"So I guess it's your last night at this house today, hm?"

I smiled ruefully. "Yes, Dad. From tomorrow on, I'm going to live in a dorm."

He sighed. "I'm still can't realize that my little girl is grown up now."

"Dad! I told you that I was grown up since several years now."

"And I told you that you will always be my little girl."

"I'll visit as often as possible, okay?"

"Just focus on your dream. This old man can take care of himself.", he said and patted my head.

I pouted. "You're not old and I want to visit you."

He laughed. "Okay, okay. Now let's prepare dinner. I'm starving!"

We ate and talked about a lot of things. Ever since my Mum passed away, I did everything, so that my Dad wouldn't feel lonely. But there would always come the time where you need to go your own way. It's not like I didn't allow my Dad to fall in love again with another woman. I wanted him to. But he told me that he could never love another woman as much as my Mum. Except me, he always added. Even though he already made his decision, I didn't want to stop trying.

"Dad.", I said while eating.

"Hm?"

"Don't you want to go on a date again?"

He sighed. "Ha Ni, we've talked about this before."

"I know but...uhm...it's just that I don't want you to feel lonely...especially now that I'm moving out..."

"I'm not a little kid. I'm doing fine on my own."

"I didn't say that you couldn't be left alone. I don't want you to feel lonely."

"You know that I won't love another woman as much as your Mum."

"But how do you want to know it if you don't try? I love Mum, too. But I don't think that she wants you to be lonely."

"I'm not."

"Dad, could you please stop being stubborn? I just want you to be happy!"

"And can you please stop trying to tell me what to do? I'm already happy! I had a wonderful life with a wonderful wife, I have a wonderful daughter, I have a good job and I have a big house! I'm not asking for more! Now let's stop talking about this nonsense!"

I was shocked by his sudden outburst. Then I realized that I was really the one at fault. It was not my right to decide over his life. I went to my Dad and hugged him. "I'm sorry, Dad. I love you and I want you to be happy."

"I know, dear. I love you too, little nightingale."

I smiled. "So, truce?"

"Truce.", he said and laughed.

"I'll make it up to you by serving you your favorite dessert!"

"Which is, by the way, also your favorite dessert, huh?"

"A win-win situation, perfect!"

He just laughed.

Seeing him like this, I promised myself to do my best, so that he would never lose his smile.

After I finished packing my stuff, I went to bed. I was happy and afraid at the same time. Tomorrow I would finally meet the other trainees. I would start living in a dorm. Everything would change. But.....was I really ready for this big change? Was I ready to do everything to pursue my dream?

Yes, I was.

Satisfied with my determination, I fell asleep.

The next morning my Dad woke me up. We ate breakfast and then he drove me to the dorm. I told him that it was okay and that I could take a cab. But he insisted on driving me.

"I'm not doing it for you, okay? I'm doing it for me. I want to cherish the few time we have together.", he said and laughed.

I chuckled. "Dad, I'm not going forever. I told you that I'll visit you as often as possible."

"Just concentrate on your dream. This old man will watch over you from afar."

I nudged him. "Hey, stop talking like that. You're not old and I'll visit you soon, you won't even notice that I was gone."

He laughed. "If you say so. Now let's get going. You're supposed to be there at 9am, right? It's already 8.30am."

We finished breakfast and put my luggage into the trunk. After that he drove me to the dorm.

"Don't forget to eat, okay? I know that you tend to leave out meals when you're engrossed in something. Your Mom and I were really worried when your started losing much weight while studying for your exams.", he said to me when we were in the car.

"But I started gaining weight again when the exams were over! So...doesn't it balance out in a way?"

"Don't be stupid. You need your energy while practicing. Or else you'll pass out. Just promise to not skip meals, okay?"

"Okay."

After several minutes, we arrived at the dorm. While hauling my luggage out of the trunk, I heard several steps approaching us. When I looked up, I saw Minah & Yuri running towards me.

"Ha Ni! There you are! We thought you got lost!", Yuri said and nudged me.

"Nah, my Dad was driving. He is not the one without sense of direction.", I said and laughed.

Yuri chuckled. "Then it's good that you weren't the one driving or else you both would've been in Alaska right now."

"Hey! I'm not that bad, okay?"

"If you say so.", Yuri said and grinned.

