two have nothing going on so there's no need to worry", the higher-up said, looking at Yooyeon and Sohyun, "Just amp up your interactions with each other so your fans and the general public will have no reason to doubt your relationship. If we separate you two, the public may find it suspicious and speculate even more, this is a much better approach".
Thus, the days of pretense continued. In public, they were closer than ever - arms linked, smiles bright, and sweet gestures. Under the watchful of their fans and the public, they perfectly played the part of two close friends who were just extremely comfortable with each other.
Each time their eyes met, each time Sohyun held her hands at events felt like salt on an open wound. They played their part so convincingly that she herself became deluded, clinging to a tiny hope that, despite everything they could somehow find their way back. However, the moment the cameras were off, the facade crumbled, and so did Yooyeon. She would reach out instinctively, her eyes pleading for the warmth of the woman she loved, only to be met with a swift shake of the head and a hurried retreat. Each time, she was left to pick up the shattered pieces of her heart.
Her once-anticipated return felt like a never-ending trap.
The torment in her heart became too much to bear, and Yooyeon withdrew into herself, closing off from everyone around her. She chose isolation over engaging in any activity that didn’t involve work. The members noticed the change. Their once head-strong eldest, who provided guidance and comfort, now avoided any contact, quietly slipping away to the solitude of her room.
The absence of her usual laughter left a void that was hard to ignore. Her warmth was replaced by silence and sadness that hung around like a shadow, heavy and impenetrable. Alarmed by her condition, the members tried their best to bring her out of her shell.
“Unnie, do you want to watch a movie with us?” Nakyoung asked one evening, her eyes filled with a mixture of hope and concern.
“Unnie, we bought some mint choco~” Soomin chimed in another day, holding a tube of her favorite treat.
“Unnie, I made some kimchi fried rice!” Hyerin announced, entering the room with a bowl of the comfort food.
“Unnie, let’s have some malatang tonight,” Kotone suggested gently, reaching out to hold Yooyeon’s hands.
Each attempt was met with the same distant, polite smile - a smile that never reached her eyes. Conversations became one-sided, with Yooyeon responding in brief, hollow phrases or just a quiet nod. The attempt to engage in group activities was also squashed as she found any excuses to retreat further into her own world, isolating herself even more.
Sohyun watched from the sidelines, her heart breaking at the devastating sight. Guilt and regret gnawed at her, as she believed she was the one responsible for Yooyeon's descent into this hollow version of herself. Despite the members' attempts to comfort her, assuring her that none of this was her fault, Sohyun could not shake the burden of responsibility.
Every night, she lay awake, replaying the moment she had decided to end things. The look of betrayal, hurt and abandonment in Yooyeon's eyes, along with the heart-wrenching sobs haunted her. Each day, she had to live with the guilt of wrecking the girl she once declared she loved.
She almost gave in sometimes. She had to stop herself from rushing over to Yooyeon, to hold the fragile woman in her arms, to beg her to give her another chance, to whisper reassuring words and swear to stay by her side. The urge was almost overwhelming, a fierce tug at her heart every time she looked at the broken woman. But the weight of the consequences and the paralyzing fear of what the public could do to them kept her from taking the steps she so desperately wanted to take.
Maybe if everything died down and the scandal faded from the public's memory, she might find a way to approach Yooyeon. Perhaps, in that quieter time, she could offer heartfelt apologies and begin to heal the wounds they both carried.
But little did she know, this was just the beginning of their misery.
First came the panic when Yooyeon collapsed during a performance.
Sohyun watched in horror as the older woman hit the floor with a loud thud. Chaos erupted around them, but Sohyun’s focus narrowed to the woman she loved. Her usual calm demeanor shattered as she rushed to Yooyeon’s side, her hands trembling as she lifted the older woman. Yooyeon felt alarmingly light, and panic surged through Sohyun, drowning out everything else. She barely registered the frantic voices of the other members and staff as she struggled to swallow back tears and carried Yooyeon backstage.
The eldest was immediately rushed to the hospital. The remaining members could not do anything but waiting anxiously at their dorm. The presence of all 23 girls at the hospital would attract unnecessary attention and complicate the situation further. Sohyun's jaw tightened as she fought the urge to scream and cry, to do anything to relieve the suffocating pressure in her chest. Minutes felt like hours, each second passed by, a painful reminder of how powerless she felt. The members huddled around her, understanding the depth of her distress, yet unable to offer much comfort as the weight of the situation pressed heavily on everyone.
