Into The New World



If you were given a choice to save one of your parents, who would you choose? Your ever loving and caring mother, or your ever responsible and determined father? It’s a hard choice, isn’t it? So let’s tone it down a little. Given the choice, would you save your fiancée or your fiancée’s parents? If you consider the details for a moment, it still is a hard choice to make. Now let’s tone it down even further and move on to the final one. Let’s say you are a part of a famous idol group loved by millions and millions of people and one of the members is too busy with her personal business to concentrate and give it her all in the group schedules and practices. What would you do? Would you kick her out or let her stay? It’s not that hard of a choice to make, right? Or is it?

This is the story of one of the most beloved K-Pop group in the entire world, Girls’ Generation a.k.a SNSD. The shocking incident that took place on 30th September 2014 shook the entire fandom all around the world. SNSD member Jessica Jung had been kicked out of the group. This literally broke the SNSD fanbase into two. ‘Jessica is the victim’ vs ‘SNSD is the real victim’.

Some fans might think that Jessica is being selfish and wanting too much for herself and that her heart isn’t in the group anymore. They want her out so that it doesn’t affect the quality of the group’s future performances. While there are also some who thinks that Jessica shouldn’t be kicked out and it is simply too unfair for her since she had worked so hard for this group over the past few years. She was in fact the first member of SNSD. So does this mean the other members’ love for her were all fake?

Well then, have you ever tried stepping into their shoes and see things from their point of view? Things aren’t as easy as it seem. Did you really think the SNSD members actually kicked Jessica out of the group without a second thought? Did you really think that Jessica had lost her interest in SNSD and put her business as her top priority? From what I think, SNSD has all the reasons in the world to make that decision and of course Jessica has all the reasons in the world to be devastated by the decision. There’s no right or wrong. It’s just the matter of whose shoes you’re in. SNSD’s? or Jessica’s?

After the announcement had been made, Jessica was extremely devastated to the point where she almost got into depression state. She locked herself in her room for one whole day, trying to gather her thoughts on how the other members of SNSD whom she considered as her own sisters would even think of kicking her out of the group. She felt betrayed. She hated that fact and on that day itself, she had lost all faith in them. She had to let everything out. Her pillow was soaked from her tears. Krystal who heard the cries of her sister teared up as well as she knocked on her door

*knock knock* “Unni? Open up the door please.” Krystal pleaded.

“…” Jessica continued crying her heart out, ignoring Krystal’s pleads.

“Unni, I can’t help you if you lock me out like this. Just open the door. Let me in, please.” Krystal continued knocking on the door, worrying about Jessica.

*click* The door finally opened. Jessica’s make up were all smeared by her tears and some of them stained even the pillow. She looked completely broken with the red eyes and nose.

“Oh my goodness…” Krystal immediately pulled Jessica in for a tight hug because that is the only thing Jessica needs right now. 

“How could they do this to me? After all these years we had together…” Jessica started crying up all over again. “How could they?”

“It’s ok. Just let everything out. I’m here for you.” Krystal patted Jessica’s head to comfort her. “Just let it out.”

“I love them so much… Every single one of them… And I’m starting to miss them already.”

“I know, I know… I’m so sorry that this has to happen to you…” Krystal tightened her hug and started bawling.

“You don’t think I’m bothersome to you as well, right?”

Krystal pulled away and wiped the tears off Jessica. “Are you out of your mind? No matter what happens, I’m always on your side. You know that right? You’re my sister and I love you.”

“I know.” Jessica smiled a little from her sister’s lovely words and wiped the tears off her face this time. “I love you too. Thanks for reassuring me.”

“So, what are you gonna do about this now?”

Jessica merely shrugged. “Move on, I guess. I don’t think I want anything to do with them anymore.”

Krystal nodded in agreement. “Probably the best idea. It’s not healthy to be in contact with people with fake at-”

“Stop right there!” Jessica covered Krystal’s mouth suddenly. “Do not badmouth them like that, got it? I may not be part of SNSD anymore but I’m still sort of a fan of them.”

Krystal sighed and nodded. “You know, sometimes I just respect how mature you are in this matter.”

“I know. Would you like to buy me a cup of coffee for that?”

“Gladly.”

That was the turning point of Jessica Jung. Ever since she wasn’t a part of SNSD anymore, she had been realizing her dreams in launching her fashion brand Blanc and Eclare all over the world. She had been really successful in her business and got even more fame for that. Well, she also got infamous. She gained quite a number of anti-fans since she was kicked out of the group. Not that she care about any of them anyway. 

She wasn’t in contact with any of the SNSD members anymore and she even removed all the other members’ photos from her phone since it gives her bad memories. The other members had tried contacting her countless numbers of times before but she merely ignored them all. She even avoided meeting up with Yuri when they both happened to be in Hong Kong at the same time. It just doesn’t seem right to meet up with any of them anymore. Jessica view things differently now. She just thought that it probably wouldn’t be the best idea to do that. All she wanted to do was to move on.

One lucky day, Jessica finally got one day off from her usual busy schedule. Since Krystal was busy with other filming, Jessica stayed home all by herself. Despite saying that she was still a fan of SNSD, she hadn’t really been keeping up with their newer songs because she was simply too busy. Since she is free today, she decided to check them out. “Hmm... There’s Party, You Think and Lionheart. Let me give it a listen.”

Jessica watched the music videos for all 3 songs. “These are actually pretty good and catchy…”

And then a sudden surge of nostalgia crawled all over her body. Apparently she wasn’t fully over them yet even after so long. She missed them so much. She wanted to meet them. From what she remembered, there was a Music Bank filming today. This was the best chance to meet them face to face after so long. She wanted to see how they’re currently doing without her. And of course she didn’t want to be caught attending SNSD’s Music Bank performance so she dressed herself up with a large coat she got from her boyfriend, sunglasses, a hat and a scarf wrapped over her nose and mouth.