I just gave her a soft punch as an answer and turned back to my luggage.

My Dad came around the car. "Hey girls! Ah, Yuri! As lovely as always! I haven't seen you that often lately even though you were living with us."

Yuri approached him and gave him a hug. "Mr. Jung, how are you? I've been practicing secretly to surprise Ha Ni that's why I've been sleeping at a friend's house."

He patted her head. "Good to know that my little girl has you with her."

"I'll make sure that she won't get in trouble.", she said and smiled.

I just rolled my eyes.

He laughed. "Good to know. Take care of yourself, too." After giving her another pat, he turned to Minah. "You are Minah, right? Ha Ni told me a lot about you."

She smiled shyly. "Just good things I hope?"

"Yes, only good things. Nice to meet you, Minah."

"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Jung."

My Dad closed the drunk. "So, I will head to work now. Have fun, girls! Never lose sight of your dreams, one day you all will be successful, I'm sure."

"Thank you, Mr. Jung.", they said in unison.

"Come on, let's help Ha Ni with her luggage!", Minah said and picked up a bag.

Before I could stop them, they already picked up all of my bags and ran to the dorm.

"You've got good friends, Ha Ni.", my Dad said.

"I know. I'm very grateful to have them as my friends." I turned to him. "So, I guess it's time to say goodbye?"

"Yeah, I guess."

I hugged him tight. "Don't overstrain yourself at work, okay? I'll miss you."

"I 'll miss you too, dear."

Then my Dad got into the car and drove away. I missed him already.

When I couldn't see my Dad's car anymore, I turned around. There we were. The dorm I would be living in from now on. To be honest, the first impression wasn't very inviting. The dorm was a gray and ugly small house with an ordinary lawn.

I walked towards the dorm. I took a deep breath and opened the door. The interior looked a bit friendlier. I walked through the small floor. On the right side were several closed rooms with numbers on the doors. Three rooms on the right side and two rooms on the left side. Right next to these two rooms, there was the bathroom. At the end of the floor, there were two additional rooms. The right one was the kitchen. I could hear several noises coming out of the left room. Many bags were next to the door, mine included. Seemed like it was the living room.

"Ha Ni! Come on, we are all waiting for you!"

Startled, I looked up. Minah was standing next to me.

Because I didn't answer, she sighed and grabbed my hand. Then she pulled me into the room where the noises were coming from. I was right. It was the living room. It didn't seem very big, especially when there were so many people in this room. I spotted Hyomin & Soomi sitting with two other girls on the left side of the couch. Yuri was sitting on the other side of the couch, waving at us. Right next to the couch, there was another girl, sitting on a chair. She was chewing something while looking boredly out of the window. Two other girls were sitting on the floor, playing with their laptops.

Yuri pulled me towards the couch. We sat down and I looked around again. That was when I noticed the woman standing in the middle of the room, looking through several papers in her hand.

I nudged Yuri. "Hey, who's that? She doesn't look like a trainee."

"That's our supervisor."

"Our what?"

"Our -"

"So! May I get your attention, please?", the woman interrupted Yuri. We all looked up. Well, except for the girl on the chair, she kept looking out of the window. "Welcome to Cube Entertainment, new trainees! I hope you like your new living accommodation. I'm Song Mihri, your supervisor. I'm responsible for you, so if you need anything or have questions, don't hesitate to approach me. Now I'll announce the new room distributions:

Room 1: Kwon Yuri and Park Minah.

Room 2: Kang Haeri and Lee Sora.

Room 3: Yoon Soomi and Lee Hyomin.

Room 4: Ham Eunhee and Ham Sunhee.

Room 5: Kim Minjung and Jung Ha Ni.

Any questions?" Everybody shook their heads. "Good. Enjoy your day off, you'll start with your training tomorrow. Here's your schedule." She gave us our schedules and then she rushed away. Busy woman.

Yuri and Minah gave me apologetic looks. "Sorry, Ha Ni. You were late and we didn't know when you would arrive. Mihri Eonni told us to choose a room, she wouldn't let us wait for you.", Yuri said.

I smiled. "It's okay. To be honest, I'm very eager to meet my new roommate. Isn't the purpose of this dorm to get to know the other trainees? You guys just go ahead and unpack your luggage, I'm gonna be okay."

