the finale of
jung geummi

　"I still can't get over the fact you stayed."

　"Honestly speaking, neither do I."

　Gummy, who now just goes by Geummi now, was currently seated with the CEO of J.Tune and a group of younger girls, discussing the plans of debuting another girl group to fill in the gaps of a missing link in J.Tune. Ever since YTT went their seperate ways, Geummi stayed put within the company, composing and producing new music for the future of J.Tune. She's composed a few of Madtown's songs in previous years and, ever since they've become huge hits with their fans, she stayed with J.Tune as a producer and composer. She had a knack for it, after all.

　But there was something wrong when the group of girls walked into the meeting room.

　They appeared too much like YTT in their debut years, and that triggered Geummi's emotional state and memory.

　There were two Chinese girls who appeared too much like Connie and Eight in terms of appearance and visual-appeal. One girl had very prominent eyes, and that only reminded Geummi of Nae.O, whose eyes were always doe-shaped and mesmerizing.

　And it didn't help that there were nine of them in total.

　Geummi cleared before looking down at the current song she had prepared for the girls, trying to bite down her impending tears, "So, I... I prepared a song that, hopefully, will catch the eyes of the public. Originally it's meant to be a ballad, but, considering the music of today, we increased the tempo and made it a bit EDM-esque. The lyrics —"

　"I hate EDM, though." Geummi's eyes shot up to one of the girls. The girl looked angered, pissed, even. Geummi wasn't a fan of EDM as much as she was with regular hiphop and whatnot, but it had to be this way. The girl spoke up again, "I refuse."

　"I'm sorry," Geummi sighed, putting down the set of papers that contained all the lyrics and melodies. "You know, you remind me of one of my members a few years back."

　The girl raised a browed as the CEO and the rest of the girls looked at Geummi who was cheekily laughing to herself, remembering a specific girl who would always cause trouble. She looked at the girl, whose name suddenly escaped her mind, "I had this member who would always cause trouble and would always oppose to ideas that I always had. You're the youngest of the bunch here, right?"

　The girl nodded, still in utter confusion. Geummi let out a laugh, "Yep, you're just like out maknae, Lya. You know, Lya's pretty famous now? She did all these things she hated, but still managed to be successful. I say you give EDM a try. If Lya were here, I bet she'd say the same."

　"But I'm strongly against having our debut with an EDM song. I want to be unique, not like all the other artists."

　"Listen," Geummi folded her hands, leaning forward in her seat as the rest of the girls' eyes were locked on Geummi. "There will be things that you'll hate and things that you'll love. EDM? EDM is something you hate, but in everything that you hate, you might find something you love. When I was around your guys' ages and in my early years of being an idol, there were things that I even hated. But I always found something I loved. Be it through my members or the thrill of being on stage— I always, always found something to love in all the hate. I had two members who once hated each other, but, soon enough, they came to love one another. They found something in one another and that was genuine care. So, I would give this kind of debut a try. I know it isn't unique since many idols these days are going down that route, but, really, you might get something out of this."

× × ×

　"Geummi, you did a good job in getting the girls to agree with the song."

　"Sometimes you have to give a long enough speech to make them realize that going with the flow isn't such a terrible thing."

　They had just finished prepping the girls up, scheduling photoshoots and recording dates that were most suitable for them, even giving a few of the members their stage names and positions within the group. Some of them, however, were difficult to place under a position just yet, but they were positive that they'll get it once recording and practicing begins. But, even so, Geummi still couldn't fathom over the fact that they were so alike to her and YTT years ago.

　There was an awkward silence that filled the air between the CEO and Geummi. 'Is this how it was like after we left after our debut? Awkward?' Soon enough, the CEO's voice echoed through, "Listen, I have another meeting to go to, so if you have anything else you need to attend, you're free to go."

　"I understand," Geummi bowed with a slight smile before heading out of the door once she grabbed all her belongings.

　It was always the case with the CEO, to have a meeting minutes after another. She always wondered as to why Taewon gave the CEO job to someone who's so incompetent about the idol scene. All she knew was that the new CEO came from a well-off family full of engineers and pilots, but no experience in business. Why was the job even given to him, Lee Shinhyuk, of all people? Ever since he began working here, he was never fond of Geummi. Whether it was because she was more favored by the past CEO and the current workers in the company or the fact that Geummi was known for having a child who, currently, is working her way up to be in musicals, but Shinhyuk never really enjoyed Geummi's presence, and she didn't know the reason why.

　Geummi shrugged off the thought, the same thought she always had since she signed up to be a composer and producer, and was immediately thrown off her train of thought when she heard her phone buzz.

< April 28, 2025 >
from: Miyoung
hey, mom! i have someone i would like you to meet.
meet me up at that coffee shop you always bring me to, yeah? :)
love you!

