Was this all a mistake?

No. Most definitely not. This was the first morning in a long time that he woke up feeling at ease. Last night was the first time he didn’t have a nightmare. He knew it was her. Ever since the first time he saw her. She stirred something within him. She provided tranquility and safety in his turbulent life. Yes, perhaps some of his intentions were selfish, but never ill intended. He loved her. That is why he came back, much to the protest of some of s. He remembers Kai pleading with him, “Don’t do this to her. She’s not ready for your return. Let her live her life with someone worth her love.” And yet the more he thought about actually letting her go to find someone else the more he longed for her. That distaste he felt when thinking of Minzy with another man grew and the more bitter he became. He absolutely detested the thought. He had even grown to resent his own member, Jongin, his brother, the one he had personally tasked to keep watch over her. He grew jealous at the fact that Kai was able to see her, smell her, comfort her, and guide her while he was thousands of miles away from her. He knew those feelings were dumb, but he couldn’t help it.

He became more violent and irritable the more s pushed him to forget her, the more they reduced his love for her as a fling. His PTSD was triggered much more easily in her absence. However, last night when he had her in his arms there were no longer any dark clouds around him. She was his sunlight, the beauty in his ugliness, and he’d be damned if he ever let it out of his sight again. She was his beginning and she’d be his end.

He suddenly felt her stir in his arms and his first instinct was to tighten his grip around her. He only loosened his grip when he heard her muffled yelp. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the cute noise she produced.

“Sorry.” He said as she turned around to face him.              

She still couldn’t believe he was real. He was actually lying next to her. Even as she reached up to caress his cheek, the warmth under her hand didn’t seem real. The way he closed his eyes at her touch as if it was what he most longed for seemed to be a dream.

“You really came back.” She murmured.

“Forever.” He responded as he placed his hand over hers looking straight into her eyes. It pained him that he still saw pain and hesitance in her beautiful brown eyes. “Minzy,” he began, “Do you trust me?” he finally asked. He felt her body stiffen at the sudden question, and suddenly her eyes and the silence gave her away. The answer was no, and that hurt him the most. He couldn’t bear the silence any longer, so he simply hugged her tightly while saying, “I will work a lifetime to regain your trust because I truly never meant to hurt you. I love you with everything in me, Minzy.”

“I love you too.” She responded and she truly meant it. She loved him so much it hurt to think about a life without him. However, love could only take their relationship so far. She truly wanted to trust him, but she was scared to give her all again because if he left her again she would surely die. As scared as she was, she was willing to give him her all again. If she had any doubt in herself she would have never came back to him.

“Come with me to China.” He stated.

“What?” Minzy asked for clarification.

“You’re tour is over. Jongin let me know that your company has no immediate plans for you. I don’t want to separate from you. I have so much to show you and share with you. Come with me to China. Yeah?”

“You won’t close me off? If we’re going to go all in then I don’t want to be hidden behind closed doors.”

“The good and the bad. I promise you’ll be there with me through it all.” He promised.

“Let’s go to China then.” She smiled.

♚♚♚

There was one thing Minzy had requested they do first when arriving in China. It took very little convincing on her behalf because Yifan understood where she was coming from. The ride there was very somber. They just held each other’s hands hoping to not break down before they even arrived.

Yifan drove down a winding road until he halted at the entrance of a forest not far from his estate. Maybe just two miles away. He put the car in park and shut off the engine. “We have to walk a little from here.” He murmured.

Minzy hugged the fresh flowers she bought as she followed Yifan through the trees before arriving at an open meadow. Minzy looked up at Yifan who stood completely still staring off at the distance. His eyes beginning to gloss over with unshed tears.

Minzy looked in the direction in which he was staring, and the courage she had tried to mask her inner feelings with dissipated leaving her absolutely vulnerable to the sight of two grave stones sticking out from within the wild flowers. She inched ever so carefully towards them. Dry mounds of dirt barely noticeable as the vegetation and wild flowers had crept over them. “I’m back.” She said in a broken voice and bittersweet smile. She dropped to her knees in the middle of both tombs. The names Tao and Luhan carved into the stones hurt. Her heart ached for their absence.