"You sure? We could try to -"

"No, really.", I interrupted Minah. "Stop worrying. Come on, let's hurry, I think lunch will start soon."

They both gave me another apologetic look before going to their rooms.

I sighed. Even though I said that it was okay, I couldn't help but feel a bit left out. But maybe this way I could really find new friends and get to know the other trainees.

With this thought in mind, I carried my stuff into room 5. It was the room next to the kitchen. I opened the door and stepped into the room. Unsurprisingly, it was very small. there was a double bunk bed on the left side of the room. On the right side, there was a small desk and a dresser.

Huh. Comfy.

I noticed a girl lying on the lower bunk bed, reading a book. It was the girl who was sitting on the chair earlier. I think her name was Minjung. She didn't look up when I entered the room.

I put my stuff on the floor. "Hi. You must be Minjung, right? Nice to meet you, I'm Ha Ni." 

No answer. Nice.

 "So...uhm...where do I put my stuff?", I asked her.   

"The last three drawers are yours.", she said without putting down her book.

Wow. I got a full sentence from her. How generous.

I unpacked my luggage and put my stuff into the drawer.

"This dorm is okay, even though it looks a bit uninviting from the outside. So...how long have you been living here?", I asked her, trying to do small talk.

She closed her book loudly and went out of the room.

I sighed.  Having her as my roommate's gonna be so much fun. Not.

I continued putting my stuff into the dresser.

"Don't worry, she's like that to us, too."

Startled, I turned around. The two girls, who were playing with their laptops earlier, were standing next to me now.

"Really? And I thought it was because she doesn't like me.", I said.

"Well, that could also be a reason.", she retorted. This girl had short light brown hair.

I laughed. "I see. By the way, I'm Ha Ni, nice to meet you."

"I'm Eunhee."

"And I'm Sunhee.", the other girl said. She had long dark brown hair, braided to one side.

"How long have you been here?", I asked them.

Sunhee considered. "Hm, we've been trainees for three years now."

I widened my eyes. "Three years?! Wow, that's a long time!"

Eunhee laughed. "That's not long compared to how long Minjung have been a trainee."

"Uhm...and how long would that be?"

"10 years."

"WHAT?! 10 years?!! Are you kidding me?!"

"Nope, she became a trainee when she was 12. An acquaintance of mine told me that she lost her parents when she was 11 because of a car accident. Her uncle, one of Cube's Representatives, took her in. One year later she joined Cube and she has been a trainee since then.", Sunhee said.

Wow. 10 years.

"We've known her for three years now but she still doesn't speak with us. She's avoiding everyone here. I do not understand her.", Eunhee told me.

"I see.", I said.

"Well, let's stop worrying about this matter! It's lunch time! I'm so hungry. Thanks to the new trainees, Cube's paying for the meal today. The other days, we will have to use our pocket money to buy food. Come on, let's go!", Sunhee said and linked arms with me.

Eunhee pushed us towards the kitchen.

Weird girls. But I liked them.

The whole day we were relaxing in the living room. Except Minjung, who was in our room, everyone was gathered in the living room. Hyomin, Soomi and the two other girls, Sora and Haeri, were watching TV. The twins, Yuri, Minah and me were sitting on the floor, watching videos on the laptops. We were looking for some performances, award shows and variety shows.

"Wow, imagine, guys, someday we could also perform on such an awesome stage!", Yuri said dreamily.

"We will have a long way to go to stand on such a stage.", I said.

Eunhee nudged me. "Hey, don't be so pessimistic! To survive the hard days as a trainee, you have to be optimistic! Listen to your Sunbae!"

"Yes, I understand, Eunhee Sunbae!", I said and laughed.

"Hey guys! Let's watch the performance of our Beast Sunbaes at the Mnet Asian Music Awards! I love this performance!!", Minah suggested.

"Oh my gosh, yes! They sang the Orchestra Version of 'Fiction', right? I love this song so much!", Eunhee said.

While watching the performance, everyone was gushing over their bias.

"My Kiki Oppa is so handsome!", Minah said.

"Look at Doojoon Oppa's charismatic gaze! That gaze's gonna make girls faint, I swear!", Sunhee gushed.

Eunhee snorted. "Nah, the real trouble maker's gonna be my Hyunseungie Oppa! He's gonna make girls faint with his y dance!"