It was a genius plan. She was literally unrecognizable. The only skin part visible are her fingers. With that, she managed to get into the audience seat without anybody knowing her identity. There were of course some people who seem to be shooting glances at her. But that was because she was dressed up in a suspicious manner and not because they knew she was Jessica.

Just then, SNSD took the stage. This was the first time in one year that she had actually met them face to face. It’s just that this time, she was in the audience. She didn’t know what to feel. But one thing for sure, she felt relieved that SNSD is still loved by so many even after what happened the year before. The fans chanted each of their names as they got into their Lionheart position.


Oooh neowa na cheom mannasseul ttae
Oooh machi sajacheoreom maemdolda
Gihoereul noryeo nae mam ppaeseun neo


Taeyeon, ever so talented. “Oh my god, she’s so skinny now…”


Ah neon dallajin ge eopseo yeojeonhae
Nan aega tago tto ta
Sanyanggam chaja han nun paneun neo


Sooyoung, ever so charismatic. “My goodness, how did they manage to make her skinner than before?”


Subaek beon mireonaeya haeneunde
Sucheon beon neol tteonaya haeneunde


Yoona, ever so beautiful. “Yoona… She looks prettier now…”


Tell me why
Wae mami mami jakku heundeullini
Nan yeogi yeogi ne yeope ijanhni
Jeongsin charyeo lion heart


Tiffany, ever so cheeky. “Fany… So charming…”


Nan ae ga ta
Nae mami mami deoneun sikji anhge
Nan yeogijeogi ttwinoneun neoui mam
Gildeurillae lion heart


Seohyun, ever so charming. “Wow… Seohyun… She’s literally blooming before my very eyes.”


Ohohoh ohohohohoh

Oooh neon jayuroun yeonghon yeojeonhae
Chungsilhae bonneung ape
Jigeum ne yeope nan an boini


Sunny, ever so bubbly. “I guess she’s one of the main singers now, huh? Not a bad choice. She has a lot of potential in her vocals…”


Subaek beon gomin gominhaebwado
Sucheon beon gyeolguk dabeun neoinde


Hyoyeon, ever so powerful. “This song doesn’t even suit her. You Think is a better song for her in my opinion.”


Tell me why
Wae mami mami jakku heundeullini
Nan yeogi yeogi ne yeope ijanhni
Jeongsin charyeo lion heart


And Yuri, ever so y. “Yuri definitely nailed the hip dance in this song. She did it the best among the other members.”

The more comments popping up in Jessica’s head, the more she started to miss the group. She has mixed feelings about missing the group. She wanted to talk to them but at the same time, she’s still slightly holding some grudge against them. She didn’t know what to do. She shouldn’t have come here in the first place. Watching them perform made her really angry, sad, happy and relieved all at the same time. She wanted to leave the place at once, but a part of her tells her to stay on. She was so confused at the moment that she started tearing up. She doesn’t even know those were tears of happiness or sadness. But she made a decision that she would stay on till the end of the filming to watch her former group win one more time before she’s gone for good.

Once again, SNSD won the Music Bank for that week. The entire audience cheered loudly for them. Jessica on the other hand just stood up and clapped her hands until a weird moment happened as Taeyeon was giving her speech. Jessica noticed that Yoona was staring directly at her with a frowny face. Did she already suspect something?

Yoona, who seemed to be staring at a suspicious looking person nudged Yuri who was standing just beside her. “Yuri unni… There’s a weird person in the audience.”

“Where?” Yuri started looking around as well.

“There.” This time, Yoona was pointing directly at Jessica.

This is bad. Jessica was noticed by Yoona. Well, that’s what happens when you try to dress up differently than what normal people do. Seeing Yoona pointing her finger at her, Jessica immediately shot up from her seat and started walking out of the studio.

Yoona nudged Yuri one more time, but this time with a slightly shocked expression on her face. “Unni… Do you think…”

“Stay here. Tell the others that I have to go to the toilet.” Yuri gestured and rushed out through the backdoor.

“Yah, Yuri! Where are you going!?” Sunny who saw Yuri running away, called out to her.

Yoona stood in for her. “Ah, Yuri unni needs to go to the toilet.”

“Didn’t she just went right before the performance?” Sunny frowned.

“Uhm… She has……uhm……diarrhea! Yup. She has diarrhea. So, couldn’t help it.” Yoona faked a laughter.

Yuri on the other hand, chased the suspicious person until they reached the carpark. She already had a hunch on who this person might be. “Wait!” Yuri called out.

Jessica halted as soon as she heard Yuri’s voice. She was caught red-handed. “…”

After a long pause, Yuri continued. “You’re Jessica, aren’t you?”

“…”

“Why are you so secretive like that? I understand that you’re trying to move on with your own life but you could at least say hello to us, right?”

“You and I know that this isn’t the best idea. With that much hate going on among the fans, speaking to each other will only worsen things. Besides, I don’t think I’m in the right mood to speak to you or any of them ever again.”

“You’re still angry at us after all these time?”

That single sentence made Jessica turn her whole body completely to face Yuri. “How would you like to be in my shoes and see how you feel after being backstabbed by people whom you treated as sisters, huh!?”

“Backstab?? Is that what you think??” Yuri was bewildered. “Then how would you like to be in OUR shoes to see how well you make this decision, huh Sica? You think it was easy for us to make this decision? You think we made this decision overnight? We literally begged the company not to resort to removing you from SNSD from the very beginning!”

“I don’t think that’s going to change anything.”

