The pressure was starting to build as Ji-eun prepared for the upcoming training session. Every day felt like she was on the edge of something—something big. The idea of her debut loomed on the horizon, but so did the weight of her decisions, the uncertainty of the future, and the complexities of the relationships around her.
One afternoon, after a grueling day of rehearsals, Ji-eun sat by the windowsill in her dorm, staring out at the bustling campus below. The world seemed so alive, yet she felt strangely distant from it. Her friends, though always there for her, seemed to be living lives that were still so carefree. And then there was Ji-hoon—her constant support, always professional, always focused on her success. His presence, while reassuring, now felt like a heavy reminder of how much she depended on him.
Her phone buzzed with a message from Ji-hoon.
Ji-hoon: "I need to talk to you after training today. Let's meet at the usual place."
Ji-eun's heart skipped a beat. The weight in his words made her uneasy. She had been feeling the shift in their dynamic for some time now, but she didn't know how to address it. Could it be about her progress? Or perhaps something more personal?
After the final session of the day, Ji-eun made her way to their usual spot—a quiet bench near the edge of the campus, under the shade of an old oak tree. Ji-hoon was already there, his back to her, his posture tense.
Ji-eun took a deep breath and walked over to him, sitting down beside him without saying a word. For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them felt thick with unspoken words, and Ji-eun couldn't shake the feeling that this conversation was going to change everything.
Finally, Ji-hoon turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "Ji-eun, I've been thinking a lot lately. About us, about your training, about everything."
Ji-eun's stomach tightened. She looked at him, trying to read his face, but it was hard to find the words. "What about us?"
He hesitated, looking away for a moment before meeting her gaze again. "I don't want to hold you back, Ji-eun. You've come so far, and I've been pushing you because I know you can do this. But I'm starting to realize… I've been too focused on the training side of things. I haven't been there for you the way I should've been."
Ji-eun's heart ached, but she remained silent, unsure of how to respond.
"I don't want to be the reason you feel like you're alone in this," Ji-hoon continued. "You deserve more than just someone who's always on the clock, pushing you. You deserve someone who sees you for who you really are—not just as a trainee, not just as someone to manage, but as a person."
Ji-eun felt her breath catch in her throat. This was it—the conversation she had been avoiding. She had known for some time that things were changing, but hearing it out loud made it all too real.
"Ji-hoon, I…" Ji-eun started, her voice shaking. "I don't know what to say."
Ji-hoon smiled, but it was a sad, distant smile. "You don't have to say anything, Ji-eun. I just wanted you to know that I see you. Not just as my trainee, but as Ji-eun. And maybe it's time we both take a step back."
The words hit her like a wave. She had always admired Ji-hoon, trusted him, and leaned on him in ways she hadn't with anyone else. But now, as his words echoed in her mind, she realized just how much she had depended on him. How much she had taken for granted.
"Are you saying… that you want to stop being my manager?" Ji-eun asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ji-hoon nodded slowly. "I think it's for the best. You need to focus on your career, and I need to figure out how I can be there for you without holding you back."
Ji-eun felt her heart sink. The reality of the situation settled in, and she couldn't help the tears that welled in her eyes. She had never imagined that this would be the way it would end. The relationship they had built, the bond they had shared—she hadn't realized how fragile it was.
"I don't want to lose you, Ji-hoon," she said, her voice breaking. "You've always been there for me. I don't know if I can do this without you."
Ji-hoon's expression softened, and he reached out to gently squeeze her hand. "You don't have to lose me. I'll always be here for you, Ji-eun. Even if I'm not your manager, I'll still be your friend. I'll always support you. But you need to do this on your own now."
The words cut deep, but Ji-eun knew he was right. She had to walk her own path now, without relying on someone else to lead her. It was painful to admit, but it was the only way she could truly grow.
The silence between them stretched on for what felt like hours. Finally, Ji-hoon stood up, offering her a small, bittersweet smile. "Good luck, Ji-eun. I know you'll make it."
Ji-eun stood up as well, her heart heavy. "Goodbye, Ji-hoon."
And with that, Ji-hoon walked away, leaving Ji-eun standing there, alone with her thoughts.
As the sun set behind her, Ji-eun realized that this was the beginning of something new—something she hadn't expected. The future was uncertain, and the road ahead seemed long and lonely. But it was hers to walk now.
And with every step, she would discover who she was meant to be.