"I just need to hear Yoseob Oppa's voice and then my heart starts melting.", Yuri said.

I didn't join their conversation. I was too engrossed in the performance. Seeing it took me back to the time I was Beast's stylist for one day. Handing them their clothes backstage, supporting Hyuna, adjusting their bow ties, Yoseob and me in the dressing room...

I blushed. Why did I think of that situation all of a sudden?

"Ooooh, our Ha Ni's blushing! Who were you thinking about, huh? Who's your Beast bias?", Eunhee asked.

"Uhm, what?", I asked.

"You heard me. Who was the person you were thinking about? Don't tell me it's Hyunseungie Opaa!"

"No, it's not him!"

"Then who?", Sunhee asked.

"It's Yoseob Oppa, guys.",  Yuri said and chuckled.

I shot her an accusing look. She just shrugged and continued laughing. I sighed.

"Oh, I see. So it's a fight between Yuri and Ha Ni, huh? Interesting.", Eunhee said.

"It's not like that. I just like his voice and his character. Nothing more."

"So? And how do you know how his character is?"

"I...uhm....I watched several shows with Beast...that's how I kinda got to know their characters...I think..."

I facepalmed. I nearly blurted out my past as a stylist. Stupid Ha Ni, think before you talk!

"I see.", Sunhee said and chuckled.

"Let's watch the backstage video of the MAMAs!", Eunhee suggested.

Oh no. No no no no no, not the backstage video!

"Nah, that's boring. Let's watch something else.", I said.

"But this way we can have a look at what it could be like later on.", Minah said.

The other girls agreed and they started playing the video. I was staring at the screen, hoping that the camera man didn't catch me with his camera. They first showed some waiting room interviews, then a cut of the rehearsals but then....all of a sudden, they showed the scene Beast was getting ready to go on stage. On the right side, I was standing with my back to the camera while Doojoon had an arm around me. We were just teasing each other, with him telling me that I was their hardcore fangirl, but at this angle you could get it wrong.

"Hey, who is that girl with Doojoon Oppa? Oh my gosh, he has his arm around her shoulder!", Sunhee said.

I cringed.

In the video, I was about to turn around but fortunately, the video switched to another scene.

"I really wonder who this girl was. Is he dating her?", Minah asked.

"She was backstage, so maybe she's a staff member? She looked like a stylist.", Eunhee said.

"Unfortunately, they didn't show her face. I'm so curious.", Minah said.

"If she's working for Cube, maybe we will see her someday. Then you could ask her personally, Sunhee.", Eunhee suggested.

Sunhee sighed. "To be honest, I don't want to know. But it seems like Doojoon Oppa likes the tall and ordinary type of girl. She was tall and had black hair, just like..." She paused. "...Ha Ni."

I cringed again when Sunhee said my name.

"Now that you say it...." Eunhee walked behind me. "Hey, they do look alike from behind."

I held my breath.

"Maybe Ha Ni is the person in the video?", Minah asked and laughed.

Sunhee chuckled. "Then she should be very careful around me."

"Uhm...yeah..", I said.

"Yeah, sure. As if a stylist would change her occupation from a staff member, who works with idols every day, to a trainee.", Yuri said.

And once again, Yuri, my knight in shinng armor, came to my rescue.

"Right. Let's watch another video, guys.", Sunhee suggested.

I let out a relieved sigh.

Suddenly my phone started ringing.

"Excuse me, girls.", I said and walked into the kitchen. "Yeoboseyo?"

"Hey, Ha Ni.", the person said.

I recognized his voice immediately, without looking at the caller ID. "Hey, Seungho Oppa."

"How are you?"

"I'm fine. And you, Oppa? Do you have a busy schedule?"

"Yeah, I'm kinda used to it. By the way, how were the auditions?"

"I passed."

"You did?!"

"Hey, why does everyone sound so surprised when I tell them that I passed?", I asked and laughed.

I heard his chuckle through the phone. "Don't worry, I always knew that you would pass. When will you move into the dorm?"

"Hm. I'm in the dorm right now."

"Already? Congrats! How is it?"

"Bearable."

He laughed. "You will get used to it. Did you get to know the other trainees?"

"I already made two new friends. They are twins and very funny. I like being with them. I also have Yuri and Minah with me. And the other trainees...well..."