The results came an hour later. Yooyeon had pushed her body to its breaking point. The doctor insisted she needed to rest and the company immediately pulled her from any future activities. Yooyeon was instructed to take a break, with the option to return to her parents’ house for recovery.
The members let out a collective sigh of relief, exchanging glances before turning to Sohyun, thankful that no other serious health issues were discovered. But before they had the chance to visit, Yooyeon’s parents had already discharged her from the hospital. They had taken her home, worried that the press would swarm in and disturb her recovery once again.
Nothing could prepare them for the terror that was about to follow.
As Yooyeon sought refuge in her parents’ home, surrounded by the sense of familiarity, security, and unconditional love she so desperately needed, some deranged individuals had managed to track down her address.
During one of their trips to the doctor's appointment, Yooyeon and her mother returned home to find their front door, which had been securely locked, slightly ajar. She held her breath as she nervously stepped in, her heart pounding in her chest. They slowly made their way through the house, each room was disheveled than the last. Furniture was overturned, drawers were flung open, and personal items were scattered across the floor. The signs of a violent intrusion were everywhere.
As they made their way to Yooyeon's room on the second floor, her worst fears were realized. A message scrawled hastily on the wall in what looked like red marker declared the intruders' twisted intentions. The group that threatened to kidnap her and Sohyun, had been here. The sight made Yooyeon’s stomach churn. Her mind raced with terrifying thoughts about what could have happened if they had arrived any sooner or if they had decided to stay home.
Yooyeon’s mother immediately called the police and the company, her voice trembling as she explained the situation. As they waited for help to arrive, they quickly got out of the house. Yooyeon clung to her mother, both of them trying to comfort each other amidst the chaos.
The police arrived quickly, assuring Yooyeon and her family that they would increase patrols in the area and would soon catch the perpetrators. Despite their reassurances, Yooyeon and her mother could barely hold back their tears, the reality of the invasion hitting them hard.
The company’s response was immediate as well. They arranged for her family to stay in a safe location while investigations took place. Yooyeon was to be moved back into the dorm, alongside Sohyun. The company believed that the group might target the young composer next, and they wanted to ensure both were protected under heightened security.
The intruders were quickly apprehended, but the damage was already done. The previous ordeal with the public scandal had not eased her mind. Her physical health, though improving, had not fully recovered from the exhaustion and stress. Now, the new trauma of the break-in added even heavier burden to her already fragile mental state.
Each creak of the dorm's floorboards, each unexpected sound, felt like a potential threat. She grew more paranoid, her eyes darting around the room at the slightest noise. Sleep became elusive, as images of the threat kept on flashing in her mind. Nightmare of an alternative scenario, of what could have happened haunted her, filling her with dread and leaving her trapped in a relentless cycle of fear.
The members watched helplessly as Yooyeon crawled even further into her own shell. They moved cautiously around the dorm, careful not to create any extra stress on the older woman. The usual noisy, laughter-filled dorm was replaced by a heavy silence, as if everyone was holding their breath, afraid that the slightest disturbance might shatter the fragile calm that hung in the air.
The 02 line, along with Seoyeon and Yubin took turns taking care of Yooyeon. They quietly checked in on her, making sure she ate and had whatever she needed. Sometimes they would just sit next to her, speaking in soft tone, filling her in on what she had been missing. Even if they got no response, their presence was meant to be a lifeline, a gentle reminder that she wasn't alone, that they were there for her, hoping to slowly pull her out of the dark place she had retreated to.
Other than Yooyeon, the members were also deeply concerned about Sohyun. They watched her grapple with her own emotional turmoil, knowing that she had been blaming herself.
After the attempted kidnapping, Sohyun was even more shaken. The thought that someone had come so close to harming Yooyeon filled her with an unshakable sense of dread. Her mind could not help but wander to different scenarios, the endless possibilities of what could have happened tormented her.
"It's all my fault", she broke down in Xinyu's arms, her voice choked with guilt and anguish.
"No, it's not", Xinyu said softly, her voice filled with sadness, "You did what you thought was the best for all of us"
"Yea ... who would have thought people would be this crazy?", Nien added, her eyes red as she watched Sohyun crumble in Xinyu’s arms.
Seoyeon looked at her with concern. “Unnie, this started because some crazy fanboy decided to invade your privacy. No one could predict it would come to this.”
But Sohyun’s self-recrimination was relentless. “If I had not broken up with her, then she would not feel so alone,” she sniffled, her voice trembling with guilt. “She wouldn’t be like this. I pushed her away when she needed me the most."
