!!LINK TO SAY YOU WON'T LET GO. HAVE THIS PREPARED. HEE~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK4FilVP0-Y         Dara's POV   I stared numbly at my phone somehow regretting my decision of going online only to receive the biggest shock and disappointment in my life. I thought everything is not final yet but I was wrong. I know that there have been signs already but I chose to ignore it because I thought we're better than this, that we could get through this. After all, we've already faced a lot of issues together. Ever since our debut, K-netizens have already been throwing a lot of hate to us because we are not their typical "y, cutesy" girl group, but we didn't need their approval though. We let our songs in the various music charts and shows proved our worth. We've already faced a lot of trials together so I don't understand how it all came to this.   My very first heartbreak was when Minzy talked to us and then announced that she will be leaving the group. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. I could not understand why would she even decide of leaving the group. We were good together. She enjoyed performing with us, with the fans, so I thought that was an absurd idea. But when she explained all of her heartbreak, the pressure and the struggle to survive in this cruel industry, I somewhat understood where she is coming from. Perhaps we just didn't realize our maknae's pain whenever some people would subtly hint how she doesn't get much exposure than the rest of the members. She wanted more and she thinks she could not let herself grow if she'll just remain comfortable and stay with us. It hurts me, sure. But when she was crying the whole time explaining all those suppressed pain and burden, who  are we to decide otherwise for what's best for her? After an endless cycle of crying, we finally agreed to support her even if it means supporting her from afar. The four of us spent the night together reminiscing how far we've come and the good memories we had. Minzy also promised to remain friends and be in contact even if we are no longer in the same group because once a 2NE1, always a 2NE1. I think I've read that from our fans somewhere. "Once a Blackjack, always a Blackjack" and we made that as our motto as well.   But now, I could not help the tears from falling, as I receive thousands of messages asking what happened. I thought we can still continue but as I opened my phone once more, reading the article of 2NE1's disbandment, I knew right there and then that it's over. We can no longer continue doing what we love and perform to our fans, sharing good music and creating beautiful memories together. I even feel disappointed with myself because I have asked Blackjacks to wait for us..but now, they will be waiting for nothing. How could I ever face them again? I didn't mean to make empty promises, because just like Blackjacks, I was also waiting for the day wherein we can perform again, even if it is just Chaerin, Bom and I now. But life is so cruel.   I was in a dazed for who knows how long I didn't even realize that my phone have been buzzing and ringing non-stop. As I could still not find the strength to talk to anyone, I decided to turn my cellphone off. I just wanted to be alone. Alone and quiet from all this chaos. I was immersing myself with the guilt and pain, even if I don't even understand what's happening, until I fell asleep. Finally, sweet escape.   I don't know what time is it now but I can smell the brew of coffee and maybe with pancakes in it? After a whole lot of struggle, I decided to give up sleep  and just open my eyes. And what greeted me was my dongsaeng, Cheondung. He has been living with me for quite some time now. I invited him to live with  me since my three-storey apartment is way too big for me and I am mostly away ever since I have started accepting offers overseas.     "Noonaaa~~" Cheondung greeted me with a big bear hug while pouting. Aigoo! Is he trying to be cute on me now?   "Accck. Cheondung-ah, noona can't breathe. What's wrong, eh? Are you having a hard time with your album? Do you want noona's help? Hmmm?" I acted like I was complaining but in reality, I was hugging my dongsaeng tight also. I needed all the strength that I can now.   "Yah! Noona! How can you still think of other people at times like this? You should think about yourself, too! No wonder people take advantage of you. I really don't like it and they even dare call themselves your friend when in reality, they're just using you for fame." Cheondung nagged at me but I can't help to smile.   "Yah! Yah! Yah!" I hit him with my pillow. "Who do you think you're raising your voice, eh? Many people may love you, especially girls and hey I love you too you dog poop, but that doesn't mean you can nag at me when you want to, arasso? I'm still your noona.  And I've been in this industry for so long so I know not all people are my friends." I jokingly glared at him.   "Aisssh! Noona! That hurts." Cheondung rubbed his shoulders. "But noona, I am just reminding you though. You should take care of yourself, also. Eomma, Durami and I will not always be around physically to take care of you. You know that, right?" I just stared blankly at my dongsaeng feeling so touched with what he has just said.   "Aigoo. Since when did you grow up to be this responsible, caring man, eh? We raised you well, Cheondung-ah." I patted his head and I am seriously thankful that I have my family with me. They're one of the few people I get my strength from.   "Noona, do you want to talk about it?" Cheondung suddenly asked. I should have known this topic would come.   "Cheondung-ah, noona is not yet ready. But you have to know I am grateful that I have you here with me. Noona is strong, Cheondung-ah. I got this! Arasso?" I then gave him a weak smile but Cheondung just hugged me back.   "I know. I know you're strong, noona. In fact you have been strong for so long. Remember that  I am always here for you, neh? It's okay to lean on us sometimes, noona. I can be your protector, too. You have always been mine." After Cheondung said those, I could not help but sob.   "Aigoo. You're making me cry, Cheondung-ah." I said as I hugged him also. "What a dramatic morning, eh?"   "Ah! Noona! Have you talked to hyung about this already?" Now, that is another question that I don't want to answer. MUST. ESCAPE.   "Ah! Cheondung-ah! I forgot I have a schedule today! And I'm late now. I need to take a shower and prepare! Go and do your own thing now! But thank you!" I said in panic and shoved Cheondung in the door.   "Yah! Yah! Noona! You're avoiding talking about hyung! And aishhhh.. no need to shove me. I'm busy also. Don't forget to eat that breakfast in bed I prepared for you, arasso? Always remember to take care of yourself."   I breathed in relief. At least I escaped another topic that I don't really wanna talk about right now. I went to take a bath, groomed myself and ate the breakfast that Cheondung prepared for me. Jangmae then picked me up and we headed to the airport. I will be headed to the Philippines as I have a schedule for filming a reality singing competition for boys. The winners then will be a part of a boy band that the show is going to produce. I agreed immediately when I was asked if I can be a judge because I can relate to the contestants and it's a nice way of looking back to where I started.   "Dara-yah. These reporters are really fast. Look at this article full of your face plastered. They were asking and even 'saddened' that your bright smile has disappeared."   "Jangmae-ah, they should know why I'm saddened. After all, they were the ones who are too fast to broadcast to the world what happened with the group. With that being said, they should not even be asking why my smile has disappeared when they are one of the many reasons why. Can you please turn off your phone now? I don't really wanna know about any news related to me or the group for the meantime. Let's just focus on my schedule in the Philippines, neh?" I might sound harsh but letting all that out felt really good. People are really funny, sometimes. They cause other people wounds and then they ask why we are bleeding.   "Woke up at the wrong side of the bed, Ssantokki? Anyways, I've been receiving a lot of calls from..." I stopped Jangmae with my hands from talking.   "Now, now Jangmae. That's another topic I don't wanna deal with. What did I say? Let's focus on my schedule in the Philippines, arasso?"   It felt good when I have finally arrived. At least I'm far away from all the troubles in Korea, at least for now. I have two schedules for filming. One would be for the final elimination and one for the grand finale wherein the winners would be announced. Other than that, I'm gonna have some alone time to relax my mind. Actually, I'm also nervous for the filming of the final elimination because this would be my first appearance to the public since that disbandment news has spread. I know Blackjacks here have already known the news and I just don't know how to face them.   When the first filming came, I really could not help but be nervous. But when I took a seat, I saw how the fans pulled up their banners telling me to be strong and that they are always here for me and for the girls. If the director didn't say start, I know I would not be able to stop the tears. I feel so touched and blessed for our fans. I thought they already departed us. As I was about to cry, my co-judges pat me in the back as if telling me to be strong and that many people love me.   That same night, I decided to turned my phone on and it almost broke because of the thousands of notifications I got. I've read a lot of encouraging messages from the fans and I sincerely felt the love and care that they have for me. I felt encouraged knowing that they're ready to stand by me no matter what. As a payback to their undying love, I finally agreed to what the show's producers have been requesting of me. I am to perform my song "Kiss" on stage with the contestants on stage. And I think I'll do it for the sake of my fans. An all too familiar number started calling me..but  I rejected it.   "Hmmm.. double payback it is. A "Kiss" performance, huh? Let's make it ier this time. Nolja!" I said as I turned my phone off.   True to my words, I performed my song Kiss and I showed the fans the more mature me this time. I've heard from my co-judges that I took the fans and the internet by storm. They were exaggerating, surely! Even Jangmae is so busy sending my performance video to Chaerin and Bom. This may sound ambitious but I hope the video also reach the people who have been looking down on me since then.   It was finally time to go back to Korea. I hate to go but I have no choice. I heard YG sajangnim wanted me in the office but I made excuses saying I have a jet lag and I wanted to rest. I wanted to hold off any conversations regarding the group disbandment as much as I can. Aish!  I have just arrived in Korea and my mood is already dampened.   I headed straight home and have arrived to a vey quiet apartment. I wonder where Cheondung is?   "Baby..." I froze in spot.   "Baby.. Jagiyah...."   "You?" I pointed a finger and stared at him as I was so shocked. How could he be here?   "Neh. Baby, it's me. Mianheyo. Really. I'm sorry, baby. Please talk to me.. You've been i