"That doesn't sound good. What's the matter?"

I sighed. "Hyomin and Soomi has been hating on me ever since the auditions and it seems like the other two Trainees, Haeri and Sora, are thinking the same. And my roommate......well, I just can't get through her. She keeps ignoring me. It was like that the first moment we met. I don't know what I did wrong."

"Maybe she just needs time to get to know you. Don't force yourself on her, you'll only get the opposite effect. And the other two trainees...maybe they're having the same opinions as Hyomin and Soomi right now just because they don't know you yet. Just be yourself and don't get involve in pointless fights."

I considered. "You're right, Oppa. As always."

That made him laugh again. "I'm just speaking out of experience. You have to consider that maybe one day, you all will be debuting as a group. Hating on each other will only split your group apart."

"I see. Thank you for the advice and for listening to my stupid problems."

He chuckled. "You're welcome. I'm here to help."

Even though I was happy to talk with him after such a long time, I couldn't help but notice the tiredness in his voice. "It's late, Oppa. You should go to sleep. I'm sure you have an early schedule tomorrow."

"To be honest, I do have an early schedule tomorrow. But it doesn't matter, I'm used to it."

"Don't lie to me, I know that you're tired. Go to sleep, okay?"

"Okay, we'll talk later. Bye, Ha Ni."

"Bye, Oppa.", I said and hung up.

After talking to Seungho, I felt more at ease. I really should stop forcing myself on Minjung, or else she will start hating me for real. I sighed and got up from the chair. Time to go back to the living room.

Just when I wanted to open the door, I noticed that I got a text message during the phone call with Seungho. I hurried back into the kitchen.

FROM: Wooyoung Oppa

So how has my Hobae been doing lately?

I chuckled.

TO: Wooyoung Oppa

Didn't I tell you that you're not my Sunbae, Wooyoung Ahjussi?

FROM: Wooyoung Oppa

Hey, I'm only 2 years older than you, okay?

That doesn't make me an ahjussi ㅠㅠ

TO: Wooyoung Oppa

Okay, then I'll call you 'Wooyoung Babo' from now on.

FROM: Wooyoung Oppa

Oh, you like to be cheeky, huh?

TO: Wooyoung Oppa

Uhm, yes? :)

FROM: Wooyoung Oppa

Okay, then don't tell me I didn't warn you!

I noticed that he has sent me a picture. I opened it and burst out laughing.

On the picture, you could see Wooyoung making an angry expression and showing his fist into the camera.

TO: Wooyoung Oppa

Oh no, please don't hurt me, Oppa!

I will behave from now on! ㅋㅋㅋ

FROM: Wooyoung Oppa

Good to hear ㅋㅋ

Now tell me...how is life as a trainee?

TO: Wooyoung Oppa

I think you know how it is ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

We just moved into the dorm today.

It kinda looks....uninviting.

FROM: Wooyoung Oppa

The first dorm is always like that.

Just work harder and you'll move into a better dorm :)

TO: Wooyoung Oppa

I really hope so :/

It's just so sad that my roommate seems to hate me ㅠㅠ

FROM: Wooyoung Oppa

Uh oh don't tell me you already made enemies? ㅋㅋ

TO: Wooyoung Oppa

Yeah, seems like I have this effect on some trainees.

They decide to not like me before getting to know me :(

FROM: Wooyoung Oppa

Don't worry, they'll get to know you soon & then they'll definitely see your good sides ;)

You just cannot not love our Ha Ni Babo ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

TO: Wooyoung Oppa

Why do I have the feeling that that wasn't a compliment? ㅋㅋ

FROM: Wooyoung Oppa

Oh, but it was!

I would never dare to insult you, Babo ㅋㅋㅋ

TO: Wooyoung Oppa

Hey, now YOU are being cheeky, Oppa!

FROM: Wooyoung Oppa

I'm your Oppa, it's my duty to be cheeky :D

I smiled.

Such a babo, I've missed these kinds of conversation between us.

TO: Wooyoung Oppa

If you say so ㅋㅋ

btw where are you right now?

FROM: Wooyoung Oppa

In Japan.

TO: Wooyoung Oppa

WHAT?! O.O

Why didn't you tell me earlier?!