Yifan watched in agony from behind her as she properly mourned the deaths of two of his brothers. He watched as she wailed, hands grasping into the ground, but he couldn’t take such a scene any longer. He knelt down beside and took her into his arms.

“Stop… please don’t hurt like this.” He implored as he wiped her tears and kissed her head repeatedly.

After a few moments cradled in his arms was she able to breath properly again. She calmly collected herself and placed the fresh flowers atop each grave with an “I miss you.”

Yifan took her small hand in his and led her back out of the forest to where he had parked the car. They both got in and only silence was there. Yifan turned his body towards hers. He reached out and grazed her jaw softly to make her turn towards him. “The pain never really goes away does it?” She asked him as she turned to look at him.

“No,” he shook his head “even after you've lost so many people you never seem to numb the feeling of losing someone again. It never goes away, you just learn to cope with it.” He said as he hung his head low.

It was Minzy’s turn to turn his face towards her. She offered him, though a weak smile, a sincere one. “It’s okay.” She stated. “We have each other.”

“I love you.” He stated as he stared at her. Taking in every detail of her beautiful face as if she were to disappear at any moment.

“I love you too.” She stated before going in for chaste kiss.

“Let’s go.” He stated as the engine roared, and off they went to the Chinese estate that Minzy hadn’t been to in so long. “They’re excited to see you again.” He stated, but somehow that smile didn’t completely reach his eyes. It made her more nervous the closer they drove to the house. She remembered the letter she received those months ago. In which Suho wrote:

“Yifan is coping with your absence, but he has finally understood what we all knew. The relationship between you two was damned from the very beginning. It was destined to fail.”

Damned from the beginning. Destined to fail. She had memorized the letter. She had read it so many times before just to assure herself of its contents, but for some reason those two phrases stuck with her still. They still resonated with her even as Yifan sat next to her holding her hand as they drove towards the people who thought that way. All she could do at the moment was squeeze his hand tighter and hope she had gained enough self-confidence to fight for her love.

“Minzy?” Yifan questioned. “Everything okay?” Who knows how long they had been parked already because the ignition had already been turned off. He looked at her with confusion which only led her to wonder if he knew about the letter she had received months ago.

“Yeah.” She smiled trying to convince herself more than him that everything was fine. She stepped out of the car carefully and with the bright sun casting over her every step towards the entrance she grew more confident in her decision. No matter what received her on the other side she wasn’t going to leave Yifan’s side.

Minzy took a deep breath before entering the house. With one last deep breath she walked into the house. She could hear voices coming from the living room. It seemed as if many people were awaiting her return.

Her palms sweated the closer she got to the voices.

However, the moment she stepped into the living room the voices stopped. All eyes were on her and the room became unceasingly quiet. Her eyes began to water as she scanned the room of familiar faces. She had missed them. She missed them so much!

“Minzy!” the only female present chimed with excitement.

“Stephanie…” Minzy whispered as she smiled back at her through teary eyes.

“I’m so happy to see you again!” She chirped as she hugged her. Tears of her own began to form as they hugged.

Minzy’s eyes grew wide when she felt the ever so small bump that came between the two. She pulled away to examine the small lump on Stephanie’s stomach. Minzy couldn’t help but touch it to make sure it was really there.

“You’re… you're” She tried asking but all the excitement running through her veins wouldn’t let the words come out.

“Pregnant.” Chanyeol confirmed as he wrapped his arms around her with one hand caressing the growing life within her. “Welcome back, Superstar.” He smiled as he pulled her in for what would become a group hug between the three. Chanyeol’s and Stephanie’s words were warm, and they looked genuinely happy to have her back, but Minzy still sensed an awkwardness from some of the other members present.

“Let me go check on the food.” Stephanie stated before disappearing into the kitchen.

“Where’s Yifan?” Chanyeol asked to mask the awkward silence that had formed after she left.

“Oh… he’s grabbing my luggage.” Minzy responded awkwardly as she noticed the watchful eyes on her. Yeah, maybe she had missed them, but it felt like some of them didn’t feel the same way towards her.

