I checked the time on my phone.

2.30 pm
Thu, 10 Jul

I was supposed to be at the training centre half an hour ago, but something is pulling me back from going even though I was five feet away from the place. I've been feeling a little withdrawn ever since we came back, probably because I've already made up my mind. But I plucked myself out of bed for one reason; I should at least give Coach Lee a proper thank you before leaving.

I inhaled deeply and finally stepped into the centre, the receptionist greeting me excitedly. "Yoojin, you're here! Hurry inside, they've already started."

I gave a flat smile before making my way towards the noise filled gym. They were having some sort of after-party, but with Coach Lee congratulating each player one by one. I suddenly felt queasy, but it was too late to back out when someone called out to me.

"Yoojin! Come in." Haknyeon ran and pulled me in before the rest could register my appearance. He sat me down at the back just as one of the students announce the next few names. "You've missed the opening speech and like half of the presentation, what happened?"

"Oh, you know," I stuttered, blabbering the first excuse that came to mind, "My aunt is loaded so I had to help." I bit my lip as he nodded innocently. No one had asked about me leaving or staying after Soobin, which is good, because I don't want more opinions to rock my already shaky boat.

Luckily, his attention was diverted back to Coach Lee, who was hanging the medal on the last student in the line. Right then, Haknyeon waved his hand up high, pointing to me as I stared back, puzzled. "You've brought your medal, right?"

I fiddled around with the metal circle that I forgot was in my hand, replying quickly, "Yes, why?" He nudged me hard enough to make me yelp. "Then get up! You're the last one."

"What?" I scrambled to my feet with the help of Haknyeon, jogging up to the front as the rest of the members clapped. "I hope your reason for being late is valid," Coach Lee mentioned, catching me off guard, "Good job on your win."

He shook my arm firmly as I forced a smile back. "Thank you and sorry." And I meant it in so many ways, not just because I was late. Thank you for taking me in, sorry for lying about my past. Thank you for coaching me, sorry I didn't appreciate it more. Thank you for bringing me back to my feet, sorry I have to leave. The last one hit harder than ever.

When I returned to my seat, I couldn't focus on whatever he was saying after that, because now my boat is close to toppling over. Did I make the right decision? Yes, of course, it's only the best thing to do; I just need to overcome it.

Once Coach Lee finished his final speech, everyone rushed for the buffet table behind us. Was that there when I came in? Actually, it doesn't matter, I'm not staying here for long anyway.

I clutched my medal and headed for the door when someone grabbed my wrist. When I finally took in the figure, my eyes widened.

"You did well for your first official competition, I'm surprised," Youn stated, raising one eyebrow as if mildly impressed. I heaved out a sigh, not being able to hide it any longer.

"It's not my first competition," I said softly, but she didn't seem as surprised as I thought she'd be. "I know."

Wait, what?

"You think no one could hear your conversation with Coach Lee when both of you were standing in the middle of the pathway? Gosh, at least talk in private if you didn't want anybody eavesdropping, for example me," She revealed in the calmest, non-sarcastic way possible, but that just made me all the more shocked.

"Then-"

"I was talking about your first competition as a member of our club, so good job." My stomach crumpled again with her words, then again, she would be the last person to want me to stay, so I brushed it off. "Thank you, you too," I said, trying to sound as genuine as possible as she grinned smugly at my reply.

"By the way, I didn't mean to scream at you during that friendly match, so don't take it to heart," she suddenly continued, causing me to gasp internally. Gosh, I almost forgot that happened. "But I hope it opened your eyes a little more."

"Sure it did." I think my answer sounded too sarcastic because she furrowed her eyebrows at me, but she was soon distracted by someone else calling for her from the other end. I watched her disappear quickly into the mob of people crowding around the buffet table before sighing. Well, that was one problem solved.

But then another one appeared right in front of me.

Standing right at the doorway was Coach Lee, talking to a few of his students. Not only were they blocking my exit, but I couldn't help but be drawn to talk to him, much like those video games where you have to talk to an NPC to complete a quest.

So I followed it.

I waited for the right time before advancing towards him, asking the familiar question as his attention turned to me. "Coach Lee, may I talk to you?" Wow, major deja vu moment.

"Go ahead."

I repeated my script in my head again, before mustering up the courage to recite it, "I've decided to move back to Seoul and go back to Coach Yoon and Taepoong Academy. I'm really sorry." I bowed my deepest bow, not caring whether anyone was staring at me.

For a few seconds, there was no reply from him, which threw me into a pit of worry. Oh no, is he mad at me? Instead, he let out a chuckle as I slowly rose up again.

"There's no need to be sorry, and I'm glad you made that decision," he assured with a smile, but I still didn't understand.

"So... it's okay to leave?" I asked, generating greater laughter from him while I stared in confusion. "If it wasn't, I would've said so already," he replied, "But you're just going back to where you belong. You're a fantastic player, I've said it before, and I definitely want you to stay, but I can never make up for the years of guidance Coach Yoon gave you, that's irreplaceable."

