“You endure what is unbearable, and you bear it. That is all.”
― Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Princess

The news that Ji Hyo was leaving Running Man caught the men by surprise.

People in the restaurant were caught surprise by the arrival of Running Man specifically the original members. There was seriousness in their faces when they came in, though Haha and Jae Suk did say Hi to some but you can see that there is something going on. They were ushered in the private room of the restaurant owned by Haha and Jong Kook.

Kwang Soo came first worried and confused, followed by Seok Jin who just came from a wedding. He didn’t bother to change anymore since he felt the urgency to be able to talk to the others regarding the message from Haha late in the afternoon. Jae Suk who just finished taping his other show went straight to their meeting place and Haha who got the information was agitated the whole time especially upn learning the news. There was definitely seriousness in their faces as they took their seats, while they waited for the food to be brought in their table. “Does Jong Kook know? “Jae Suk asked Haha, “Yes, Hyung. He just landed but he is coming in a while ““Ah yeah, from his concert in China? ““Yes, Hyung ““What did he say? Was he aware? ““No, I don’t think he knew. He didn’t say much except that he is coming and we wait for him”. While Jae Suk and Haha were talking, Kwang Soo was staring at his phone, wanting to send a text message to someone. The news just came all to sudden and he is still lost. He never even thought about it. He was trying to recall if there were hints the previous weeks but he couldn’t remember any. Or was he too preoccupied that he really didn’t notice anything. Beer came and each one of them got a bottle like it was definitely something that will calm them. The door opened again and Se Chan appeared, the older men looked at each other “I told him to come since they are close also” Jae Suk explained. Se Chan was puzzled as to the sudden meeting and the reaction of the other men when he appeared. He has been with the show for a while and this is one of the rare times that the members are all have these look in their faces. It was like something bad happened and need their attention. He took a seat next to Kwang Soo looking for answers about these sudden get together of sort. Giraffe showed him the text message he got from Haha, Se Chan was startled with the message but before he can react Kim Jong Kook entered the room, looking tired and frowning. “Where did you get that information? Are you sure about it? “the Commander asked Haha even before he can find a seat.

“I don’t know how to tell you this. Is it true that Ji Hyo is leaving the show? Can we meet tonight? I am really bothered by this. “that was the text they got that brought them together in that private room. Song Ji Hyo leaving Running Man was a total shocked to all of them. Each of them didn’t even thought about it.

The men were lost in their thoughts. Song Ji Hyo leaving the show without them knowing was a mind-blowing thing for them. She has been with them since the beginning, been there while they were struggling for the ratings and gave it all to the show. And even in an interview said, she will remain in the show until the end but why the change of mind? The men for sure was totally shocked with the news.

“I can’t take this, Hyung “it was Kwang Soo referring to no one. The men were silent trying to absorb everything. “Did we take her for granted? “Kwang Soo’s voice was starting to break. “Were we too busy? “. Still no one answered. “She actually mentioned something about being tired and lonely “See Chan quietly said, the men were all looking at him. “We were out with CoKun and Nucksal, and she was a bit tipsy then. We were talking about life in general, and she told us that. But didn’t elaborate anymore about what she said. But it stuck in my mind. I was worried for a time and you know I would call her up or text her and ask her how she was doing. I told the other two to do the same. ““ I haven’t talk to her for a long time “ it was Jae Suk, emptying his second bottle of beer. “Been too busy with so many things and you know how she is she can be secretive at times but come to think of it I now realized she hasn’t been coming to me after filming which she usually does. There were signs but I guess we never thought about this happening” “She called me once or twice the past weeks right after filming and just thank me for a good show. You think it was a sign, too? “Seok Jin playing the chopstick Infront of him while sharing his thoughts. “We will never be the same without her. If the news is true “the eldest of the group added, and everyone nodded in agreement. “Can we call her and ask how is she is doing? She might be looking for the opportunity to talk to us you know “it was Haha. “But do not let her know that we are together because you know she might suspect something. What if it is not true “?. They all look at Kim Jong Kook’s direction, the Commander look at them “She wouldn’t talk to me. We had a big fight and haven’t talk since then “he explained in a low voice, his eyes full od sadness. “Why did you fight about? Was it Somin? “ Haha asked, “That and other things. I’ve been trying to contact her for a while but she wouldn’t budge so I let her be for a while and now this “ the men looked at Kim Jong Kook in disbelief and realized there were so many things they didn’t know about Ji Hyo but despite of all that’s happening she remains professional, not even a trace of sadness was not evident for the past filming’s . She was having a hard time and yet she doesn’t want the others to know and be bothered by it. “ I will call her “ Jae Suk volunteered. He dialed her number and put the speaker phone on, the rest of the guys were patiently waiting for her to answer. It was ringing but she didn’t pick it up, Jae Suk dialed her number again, and on the fifth ring, she answered. The men huddled closely to the phone, Kim Jong Kook’s face lit up when he heard Ji Hyo’s voice.

“ Oppa “ “ Ji Hyo-ya..did I disturb you ?

“ I am in a meeting, Oppa but we are almost done. Are you okey, Oppa? “ her voice was low but you can feel the concern.

“I am fine, Ms. Mong. I was thinking of inviting you for dinner. We haven’t talk for a long time and I feel guilty about it Ms. Mong “Jae Suk replied trying to sound normal. There was a short pause “ Ms. Mong are you still there? “

“ Neh.. I am still here, Oppa..I wanted to talk to you, too for a long time but I know you are busy and I didn’t want to bother you. “ Ji Hyo’s voice was low and Jae Suk wasn’t sure if it was like cracking. Kwang Soo buried his face in his hands, after hearing his Noona’s voice and answer. She probably wanted to talk to them but was too shy to let them know thinking she was bothering them. Typical of her to do just that. He let it out a sigh of frustration.

“When are you free? We can meet later after your meeting “

“I can’t tonight, Oppa. I have another thing to attend to after here, I might finish late “

“Wow, Ms Mong you seemed so busy eh. New projects, you have to treat me and Jong Kook for dinner when you collect your money with those projects “Jae Suk trying to fish information about the status of the the Commander and the Ace. Jong Kook turn his face down, anticipating for Ji Hyo’s answer. He misses talking to her but he knows this is not the right time. He has to make a move before it will be too late.

“Neh. Oppa..thank you “ “ Thank you for what, Song Ji Hyo-yaa? “ “ Just thank you” was her curt reply but they know what it meant now.

“Call me, later..I will wait for your call. We can have coffee or anything you like, Ms. Mong” “ Yes, Oppa maybe we can call Kwang Soo,too “..

The Giraffe smiled when he heared his name being mentioned by his Noona.

“How about we call the men and have a late dinner with you, Ms Mong? “

“ Oppa, can we just do that another time? I don’t know what time I’ll be done so I don’t wan them to wait. Maybe just the two of us later. Girin is probably busy”

“ Alright. Take care and give me a call “ “ Yes, Oppa. And again, thank you “

Then men confirmed the Ace indeed is leaving the show. And it came in waves the pain and the loneliness and the confusion of what made her decide to give up the show she loves so much.

Ji Hyo was teary eyed when the call was done. She doesn’t know how to tell Jae Suk about the decision she carefully thought about for quiet sometime. She knows it not going to be easy telling the person who invited her to Running Man and convinced her to try variety show that she will leave the show who molded her to be who she is now. But she knows too, this is the best decision for her sake.