"Unnie, stop it", Seoyeon said firmly, trying to break through the wall of Sohyun’s guilt, "None of this was your fault. We all did what we could"
"But I could have done more", Sohyun said, her voice cracking, "You don't understand. I saw it in her eyes. How betrayed she felt when I broke our promise. How despite everything, she still pleaded for me to come back and all I did was brush her off"
Xinyu and Nien sat there, their hearts aching as they watched their friend break down. They didn’t know what to say, tears slipping down their faces as they silently shared in her pain.
Seoyeon sighed, placing a hand on her back, "Unnie, you were facing a dire situation that none of us could have handled perfectly. It wasn't just about you guys. It was everyone involved. We were all trying to protect the group."
"And look at the cost of that", Sohyun said, bitterly, "Even before the break-in, Yooyeon was already a hollow version of herself. If I had not pushed her away so much, if I had been braver then maybe she would not isolate herself"
"Unnie, the public were being cruel to you two. Her condition was not just because of the break-up"
"But I should have been her anchor", she insisted, "I left when she needed me the most. I broke her trust and then I broke her heart. Now she's suffering and I have no way of ease her pain."
"The break-up was only one part of a much bigger picture Sohyun-ah", Xinyu said, stroking her friend's hair, "The pressure from the public, the constant scrutiny, it all took a toll on both of you. None of us could have predicted how everything would unfold"
"Blaming yourself won't help Yooyeon unnie or you", Seoyeon's voice softened, "What matters now is moving forward and supporting Yooyeon unnie through her healing"
Sohyun could only nod, too exhausted from crying to argue further. Deep down, she knew they were right, but the weight of her actions remained heavy. She managed a weak smile, thanking the members for being there for her, before retreating to her room, leaving behind their worried stares.
Once alone, her mind was consumed by “what-ifs” and imagined scenarios. What if they had gone with Yooyeon's plan, denying publicly and continuing their relationship in secret? What if she had fought harder to keep their connection hidden from the world? What if she had been braver, stood by Yooyeon’s side, and faced the backlash together? She replayed the moments over and over, wondering if a different choice could have altered the outcome.
Sohyun closed her eyes and shook her head. There was no point in beating herself over it. She had to make amends, not just for Yooyeon but also for herself. The members were right, she had to focus on the thing at hand and stop dwelling on the past.
No more avoiding, no more hiding. If there was any chance to heal the wounds she had caused, she had to start now.
Determined to bridge the distance she had created, Sohyun began to take deliberate steps toward reconnecting with her love.
She started small, taking turns with the other members to care for Yooyeon. She quietly checked on her, ensuring she ate and took her medicine. Occasionally, she slipped in notes of encouragement, just like she used to do whenever Yooyeon felt nervous.
Despite the lack of immediate response, Sohyun persisted, understanding that healing would take time. She respected Yooyeon’s need for space while showing her unwavering support.
“Sohyun unnie, you don’t have to do this every day,” Seoyeon gently reminded her one evening, noticing the exhaustion on her face.
“I want to,” Sohyun replied, her voice soft but firm. “I need to. She’s been there for me before, and now it’s my turn.”
As days turned into weeks, with no positive results, Sohyun reached out for help from Yooyeon's therapist.
"I know healing takes time", she began, "but is there anything else that I can do? I know I can't fix everything but I need to do whatever I can"
"Sohyun-ssi, it's clear that you care deeply about Yooyeon. But remember, healing isn’t something you can rush, no matter how much you want to help. It’s important to be there for her, but you also need to be patient and give her the time she needs to process everything.”, the therapist said.
"Continue being supportive, but make sure to take care of yourself too. Yooyeon will notice your efforts, even if she’s not ready to respond right now. Consistency and patience are key.”
With the therapist’s guidance, Sohyun began gathering things that Yooyeon loved— her Nintendo, her Chunsik, figurines, and memories of happier times. She left them where Yooyeon could find them, hoping they might spark a flicker of light in the darkness that had enveloped her.
One evening, as Sohyun quietly placed a small note and a cup of warm tea by Yooyeon’s door, she heard a soft, hesitant voice behind her.
"Why are you doing this?", Yooyeon asked, her voice trembling as she avoided Sohyun's eyes.
“Because I care about you,” Sohyun replied softly. She put down the cup she was holding and sat down in front of Yooyeon, searching for her eyes, “I want to be here for you. I don’t want you to go through this alone.”