“I’ll go help him.” Jongin said quickly evading the awkwardness and exiting the house. That stung Minzy a lot. The way he avoided her altogether, not even a hello or glance in her direction. They hadn’t seen each other nor spoken to one another since the last tour date. Perhaps she was harsh towards him then – something she regretted - but she genuinely missed his friendship. She could only wonder if they’d ever be okay again.

“You know you can sit down, right?” Baekhyun asked as he smiled at her. “You’re not going to grow anymore. Trust me I’d know.” He joked which actually eased the awkward tension in the room. Yixing, Chanyeol, and Xiumin all laughed at Baekhyun’s own diss towards himself. Even Minzy laughed as she sat in the empty love seat sofa until she noticed Sehun’s stoic expression examining her every move. They found each other’s eyes and Minzy couldn’t comprehend what he was trying to decipher about her. Before the whole Indonesia stunt happened Sehun, Jongin, and Kyungsoo happened to be the ones she had interacted with the least. Sehun still felt very much like a stranger to her, so his stares made her feel very insecure about the current situation.

Thankfully Yifan walked into the house at just the right time to save her. She tore her gaze from Sehun and turned with an earnest smile towards Yifan who walked in with some of her suitcases. She promptly went to his side and hugged him as soon as he placed the suitcases down. She took a deep inhale of his sent, her safety net. He held her tight and kissed the top of her head.

A small thud behind them made her jump a little. Her eyes opened and peeked above Yifan’s shoulders to see an emotionless Jongin staring back at her. It hurt. The way his eyes promptly avoided hers when he saw her staring.

“Don’t be gross in front of us.” Baekyun heckled. “I have enough with Steph and Chanyeol. This constant reminder of my loneliness hurts.” Yifan turned Minzy in his arms so her back was against him. He held her in a back hug as he kissed her cheek to further annoy Baekhyun. The only response they got from him was a middle-finger as the rest of the audience laughed.

“I’m going to go help Kyungsoo and Stephanie in the kitchen.” Jongin mumbled as he walked past Yifan and Minzy. Never once looking at her. Minzy felt her heart clutch at his cold response towards her. Why was he so in a hurry to get away from her? He made it seem as if being in the same room as her burned his very existence.

“I’ll come with.” Sehun said following suit.

“You’re looking alive again.” Chanyeol paraded.

“I’m happy for you guys.” Yixing said. “Welcome back, Minzy.”

“Yeah, welcome back Superstar!” shouted Baekhyun.

“Thank you.”

“Food is ready.” Kyungsoo informed. “Oh.” Was all he said when he saw Yifan holding onto Minzy. He simply gave a small, quick smile before saying “Hi, again.” and disappearing back into the kitchen.

“Suho? Jongdae?” Yifan asked.

“They’re still resolving the issue we had last talked about.” Baekyhun informed. Yifan nodded in understanding.

“Let’s go eat then.” He smiled.

The atmosphere seemed friendlier when they sat around the table to eat, sans the very serious look Jongin donned for most of the dinner. It bothered Minzy somehow, and even more since she seemed to be the only one who noticed it. She did her best to not let it bother her. She was happy for the first time in a while, so she much rather soak in the good energy everyone else was radiating at the time.

It wasn’t until all the lights were off that she was able to talk to him. After talking up a storm everybody had retreated to their rooms.

Minzy awoke thirsty in the middle of the night, so she slipped on her silk robe as she carefully walked out of the room she shared with Yifan.

Not even bothering to turn on the lights she took a water bottle out of the fridge and sat on the kitchen island to drink it. She stared at the fool moon through the kitchen window taking it all in. She felt like things were finally going well with her life. Things were falling into place. Shuffling footsteps took her attention away from the moon and to the dark shadow entering the kitchen. She was startled at first, but as he walked into the kitchen the moonlight offered enough light to see who was with her,

“Couldn’t sleep either?” She asked Kai.

He completely dismissed her question, not even bothering to acknowledge her presence before taking a bottle of water for himself out of the fridge and exiting the kitchen. Before he completely disappeared from her sight she hopped of the counter with bubbling anger.

