After a few more weeks of tests and therapy in the hospital, it was finally the day I was discharged to go home. Unfortunately due to the lack of convenience, I was unable to fly back home to visit mum, meaning I had to resume living in my apartment in Cheongdam.

I packed the last of my clothes and toiletries and headed over the nurse in the corner of the room.

"Thank you for looking after me." I spoke politely bowing as low as I could.

The lady smile warmly and embraced me in a gentle hug.

"It was my pleasure Soojin. You really are a miracle. Let's hope we don't see you in here again!" she teased as I chuckled and gave her one last wave. Excited yet anxious, I cautiously made my way out into the hall and began walking.

Woah.

I'm really gonna leave this place.

Taking in the momentous occasion, I suddenly felt a buzzing from my coat pocket. Reaching down to fish it out, I read the caller ID and smiled.

"Hyunsik-nim!" I cheered as I felt my body immediately warm up in happiness.

"Soojin-ah you remember me. It's been long hasn't it?"

Hearing the man's voice after such a long time brought me a sense of comfort as my mind brought me back to all the times he gave me support.

"It really has. So what's with the sudden call?"

"I heard you were just discharged from the hospital, of course I'd call you! Also I needed to ask you something."

I smiled at his kind words as I listened to each word carefully.

"Ne, what's up?"

"I know this may be sudden but do you think you would be free to come down to the company and have a chat with us? We would like to discuss some things with you."

I stopped in my tracks hearing the sudden news as I tilted my head in confusion.

They want to talk to me?

But the show's already over.

Still in a state of uncertainty, I decided I might as well go visit them after all the medical help they have funded me with.

"Sure, I'll head over now."

***

I paced back and forth around the lobby as I anxiously waited for Soojin's arrival. Endless thoughts ran through my mind as I tried picturing the girl in front of me after so long.

I didn't know how much longer I could have survived without seeing the girl for almost a year. She may not realise, but she reminds me of my daughter.

Her genuine, innocent soul gives me the urge to protect her at all costs and keep her safe.

Soojin-ah

I can't wait to see you.

Before my mind could consume me even more, all of a sudden there was a sound of the large glass doors opening.

I lifted my head and locked eyes with the young girl I didn't know I'd ever see again

"Hyunsik-nim!"

My heart warmed as I watched the small girl dash towards me excitedly. I flashed a bright smile at her as I embraced her in a hug.

"Soojin-ah. It's been so long. How are you?" I asked still fascinated by the presence of the missed girl.

"I'm good! I've missed you a lot Hyunsik-nim. I never got to thank you for everything you did for me during the show." she spoke kindly as she swung her feet around.

"Nah, it was the least I could do. To be fair I was the one who dragged you into this in the first place." I admitted as I watched the girl giggle quietly.

"That reminds me, if you could, Goreum and I would like to speak with you."

I observed the girl's taken aback expression as she stood in thought for a while before nodding hesitantly.

I smiled at her reaction before leading her into one of the conference rooms.

•••

We arrived at a large room with a long table in the middle. Peaking through the window, I noticed the lady sitting at the end of the table.

"Ah Soojin-ssi you're here." she spoke kindly.

"Nice to see you Goreum-nim." I greeted bowing.

Hyunsik led me to sit down on of one of the chairs and took his seat with Goreum opposite me. My heart began racing as the two stared at me intimidatingly.

"Okay so let's get started." spoke Goreum as she pulled a small controller from her pocket and pointed it towards the large tv on the wall, turning it on.

"As you probably already know, I-LAND Season 2 concluded it's final airing in early september last year. This was a few weeks after your incident."

Hearing the words come out from her mouth felt like a slap in the face as once again I had to face the reality of my dreams being crushed.

I nodded understandingly as I listened to her words.

"Due to the uncertainty of your health and the show's strict budget, we were unable to postpone the final episode. This forced us to debut the remaining 7 applicants as the girl group 'I-GURLZ'."

My eyes widened in shock as I processed the news. Disappoinment yet excitement stirred from within as I processed her words. On one hand my friends finally reached their dreams, however on the other, I was unable to join them.

Chohee, Aerum, Jiwoo, Haeun, Haewon and Minjung...

I'm so proud of you all.

As I found myself caught up in the emotions of the new infomation, I was abruptly interrupted by Goreum.

"Unfortunately things did not work out for the girls. The news about your health quickly spread and your fans from all around the world were quick to protest against the absence of you from the group."

She held the small controller towards the TV before pressing the button.

"Take a look."

All of a sudden the TV revealed a series of comments from what looked like Korean netizens.

"Yah how could Bighit continue the show when one of the competitors is literally fighting for their life."

"This is crazy like couldn't they wait for a few months to see if she would wake up."

"I'm not going to stan I-GURLZ >:( who's with me?"

"Lol imagine not debuting the best applicant."

My mouth fell open as I read the comments in pure shock. Each netizen was so strong about their opinion it gave me chills.

They liked me this much?

This is insane.

Not knowing how to react I turned to the two directors opposite me and gave them a shocked expression.

"As you can see, the fans were not particularly fond of the new group. This caused a serious downfall in our company's stocks, greatly effecting not only the I-GURLZ but other Bighit artists too." Hyunsik spoke in a stern manner.

Oh God.

This is all my fault.

Now the other idols are suffering too?

What about ENHYPEN...

Noticing the traumatised state I was in, Hyunsik quickly rushed to my aid and placed his hand on mine.

"Don't worry Soojin. This isn't your fault. If anything this is only going to help our company." he spoke calmly.

I jolted my head up and looked at him puzzled.

Huh?

Help the company?

If anything it looks like the opposite.

Taking a breath the man spoke up again.

"That is, only if you cooperate with us." he spoke firmly.

His upfront words sent a chill down my spine as my mind wondered as to what he was implying.

"We would like to propose a big offer to you Park Soojin." accounced Goreum as she held her hands together.

"Due to your large passionate fan base, we think it would be only stupid to let your career in this industry end here."

I watched as the woman reached from below the table and pulled out a black folder. She took out a piece of paper and placed a pen on top of it.

I felt my breathing halt as I awaited for her next words.

"With that being said, we'd like to offer you a contract as a solo artist here at Bighit."