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“Even if Hyemi’s father should offer the money tomorrow, I won’t accept it. Hyemi is talented and hardworking, so she’llremain in the group. I want toprotectHyemi. I want to pave a path for her with lots of beautiful things for her to see along the way. That’s my dream for her. That’s my dream of Joah.”

“Eomma,” I say, tears in my eyes, “I’m so proud of you.”

“And I’m so proud ofyou, my darling girl.” She takes me into her arms, holding me close. After a few minutes, she gently releases me, her own eyes a little damp. “What do you think about finally having that meal?”

Thirty-eight

“Jenny-nuna!”

“Youngmin-ah!”

Jenny and Youngmin run from opposite ends of my front lawn like they’re in the penultimate scene of a drama. In fact, this is exactly how the latest episode of Sun’s drama ended, with Sun and the heroine running toward each other across a beach. I’d watched the episode with Hyemi in the hospital before my mother and I had left to grab lunch.

When they reach each other, Youngmin picks Jenny up and spins her around.

It’s a little last minute, but with Jenny, Gi Taek, and Angela’s help, as well as Ajumma and my mother’s, we’ve managed to turn my front lawn into the setting for a party. We’ve put out tables and chairs, Angela and Gi Taek brought decorations—party balloons and a congratulatory banner—and Nadine is bringing a cake from a bakery near her university. We’re catering sandwiches from a local delicatessen, and Sun said he’ll bring alcohol “for the adults.” As for entertainment, I glance nervously at the microphone in its stand.

When I came up with this plan, I thought of doing something that would please Nathaniel, and bearing my feelings for him in front of our friends and family, while mortifying for me,wouldmake him ridiculously happy.

There’s still a chance to back out....

No, I’m determined. Iwantto do this.

I want to celebrate him, for the launch of his song, and for completing his class—Nadine informed me that he passed his final exam—but also, I want to show him how much these past two weeks have meant to me, and the years before, when he first stood up for me against my bullies. We hadn’t even been friends then, but Nathaniel could never tolerate injustice. I used to envy his fearlessness, because I knew that it came from having his family to lean on, but now all I feel is gratitude, for them,for him.

I love how confident he is. He always thinks the best of people, which makes me want to be better. He givesmestrength. And he’s becomemyfamily, like Sun and the others, like Jenny, and Ajumma, and my mother, family Ichoose, and who’ve chosen me.

I’m still sad about what happened with my father, but I’ve left the door open. He can take the final steps to walk through. It’s up to him.

After Youngmin, the guests start arriving. Sun pulls up in a Porsche, bearing flowers for my mother, who hands them to Ajumma and goes to help with the drinks.

“Itoldyou she lives in a mansion.” I hear Hyemi’s bright voice outside the gate.

I hurry down to let her and the ASAP members inside.

“Daebak,” Jiyoo says, her eyes wide as she takes in the front garden and house. “You’re so cool, CEO Seo!”

My mother just shakes her head with a smile. She hasn’t told them yet, but Joah is releasing a statement tomorrow morning to clear up the situation surrounding Hyemi’s scandal. Since Joahwon’tbe accepting money from her father, she can join ASAP with a clear conscience. Once Hyemi’s arm heals, she’ll be able to start promotions as early as next week.

Director Ryu is next to arrive, sweeping through the gate in a stylish brown blazer and slacks. She joins the ASAP members at their table, where Youngmin is trying to resurrect Jiyoo’s Tamagotchi.

I pull my mother aside. “Remember, back when you asked me to help Hyemi, after I told you I no longer wished to be an idol, you said you’d support me on whatever career path I did end up choosing?”

My mother nods. “I remember.”

“I know what that is now. I want to work with Director Ryu. I want to continue helping her with developing ASAP’s brand, but I also want to help envision and launch new groups. And maybe one day, I can become a creative designer with a team of my own.”

“I think...,” my mother says slowly, “that’s a great idea. It might not have seemed like it, but I was observing you, and I couldn’t have chosen a better career for you myself. Jin-rang has already praised you to me, so I know she’d be happy to have you on her team.”

My mother turns contemplative. “It’s more of a behind-the-scenes role, and it won’t get you as much recognition.”

“I’ll have appreciation from the people whoIcare about, who matter to me, that’s enough.”

My mother smiles, pleased for me.

Nadine arrives, bearing a rather large cake in a box that a few of the ASAP members help her carry inside, and then Jenny’s running up to me.

“Jaewoo texted! They just pulled up in front of the house.”