　Geummi found this odd to hear from her daughter, especially considering she told her specifically to date to marry. But it couldn't be her new boyfriend... right?

× × ×

　"Mi', why'd you call me over," Geummi sat across her daughter, someone she hasn't seen in a few days because of her preparations for her impending musical. Plus, her daughter didn't live with her because Miyoung had gotten her own place when she turned twenty months ago. Sure she wasn't her own child, only because she saw this girl struggling with bullies when she was heading to the studio. However, Geummi was more than happy to take the (then) thirteen year old orphan into her home. But, because of the fact she had taken Miyoung in when she was still the leader of YTT, there was speculations as to whether or not Geummi was married or, worst case scenario, . A reason why Geummi blamed herself for the miscommunications between her and her members as none of them knew of the fact she adopted Miyoung and allowed her to stay in her parents' home.

　No one did; all but her parents and her cousin, Jinyoung, knew.

　Geummi lived those last few moments with her members as if she sinned, as if she wasn't fit to be the leader anymore.

　She blamed herself for not being the leader that her members grew to trust and love.

　Geummi didn't feel loved, nor did she feel trusted in the place she called 'home'.

　Miyoung smiled at the one she calls 'mom', "He's in the restroom, so it'll take awhile."

　Geummi raised a brow at her. Miyoung was always full of mystery and suspense, leaving out good and vital information out ninety percent of the time. Like the one time Miyoung had actually gotten a major role in a musical when she was fifteen at a local theatre when, on that same day, she told Geummi she was heading over the a friend's to study. Geummi was angered over the fact that Miyoung lied to her about studying and went off to join a musical, but it was a dream of hers.

　Geummi always knew Miyoung had a knack for acting from the day they met years back. People had a certain look to them that people could tell right off the bat what they'd be in the future. Miyoung? Miyoung looked like an actor, but she also had a voice of an angel.

　Suddenly, a voice rang in Geummi's ears, a voice she always thought she wouldn't hear again.

　"Hey, gumball, it's been awhile."

　"I thought Jinyoung said you went back home."

　"And I thought Jinyoung was kidding about you having a child, so I guess we were both in the wrong, hm?"

× × ×

　Sandeul, the one person she actually loved and wished to spend the rest of her life with, they met again.

　Geummi had cut most of her connections with her friends, including those that were close with her cousin, after YTT disbanded. No one saw that coming from Geummi, from someone of her nature and heart, but it happened. She kept a few of her friends close to her, especially Connie, Dani, and Rie, the three that still trusted her even despite not telling her of Miyoung. The rest? The rest only talk to Geummi when it was needed. And it was never needed.

　But the only connection Geummi missed was Sandeul, the person she trusted with her whole life and heart.

　"I'll let you two be; I have to be at the theatre in ten," Miyoung stood up, kissing her mother and waving goodbye to Sandeul, before heading out of the café.

　"It's been awhi—" Sandeul was immediately cut off by Geummi who, with her shaking voice and head down low, spoke a broken 'I'm sorry'. Sandeul raised a brow, his lips pursed forward in question.

　Geummi looked up, although she didn't want to, she felt the need to look at him eye-to-eye, "I'm sorry for cutting you off so suddenly three years ago. I just... I just went through a lot at the moment, and I wanted to be left alone for awhile. I just—"

　"I know, Baro told me." She immediately opened to speak, but she knew Sandeul wouldn't like the string of vulgar words escape her lips. He continued to speak, a playful smile rendering his now thinned face, "And your cousin told me about what happened, so I'm pretty caught up, if you were planning to tell me everything."

　Her head bent down low a second time, her fingers playing on the straw of her drink, "I'm truly sorry for not telling you."

　"You know, I should also say sorry as well," Sandeul caught Geummi's attention, and all he could do was smile. "You know, I got married back in 2022? And I have a kid? I'm sorry for not inviting you to the wedding."

　Geummi didn't know what to say. She always thought her and Sandeul would get married, and they even talked about it to each other five years back when they were still an item. She couldn't believe it.

　"But we got divorced in February," Sandeul leaned back in his seat, taking a sip of his coffee. She eyed him, 'Why does he look so relaxed? He's not even fazed.' He put down his coffee cup, "I know what you're thinking. You're wondering how I'm so calm, huh? Well it's because we knew we couldn't handle it, and we knew we weren't the one for each other. My ex-wife, Haerin, she knew that I wasn't right for her. She wanted us to stay for our child, Haejun, but we just couldn't get over the fact that we just weren't ready nor were we right for each other. We got married in 2022, months after we started dating. Crazy, right? But we were just in the moment, you know? We couldn't help ourselves, and we decided to marry as soon as possible."

