Park Chorong could feel the person holding her stiffen at her words and she felt a pang of sadness at behaving so cruelly towards a person she loved so much. Yet the eldest of the group was acutely aware of how her choice of actions would have a direct impact on the group and her family. 

~ Start of Flashback ~

"Sasangnim."

Chorong leaned forward and bowed respectfully to the CEO of Plan A entertainment before she took a seat before him in his spacious office.

Resting both of his hands on his thighs and with a solemn expression on his face, the man paused, as though he was thinking of how to start the conversation. Clearing his throat, he looked the young female in the eye and said.

"Chorong-ssi, are you and Bomi-ssi currently in a relationship?"

The straightforward question caught Chorong completely off guard and she stammered heavily whilst trying to piece together an acceptable reply.

Seeing her obvious but weak attempt at denying the truth, Choi Jin-ho continued to speak. 

"People have been noticing your exceeding close behaviour. These actions go beyond that of a good friend. Chorong-ssi, I am sure you are aware that sales of Apink have been dipping steadily. The group is unable to withstand a scandal. Korea is still a conservative country and K-netizens or even the fans will not welcome same gender relationships. I shall be very frank with you since you are the leader. The company cannot sustain a group which no longer generates income for the organization."

Chorong had her head lowered and hands clasped tightly together throughout the CEO's speech. Tear drops were shimmery on the ends of her lashes as some slid from the corner of her eyes. With a trembling voice, Chorong could only accept what their boss had said. It was clear that neither the company nor the public will take kindly to the non platonic relationship of two members in a girl group. 

"I understand that all of this is too much to digest at once. Perhaps you should think it over before deciding on your next course of action. However I have to caution you against telling any of members what we have discussed. It would do no one any good if too many people find out about this. I have met your father many times Chorong-ssi and I am certain he too will share my sentiments."

That night, Chorong's family rang her up to engage in one of their regular video call sessions. At the back of her mind, Chorong kept wondering if what CEO Kim said about her father was true. Hence when the opportunity arose, she immediately tried to verify her father's reaction. 

"Appa, today during one of the live shows, two members of another girl group were....kissing."

Chorong kept her eyes glued to her father's face and watched intently for any changes in his expression. She had hoped and prayed in her heart that her father would not portray any adverse reactions. Unfortunately, the senior Park's features twisted into a look of shock and disgust.

"How can young people nowadays do such things?! It is wrong for two women or men to be together in a relationship. I'm sure their parents would be devastated if they knew about it. Chorong you must stay away from them. They are going to be a bad influence. Keep an eye on your members too. You don't want them to fall into such a sinful act."

Chorong's heart dropped at hearing her father's words. From his tone, she knew that he undoubtedly opposed same relationships. Trying hard to hide her depressed feelings and disappointment at seeing his reaction, Chorong made up a random excuse to end the video call.