“What the hell is your problem with me?” Minzy demanded. She caught up to him and grabbed ahold of his arm before he could escape. She had succeeded in one thing, it seemed, he was at least listening to her. “Why do you keep ignoring me? Look, I know I said some harsh things I didn’t mean last time we talked. I want to apologize for what I said. I was upset at the time and I needed to take out my anger on someone, and I’m sorry it was you. I know I was in the wrong, but to have you treat me as if I’m some disease you need to get away from. It hurts. Look, I’m just really sorry, okay?” She ranted, wanting to get everything off her chest just in case he ended up walking away from her again. She finally dropped her hold on him. He seemed very uninterested in what she had to say, as he kept his back towards her the whole time she spoke.

“Hah…” He sort of chuckled as he turned to finally look at her. His smirk gave Minzy an unsettling feeling in the pit of her stomach. With every word he spoke he took steps closer to her while she took the same ones back. “You really think it was that? You’ve said and done worst , so I’m not mad at you. I wish it was that simple. I’m actually mad at myself.” He stated just confusing Minzy more.

“I don’t understand.” Minzy knitted her eyebrows, her back now against the fridge as she put her hands between herself and Jongin to stop him from getting closer. “Jongin…” She pleaded as he pushed his chest up against her resisting hands.

“Am I scaring you, Minzy?” He asked. “Because, I’m sure as hell scared of what I’m feeling right now, of what I’ve been feeling for the longest time now. You are not mine and you will never be mine, so let me be and stay away from me.” He finally confessed his darkest secret.

“I... Jon…” Minzy stuttered for words.

“You don’t have to say anything, Minzy. I fell for you all on my own.” He laughed bitterly. “I’m leaving tomorrow morning for a while, so just once let me do this one thing.” Despite her hands still impeding too much proximity he grabbed ahold of her head and leaned in close to give her a longing kiss. Minzy completely shocked at his actions didn’t even have time to protest before he let her go. And just like that he walked away from her that night. Leaving her with immense guilt and confusion.

Sure enough, he was gone in the morning, and it would be months before she saw him again.

♚♚♚

Things changed and they changed fast. Before Minzy knew it it had been a year since she had last stepped foot in Korea. She had spent most of that time in China. Yifan had finally tore down his walls and granted her full access into his world. Those twelve months weren’t just fun and games. Now that Yifan had let her into his world Minzy needed to be equipped with certain skills she didn’t possess yet. Minzy received some intense training during those first few months. Yifan had taught her how to use a gun, much to her protest. Wherever Minzy went, so did her gold encrusted hand gun that she was gifted from Yifan himself. It was strapped to her waist from the moment she woke up till she went to sleep. Not to mention Minzy was always accompanied by two giant bodyguards since she had arrived in China. After a couple of months Minzy had grown accustomed to them and had actually grown fond of them even if there was still some language barriers. In those months Minzy had also received intense Mandarin lessons in order to better communicate with the locals and EXO’s employees.

It was during that time that Minzy was actually able to witness the magnitude of Yifan’s illegal empire. When he first brought her to one of the warehouses she was petrified to say the least. A little less than 100 people were working in synchronization to pack tons of illegal substance. “You are the queen to all of this now.” He proclaimed as he held her in a back hug. Together they looked upon their kingdom. She knew this was wrong, but next to him it all felt so right. Minzy had accepted this life the moment she chose him over her old life. There was no turning things back. This was her kingdom, her life now.

During those twelve months she was officially presented to Yifan’s most entrusted allies and employees, as well. It felt much like a royal ball to Minzy. Fairytale like even.

“Minzy?” Stephanie peeked into her room.

“Stephanie!” Minzy exclaimed at the sight of the blonde beauty, carrying two large shopping bags, appearing before her. Her stomach had protruded a lot more since Minzy had last seen her. Minzy always found herself completely fascinated with the idea of motherhood. A woman was most beautiful, in her eyes, when she became a mother. Minzy rushed to aid the pregnant woman entering her room. Minzy took the bags and placed them atop her bed.

“What is all this?” she asked.

“Gifts for you. From Yifan.”

“Yifan? For what?” Minzy couldn’t think of any important date that would inquire gift giving.

