There's always room for another

Chapter 23: 3.10 - the light at the end

It was interesting, Yongsun thought absently as she finally finished with her shower, to think upon the differences between this Byulyi and her Byulyi. In person, Yongsun always referred to her by her new name - it had taken effort, but it was becoming easier each and every day to call her Yuna. But in her head, it was somehow always Byulyi. Moon Byulyi.

(What an odd reflex.)

Her therapist had asked her why she did that, and Yongsun had simply shrugged and said, "Because that's who I fell in love with." And her therapist had looked like she wanted to say something about that, but thought better of it.

Yongsun knew that it probably wasn't right that she was still differentiating between the two. Knew that it was a little unhealthy, and probably extremely unfair.

But in the safety of her head was alright, wasn't it?

(Somehow, that thought didn't make her feel any better.)

"Okay, Kim Yongsun," she muttered to herself as she padded to her wardrobe to get dressed for the day. "Enough thinking. More doing." She managed an encouraging smile at herself in the mirror as she pulled out her practice clothes.

(A part of her couldn't help but wonder if Byulyi would like her in this outfit.)

( This particular reflex was familiar, but needed to stop too.)

Slipping her sunglasses onto her nose, she slapped her cheeks lightly twice to help her shake off her sudden melancholic mood.

No, she resolved in that moment. Today was going to be a good day.

- - - - -

"... and that wraps up today's meeting." Do Hoon clapped his hands as he leant back in his chair. "Anyone have anything they want to bring up before we break for lunch?"

"I do." Wheein raised her hand like a kid waiting to be called on by the teacher. She shared a glance with Hyejin, who smiled encouragingly at her. "I, uh. I finished the song I was working on."

Everyone seemed to sit up a little straighter in their chairs. Wheein had mentioned she'd been working on something - had even brought it up in that I Live Alone episode. But no one had badgered her about it, because Wheein was the sort of person who needed to work at their own pace. Yongsun couldn't help but be intrigued - Wheein had mentioned that the song had been written with Byulyi in mind.

Giving everyone a nervous smile, Wheein played the demo that she'd included with one of the producers, and oh.

Oh .

Yongsun didn't even notice that she was crying. It was instinctive, almost. Completely unconscious.

Because she had been expecting something about loss or death or... anything else.

But this? This was hopeful. And wise. And quietly yearning, but precious and content at the same time.

"It's good." Do Hoon was the first to speak, as always when it came to music. "Really, really good." He sniffled, clearing his throat before continuing. "It's a much more mature sound than what we were expecting from you at the moment. But as always, you surprise me." He smiled at that.

Wheein's shoulders slowly relaxed as the comments came in from the other managers and company members. It was a unanimous win, and Yongsun didn't hide her smile as she listened to Jiyoon's enthusiastic praise. She personally thought the double thumbs up was a little much, but knew that Wheein appreciated it.

"I've heard it in different stages, and I think you've really been able to capture where you're at right now." Hyejin, as always, was able to round up all their thoughts into words. Their maknae grinned. "I'm so proud of you, bestie." Wheein, surprised by the sudden cutesy tone, laughed as she relaxed fully, raising a fist to hit her friend playfully.