"You don't have to..."
"But I want to", her voice gentle but firm, "I’m here, Yooyeon-ah. I know I’ve hurt you, but I’m not going to leave you now. I don’t want to make that mistake again."
Silence hung between them, heavy and fragile, until Yooyeon finally looked up, her eyes glistening with tears.
“I understand why you did what you did but ...I don’t know how to trust you again,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Sohyun's chest tightened at the confession. She could only nod, understood the depth of the wound she had caused and the trust she had broken.
“I’m not asking you to,” Sohyun said softly, “And I don’t expect you to trust me right away. But I’m here, and I’ll keep being here, no matter how long it takes.”
Yooyeon didn’t respond immediately, but the fact that she had spoken at all was a small victory.
It took a while, but gradually, Yooyeon started to show signs of progress. She started to get out of her sanctuary and joined the members for dinner, much to everyone's delight. Even though she didn't engage much in the conversation, her silent presence was enough.
She attended therapy sessions more frequently. It was during these sessions that she began to find the strength to ask for help — something she had always struggled with. Whether it was simply sharing her thoughts or asking for advice on how to cope with her lingering fears, these small steps marked significant milestones in her healing journey.
The members were visibly relieved and happy at their eldest's slow but steady recovery. They took turns spending time with her, careful not to overwhelm her. They divided the days among themselves and reminded one another not to exhaust her, making sure that each interaction was gentle and supportive.
Nakyoung would drop by sometimes to watch a light-hearted movie, carefully choosing a film that wouldn't be too intense, but still to Yooyeon's liking. Soomin would bring some comforting food, smiling cheerfully as she hugged the arm of her favorite unnie.
Even during the quieter moments, when Yooyeon just needed to be alone, the members made sure to check in without intruding. Mayu would send a quick text during their schedules, to remind Yooyeon she was thinking of her, and Seoyeon would take a picture of all the things she knew the older woman liked.
Sohyun, observing from a distance, focused on supporting Yooyeon in more subtle ways. She would occasionally drop off small gifts or comforting messages.
One afternoon, as Yooyeon sat in her room, she found a small, neatly wrapped package on her desk. Unwrapping it carefully, she discovered a beautifully illustrated book on architecture, one she had once admired. A note accompanied it:
"I thought you might enjoy it. It reminded me of how much you loved architecture - Sohyun"
Yooyeon’s eyes softened as she read the note. She ran her fingers over the book’s cover, feeling touched that Sohyun still remembered.
A few days later, as she was journaling—a new habit she had picked up to deal with her emotions in a healthy way — Yooyeon found another note coupled with a few polaroids tucked neatly under her favorite plushy.
"Pono misses you. - Sohyun"
She picked up the polaroid and smiled at the image of the happy white puppy running around the park. The joy on Pono's face was a bittersweet reminder of a simpler, peaceful time.
She carefully spread out the photos, taking a moment to appreciate Sohyun’s effort. It was clear that the younger woman was trying, reaching out in ways that were gentle yet heartfelt. Each gesture, though small, was a reminder of the bond they once shared and the care Sohyun still held for her.
Yooyeon picked up her pen, gluing one of the polaroids on the page and wrote beneath it
"Pono misses me"
She stared at the page. The three simple words stirred something inside her heart—a mix of warmth, sadness, and a flicker of something she hadn’t felt in a long time
That evening, the rest of the members had to attend an event, leaving the former couple alone in the quiet space. Though hesitant, they knew this would be a rare chance for them to have some time together.
Yooyeon sat in the living room, flipping through the architecture book. Her eyes widened in awe, her mouth forming a small “O” as she admired the beautifully illustrated works. The intricate designs and sweeping structures captivated her, momentarily distracting her from the tension that still lingered between her and Sohyun.
In the kitchen, the younger woman was moving around, preparing a simple meal. Every so often, she would steal a few glances at Yooyeon, a small smile on her lips as she watched the older woman become absorbed in the book.
Sohyun carefully brought over her simple dish, placing it on the living room table and settled in front of Yooyeon.
"I hope it's okay"
Yooyeon looked up, surprised at her presence. She looked down at the meal before offering a small, genuine smile.
"It looks great"
They enjoyed their meal quietly, the only sound being the clinking of utensils. The silence was not uncomfortable but rather filled with a sense of peace that had been missing for too long.
"How's Pono?", Yooyeon suddenly asked, breaking the silence.