Now you've lost a lot of money because of me ㅠㅠ

FROM: Wooyoung Oppa

It's okay, Ha Ni, don't worry ㅋㅋ

TO: Wooyoung Oppa

Ah, Oppa, you're too careless ㅠㅠ

It's also very late right now, you should go to sleep.

FROM: Wooyoung Oppa

You're right, I'll go to sleep now.

Bye, Babo!

We'll talk later!

TO: Wooyoung Oppa

Good night, Sunbae ㅋㅋㅋ

Have fun in Japan!

Byong ~

"Ha Ni."

I startled and looked up. Minah was standing at the door. I didn't notice her earlier.

"Oh, hey Minah."

"Ha Ni, we need to talk."

Uh oh. I've been trying to avoid this conversation.

I sighed. "Take a seat, Minah."

She sat down next to me. "Now tell me why you have been behaving so weird back at the Cube Office."

"It's because of my past. I didn't want anyone to know that I was a Cube stylist."

Her eyes widened. "You've been working for Cube? Oh my gosh, don't tell me you were Beast's stylist?"

"No, I was 4minute's stylist. I only was Beast's stylist for one day, when their stylist couldn't work because of sickness. It was during the Mnet Asian Music Awards."

"WHAT?! So the girl with Doojoon....was you?"

"Yes, but it's a misunderstanding! We are not dating or something like that! He was just teasing me, we're only friends!"

"But why don't you want anyone to know? I mean, being a stylist isn't something bad and I also don't understand why someone would quit such an awesome job to become a trainee."

I sighed. "It was always my dream to sing. People, who are close to me, told me that I should pursue my dream instead of giving up. And that's what I did. The reason why I don't want anyone to know is that I don't want to get special treatment because of this. That would be unfair and it would only cause a ruckus between us all."

"Wow. So you are close with the Beast Members?"

"Kinda."

"Awesome. I really envy you." Then she considered. "Wait, that's why you were acting so weird when we were in the practice room with Beast, right? You didn't want us to know."

"Yes but Yuri already knows about me being a stylist."

"Oh....I see."

I could see the disappointment in Minah's face. I didn't want her to feel left out. "No, it's not like I don't trust you! It's just that Yuri's my childhood friend, I've known her for a very long time now. And if I didn't trust you, then I wouldn't have told you."

"Yeah, you're right. Thank you for trusting me."

I smiled. "Don't mention it. Let's go back to the living room before the others will come rushing after us, okay?"

"Okay!"

I was so relieved that I could tell Minah this secret. I don't like lying, even though I know it was necessary.

Weeks passed.

I knew that being a trainee wouldn't be easy. But I never imagined that it would be so hard and strenuous. From early morning until late night, we had lessons. They really taught us everything: acting, singing, dancing, variety skills, different languages. My advantage was that I could speak English fluently, so English lessons were kinda boring. Yuri had this advantage, too. The other trainees had to struggle with this language.

I was always so exhausted, I kinda lost my appetite. I know that I've promised my Dad to not skip meals but I just couldn't swallow the food. Yuri told me to try eating more because I needed energy. That was why I started eating a bit more but I still lost weight.

One day we came to the dorm to see a big carton in front of the door. Everyone was curious what it was. Hyomin suggested that it was a bomb.

Yeah, sure.

Without checking it, I opened it. I know it was careless but I was tired and Hyomin was getting on my nerves. I didn't expect to see all kinds of food and snacks in the carton.

What the heck?

"Don't tell me that's our first gift from fans?", Hyomin asked.

"Nah, they don't even know that we exist, why should they give us presents?", Minah snapped.

Hyomin just glared at her.

I sighed. Then I noticed the envelope which was attached on the other side of the carton. My name was written on it.

"Can we please carry this carton into the dorm and continue talking about it when we're inside? It's cold out here.", Sunhee complained.

Eunhee and Yuri carried the carton into the living room. When they were gushing over the food, I sat on the couch and read the letter.

Dear little nightingale,

a little bird told me that you didn't keep our promise. Didn't you tell me that you wouldn't skip meals?

I can understand that you're engrossed in your busy schedule and that, maybe, you're not used to the food there.

That's why I decided to pack together some of your favorite food and snacks.

Share it with your friends, okay?

I wanted to give it to you in person because I haven't seen you for a long time, but you weren't at the dorm, so I just let it here, in hope you'll find it later on.