“Yes. For tonight. Something special is happening, and I can’t tell you too much. So, don’t ask me anything.” She put her hand up as she saw Minzy eager to ask many questions. “Don’t.” She firmly said. “Just go with the flow, okay? This will be my last official job as Yifan’s assistant, so let me do my job. You just relax.”

“What do you mean?” Minzy questioned perplexed about what Stephanie said, but also sad at the thought of Stephanie leaving. She had been Minzy’s closest companion after Yifan. She had become like a sister to Minzy. Whenever Minzy felt homesick Stephanie was there to accompany her.

“Don’t get sad. I’m the hormonal one here.” Stephanie warned. “Chanyeol has decided it’s time for me to retire and just focus on my pregnancy and our marriage.” She smiled as she caressed her growing stomach. “Chanyeol and I are moving out.”

She must have seen the panic in Minzy’s eyes because she quickly took her hands into her own. Minzy knew it was selfish of her to want to keep Stephanie around, but without her she would feel the change in her life so much more. Her whole life she had that strong female presence may it be her mom, sister, or the 2NE1 members, and after that Stephanie had become it.

“No, Minzy, don’t get upset. You need to understand that Chanyeol and I had already began creating our lives, but then everything that happened…” She drifted off remembering everything that happened after Indonesia. “Yifan, he became a mess. He became a danger to himself and to others. There were so many times we thought we had lost him, so Chanyeol and I had to come back. We moved back in. We did our best to care for him, but we both knew what he really needed was you. Now you’re back, and he doesn’t need us. Hey, don’t cry.” She soothed as she hugged Minzy. “You’re a lot stronger than you make yourself out to be. You’re his strength, and you’re going to be able to take care of him and yourself just fine. Hmm?” Minzy simply nodded in agreement.

“When are you going?” she asked after Stephanie had finished hugging her. They both began to wipe the silent tears they hadn’t realized were strolling down their face.

“In a week or so.” The blonde responded.

“Where to?”

“Mexico.” She responded with a smile. “It’s beautiful there. You have to come visit us!”

“Of course! My godchild will be there!” Minzy laughed as she touched the unborn child residing in her mother’s womb.

“Anyways!” Stephanie hollered. “All these waterworks, and this wasn’t what I came in here for!” She playfully smacked Minzy on the shoulder before heading to the unopened gifts on the bed.

Yifan had bought Minzy a beautiful blush pink Marchesa gown with a sweetheart neckline, as well as, a diamond necklace to accompany the dress. Stephanie ushered Minzy into the bathroom to take a shower, and then she proceeded to do her hair and makeup.

“There.” She stated as she finished zipping up the dress.

“I still don’t understand what this is all for.” Minzy stated.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

“Come in.” Stephanie smiled at the person appearing behind the door. Chanyeol. He had his dark brown locks styled to the side. He wore a royal blue, slim fit suit with a black tie to bring the whole look together.

“Wahhh! Look at you Superstar!” He said as he walked to give his wife a sweet kiss on the lips. “Love, you need to get ready now.” He informed Stephanie.

“Right.” She responded. “I’ll see you in a bit.” She smiled towards Minzy before slipping out of the room.

“As for you,” Chanyeol returned his attention to the beautiful lady in the blush pink dress. “Yifan is waiting for you outside, so you guys can leave. I will do the honors to your majesty to him.” He playfully commented as he extended his hands towards her. Minzy gleefully took it and allowed him to walk her down the set of stairs to where a nervous Yifan awaited.

Yifan felt a shortness of breath when he first glimpsed up at her descending the stairs. The color pinked never looked so beautiful, so alluring. Minzy had an understated beauty, her milky skin looked completely flawless. The way her dark hair cascaded into soft curls at her bare shoulders was enticing to her lover, who tried to calm his erratic heart. Minzy’s own heart wanted to jump out from its confines. She smiled shyly as she watched him shuffle nervously in place. He looked so handsome under the chandelier lights. He wore all black and yet he looked so bright to her. Their eyes connected in such intimate way that they saw their futures together. Happiness.

“Darling, you look perfect.” He whispered the moment she stepped before him. Chanyeol quietly and discreetly dismissed himself leaving them to themselves.

“What’s happening, Yifan?” She asked.

