C H A P T E R  2 0

“So Minlee, what are you going to do”, Sumin inquired. She handed me an iced coffee as we sat down at the SM building cafeteria.

“That’s what I’m asking you. What should I do???!! I don’t know!!”

“Well...is it that important for you to leave? You’ve really impressed the entire team so far with how well you work. It’s a shame to have you quit….”

“Sumin-ah….do you think Lee Sooman would understand?! I can’t fail! I’ll have no future! But...I also don’t want to quit forever! If you would just give me...two weeks…”

Silence. Sumin sighs carefully, and continues with her advice-

“Okay, let’s try this. There will be a time next month where all of NCT’s promotions will end for them to take a rest. We were originally planning for a short break for the staff as well...but if Sooman lets you...I guess you could leave for that short span of time to do whatever you need.”

“O-Oh my gosh!! Really?!? Do you really think??! Oh my gosh, thank goodness!! Ahh Sumin I really hope he’ll let me!!”

“I’ll vouch for you. Besides, you’re smart, how long could you possibly take?” Sumin winks at me and I reciprocate with a large hug.

“Thank you….Sumin, I’m going through a really, really hard time. I’m so confused with everything. I just..hope things will start getting better from now.”

“Ohh, don’t worry and focus on one thing at a time. Whatever it is, you know unni will always have your back. You should go now and catch Sooman before he leaves for whatever busy schedule he always has.” I slurped the last of my iced coffee and shot it in the trashcan. I flurried out and ran upstairs to the fourth floor. I dash through three hallways and finally arrive centimeters from the door of SM’s office. After taking five deep breaths, I gently pound the door.

“Who is it?”

“It’s Mi-minlee. If you’re busy, I can leav--”

“Come in.” I enter slowly, with my head bowing so low I can barely see his face. “It’s okay, it’s just me. Come sit down here.” He warmly smiles at me. “How are you?”

“Well...that’s the thing. I’m not doing very well right now.