You know that I'm supporting you, no matter what, just don't overstrain yourself too much, okay?

This old man is already worrying too much over his little girl.

I love you, dear.

Dad

Yuri, who was sitting next to me, squeezed my hand. I didn't notice that I was tearing up. I missed my Dad so much.

He even went through so much trouble to carry this carton to the dorm, just because I was so stupid to skip meals. From now on, I would take care of myself even more, so that my Dad didn't have to worry about me.

We stored the food in the fridge. I was surprised when Haeri and Sora approached me and told me to thank my Dad on their behalf. I promised it. They gave me a pat on my shoulder before going back to their rooms.

Thank you, Dad.

Days passed and I started to eat more. I was slowly gaining weight again. But like I said, it was a slow process and after several days with nonstop practicing, I fainted. I was brought to the infirmary where they gave me an injection to give my body the nutrients it needed. After that I was told to go back to the dorm and to take a rest for the rest of the day.

When I was lying in bed, I suddenly got a call.

"Dear, why do you keep hurting yourself?", my Dad asked.

"I was starting to eat more! But it seems like my body needed more nutrients than I thought. I'm sorry, Dad."

"Don't apologize to me, I'm not the one who fainted. You see what happens when you skip meals, from now on you won't do it again, okay?

"I won't."

"Good. Now tell me, Sunday's your free day, right? Wanna come home having dinner with me? I'll cook your favorite meal."

I smiled. "Sure, Dad. Will you also make your infamous Mouse Au Chocolate? I love it!"

"Okay, you will get your Mouse Au Chocolate.", he said and laughed.

On Sunday, when I was packing my stuff to return home, Sunhee appeared in my room and told me that Mihri was looking for me. I went into the living room and saw her sitting on the couch.

"Ha Ni, there you are. Please take a seat, we need to talk.", she said.

Uh oh, did I do something wrong?

I sat down and looked at her expectantly.

"It's about the lessons you've missed when you fainted. You have to catch up on everything."

I nodded. "Okay, I'll take more lessons on Monday."

"No. You're going to catch up on everything today."

What the heck?

"Today?! But isn't it my day off? I also have an appointment later on!"

"No, as a trainee, you have your duties. Your appointment will have to wait."

"Can't I catch up on everything on Monday? I promise I'll do everything, please just let me go today, this appointment is really important to me."

"I'm sorry, Ha Ni. That's not possible. Didn't you request it before? You don't want special treatment. I'm treating you just like any other trainee and that's why you have to do it today."

I sighed. "Okay. But may I go after I've finished everything?"

"Yes, when you're done with everything, you may go."

I was supposed to meet my Dad at 7pm. Practice ended at 9pm. I was two hours too late. I forgot my phone at the dorm, that was why I couldn't tell him that I would be late. I quickly rushed back to the dorm to pack my things. Just when I wanted to go my Dad, my phone started ringing all of a sudden.

I didn't know this number.

"Yeoboseyo?"

"Ha Ni-ah...."

Huh? Why was this person sobbing?

"Who -"

"Its me, Mrs. Lee.", she interrupted me. Ah, now I knew who it was. It was our neighbor, the friendly Mrs. Lee.

"What's the matter, Mrs. Lee?"

"Ha Ni......your Dad....."

My heart stopped beating. "What's....what's with him?"

She sobbed even more. "Ha Ni....your Dad........he had an accident...."

One hour had passed and still no news about my Dad. After the call with Mrs. Lee, I immediately rushed to the hospital. There they told me that my Dad was undergoing a surgery and that I had to wait for the doctor.

So right now, I was sitting on a chair in the waiting room of the hospital, waiting for the doctor to appear. With every passing minute, I got more nervous. And the guilt was killing me. I knew that it was all my fault.

Mrs. Lee told me that my Dad waited for me but I didn't come. Then he remembered that he forgot to make Mouse Au Chocolate, that was why he asked Mrs. Lee, if she could wait in our house, in case I would come home when my Dad was still at the super market. He knew that I forgot my keys at home. The accident happened when he was on his way home from the super market. Mr. Park, the owner of the super market and a very good friend of my Dad, saw what happened. My Dad was hit by a drunk driver. Mr. Park was the one who called the ambulance and the police. then he tried to call me but I wasn't at home, that was why he called Mrs. Lee. If I hadn't been late and if I hadn't asked for the Mouse Au Chocolate, then my dad wouldn't have been hit by a car.