“Maybe I should just tell you from our point of view exactly why we made this decision. Ever since you got into this business, you’ve been extremely busy in your own personal schedule and not having enough sleep every night. Truthfully speaking, we didn’t mind at all. You were still able to catch up in the practices and still dance beautifully. It’s true that you had the company’s and also our consent to start this business but we personally think that it may be a little too early since we’re still busy promoting as SNSD. We thought you would start it a few years later. I get it. If you have found the key to open the door, then why not. I understand. We didn’t really care much. And then it starts getting worse as time goes by. You started missing out on dance practices and rehearsals.”

“But I have never missed out on any of the fan meetings and any performances. I was still able to dance and sing for the fans.”

“This isn’t just about fans, Sica. This is about us. You used to be the most hardworking member in SNSD and we just feel that you’ve been lacking a lot since you started the business. Your dances look wobbly and you look tired for every single performances. SNSD is a group loved by millions and millions of people all around the world. We have to keep the level at a high every single time. You of all should understand this better… You’re after all the first SNSD member. We cannot let the quality of SNSD drop like this. How would you feel if people started talking about how sloppy your dances have become even after you trained so hard? We’re literally forced to choose between you and the very group that 9 of us helped shape up together.”

“Even if that was true… You all still didn’t inform me about this beforehand. You just kicked me out like that.” Jessica was overwhelmed with tears suddenly. “Don’t you think it’s a little too unfair for me?”

Yuri could feel Jessica’s tears even when her face was covered. “We wanted to give you a proper farewell… We talked to them but they just wouldn’t listen… The management wanted you out as soon as possible. Even we got a last minute note about this matter. None of us would have wanted you to leave at all. We’re very sorry about this matter, Sica. But it has to be done. We made the decision to remove you because we love you too much to watch you suffer so much and in the end criticized for giving a bad performance. I just hope you get a clearer view now from our point of view. So please don’t hate us? Please?”

“…”

“Sica?”

“I love SNSD like my own family. Do you understand how it felt when I heard the news?”

“I know you love SNSD a lot. You still do, or else you wouldn’t have come watch us perform. And yes, I know how you felt.” Yuri nodded a little in guilt. “You must have been scarred pretty badly…”

“Exactly. And have you ever seen any scarred person who was this forgiving?”

One single statement from Jessica shut Yuri up immediately. “…”

“I literally couldn’t sleep for a few days after that.” Jessica replied with a cold tone.

“Sica, please…”

“But then again, I hate keeping grudges. Makes me feel uncomfortable… And thanks for opening up to me on this matter.”

Yuri’s face brightened up. “Does this mean you’ll forgive us?”

“Depends on my mood.” Jessica shrugged. “You’re still keeping the same number?”

“Yup, what about you?”

“M-hm.” Jessica nodded a little. 

“But…you’ve not been reading any of the messages sent by us all these time right?”

“I’ve been busy deleting them.” As expected from the Ice Princess, her words turned out cold as well.

“Ah, yes yes. I can understand why.” Yuri nodded and her face turned a little pink. “Well, it would be bad if you read all those embarrassing messages. Ahaha…”

“You should go. Taeyeon and the others should be looking for you now.”

“Are you going to contact me?”

“I told you before. Depends on my mood. Now go.”

“So you’re going to contact me. Yes!”

“What an annoying person. Just go before I hurt you.” Jessica warned. “And do not tell the other members that you saw me.”

“Alright, alright. I’ll be waiting for your messages and calls!” Yuri said as she hopped her way back into the studio.

Jessica couldn’t help but to smile a little at the cheerful Yuri hopping her way back into the studio. She was actually glad that they had this intense conversation earlier. It really did help her lift some weight off her chest and cleared off some misunderstandings. “Yuri, that dork. How does she manage to make me feel like this with mere words?”

When Yuri returned, everyone was waiting for her outside the studio. Taeyeon held her hand front. “Yah, Yuri. Stand there for a moment!”

Hyoyeon then pushed Seohyun forward a little. “Seohyun ah, go smell her to see if she’s safe to be around with.”

“Ah, unni! Why are you being so mean to me??” The maknae pouted a little but she still walked towards Yuri and sniffed her. “She smells nice.”

“Good. Now let’s go.” Tiffany gestured as she clung her arm on Taeyeon’s.

Yoona dragged Yuri to the side and whispered to her. “So did you find that person? Is that really her?”

“Hmm?” Yuri tilted her head. “What who is her?”

“Whaaaat……… That person I saw earlier.”

Yuri started acting dumb. “What are you talking about? What person? I was in the toilet.”

Yoona blinked at her. “…”

Yuri returned the gesture. “…”

“Whaaaaaat……”

“I think you’re sick, Yoona. Go get some sleep.”

Sunny’s head popped out from Yuri’s shoulder. “What’s this about Yoona being sick?”

Yuri started with her web of lies. “I don’t know what’s wrong with this kid talking about seeing some suspicious dude in the audience. She’s scaring me.” 

Yoona started laughing from being dumbfounded with Yuri’s lies. “Oh my god, unni! You and I saw that weird person.” 

“The only weird person here is you, Yoona.” Sooyoung added.

“You probably saw a mirror and thought you saw a weird person.” Hyoyeon joined in the fray.

“Why are all of you aiming me suddenly??” Yoona started pouting and clung her arm on Seohyun. “Help me with this one, Seohyun.”

“Eh? Me and you against all these unnis?” Seohyun looked a little surprised.

“Yah Seohyun ah, are you gonna side with her or are you gonna come over?” Sooyoung confronted with a straight face.

“If you plan on helping her then you can stand outside tonight.” Hyoyeon added.

“Aigoo, my head… I think I need some sweet potato right now.” Seohyun, being stressed out by the others left the scene immediately for her daily dose of sweet potatoes.

