-

Everyone on stage was beyond anxious especially the three girls that were up for elimination. No one knew who was going to get cut. 

“The person that will be eliminated is..” JYP sighs knowing this is a mistake but what can he do? This was the audiences choice, “Unfortunately. It is Momo.” 

Momo along with Nayeon, Sana, and Mina break down into tears instantly. They were all in shock, none of them were expecting the best dancer to be eliminated. 

Sana's POV:

No this can’t be. I feel my heart break into a million pieces for a second time. It hurts even more than that time if possible. I cover my face and start crying then I hear PD-min start to talk. This can’t be happening. I hear Momo crying, “Today I had really fun on stage so I feel a strong sense of sadness.” She too burst into more tears. 

We all gather towards her, I embrace her from behind since Nayeon unnie was hugging her from the front and we all cried together. I could feel Momo shaking, I wanted to tell her that I love her but I couldn’t for many reasons. We stayed like that for a few seconds but I know we don’t have enough time and the other girls would also like to have their goodbyes. I let go and walk a few feet away standing alone as I try to get myself to stop crying which doesn't work. 

Seconds later I turn back around to see a heart broken Momo walking away but I grab her by her waist to stop her as we both continue crying. She waits for me to say something but I simply can’t because I’m crying too much. We both know she has to leave so she slowly walks away as I loosen my grip from her and I have to watch her leave us. I cover my face with my hands and I feel someone hug me from the side, I already know it’s Mina. “This can’t be happening.” She cries.

Shortly after we’re all told to go to backstage and wait. I’m pulled a side to do an interview after I calmed myself down.

“Our goal was to debut together..” I wipe my tears before looking into the camera. After my interview I go back into the room with all the other girls. I’ve never seen them this upset. Jeongyeon looks at me, her eyes are red. I sit down beside her and we hug each other crying again. 

A few minutes later the door opens and Momo walks in puffy eyed, “I came to say goodbye before I leave for good.” I can’t move, just stare as the girls closest to her give her hugs. I don’t mind I don't think I would be able to say anything at this moment anyway.

She gets to our best friend Mina and they break down, “I’m gonna miss you.” Mina cries as Momo rubs her back nodding as her head is laying on her shoulder. By now the only people left are Jeongyeon and myself. 

Jeongyeon gets up when Momo and Mina let go of each other then Jeongyeon and Momo embrace. When their chit-chat ended and they let go of each others hands.

I was going to get off the couch but Momo puts her hand up stop me, “Don’t.” She sits beside quickly wrapping her arm around my shoulders pulling me into her while her other hand grabs my left hand. I take the initiative to interlace our fingers for the first time in a long time, something I was too nervous to do after she rejected me. 

What surprises me is that she gently squeezes my hand before rubbing circles on top of it. When the show started she would do friendly skinship with me every now and then like she would we the other girls but definitely not like she did when we were really close. I couldn’t help but tear up.

Neither of us said anything and none of the other girls said anything either since I was spending the most time with her. All the trainees knew we had a special relationship but only our closest friends knew the extent to our relationship/friendship. What they didn’t know was that we were, “Really just friends now.”

“It’s time for me to go.” She stopped rubbing my hand but she didn’t move to get up. Sadly I lift my head off her to look at her, I haven’t seen her this broken before. To be in a girl group has been her dream for a long time. “Momo.” I whisper afraid my voice would crack. “I love you.”

Her head tilts downward, “I know.” She squeezes my hand once again then looks at me before leaning forward placing a quick kiss on my forehead. My eyes closed at this and I keep them that way as I feel her let go of my hand and get up. I’m not sure what she meant by that “I know.” 

Does she mean that she knows I love her or does she mean I love you too?

-

Momo's POV:

Weeks have gone by since I’ve left the show. I’m in one of the practice rooms distracting myself from my thoughts that tend to always wonder back to that day. Even though I get encouraging messages often from the other trainees I still feel sad but dancing always helps me get in a better mood. I know this is not the end for me, I know now I need to practice even harder. After I finished perfecting a dance cover I’ve been practicing all morning on I turn off the music and go stand in front of the air con. 

My phone beeps. I go check it, a new message from Chaeyeon: “Would you like to come learn a new dance cover with Eunsuh-ah and I? We’re going to the JYPE building soon.” I couldn’t help but smile, “I’m already here.” I sent back.

About 15 minutes later the two arrive. 

“What did you want to cover?” I ask after hugging both girls. “2PM sunbaenim’s My House.” Chaeyeon states. “Alright lets do it.” I was actually really excited to do this cover I’ve been wanting to learn it for some time.

We practiced non-stop since all three of us love to dance. It wasn’t until a staff member from the sixteen program interrupted us and told us we needed to leave soon since they would be filming within the hour. 

“Momo unnie lets go eat together~” Eunsuh said while we were getting ready to leave. 

“Ok lets go!” I run towards the door since I haven’t ate in hours. 

“Unnie wait up!”

After eating I went back to my room, showered and got into bed. Today turned out to be a pretty good day. I feel refreshed I don’t know how to explain it. I sent a message to Chaeyeon and Eunsuh thanking them for making my day awesome then for some reason I decided to message Sana. 

Since I left the show she never messaged me and vice versa. I don’t blame her either but I was still hoping to hear from the person I love whether we’re together or not. I’m okay with us being best friends. Our careers are more important. Well hers is, she has a pretty good chance of debuting this year. A relationship is the last thing she needs to worry about right now.

“Hey Sana I hope you’re doing good. I’m doing better, I just want you to know I’m cheering for you and Mina. I know you’ll make it all the way. ^_^"

I’m not sure if I’ll get a reply so I put my phone aside and let myself drift to sleep.

-

The next morning when I woke up I checked my phone. I recevied a new message and it was from Sana: 

“Thank you Momoring! ^^ “

I couldn’t help but smile, not only did she reply back but she also used my nickname.