It was all my fault.

"Ms. Jung?"

I looked up to see the doctor approaching me. I immediately jumped up from the chair. "Doctor! Is my Dad okay?", I asked.

He motioned to the chair. "Please sit down, Ms. Jung."

"No, I don't want to sit down now. I want you to tell me if my Dad is okay!"

"Ms. Jung, please, it would be better for you to sit down."

I was getting annoyed. "WHAT IS WITH MY DAD?!"

"Ms. Jung...." Then it seemed as if the doctor realized that it was pointless to argue with me. "We have stabilized your dad. He is okay.....for now."

"What does this mean."

"Ms. Jung, I'm sorry but your Dad isn't very young anymore. His body is very weak.....I don't know if he'll survive the night. I'm sorry."

All the strength left me and I fall back o the chair.

No. No, that couldn't be true.

I started tearing up. "Can....can I see him now?"

"Sure. Please follow me." I got up and followed the doctor. We went to the 4th floor and passed several doors before we arrived at my Dad's room. "If you need anything, just sent a nurse for me. Once again, I'm sorry.", he said and left.

I took a deep breath and slowly opened the door. I could already hear the machines and the typical hospital smell was choking me. I hated hospitals so much. The last time I was in a hospital, my Mum was dying.

It was like a déjà vu.

My Dad was lying on a bed in the middle of the room. Several machines were attached to him. Seeing him like this was breaking my heart. I sat down on the chair next to him and took his hand.

"Dad? Dad, can you hear me?", I whispered.

He didn't answer.

I didn't go home this day. I was with him the whole night and my hand never let go of his. In the middle of the night, my Dad woke up. He slowly opened his eyes.

I squeezed his hand. "Dad?", I whispered, trying hard not to cry.

He turned to me. "Ha Ni.", he said quietly.

After hearing his voice, I couldn't stop my tears. "Dad....I'm so sorry..."

"There is nothing for you to be sorry for, dear."

"There is! It was all my fault! I shouldn't have been late and I shouldn't have demanded too much from you."

"Stop talking nonsense, Ha Ni."

I sobbed. "Dad, I'm scared. Don't leave me alone."

He squeezed my hand. "You're never alone, dear. There are so many people around you who care for you."

"But I need you."

He smiled ruefully. "Didn't you tell me earlier that you are grown up now?"

"Even an adult needs his parents. Dad, you can't leave me. I know that you can make it. You are strong!"

"I'm an old man. My body is weak and I'm so tired. I had a great life, a wonderful wife and a beautiful daughter. There's nothing I regret."

"Dad, don't say something like that...."

"Ha Ni-ah....stop crying..."

"Dad, don't leave me. You are my strength, how will I be able to pull off all the next years without you?"

"No, you are strong on your own, Ha Ni. You have always been."

"You won't be able to see me on stage...."

"I will. I will be watching you all the time with your Mum."

I sobbed. "Dad, please..."

"Ha Ni....I'm so tired.....will you do me a favor?"

"Anything."

"Will you sing for me? I want to hear your voice."

"Sure." I brushed away my tears and took a deep breath.

Then I started singing. It was the song my Mum and me kept singing in the kitchen of our house back in the states. My Dad loved listening to us, calling us his nightingales.

When I finished the song, my Dad had  closed his eyes.

"I love you, Dad.", I whispered.

"I love you too, little nightingale.", he said. Then he fell asleep.

I stayed awake the whole night, squeezing my Dad's hand and whispering his name, in hope he would open his eyes once more.

But he didn't wake up again.

Thank you for everything, Dad.

I love you.

******************************************************************************

A/N:

Hello ~

It's been a while!

I know you all had read this Chapter before.

Unfortunately, AFF had some technical issues and this Chapter was deleted.

I forgot to save it (silly me -.-) that's why I had to re-write everything.

a big THANK YOU to Tua, who helped me with the recovery of this chapter (I have a bad memory xD).

This Chapter is a bit different than the first Chapter 30, that's why I recommend you to read it again!

Thank you!

Chapter 31 will be up soon!

Please keep on commenting to let me know what you think about this chapter! :)