“It’s all becoming official today. I am presenting to you important people tonight.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I’ll tell you more on our way there, but now we must leave. Everybody has already arrived and are waiting for us, well mostly you actually.” He smiled.

The most important and close allies would be in attendance that night. He told her not be nervous that they were all simply there to meet her, but how could she not. The elegancy of this meeting let her know the magnitude of the situation. Not to mention the words allies to EXO meant they were in the same black market as her boyfriend. Minzy’s hands began to sweat as she stared out into the stillness of the night. She just hoped she wouldn’t mess anything up.

“This way sir.” A bodyguard escorted them to the entrance. “Everyone that you requested has arrived. They’re all awaiting you both.” He said so seriously.

Minzy had to inhale deeply in order to not panic. Minzy knew the underlying threat of what was about to happen. The moment she entered this ballroom, Yifan would be displaying his weakness to people in the same business. He was weakening his kingdom in the eyes of enemies. And Minzy, well she would have the greatest target on her back. She wasn’t just a nobody either. One google search and anyone can find whatever they wanted to know about her.

“They’re ready to enter.” The bodyguard spoke into his radio before signaling the bodyguard on the left to open the door as well.

She linked arms with Yifan as both doors opened revealing curious eyes behind them. Minzy had performed in front of thousands of people and yet being before these 60 or so people had her legs feeling shaky. She tightened her grip on his arm as they walked in, afraid she would fall any moment. Yifan walked in with such pride. His head held high as he looked upon the crowd of gawking eyes. People moved out of the way as they made their way to the other side of the room where a small stage was set up.

Together they walked up the small stairs to the top. Minzy overlooked the crowd that formed beneath them recognizing the familiar EXO faces in the crowd, but everyone else were complete strangers. Even the ladies some of the EXO members had at their sides were unrecognizable to Minzy.

“I’d like to thank you all for coming out today, and apologize for keeping you all waiting.” Yifan began as he spoke into the microphone. “I know after the incident in Indonesia many questioned us. More specifically me, and I have to assure you all that EXO has never been stronger than we are right at this moment. I want to assure you all that the person I am about to present to you all is not a hindrance to our organization. I want to present to you all the future Mrs. Wu.” He reached out behind him to where Minzy had unconsciously moved to, and brought her to stand next to him proudly.

At first she felt shy and nervous, but she remembered his words. She was not a hindrance to EXO, so she proudly held her head high and looked up at the crowd of people to establish her dominance. After looking upon the crowd she bowed to them all to show her compliance and willingness to work with them all. This was indeed also her kingdom now.

The rest of the night Minzy spent meeting and greeting new people.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you, Minzy, Yixing has told me so much about you.” Shancai, Yixing’s wife, greeted me in broken English. “Well, I guess I already knew part you. I am a fan.” She blushed.

“Xie xie.” Minzy responded still shocked at the fact that Yixing had a wife she never knew of.

“Shancai,” Yixing called out to her, “you’ll have more time to get acquainted with her later. Let her meet others.” He pulled her away.

“She is a character. Wait until you get to meet her more in depth.” Yifan chuckled secretly, so only Minzy could hear. She couldn’t wait.

He hadn’t left her side the whole night. He introduced her to Jean of France, the man who helped him escape the high security prison in France. He now oversaw the security of the EXO members.

“I am hoping you are leaving the stage for good, right?” Jean inquired. Being gone from Korea for so long now, she had completely forgotten she lived a whole other life back in Korea. All she could really offer was a nervous giggle.

“Jean...” Yifan gave a warning look.

“I’m just saying.” He lifted his arms up in defense. “It is a lot harder to keep you all safe, Minzy included, in venue filled with unknowns. Also, to keep the anonymity of the organization. It would be best…”

“That’s enough.” Yifan cut him off. Jean sensed it was his time to back off and retreated into the crowd. “Don’t pay him any mind.” Yifan looked towards a very pensive and serious Minzy.

“He’s right though.” Minzy responded.

“Look we can talk about that another day, okay? Now is not the time for that.” He smiled at her offering another glass of champagne which she gladly took. Leave the stage. Somehow that thought never crossed her mind when she decided to start her life with Yifan. She couldn’t possibly handle being a part of a worldwide girl group while also being linked to the worlds most wanted criminals. However, it seemed she had already chosen one over the other. How would this all play out when it came time to let her company, the fans, the world, and her membersknow that she wanted out?