“Have fun with your weirdness, Yoona.” Sooyoung then left the scene.

“Gather yourself before you come back.” followed by Sunny.

“Or don’t come back at all.” and Hyoyeon.

“These unnis seriously…” Yoona sighed and peeked over at Yuri. She seemed to be tilting her head down and staring at her phone. “Whatcha looking at??”

“What? Nothing.” Yuri kept her phone immediately.

“Why are you acting so suspicious suddenly? LOL.”

“I’m not suspicious. You’re just the weird one. Now go drink some water”

“What are you talking about? You’re the one acting weird ever since you came back from the toilet or wherever you went.” Yoona insisted.

“See you, Yoona.”

Yoona could only blink her eyes at Yuri leaving the scene. “What’s with everyone today? Why is everyone picking on me?”

Five days had passed since the day Yuri finally met Jessica once again and yet there is still no messages from the latter. Perhaps Jessica is still a little mad at them. Yuri was still hopeful that Jessica would contact her soon because she really misses hanging out with her. She laid on her bed with her eyes fixed on her phone, hoping every second that a message will come. All the other members were out for filming and she was left alone at home. Of course she was left alone. Yuri had been sick for 2 days. She might have overstressed herself in dance practices and other schedules. “Just contact me already, Sica…”

Just then, her phone rang. Without even looking at the caller name, she answered the call. “You finally called!”

“What’s wrong with you, unni? I just called to check on you.” Yoona sounded shocked and dumbfounded.

“Oh, it’s you, Yoona… How’s filming?”

“Oh, the filming just ended. Now we’re going out for some midnight snacks. How are you feeling right now?”

“Better.”

“Alright then. Take more rest. See you when we get home…”

“Alright. See you.” Yuri ended the call and sighed to herself. “What was I thinking…”

Then, a message came. Immediately, Yuri clicked on it. Turned out to be Seohyun’s message. “Unni, how are you feeling right now? Filming has just ended. The members are going for a midnight snack. I’m heading to a pharmacy store to see what else I can get then I’ll be back home soon. Wait for me~”

Somehow, the members having a late night snack without her is kinda making her a little annoyed. Why did she have to get sick just when they were given the chance to get midnight snacks. Yuri replied simply. “Yup. Come back soon~”

Right after Yuri sent the message to Seohyun, a video call came from Taeyeon. Yuri rolled her eyes. “Oh great. Another ‘Oh, we’re having some midnight snacks’ sentence to hear.”

As soon as Yuri answered the video call, she saw Taeyeon and Tiffany on the camera eating some pancake. Taeyeon looked into the camera and started. “Yuri ah. How are you doing? We’re having some snacks after filming.”

“That’s the third time I’m hearing the word snacks from you guys. Stop making me hungry when I’m sick. And I’m fine. I’ve had enough rest.”

“Oh my goodness, you look sick.” Tiffany laughed and clapped her hands.

“Very funny. Ha ha.”

“Rest well and we’ll be back soon, ok?”

“Alright… Bye bye~” Yuri ended the call and not long after, yet another message arrived.

“Ugh!! This better not be another message about midnight snacks…” Yuri squinted her eyes at her phone and clicked on the message.

It was a photo of Sunny, Sooyoung and Hyoyeon placing a dukbokki in their mouth with a message that says “Look what you’re missing out on, Yuri~?”

Frustrated, Yuri tossed her phone on the bed, “Aish, How annoying! These aren’t the messages and phone calls I wanted to receive right now!” and groaned. “I don’t even know if I’m feeling frustrated or hungry right now… Probably both.”

Once again, a message came. Yuri lazily reached for her phone and clicked on it. It’s probably one of the member’s messages about eating snacks again. 

The message read, “Care for a cup of coffee? You can come over my place now if you’re free.”

“Sica!?” Yuri’s eyes opened wide. Jessica actually asked for a meet up at her place. Even when she’s sick right now, she couldn’t let go of this chance. She hopped off the bed and changed her clothes.

It wasn’t easy getting to Jessica’s place especially when you’re an idol. Yuri literally had to cover herself up completely from head to toe so that she was not recognized. What’s worse is that it was raining heavily outside. After half an hour of sneaking around like a robber in the rain, she finally reached Jessica’s doorstep all wet. As she was about to click on the doorbell, the door opened to reveal Jessica.

“I saw you from the CCTV.” Jessica looked at Yuri from head to toe and frowned. “Did you copy what I wore the other day?”

“I had to learn from you. You own a fashion line after all.”

“Says the Fashion King.”

“Aha!” Yuri pointed. “I got that pun. Me. Fashion King. LOL!”

Jessica smiled a little and gestured. “Come in.”

Yuri sat down and removed her disguise as Jessica passed her a cup of coffee. “Krystal isn’t around?”

Jessica too sat down with her own cup of coffee. “I wouldn’t have called you over if she was around. She’s still a little mad about my departure.”

“I see...” Yuri nodded awkwardly. “So... How’s life?”

“Pretty good. How about you and the other members? You all seem to be doing pretty well I suppose?”

“Ah. We’re actually doing very well... We actually got closer to one another with just 8 members.”

“I see.” Jessica nodded.

Only then Yuri realized that she probably said something wrong. “Oh no, that’s not what I meant. I hope you don’t misunderstand what I’m trying to say. What I’m trying to say is-”

“I get it. You don’t have to explain.”

“I just don’t want you to misunderstand me.”

“It’s alright, Yuri. I understand.”

“Y-Yuri?” Yuri got flustered and giggled a little. “It’s a little awkward now that you’re calling my name after so long.”

“I know right? Things had been different since that day. I’m actually glad that I got to speak with you once again. I feel slightly more comfortable right now.” Jessica smiled.

