2019. It had been a tough journey for both Nayoung and Kyulkyung. From Pristin's lack of comeback to the disbandment, the news was all too sudden. With that, they all had to make a decision whether to remain in Pledis or not, or to even regroup with another company. The news of their disbandment came very sudden from the management. It was so though the decision was made overnight. None of them were prepared but it was not difficult to guess that this would happen because it is Pledis. It was an open secret that the earnings that they made were not comparable to Seventeen and their earnings were also used to channel into preparing for Seventeen's comeback. How fair was that? There were instances where they all wanted to voice this issue to the management but their managers always tell them to be patient and not take things into their own hands because they are still rookies. 3 years and still a rookie? What a joke. It was a very difficult for them to make any decision. Everyone wanted to regroup, but there were many regulations involved. On the other hand, many of the girls have their own passions, be it acting, singing, dancing or even being an idol. Initially, when they joined the company, they dreamt to sing and dance, and thought being an idol was the best path for them. But as time passed, the passion they had have evolved into something else and they felt that this was the right time for them to pursue what they really want.

Nayoung, had always wanted to develop herself as a well-rounded actress, to be a model, singer, dancer and actress. She initially thought that becoming an idol was the fastest way to achieve her dream but with this news, she thought that becoming an idol would just make it harder. She wouldn't want to fail as an idol again and maybe with the fear of disbandment again, she had thought long hard. Eventually, leaving the company for a solo career was the best option thus far. Besides, her fame and success as an I.O.I member would definitely allow her to transit as a solo artiste with greater ease. She had considered joining the rest to regroup, however, it would be much difficult to attain her dream and would be physically and mentalling challenging to cope with many projects together with comebacks. With her solo career being an exclusive contract and being able to have the freedom to pursue her own interests, she had to break the news to her members, the people who she spent together for a long time, and bid them goodbye. However, she would definitely support the remaining girls in whatever journey they decided to walk on. 

On the other hand, Kyulkyung's contract with Pledis has not ended and besides, being on work pass made the the matter much more complex. She wanted to join the other girls to be an idol again. However, with her own success in China with Pledis' partner company, she had to stay put. It was the best decision to make. Besides, she had always wanted to promote more in China. She had left her family since a young and such opportunity allow her to be closer to home definitely made it a much more appealing option. Besides, with a short career of 15 years, staying in Korea, with a very unpredictable future, definitely made staying with Pledis a much more logical choice. She too, had to break the news to her members that went through thick and thin with her. 

Unknown to both, Nayoung and Kyulkyung do have good feelings towards each other but both had kept their feelings under wraps. When the news of Pledis' disbandment was annouced, both Nayoung and Kyulyung thought that this was it. They thought that their relationship will come to an end. The only thing that they had in common was that they were part of Pristin. With the sudden news and re-evaluation of their future, the choices that they made would definitely mean that their future will not have each other. However, if destiny does exist, they would definitely walk into each other's lives again. 

Nayoung was the first few to pack her stuff and stay with her parents before moving on to the new company. Before she left, she had written a letter to members and definitely a heartfelt one to her favorite member. 

Kyulkyung woke up later than usual as there was no schedule. On her dressing table, she saw a note with a familiar handwriting. It was Nayoung. The first thing she did was to run out fo the room and into the leader's room. There was only her roommates. No sight of Nayoung. She opened up the closet. The side where it once stored all of Nayoung's clothes. It was empty. She walked to the common area and opened up the letter. 

To: Kyulkyung

Thank you for all the times that we had spent together. Really thankful to be able to be part of I.O.I and Pristin with you. It was a joy and pleasure to be with around you. You are an energyball, a person full of sunshine, and someone who will be kind and encouraging to the people around you. I thank you for the times where you pushed me to be the better version of myself, the times where you hold and comforted me when I was down and the one who was there during my happy moments. I can never thank you enough. Hey, remember to not put too much pressure on yourself. You are the best and always be happy and positive no matter what happens. I will always be cheering for you even when I am not by your side. All the best and I love you.

Love, 

Nayoung

Kyulkyung felt that her eyes were hot, b with tears. Tears kept streaming down and it made her choke on her own tears. How could her favorite person in Pristin do that to her. Leave without telling? Did Nayoung unnie even tell anyone? She thought that Nayoung would tell her everything. After much thoughts, she knew that this was a difficult decision to make too since Nayoung knew that she wouldn't have the heart to leave if all the members were to be like Kyulkyung, hence she chose to leave quietly. However, on the brighter side, Kyulkyung knew that they would definitely meet again. 

Kyulkyung pulled out her phone and crafted a short message to her favorite unnie.

To: Nayoung unnie

Blessed to have you with me. 

Soon after, she instantly sent another message

To: Nayoung unnie

Let's keep in touch

Kyulkyung, the one who always been the over expressive type had became more like Nayoung in these 2 texts. Whatever it was, she knew that Nayoung can understand her. They had gone through many shared experiences. They would definitely know what each other mean. 

- Christmas -

Nayoung and Kyulkyung had been working hard for their own solo careers, especially Kyulkyung, who had been travelling back and forth between China and Korea. Both of them had been supporting each other in their careers. Nayoung had visited Kyulkyung during the filming of her first Chinese drama and Kyulkyung had visited Nayoung during her first solo modelling shoot. Both had texted each other frequently. Even if they did not reply each other promptly, they were very understanding as their jobs were quite demanding. Both of them did try to catch up through a small meet-up, but it always ended up being a gathering with the other Pristin girls. The last time they met up was to celebrate Hipania's debut. Even though it was a group meeting, both had a great time catching up on each other's lives.

 At 12am, both of them were holding onto their phones, crafting a simple message to mark the start of a wonderful festive season. After crafting, they both hit the 'send' button immediately. After reading the message, they both smiled and a huge grin plastered their faces and happiness just etched onto their hearts. Both of them went to sleep, peacefully, thinking about each other. Maybe, sometimes, the 3 words, 'I love you' does not need to be said. A simple phrase can warm each other's hearts as long as they are spiritually connected.