“Oh, Jongin made it.” Yifan smiled as he looked over the small dancing crowd that had formed. Hearing his name brought her back and suddenly she remembered she had another unsolved problem to add to her plate.

She felt her heart quicken when Yifan began leading them towards him.

“Kai!” Yifan called out. Jongin turned around with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Everything ended well?” He asked him as he gave him a hug.

“Yeah, we won’t have to worry about them anymore.” Kai responded. “Minzy.” Jongin acknowledged her presence, when Yifan let go of him, which made her feel better. “You look very beautiful tonight.” He said as he gave her a hug. Minzy felt his arms tighten around her before he reluctantly let go.

“Thank you.” She replied.

“Daeun is here tonight.” Yifan chuckled. “So just a heads up.”

Jongin groaned in response. “I should have just stayed home.” Jongin rolled his eyes. Minzy completely illusive to the inside joke that was happening at the moment couldn’t help but smile awkwardly at them.

“Jongiiiin!” A piercing scream sounded behind Minzy which caused her to shrivel with its tone. Suddenly a body pushed passed her causing her to stumble. If it weren’t for Yifan she was sure she would have ended up on the floor.

“DaEun!” Both Yifan and Jongin scolded the woman who now stood before Minzy with her arm linked to Jongin. She had long black hair with piercing eyes which suddenly made Minzy feel quite small in her presence. She was an absolute beauty. Her dress hugged her small waist while a slit on the side exposed her long leg. She watched as her eyes scanned Minzy up and down.

“Hi, I’m DaEun, Suho’s niece.” She extended her hand out to Minzy.

“Nice to meet you DaEun. I’m Min-“

“I know who you are.” DaEun cut her off still taking her hand. “You’re the reason Jongin hasn’t had any time for me.” She pouted.

“Let go of me, DaEun.” Kai seethed.

“Why? I haven’t seen you in forever! The least you could be is happy!”

“We’ll let you guys catch up.” Yifan excused them.

“What’s up with them?” Minzy asked.

“She is Suho’s niece. He took on being her caregiver when his sister passed away. Long story short, Daeun has been in love with Kai for the longest time, but he doesn’t seem to have any interest in her at all.”

“Suho doesn’t mind?” Minzy asked.

“He doesn’t show it if he does.” He shrugged.

She was a cute girl, Minzy thought. She seemed genuine and kind and very over the top. She hoped Jongin would give her a chance because she knew deep down in her heart that there was no place for him as anything other than a good friend.

Daeun fighting. She said in her mind as she glanced back at them bickering.

The night came and went. She met more people, drank more champagne, and danced the night away with Yifan.

♚♚♚

Minzy was on a plane back to what used to be her home. YG had sent out word that it was time to talk contract renewals for 2NE1. As she watched from her plane window the city lights of Seoul glimmer she foolishly hoped she could cleanly end what strings she still had attached to this city. Her company, her career, her friends, her group members, her fans, and her family; this month trip back would be her final goodbye to all of them.

God give me strength. She prayed as she stepped out of the airport into the crisp spring air.

The next morning she was up bright and early. The ride up the elevator to the top floor was the longest and most agonizing one in her life yet. She took a deep breath before knocking on the CEO’s office door.

“Minzy, come on in.” YG and other head executives were already in the meeting room.

“Good morning.” Minzy greeted the men she used to feel intimidated by, but after her stay in China this past year they were anything but scary to her now.

“Look Minzy, I know this year has been lacking for 2NE1 and you. It has been hard for us as a company as well. We want you to know that we appreciate your patience. It has been hard to find gigs for you especially.” YG along with company spewed more nonsense that made Minzy feel dizzy from all the beating around the bush they were doing. Minzy knew what they were trying to get out, but for some reason she let them continue. She knew very well the company had not intended or even attempted to find her jobs.

Minzy really questioned how she had stayed under these cruel men for so long. They showed absolutely no appreciation for her. They saw her as a fill in. She was an afterthought to them.

