We finally got back into the van after buying snacks for our movie night and started heading back to the dorm.
"Heejin eonnie, what news did you want to tell us?" Giselle asked.
"Karina, I have bad news for you," Heejin eonnie said in a cold tone.
My heart skipped a beat."What is it about?" I asked, trying to stay calm.
"You made several mistakes during your previous stages, and the producers are very angry," she continued.
"Heejin eonnie, that's impossible! Karina always performs the choreography perfectly. She never makes mistakes," NingNing defended me.
"NingNing, mind your own business," Heejin eonnie said sharply.
She then turned to the others."As for the rest of you—good job today. Please enjoy your free time."
The rest of the ride home was filled with awkward silence and tension.
When we arrived, just as I was about to step out of the van, Heejin eonnie stopped me.
"Stay here, Karina. You need to come to the company and explain yourself to the producers."
I sat back down. The others gave me reassuring smiles before getting off the van.
The drive to the company was quiet. I caught Heejin eonnie glancing at me through the rearview mirror.
"Relax, Karina. It's just an act," she said, holding back her laughter.
"Wait—what?!" I exclaimed. "So it's not real?"
"Of course not," she laughed.
"How dare you!" I pouted, crossing my arms.
I entered the company building alone and stepped out of the elevator—only to bump into someone.
Taeyeon sunbaenim.
Today must be my lucky day.
She was wearing something simple and casual, yet somehow looked even more stunning. I felt like I might faint.
Breathe, Karina. Don't forget to breathe.
"Mianhae, Taeyeon sunbaenim!" I said quickly.
"No, it's okay," she smiled. "Are you from the new girl group that debuted with Black Mamba?"
"Yes, that's us," I replied.
"Where are you heading? I'm going to the meeting room."
"Oh—we're going the same way," I said, trying not to sound too excited.
"That's great. Let's go together."
"Karina, you can call me eonnie. I feel old when you call me sunbaenim," she added playfully.
"O-Okay, Taeyeon eonnie."
Is it normal to act like this? I mean, who wouldn't fangirl when meeting their bias in person?
I gathered my courage."Taeyeon eonnie… you're actually my bias."
"I know," she replied casually.
"W-Wait, how?!" I asked.
"Just look at how you're staring at me," she said, flashing a bright smile.
We were nearing the meeting room, so I prepared to say goodbye—when she suddenly stopped.
"Karina, can I have your phone number? We can hang out sometime."
"Sure! I'd love to," I said, smiling—not a creepy smile, I hope.
Suddenly, she laughed loudly."I can't hold it anymore!"
I froze. Did I make her uncomfortable?
"Can you be my little sister? I've always wanted one since I'm the youngest in my family."
"Oh—no problem. I thought I made you uncomfortable," I admitted.
"No way. I'm 200% comfortable with you," she smiled. "This should be your meeting room. See you next time, dongsaeng."
"It was really nice to meet you, Taeyeon eonnie," I said.
I entered the meeting room and saw four producers deep in discussion.
"Hello… you called for me?" I asked.
They nodded and gestured for me to sit.
As they explained everything, I felt both shocked and incredibly happy.
"A trip? Are you serious? We just debuted last year. I'm not mistaken, right?" I asked.
"That's correct," one producer said. "Even though you debuted recently, your group has worked extremely hard, and your comebacks have been successful. So, why not?"
I was speechless.
"You'll be given a two-week break. However, each of you must carry a camera and capture moments throughout the trip," another producer added.
"I understand. When will the trip start?" I asked.
"In five days. Further details will be emailed to you. And," they smiled, "we hope you add a little drama when you tell the others."
I chuckled. "Of course. Thank you so much."
"Oh—and there's already a hidden camera installed in your dorm. Don't worry, not in the bathroom," one producer said, showing me the live footage.
On the screen, Giselle, Winter, and NingNing were sitting in the living room, watching Penthouse.
I couldn't wait to tell them.
"Eonnie, can you pick me up? I'll wait in the lobby," I texted.
While waiting, I stopped by the café in the company lobby.
"Can I get a hot barley tea and a pack of red velvet macarons?" I asked.
"Take away or dine in?"
"Take away, please."
After paying, my phone rang.
"Where are you? I'm already in the lobby," Heejin eonnie said.
"I'm coming. Just waiting for my drink," I replied.
I took a sip of the hot barley tea, enjoying the gloomy weather.
"Eonnie, can you help me with a prank?" I asked.
"For the others?" she said, amused.
"Yeah."
"Sure."
I entered the dorm using the door code. Everyone immediately rushed toward me.
"Eonnie, what happened? Are you okay?" NingNing asked.
"I'll tell you later," I said softly, forcing a sad tone.
I locked myself in my room, making the tension even heavier.
"I've got goosebumps," Giselle whispered.
After a while, I came out, carrying the macarons.
"On my way home, I bought these from the company café. They said it's their best recommendation," I said casually.
"Yeah… they're good," NingNing replied with an awkward smile.
Then I took a deep breath.
"The company said I might have to leave the group."
"What?!" Winter stood up. "No way! If you leave, I leave too!"
NingNing burst into tears and hugged me tightly."Please don't go, eonnie…"
I gently pushed her away and walked into my room. Moments later, I dragged my suitcase into the living room—making sure the hidden camera could see everything.
"Eonnie… why do you have a suitcase?" Winter asked in horror.
"From today on, I won't be living in this dorm anymore," I said softly. "I hope you'll all become an even more successful group. I'll always support you."
"I won't believe it unless Heejin eonnie tells me herself!" Winter said.
"Eonnie, this is a prank, right?" NingNing asked desperately.
"Have you ever seen me joke like this, NingNing?" I asked, raising my voice slightly.
She shook her head.
"Then this is serious."
I pretended to call Heejin eonnie.
"Eonnie, can you pick me up?""I'll be there in fifteen minutes."
When she arrived, NingNing grabbed my hand tightly.
"I won't let you leave this place—or this group!" she cried.
"NingNing, please let go. You can visit me anytime," I said gently.
"No!"
"Heejin eonnie, is it true?" Winter asked.
"Sadly, yes," Heejin eonnie replied.
"Just let her go, NingNing. It's the company's decision," Giselle said quietly.
Finally, NingNing let go. I walked out with my suitcase.
As soon as the van door closed, I let out a deep breath.
"I can finally breathe," I said.
"Good job," Heejin eonnie laughed. "We'll see them tonight."
"Wasn't that too harsh?" I asked.
"This industry is scarier than that," she replied.
I sighed. "I just hope they don't get mad at me after this."