“You know, I’m not the only SNSD member... Everyone wanted to meet you and speak to you. Taeyeon, Tiffany, Hyoyeon, Sunny, Yoona, Seohyun and Sooyoung too.”

“I’m not sure if I’m ready to meet all of them just yet. I don’t like being overwhelmed like that. So for now, just you. You lucky girl.” Jessica started giggling a little.

“Speaking of lucky, we won 1st on Inkigayo with Lionheart again. I think you’ve heard of that song by now, right?”

“It’s not surprising that SNSD won again. And of course I heard the songs beforehand. I even watched the music videos for Lionheart, You Think and Party.” Jessica then sat closer. “Personally, I don’t think Lionheart suited someone with a strong personality like Hyoyeon.”

Yuri immediately burst into laughter with a clap. “I know right! The other members were talking about it too! Sunny was talking about how Hyoyeon should be the lion in the music video instead.”

That comment made Jessica laugh. “The lion got hit a lot by you guys in the music video though.”

“That was exactly the reason why Sunny said that Hyoyeon should be the lion. So we can hit her.”

“Seohyun, my goodness. She bloomed before my very eyes. I’m totally surprised by her change in You Think music video. Who taught her how to crawl like that?” Jessica laughed.

“Ohohoho... I was the one who taught her how to nail the crawling part. A little too wild for the old Seohyun, right? Well, she has grown a lot.”

“She really has...” Jessica nodded. “And had SM been torturing Taeyeon and Sooyoung? They got so much skinnier.”

“Right. Well, you know it I think. Diet and stuff...”

“Ugh... Those times... Remember that time I sneaked some snacks back into the dorm at night when we’re supposed to be having a diet?”

“Ah, and we got scolded by our manager oppa! That time was bad...”

Jessica laughed and pointed out. “I still remember. You were the one who ate the most and yet acted like you ate the least amount.”

“What, you still remember it?? I thought you don’t like keeping grudges?”

“It depends on my mood... Well, what about Fany? Is she coping well?”

“Ah, now that you mentioned it. Even until now, she still has problems in expressing herself in Korean. When we came on Weekly Idol, Jung Hyung Don literally got so frustrated because he couldn’t understand what she was talking about at all. We literally have to translate the Fany language into proper Korean language.”

Jessica burst into laughter. “I totally need to watch that episode.”

“Yeah, you should… Not only that, Fany talked about you a lot at home too.”

Jessica slowly lost her smile. “Oh... She did?”

“Of course. You were the only one who understood the Fany language. The American couple. Remember that?”

“Ah yes. The JeTi couple, was it?” Jessica giggled. “I saw it everywhere in the internet.” She then sighed. “Those memories... Talking to you suddenly makes me want to go back in time and relive those moments.”

“We all want you back too, Sica. We all miss you so much. We miss all the times when there were still 9 of us.”

“Yuri, stop. As much as I want it, there is no such thing as turning back in time. I was kicked out and no matter whose fault it is, nothing can change that fact. I have a stable business now. And the 8 of you are doing very well without me... Thanks for telling me all that, Yuri but I’ve already moved on from that stage. I’m already 27. I can’t always stay that happy and pure idol.”

“Right. You said that on tv before.” Yuri nodded. 

“You guys were watching me and my interviews?” Jessica looked surprised.

“Uhuh. Even that interview you did at Hong Kong. Yeah, I watched it.” Yuri smiled bitterly.

“You should understand why. It wasn’t the right time to meet at all.” Jessica tried explaining.

“I know. I know… You don’t have to explain. I completely understand it.” For some reason, her breathing seem to be a little heavy.

“...” Jessica stared right into Yuri’s eyes suddenly.

“What’s wrong?” Yuri frowned.

“Why is your face so red like that? Why are you sweating so much?”

“Huh?” Yuri placed both her hands on her cheeks. “Really?”

Jessica moved over and placed the back of her hand on Yuri’s forehead. “You have a fever??”

“Well...”

“You had fever and yet you still came while it’s raining heavily outside? Why would you even do something like that? You should be resting at home instead.”

“I came here because you called for me, Sica. I just had to come. We haven’t spoken to each other like this for a year now. I can’t let this chance slip.”

“Enough. I’m gonna call the other members to come pick you up.” 

“Alright, alright. I’m gonna leave. But before that, let me show you one video which I think you probably had missed out on during this past year.”

“Which is?”

“Here, watch this.” Yuri took out her phone and showed it to Jessica. “It’s the Into The New World performance we did at Tokyo Dome in December 2014.”

“Into The New World, huh? Our debut song…” Jessica smiled a little. “I miss that song a lot.”

“This performance is a little different. Watch it. And I hope you can see it.” 

“See what?”

“Just watch.” With that, Yuri clicked on the video.


(must watch!)(INTO THE NEW WORLD)(must watch!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_ZUmMzP5ts
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
(must watch!)(INTO THE NEW WORLD)(must watch!)


“This was last year already?”

“It’s strange how time flies right?”

As soon as Jessica reached her part in the song, she started tearing up. Sunny started crying, followed by the other members.

Yuri continued. “Sunny was supposed to cover your part beautifully but she couldn’t do it. She couldn’t bring herself to sing your part at all. Yoona had to do it. After the performance, she told us how bad and sad she felt for that.”

“I know...” Jessica’s tears started flowing down her cheeks. “I can…see that.”

Seeing Jessica’s tears made Yuri cry as well. “Do you see it, Sica? We loved you so much. It literally broke our heart to even have the need to remove you from SNSD. The 9 of us started in 2007 with this song, and this was the first Into The New World performance without you being in it. So we poured all our feelings into it.”