　Geummi could see the pain starting to fill his eyes, but she didn't know what to do. He continued, "So, we got married and we had a boy. He's healthy and well, and he's at Baro's, actually. You know Baro's getting married soon, too? How crazy is that?! Baro getting married after I just recently got divorced. Oh, and Jinyoung's the best man. Did he tell you? I wanted Jinyoung to be my best man as well, but he said he was helping you with Miyoung. So, I had CNU as my best man and, actually, Haerin had your friend, Domin, as her maid of honor. Did you know Domin started working in Haerin's makeup shop? Domin said she never got to debut because of the main focus being on YTT and Madtown, so she—"

　"Sandeul, you're at it again."

　Sandeul had a tendency to ramble on and on when he was stressed or overwhelmed. It was a tidbit that she learned from s back when they were dating, only because he rambled on for hours about the afterlife.

　"Am I rambling on again? I'm sorry, I'm just," Sandeul took a small pause, trying to muster up the right words to say. "I missed you, and I want to tell you everything. You haven't picked up my calls  or answered my texts since we broke up a few years back, and I wanted to tell you about the things you missed out on."

　"Is this why Miyoung brought you here?"

　Sandeul shook his head, "Not exactly. I recognized her face from the many news articles about you and her. I'm working at the theatre she's apart of as a director of the youth, so, when I ran into her there, I asked about you. She told me about how you adopted her when she was going through rough times and how you allowed her to join the theatre to pursue her dreams. Then, she asked me about my relationship with you. I told her that we were... We were friends, and I was in the same group as her uncle Jinyoung. And that's basically how I got here."

　Geummi let out a sigh. She didn't know how to respond to him, to the person who she spent the longest with outside of her family, "So... You and Miyoung talked?"

　He nodded his head, "Yeah. I'm actually co-directing her current musical. I didn't know your daughter was a musical enthusiast."

　"She has a knack for it."

　"But how come I haven't seen you around the place? I watched her past musicals in hopes to bump into you, but I've never seen you. Why's that?"

　Geummi took a sip of her drink before speaking, "She actually told me not to come. Miyoung told me that if I came, I'd embarrass her. Well, she's not totally wrong because I would definitely do just that." That was the first time Sandeul had laughed at Geummi since they last spoke years ago, "Geum', you haven't changed a bit."

　"I know, and neither have you."

× × ×

　"So, are you going to go to Baro's wedding in August," Sandeul and Geummi were currently walking to the theatre as Sandeul allowed for her to watch her daughter's rehearsals. Her musical was just around the corner and, since Miyoung doesn't allow for her own mother to watch, she might as well see her rehearse.

　"I was invited, but I don't know if I want to go."

　Sandeul looked at her with utter confusion before holding out the door of the theatre for her, "What? Why? Baro's one of your best friends!"

　"It's a stupid answer, though."

　They both walked into the theatre, and the chill of the air conditioning hit both of them, Geummi especially. Out of habit, Sandeul took off his trench coat and placed it around Geummi who immediately put on, crossing her arms to keep herself warm. Sandeul then spoke, "Is it because you don't have anyone to go with? Why not bring Miyoung? Or at least tag along with Jinyoung."

　"Still," Geummi let out a sigh before putting her hands in the pockets of Sandeul's coat. "Jinyoung's probably bringing decorations or something, and you know how small his car is? He helped Baro prepare for the after party, and I don't trust my child sitting in the back with all the alcohol."

　"Then," Sandeul paused for a moment before heading into one of the theatres, opening the door for Geummi a second time. "Why don't you go with me? I don't have anyone to go with either."

　"I don't want to burden you, though. Plus, you might be bringing Haejun along."

　"Haejun loves people, though, so you'll fit right in!" The pair sat in the middle seats, waiting for Miyoung to start her dry rehearsal for her show in the coming weekend. Geummi let out a small sigh, "I don't know. Who knows what Miyoung has planned to do in August, anyway."

　"As far as I know, there's no musicals listed for August that I know of, and school's out as well. If Miyoung really does have something happening around that time, then you don't have to go, but I'm telling you now, there's two reserved seats in my car for both of you guys and maybe a second guest for Miyoung as well."

　"i doubt Miyoung will have a second guest, so I don't know why you brought that up."

　Sandeul looked at Geummi before looking back at the stage, waiting for the rehearsal to begin. "You never know. Miyoung's in college and she has a lot going for her. But, that's besides the point. Will you come along or not?"

　"I'll take it into consideration and I'll let you know."

　Soon enough, Miyoung appeared, all dressed up with a serious look on her face. Although it was a dry rehearsal, Miyoung looked glamorous and sounded beautiful as ever. But, even with Miyoung's stunning presence, all Geummi could think about was Sandeul's invitation to go with him to Baro's wedding. Should she go? Should she not? He just got divorced and she, herself, found it odd to go to a wedding with him. But she didn't want to miss out on her best friend's wedding that's she's been longing to see.

　But who knows.

　Maybe something magical will come out of all this confusion.