Sohyun startled that Yooyeon had initiated the conversation, felt a spark of joy. It was a small step, but it was one she had longed for.
"She's good", she replied, her tone warm, "My mom said that she seemed to miss you though. She found the little bunny toy you gave her and has been sleeping with it every night"
Sohyun took out her phone and showed Yooyeon a picture her mother had sent. On the screen was the white puppy, curled up on top of the plushy, looking content.
Yooyeon’s eyes softened, and a small smile appeared on her lips.
“I miss her too,” she said, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia.
Sohyun’s heart lifted at the sight of Yooyeon’s reaction.
“Do you want to see her? I can ask my parents to bring Pono to the dorm” she suggested, her voice hopeful.
Yooyeon hesitated, looking down at her hands.
"Oh, it's okay. I don't want to trouble them"
"No, it's okay", Sohyun shook her head, offering her a reassuring smile, "I want to see her too. It would make both of us happy"
"If it's not too much trouble, then I'd really like that"
Sohyun grinned, the prospect of spending time together with Yooyeon and her precious puppy brought a genuine sense of joy to her.
“It’s no trouble at all. I’ll make sure it happens.”
And so she did. The dorm was filled with awe and laughter a few days later as Pono bounced around the room in excitement. The puppy looked around, as if sensing a familiar scent that had yet to appear. The moment the white puppy spotted Yooyeon, she leapt into the older woman's arms, her tail wagging furiously as she snuggled into the warm embrace.
Yooyeon’s face lit up with a radiant smile, her eyes curving into crescent shapes as she cuddled the puppy close. Sohyun, standing nearby, smiled tenderly at the sight. It had been so long since she last saw Yooyeon's genuine happiness. Her heart soared with love as the sound of Yooyeon's rare giggle filled her ears.
She slowly sat down next to Yooyeon, keeping a bit of distance at first. The puppy, noticing the presence of her owner, stood up and bounced between them. She nuzzled against Yooyeon’s side before turning to Sohyun, her eyes bright and full of affection. Pono let out a bark and then gently bit and pulled on Sohyun's sleeve, as if urging her to come closer so she could curl up comfortably between them.
Sohyun smiled at the playful puppy and shifted slightly, moving a bit closer to Yooyeon. The older girl also adjusted her position, making room for Pono. The puppy settled comfortably between them, resting her head on Yooyeon’s lap while stretching her body towards Sohyun.
As they both gently stroked Pono, their hands occasionally brushed against each other. This time, Yooyeon didn't pull away. Instead, she allowed herself to savor the warmth of the moment.
She looked up and met with Sohyun gazing at her, eyes full of affection and tenderness.
"Sohyun-ah", she softly called out. Sohyun’s face lit up at the sound of her name, her heart swelling with a mix of hope and joy.
"Yes?"
“I appreciate everything you’ve done,” Yooyeon said, her tone sincere. “But you also need to remember to take care of yourself. This whole situation hasn’t only affected me—it’s been hard on you too.”
Sohyun’s heart fluttered at Yooyeon’s concern. Despite everything that had happened, Yooyeon still cared about her.
"I know", she replied, "I just want to see you happy and healthy. It's what matters the most to me"
“You need to prioritize yourself, Sohyun-ah,” Yooyeon said, shaking her head gently. “I’ll be fine. It’s hard, but I’m getting there. I don’t want you to neglect yourself while trying to help me.”
“You look exhausted,” Yooyeon continued, her eyes soft with concern. The weight of the recent months had taken a toll on Sohyun. She had lost weight and her eyes held a trace of fatigue.
Sohyun, taken aback by Yooyeon’s genuine observation, met her gaze with a mix of gratitude and weariness.
“I just want to make sure you’re okay,” she said softly.
“We both need to take care of ourselves. I’m slowly finding my way back, and I want you to be healthy too. We can’t do this if one of us is struggling.”
Yooyeon then gestured to the sleeping puppy on her lap. “Pono needs her mom too.”
A gentle smile appeared on Sohyun's lips. She reached out to play with the puppy's ears, her gaze lingered on Yooyeon, full of sincerity.
"I'll try my best"
From the other side of the room, the members quietly observed the interaction, exchanging glances filled with relief and hope. Their eyes softened as they took in the rare and precious moment unfolding before them—a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel, signaling that despite the challenges, healing and reconciliation were within reach.
They slowly gathered around the former couple, adding their warmth and support. The dorm, once again, brightened with happiness and joy, as everyone embraced the hopeful promise of brighter days ahead.