Decisions
Sowon had spent weeks debating her next move, torn between doubt and optimism. For too long, she had felt lost, standing still while the rest of the world, including her family, had moved on. But something inside her had changed. She was tired of being stuck, of doubting her worth. It was time to relocate.
So, she made her decision.
She signed with an acting agency.
Initially, she kept it to herself. She wanted to be sure this was real—that she wasn't grasping at another empty dream that would go. She'd always wanted to try her hand at acting but never had the time. Now, it was her chance to see if she could truly belong in this world.
She did not inform the others immediately. Not because she desired to maintain secrets, but because she required time to adapt. Before she could share it with others, she had to fight her own battle and accept her own reality.
Then, one morning, her phone lit up with notifications—more than normal. Confused, she took it up and unlocked the device, only to be confronted with a slew of messages and tagged posts.
The news was out
An article was written announcing her formal agreement with an acting agency. Buddies were ecstatic, and her social media was overwhelmed with replies. According to the messages in their group chat, her members were also aware of it.
Yerin: Yes! You did not even tell us?!
Eunha: Unnie, I'm so happy!!! You'll be the most beautiful actress ever!
Yuju: This is great. I always thought you'd be good at acting!
Umji: Finally, unnie in dramas! Let us meet up soon to celebrate!
And then there was Sinb's message.
Sinb: …Why haven't you told me?
Sowon stared at that message for a time, her fingers trembling on the keyboard. She was unsure how to explain it to Sinb. She didn't want her to know; she only needed to confirm to herself that this was real before telling the one who mattered the most.
She exhaled and finally typed her reply.
I just wanted some time to comprehend it first. I did not want to say anything until I was certain. I am sorry.
Sinb did not answer immediately, but a few minutes later, a notification appeared.
Sinb: Call me later. Also, took you long enough.
Sowon groaned, yet a faint smile crept over her lips. Sinb always seemed tough, yet she cared more than anyone else. Now that her members knew, there was only one thing left to do.
It had been months since she had communicated with fans in this way. She had occasionally posted, but had generally kept silent since the disbandment. However, tonight seemed different; after gathering her thoughts, she decided to broadcast live on Instagram. It had been a while since she'd done one, and she knew her Buddies were waiting. If there was any time to connect with them, it was now.
She set up her phone, took a deep breath, and then clicked the button.
Within seconds, thousands of viewers had joined, and the discussion erupted with excitement.
Sowon unnie!! We missed you!
You’re finally back!!
We heard the news! Congratulations on your acting debut!
You’ll do amazing, unnie!”
What kind of roles do you want to try?
Buddies will always support you no matter what!
Sowon smiled as she read through the deluge of messages. She hadn't realized how much she missed talking to Buddies and witnessing their unwavering support.
"Hello, everyone," she said, waving at the camera. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"
The comments arrived in faster than she could read, but one piqued her interest.
Unnie, is the acting news real?!
She chuckled. "Yes, it is real. I have joined with an acting agency and plan to begin preparing for my first job soon. I was nervous, but seeing all of your support makes me feel much better."
Excited remarks flooded the chat.
No matter what you do, we'll always support you!
Of course, there were a few hate comments mixed in with the support—people saying she wasn't cut out to be an actor, that she should just disappear, that she was no longer relevant—but they were drowned out by the overwhelming love from Buddies.
She had expected worse. Instead, she was greeted with encouragement. With hope.
For the following hour, she answered questions about her acting profession, her daily life, and how the other members reacted to the announcement. Fans were amused by how Yerin and Yuju chastised her for keeping it a secret, and some even joked about Sinb's short message being her way of saying I'm proud of you, as well as some amusing ones about Meonji, who crawled onto her lap during the stream. She laughed and smiled, and for the first time in a long time, she felt a weight lifted off her shoulders.
"Thank you for spending time with me today," she expressed truly. "I will work hard so that you may see the best part of me. Please be careful, Buddies. "I love you."
For a time, she just sat there, staring at the dark screen of her phone.
She did it.
She'd finally taken the first step.
Sowon sat back on her couch and exhaled deeply. The anxiety that had been hanging in her chest for months didn't feel as stifling now. There was still doubt and worry, but there was now hope.
She'd found her way.
Now all she had to do was step forward.