Why have you gotten so far away?
This was a break up
That I really didn’t want
Every time I have a long day
Without knowing, tears fall

- Last Love by Red Velvet's Wendy

"Is it difficult, oppa? Being an idol" Myungeun remembered that one snowy day, back when she was still a trainee. Myungeun was feeling down that day, having her debut continued being pushed back. Howon, who was aware of the girl's situation, decided to bring her out for a stroll around the Mangwon-dong neighbourhood. 

"I would be lying if i said it was easy." The girl remembered how exactly Howon answered her question that day.

"We were even at the verge of being disbanded until we hit big with 'Be Mine'."

Myungeun also remembered the way Howon looked at a distant space as he told her the story.

"But eventually, it will be paid off once you succeed. As for me, especially, because i have sacrificed a lot when i chose this path."

"Sacrifice... ? Like, sacrificing your relationship with your father?"

A nod was Howon's response then. "And as we continue to walk on this path, there will always be one or two things we have to sacrifice again, and again."

Back then, the young Park Myungeun did not exactly understand what Howon meant. She dreamt to be an idol and became a trainee with her parents' permission, and even though it was hard for her at that moment, she still did not understand what Howon meant by ‘sacrifice’.

Nevertheless, hanging out with Howon that night made her feel a lot better. It also gave her strength to continue walking down on the path she had chosen. In order not to disappoint anyone, including herself and her family. And finally, she was here, debuted as JIN, the main vocalist of Lovelyz.

Myungeun also remembered the difficult nights she had to spent after they broke up. No matter how hard she tried to accept it, even after she cut her hair, it was just difficult to forget him. As days passed, although Myungeun stopped feeling sad about it, she still couldn't erase her feelings for her.

Without realizing, it had been a year and a few months since they broke up. However, she couldn’t help but feel that things had been getting worse instead of better. Two weeks had passed since what happened during Gayo Daejun, and the two had not talked nor seen each other since then. Partially it was because the girl had been busy with concert preparation. She could’ve used text, but did not dare to do that after Howon avoided her on purpose.

The girl did not even bother to send the male a new year message, because she felt that he was just going to ignore it like last time. And as expected, Howon himself did not even bother to send her any.

It hurt. It hurt her as if the wound she got from their break up had been ripped open. It hurt her that Howon acted this way towards her. Were not they supposed to be sunbae and hoobae? Pretty sure, a good sunbae would not blatantly ignore his hoobae like that, right...?

Or maybe... maybe Howon already had someone else...? Did he already find himself a new love?

Even just the mere thought of it made the girl want to cry.

***

Amidst of Myungeun’s inner conflict, Lovelyz successfully finished their first 3-days solo concert on January 15th. The members are overjoyed that they finally got to do it. Myungeun also felt passionate to be standing on stage and perform various songs. Yet, despite all the contentment, Myungeun couldn't help but get bothered over something.

Even though she had told herself to just focus on her group and the fans, she couldn't help but Howon would attend the concert. Just like how she felt during immortal song, she wished that Howon would come and see her. She wished that Howon would witness her passion to be on stage, that was achieved through the 'sacrifice'.

But Howon did not come, not even until the last day.

As if things couldn’t get any harder for both Howon and Myungeun, it was announced that Infinite and Lovelyz would be the new models for a snack CF. Automatically, Howon and Myungeun would have to see each other often during the CF shooting.

Aside of CF shooting, Lovelyz themselves are busy with comeback preparation. Myungeun, on the other hand, despite having some offers to fill for drama OSTs, get them declined by the company. It upset the girl, of course, but when the CEO told her that it’s for the group’s sake, she brushed the feelings off.

The first day of the CF shooting had finally come. All of Infinite and Lovelyz members were gathered to be given instruction about how the photoshoot would be going on.

“Okay, as you all already know, L-ssi, Kei-ssi, and Yein-ssi will be the centers of this commercial.” The director started explaining, which was responded well by the 15 idols.

“And as for today, we would start with small groups photoshoots. Aside of the three, the rest of you are going to be divided into 6 groups consisting of 2 people, each one from Infinite and Lovelyz.” Both Howon and Myungeun felt as if their hearts almost dropped when they heard the words. Ever since both groups met since this morning, neither of them have greeted each other. Myungeun, for obvious reason, was too afraid that she would get ignored. The male, on the other hand, barely talked to any Lovelyz member at all. He only exchanged a few words with Baby Soul aside of greeting the rest of girls.

“Alright, first group; Sunggyu-ssi and Sujeong-ssi” One of the staffs started announcing the pairs.

“Second group, Dongwoo-ssi and Baby Soul-ssi” cheers were aroused from both side of the groups as they hear the names, teasing the two rappers. Dongwoo, being his usual cheerful self, only laughed it off, while Baby Soul kept a poker face.

“Third group, Sungyeol-ssi and Jisoo-ssi”, The cheers from earlier had died down, but some of them commented about how their visuals would match each other.

“Fourth group, Hoya-ssi…” both Howon and Myungeun held their breath as they waited for the girl’s name to be announced. “, And Mijoo-ssi….”

Myungeun immediately glanced at the older girl, who was standing next to her, when her name was called out. While the others commented about how the two main dancers seemed like they would match together, Myungeun could feel a pang of jealousy inside of her while Howon felt completely relieved because he did not have to go anywhere near to Myungeun

“Next,” all attention was diverted to the staff again once she started calling the remaining members. “Woohyun-ssi and JIN-ssi”

“Yesss!” a cheer could be heard from Infinite’s side. There was seen Woohyun being all joyful upon being announced to be paired up with Myungeun. He even cracked a cheeky grin and held a thumb up to the girl, which she responded with a thumb up and a smile. Being partnered with Woohyun would not be so bad, especially after having a duet with him last time, she thought.

Howon on the other hand, found himself gritting his teeth, looking at the two being so friendly to each other. Myungeun, who was curious of Howon’s reaction, carefully shifted her gaze at him. As she did so, their eyes ended up meeting each other’s, causing Myungeun to notice the irritated expression on her ex-boyfriend’s face.

Howon didn’t even waste any time to tear his gaze away from Myungeun, while the girl could only look at Howon in confusion, and hurt. Did Howon dislike seeing her or what? Why did he have to do that?

“And last one would be Sungjong-ssi and Jiae-ssi.”, Myungeun’s thoughts were broken off as the staff called the last pair.

“We