“I saw it. All your feelings…” Jessica nodded and started bawling. “All of you... I love you guys so much…”

Yuri pulled Jessica in for a hug and cried. “I’m so sorry for what we have done to you, Sica.”

Jessica tightened the hug. “I’m the one who should be sorry to all of you. I was too selfish in my decisions. Now I realized. It was the right choice to make... I never should have doubted all of you from the very beginning... You guys really do love me a lot...”

“Yes, we do...”

Jessica wiped her tears and gathered her breath. “I’ve changed my mind.”

“Change your mind about what?” Yuri wiped her own tears as well.

“Let’s go hang out some time. All 9 of us. I want to meet everyone.”

Yuri brightened up. “Really? We have a free day next Saturday. What about you?”

Jessica held both Yuri’s hands. “From now on, nothing is more important than meeting up with the members of SNSD. I’ll make myself free on that day.”

“Perfect!”

Their heart to heart conversation ended very well that night and Jessica had finally let go of all her grudge against SNSD thanks to Yuri. Now that Jessica finally stepped into SNSD’s shoes and view things from their point of view, everything became clear. The OT9 bond never really did turn into OT8 as mentioned in the media and that made her into the happiest girl in the world that night.

Yuri reached home all sweaty and wet from the heavy rain and as expected, all of them were already home that time. They had been trying to contact her but her phone was switched off.

“Yah, where did you go when you’re supposed to be resting at home?” Taeyeon started with a loud and concerned tone.

“Uhm… For some midnight snacks? Ha ha ha…”

Yuri and Jessica had been contacting each other daily since that night. The both of them decided to keep it a secret from the others until that day and they were definitely excited to see their reactions. It’s strange how fast time flies. In the blink of an eye, the fateful day has arrived.

“Yah, Kwon Yuri… What are we doing here?” Sooyoung asked as the 8 of them walked along the field of grass in the countryside.

“Just awhile more. Over there.” Yuri pointed at the direction of a tree.

“We’re not here to plant trees are we?” Hyoyeon added.

Sunny stopped in her tracks. “Yah, I’ve planted enough during Invincible Youth filming.”

“Ah, are we going to plant our own sweet potatoes?” Seohyun’s expression cheered up.

“You can go plant them yourself if you like it so much.” Yoona answered.

“Aigoo, it’s so hot here…” Taeyeon was literally sweating and her white skin looked exceptionally white under the sun.

Tiffany suddenly looked over and smiled. “Doesn’t she look like an angel now? How bright.”

“Taeyeon is reflecting all the light. Owh, my eyes…” Sunny jokingly covered her eyes.

“While Yuri is in all the light.” Hyoyeon just had to pour cold water on Yuri.

“Yah! I’m being so nice, taking you guys for a picnic in the field and you’re treating me like this?” Yuri retorted.

Soon after, they reached a huge tree and stood there. Sooyoung got annoyed. “We’re not gonna stand here and stare at this tree, are we? If that’s what we’re doing then you’ve literally wasted our free day, Yuri.”

Yoona tilted her head a little and pointed. “Oh? There seem to be someone standing behind the tree.”

Everyone immediately got interested and started looking. Behind the tree stood one person whom they haven’t seen in a long time. “Hello, ladies.” Greeted the lady behind the tree with a smile.

Every single one of them broke into tears from the sight of Jessica. They immediately went in for a group hug. The tearful reunion made even Yuri and Jessica who planned this, tear up.

“We’re sorry, Jessica. We’re so sorry…” Taeyeon couldn’t stop her tears.

“I understand. I love you guys so much… Yuri told me the whole story.” Jessica’s eyes too welled up in tears.

“Yuri!?”

“Yah, Kwon Yuri!!!!!!!” Everybody was crying Yuri’s name out from hiding the fact that she had been contacting Jessica behind their backs.

Yuri had to run in circles to avoid getting hit by the other members and she finally placed an arm over Yoona. “Oh Yoona, ah… Remember that weird person you saw at Music Bank weeks back? Guess what? You were right. It is her.”

“Oh my goodness!!! I was right all along!” Yoona fell on the ground and started laughing this time. “Because of you, I got called weird by everyone!”

Yuri continued. “Oh and that night I got sick and disappeared during the heavy rain? Yeah, I went to Jessica’s place.”

“WHAAATTT!!!????” Everyone did not see that coming at all.

“Oh, and the part where I started giggling at some messages on my phone and you guys thought I was crazy or something? Well, that’s Jessica too.”

“Yah, I quit. I quit.” Hyoyeon tore off a patch of grass and tossed it on the ground and started walking off, gaining laughter from all of them.

“I quit too.” Sooyoung followed the same gesture.

Seohyun showed a frowny face. “Why are these unnis destroying the nature suddenly?”

Tiffany seem to be frozen in time with the same pose ever since Jessica came out from behind the tree. She couldn’t stop pointing her finger at Jessica and wouldn’t close. Jessica looked over and chuckled a little. “What’s up, Fany?”

Tiffany who was still in a state of shock, blurted her whole reply in English. “What’s up?? WHAT’S UP!? I’m gonna cry. That’s what’s up.”

“Come here.” Jessica opened her arms wide and let Tiffany come into her arms automatically.

“You don’t hate us for removing you from SNSD?” cried Tiffany.

“Not anymore. I’ve seen the whole picture now. I love you guys.” Jessica replied.

