IWALY ㅡ iland2.

Your heart pounds as the names are called, one by one. You stand on stage with the other finalists, Jungeun gripping your hand tightly like she always does when she’s nervous. The two of you had been inseparable throughout iland2, always together during missions, always relying on each other.

When her name is called, the crowd erupts into cheers. Her grip on your hand falters, and you let it go, forcing a smile as she steps forward. You want to feel happy for her, but the ache in your chest is unbearable.

As she stands in the debut lineup, tears spill down her cheeks. “I… I don’t deserve this,” she says into the microphone. “There’s someone who should be here instead. Someone who pushed me through every mission and gave me strength.”

Her eyes flicker to you for just a moment, filled with guilt. You swallow hard, fighting back tears, and clap with the others. This was her moment. You wouldn’t take it from her, even if it broke your heart.