“All we’re asking is for you to sit back another year or so while we settle everything. Other members will remain active for when 2NE1 is ready to return.”

“If you’d just sign here we’ll be done with this, and in a year or two you will be active in music with the group again.” YG said as he slid the contract across the table.

“I’m not going to sign that.” She responded firmly as she pushed it back towards him.

“Minzy,” YG seethed with anger as someone he thought of as less than was defying him “don’t be difficult. We already explained the situation. So sign it.”

“No.” She replied as she stood up. “And I’d suggest you all be more appreciative of the women under this company if you don’t want to lose more.”

It was a long and arduous process. There were moments that the men’s word cut like knives to her soul.

“You are practically nothing without the YG or 2NE1 name.”

However, it was a good thing Minzy had made her mind up before meeting with these evil men if not she was sure she would have broken down from their hurtful words.

“I will not sign this contract.” Minzy stated for the last time. “Thank you for your time gentlemen.”

“We can ruin you!”

“You will regret this Minzy.”

“ you all.” She replied with a smile and her pride intact. The easy part was over. Now she had to find the courage within herself to tell her members and fans she would no longer be a part of their beloved group. She had to say goodbye to them and her family.

That could all wait till tomorrow though. After the eventful day she just wanted to go back to her hotel and sleep.

It wasn’t the sun shining through her window that awoke her, but the nonstop ringing and dinging of her phone. Message alerts kept chiming and unanswered phone calls were nonstop that Minzy begrudgedly pulled herself across the bed to reach her phone.

20 Missed Calls

100 unread messages

****** Twitter Mentions

What in the world was going on? Just as she was about to unlock her phone another incoming phone call came through. It was her sister.

“He-“ Minzy began before being cut off.

“What the hell Minzy?!”

“Ummm good morning to you too?” Minzy replied very confused.

“Save the bull. Is it true? Why didn’t you consult us or even think of telling us? We found out through the media.”

“What are you talking about, Minyoung?” Minzy had decided it was too early for this.

“You’re leaving YG. You’re leaving 2NE1!” Her sister practically screamed through the phone. Suddenly Minzy was very alert and awake, but her sister had somehow became a buzz in the background as she felt the world spin.

They were low. This was supposed to be her news to share. Minzy should have seen it coming though. What should she expect from a den of snakes? Minzy quickly hung up, not even responding to any of her sister’s questions.

She immediately opened Naver and there it was her name trending. All these articles being released every time she refreshed the search engine.

Minzy Parts Ways with YG

Minzy Didn’t Bother to tell Her Members

2NE1 to Continue as Trio without Minzy

2NE1 Summer Comeback without Minzy

[Breaking] Minzy Leaves            2NE1

Shocked Fans’ Reactions as Minzy Leaves 2NE1

Minzy felt numb as she read through headlines painting her as a selfish monster. The den of snakes had wiped their hands and thrown her under the bus. The tears didn’t come until she began to read her members, family, and fans messages. Not them. Why were they being so hurtful?

♚♚♚

Minzy wasn’t exactly sure how to feel as she boarded the private jet. What was to be a month long stay in Korea as a final goodbye was cut down to a week. Nothing had gone with loved ones. Her return to Korea was anything, but that. She left her home country with a tattered, beaten heart. The hurtful words she heard from her family, fans, and members were etched into her soul.

“How could you do this to us?” – Mom

SNAKE

“You are no longer my daughter!” – Dad

SNAKE

“You are so selfish Minzy” – CL

SNAKE

“You’re being so unfair to us.” – Dara

Yes, this trip was meant to cut ties with them, but never in her wildest dreams did she imagine it to be like this.

“I love you all, and I am so sorry that you are hurting. But, I am not being selfish. I am doing this for my own happiness. I deserve happiness too. I hope you all find yours too.” Were her last words as she walked out of the dorm.

“Minzy,” she heard his voice as she walked into the plane. “Come her my love.” He soothed as she ran into his arms. Her real life happiness. “Shh…” he lulled as he held a crying Minzy next to him. “You won’t hurt anymore. I love you.” He kissed the top of her head.

“I love you too, Yifan.”

Goodbye Old Life.

Love,

Kong Minzy