Sunny who was still overwhelmed by the scene of Jessica appearing before her very eyes remained a few meters away from her and was still crying. “…”

Jessica saw this and walked over to Sunny before giving her a tight hug. “Stop crying…”

While still sobbing her heart out, Sunny continued. “Seriously, you can’t just appear out of nowhere and tell us that you love us after disappearing and ignoring us for so long…”

It was a tearful reunion. The 8 members of SNSD never thought that a day like this would ever come ever since what happened. It was all thanks to Yuri who managed to convince Jessica of the truth behind the decision made. It was like a dream come true. After all the crying and hugging are done, the 9 of them laid down on the grassy field in a circle with their heads and shoulders touching one another’s while staring at the sky. It was a nice feeling and it seemed like the time flew back to when they were still promoting Into The New World.

Taeyeon started a conversation. “So what do you think of our new songs? Good?”

“Very catchy. It has a nice tune to it. I’ve told Yuri this before and I will say it again. I still don’t think Hyoyeon is suited for Lionheart. Too girlish for her.” Jessica answered with a laugh.

Hyoyeon jokingly replied with a laugh. “Yah, do you wanna get kicked out again?”

“Ah, unni. Please don’t talk about kicking anyone just when we reunite with Sica unni.” Seohyun replied with a concerned tone.

“Then we’ll kick you out.” Sooyoung who was lying beside Seohyun started placing her feet all over the maknae.

“I got surprised with Seohyun in You Think.” Jessica laughed. 

“Hah! I helped her get past that stage of innocence. You’re welcome. You’re welcome.” Yuri started flipping her hair.

“Ah, unni. Stop talking about that. I’m so embarrassed right now.” Seohyun had to cover her red face.

“Then what do you think of the song Party?” Tiffany continued.

“It’s a really fun song. You guys sure are partying hard without me.” Jessica laughed.

“Unni, why are you saying that??” Yoona asked.

Taeyeon laughed. “Yeah, totally. We were so devastated by your loss that we had to get ourselves drunk with lemon soju, tequila and mojito.”

Yuri pointed. “HAH! I got that reference.”

“We literally talked about what kind of bikini you would wear if you were still around. Probably the iest one among the 9 of us. But since you’re not in, I got the iest red bikini.” Sunny giggled.

“What a narcissist.” Tiffany said in English.

“Narci-what?” Nobody except Jessica could understand Tiffany at all, so in the end, only Jessica and Tiffany laughed.

“But we settled Sica’s bikini’s color as blue.” Yoona continued.

That made Jessica laugh. “PFFFT-HAA!!!! Blue coz I’m the Ice Princess??”

The chat continued on and on and on. Only laughter were heard the whole time when they were reminiscing the old memories. It went on for hours.

Tiffany took a deep breath. “Hah………… I’m so happy that 9 of us could chat like this once again.”

Yuri added. “We did this before… Laying in a circle like that and having a chat. It feels like that time when we were still promoting Into The New World. We were still so young and playful.”

Jessica smiled. “The 9 of us really did go through so much together. Happiness… Even sadness…”

And then silence came as a calm wind fluttered through their bodies. The atmosphere was simply perfect. Taeyeon started with a beautiful and melodic ballad version of Into The New World.


[Taeyeon] 

Jeonhae jugo shipeo seulpeun shigani
Da heuteojin hueya deullijiman
(I want to tell you, even though the sad times have already past)


“Taeyeon ah. Why are you being so sentimental right now? You’re going to make me cry.” Sunny said.

Tiffany laughed a little. “Are we really going to start singing while laying in a circle in a grassland?”

Seohyun who caught the atmosphere continued.


[Seohyun] 

Nuneul gamgo neukkyeo bwa umjigineun maeum
Neoreul hyanghan nae nunbicheul
(Close your eyes and feel, how you affect my mind, how you attract my gaze)


Sunny continued. “Sica, please don’t sing. If you do, I really am going to cry. I’m not joking right now.”


[Jessica]

Teukbyeolhan gijeogeul gidariji ma
Nunapeseon uriye geochin gireun
(Don't wait for a miracle, there's a rough road in front of us)


Everybody started tearing up as soon as they heard Jessica’s voice but that didn’t stop them from singing.


[Yuri] 

Al su eomneun miraewa byeok bakkuji ana
Pogihal su eopseo
(With obstacles and future that can't be known, yet I won't change, I can't give up)


[Tiffany] 

Byeonchi aneul sarangeuro jikyeojwo
Sangcheo ibeun nae maeumkkaji
(Keep your love unchanging for my wounded heart)


Sunny covered her teary eyes and shook her head. “I don’t wanna sing... Why do I feel so sad suddenly…”

Some of them started tearing up as well. Jessica who was lying beside Sunny grabbed her hand and smiled at her. “It’s alright. We’re all here with you. I’m here with you.”

Gaining her strength from looking into Jessica’s eyes, Sunny forced the lyrics out of .


[Sunny] 

Shiseon sogeseo mareun piryo eopseo
Meomchwojyeo beorin I shigan
(Looking in your eyes, no words are needed, time has stopped)


[All] 

Saranghae neol I neukkim idaero
Geuryeo watdeon haemae ime kkeut
I sesang sogeseo banbokdweneun 
Seulpeum ijen annyeong
Sumaneun al su eomneun gil soge
Hwimihan bicheul nan jjochaga
Eonjekkajirado hamkke haneun geoya
Dashi mannan naye segye
(I love you, just like this. The longed end of wandering.
I leave behind this world's unending sadness.
Walking the many and unknowable paths, I follow a dim light.
It's something we'll do together to the end, into the new world.)


“Do I have to get up and start dancing now? I’m the star right now, right?” Hyoyeon joked, causing slight giggles between the ladies.

“We’re doing a ballad now, Hyoyeon. Keep your dance for the next time.” Taeyeon grumbled.


[Yoona] 

Teukbyeolhan gijeogeul gidariji ma
Nunapeseon uriye geochin gireun
(Don't wait for a miracle, there's a rough road in front of us)


[Taeyeon] 

Al su eomneun miraewa byeok bakkuji ana
Pogihal su eopseo
(With obstacles and future that can't be known, yet I won't change, I can't give up)


Sooyoung sighed loudly. “Seriously this is making me cry as well.”


[Sooyoung] 

Byeonchi aneul sarangeuro jikyeojwo
Sangcheo ibeun nae maeumkkaji
(Keep your love unchanging for my wounded heart)


[Hyoyeon] 

Shiseon sogeseo mareun piryo eopseo
Meomchwojyeo beorin I shigan
(Looking in your eyes, no words are needed, time has stopped)


[Seohyun] 

Ireoke kkaman bam hollo neukkineun 
(Feeling alone in this dark dark night)


[Jessica] 

Geudaeye budeureoun sumgyeori
(Your soft breath)


[Taeyeon] 

I sungan ttaseuhage gamgyeo oneul
Modeun naye tteollim jeonhallae~
(This moment, warmly entwines me in your presence.
I want you to know all my tremors~)


[Seohyun] 

Saranghae saranghae saranghae
(I love you. I love you. I love you.)



[Taeyeon]

Saranghae saranghae saranghae
(I love you. I love you. I love you.)


Sunny sobbed. “Do I sing this part?”

With a smile on Jessica’s face, she held Sunny’s hand.


[Jessica] 

Saranghae saranghae saranghae
(I love you. I love you. I love you.)


[Tiffany] 

Saranghae saranghae saranghae... Hu...Oh..
(I love you. I love you. I love you.)


[All] 

Eonjekkajirado hamkke haneun geoya
Dashi mannan uriye...
(It's something we'll do together to the end, into our new world)



"..."

"..."

"..."

Sunny screamed as soon as they finished singing. “Yah, Kim Tae Yeon! Because you started singing this song, everyone started crying! Don’t do that next time.” 

“The atmosphere and situation was too perfect. I couldn’t help it.” Taeyeon laughed and wiped the tears off her face.

“Guys…” Jessica voiced out and immediately grabbed everyone’s attention. “Thank you for being my best friends and supporting me even after I’ve made so many mistakes. We may have had some really bad misunderstandings in the past, but in the end, the soshi bond still exists. My dream was to be the proudest SNSD member ever. Since I can’t do it anymore, I want the 8 of you to continue my dream as proud SNSD members. Bring SNSD to the top of the world. Bring smiles to people’s faces and don’t ever let anything bring you guys down anymore. I will always be supporting you all from behind.”

“Sica, stop it. I’m going to cry again.” Yuri could literally feel the tears coming up once again.

Jessica looked over to Taeyeon. “Taeyeon, I know we may have had some quarrels in the past and we do not see eye to eye sometimes, but there is definitely one thing I know. That you are one of the most responsible person I’ve seen till date. As long as SNSD is under your care, I know you guys can do it.”

“We’re already halfway there. I’m working on it.” Taeyeon reassured.

“Fany, I’m probably the only one who understands the Fany language since we’re both Americans. I hope you get to express yourself in Korean better from now on. Don’t let that pull you down.”

“I’m already improving. Thanks.” Tiffany smiled.

“Seohyun, our baby.” Jessica teased.

“Ah, unni! I’m not a baby anymore.”

“You’ve grown. Really, more than I have ever imagined. Beautiful and talented. Keep it at that.”

“Ah, unni. You’re gonna make me cry…”

“Hyoyeon? Don’t do girlish songs again.” Jessica said with a laughter.

“Yah, you think I have a choice? I just go along with the choreography.”

“Sooyoung, you’ve been improving so much in your dances and singing. You have so much charm now. If I was a guy, I would literally fall for you.”

“Well it’s too bad that you aren’t a guy.”

“Yoona… The dorky one. Keep that dorkiness and continue making the other members happy. Just stay they beauty you are and keep it going. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. Got it?”

“Got it~”

Jessica then rolled to her side to face Sunny. “Sunny…”

“Nononono, stop. I’ve cried like 5 times today already so I don’t want to cry again.”

Jessica pinched her cheek a little. “Just stay cute and bubbly.”

“I told you to stop……” Sunny started crying all over again.

“And Yuri… Seriously, without you, I wouldn’t even be talking to you all right now. I’m very grateful that you chased me all the way till the carpark the other day. If you had missed me that time, things would have remained the same as before. I would still be minding my own business and probably never ever will contact you.” Jessica grabbed Yuri’s hands. “Thank you so much for that and stay pretty.”

Yuri nodded and smiled back. “Thank you…”

Jessica then punched her fist into the air. “Let the 9 of us move into the new world. No more fighting. No more misunderstandings. No more tears. Just happiness and joy. We may not be in the same path anymore but at least we have a similar dream, right? Let’s bring SNSD to the top!”

“Very true.” The other 8 members raised their fist into the air as well. Hyoyeon started. “Are we really going to do it? While laying in a circle with our fist up?”

“Ah, I haven’t done it in a year. But I think I remember it.” Jessica added.

“Us laying down like that makes it a little cheesy though, but oh what the heck.” Yuri shrugged.

Taeyeon shouted. “Let’s do it!!”

“JIGEUM-EUN, SO NYUH SHI DAE!! AP-EURODO, SO NYUH SHI DAE!! YEONG-WONHI, SO NYUH SHI DAE!!!”

Whenever a rock is thrown into a river, the most it will do is cause a ripple in the water. But in the end, the current will always correct itself. Just like the soshi bond of all 9 SNSD members, their love for each other are so strong that nothing can ever tear them apart. It’s true that there are still people out there who thinks otherwise. As for me, numbers don’t really mean a thing. Even when the number of SNSD members dropped to 8, we know in our hearts, and they know in their hearts, that there will forever be 9.



THE END