He placed a hand on my shoulder, and for the first time, it wasn't spine-chilling. In fact, it was warm. "I'm glad you chose to move back, so don't need to worry about leaving us so soon. We can always meet at competitions."

By now, my vision was blurry as tears threatened to fall from my eyes. Coach Lee probably noticed that, so he removed his hand and gave me two pats instead, encouraging, "Anyway, enjoy your remaining days here as much as you can because you will miss this place as much as it'll miss you. Good luck on your future endeavours."

I gave him another bow, this time full of gratitude as I watched him walk away to his other students. Right, there's plenty of brilliant players here, I shouldn't feel that bad for leaving.

I headed for the door again, but this time, I stopped by myself. Whipping around, I took in every piece of the dojang, from the high ceilings of the gym to the faded mats on the ground, to the equipment surrounding it and finally, to its users. I remember gaping at the enormous structure when I first entered, admiring how spacious it was compared to my old club's.

And now I'm going back to the latter. Back to the one-on-one training with Coach Yoon. Back to the minimal interaction between club members. Back to the friendless society in school. I can't believe I'm going back to that lifestyle, will I still enjoy it?

Thinking back, there were so many people here who played a part in my ascent besides Coach Lee. Ju Haknyeon, who was so bright and welcoming that I regret not treating him the same way. Shin Youn, who was quite stuck up but unknowingly still pushed me forward. Lee Soobin and Im Junhee, whom I knew a little late but made the rest of the journey a lot more enjoyable. And then there were my opponents, who were literally the drive I needed. Honestly, if it wasn't for Son Yeonhee, I wouldn't even be here in the first place; it's both a blessing and a curse.

Walking out, I glanced at the changing rooms with a speck of ridicule. Of course, how could I forget him? Lee Donghyuck, the start of this rollercoaster journey. Who knew, the person whom I despised so much for knocking me over would eventually be the one pulling me back up, both figuratively and literally.

I halted in my tracks as if I just kicked a kerb. And that exact person is standing at the entrance of training centre, with a phone up to his ear. I'm still not over our conversation at the gazebo although it was supposed to make us, especially me, feel better. But no.

Luckily, I still had something to take care of at the counter, which gives him plenty of time to finish his phone call and go back in and hopefully, he ignores me.

"I'm so sorry, but can I have my grading card back?" I asked the receptionist as politely as possible as she flashed back a wondering look. "Is there something wrong?" She asked and again, in my most polite tone, I explained to her about my situation.

Surprisingly, she gave me a reassuring smile before digging out the familiar blue card and handed it over to me. Wow, that was quick.

"Good luck on your future!" She exclaimed as I gave her a sheepish nod in return. Okay, this should have given him enough time to- he's still there.

I stared at the figure who was still talking away to his phone, rather heatedly now that I observed carefully. Ah, of course.

Not wanting to eavesdrop for the third time, I snuck towards the trees, far away from him before turning to the slope. But before I could even reach the halfway point, a dreaded voice called from behind me.

"Leaving so soon?" I turned around slowly, watching him stroll down the hill towards me. I glanced at his phone, then up to him again. "Weren't you on the phone with your dad?"

"My dad?" He scoffed as he waved his phone at me. "It's my mum."

I wanted to question further, but I don't feel like associating with anyone anymore or I might just break down, so I gave him a dry smile.

"Then if you're done, you can go back in, I need to go," I replied hastily before taking off, feeling a rush of emotions when he didn't stop me.

---

My room was cleaned out entirely, well, not like I really made use of the space while I was here anyway. My luggage was pushed to one side, creating an empty space in front of my bed that tempted me to sit. So I did.

Gazing around the room, I resisted feeling another wave of nostalgia, scrolling through my phone to distract me from my thoughts. But when that didn't work, I jumped to my feet. That's it, I'm going for a run.

Since my aunt was still at the bakery, I left pretty quickly, being met with the breeze that felt abnormal colder today. I placed one foot onto the pavement and instantly, my legs pulled me into a jog down the usual route, my eyes taking in the surrounding scenery for the last time.

The weather felt different today. The wind that used to cool me off was a little too chilly as I shivered with each step. The road was suddenly filled with tiny rocks and twigs that made it harder to run on, while the lamps seem dimmer than usual. It was like the island was chasing me away.

After a few minutes, I noticed the familiar white blanket of sand in a distance, instantly pulling me into a stop as I panted. Not as heavily as before, but still exhausted.

I strolled down to the shore, emptying my mind as I buried my feet into the soft sand. A plane flew over the sea at that very moment, reminding me that it was my last day here, and I heaved another sigh. I would be in there tomorrow.

Okay, standing here is just bringing lots of unwanted thoughts back, I should leave before I literally bury myself here.

I turned around promptly, letting out a scream when I came face to face with someone's body a few centimetres in front of me. Stumbling back, I managed to catch myself in time before falling into the water, squinting at the being who seemed unfazed at my response. Oh.

"What are you doing here?" I questioned, watching him walk to the area beside me. Donghyuck scrutinised my face indifferently, turning to the ocean as he replied, "To talk."

I recoiled at his reason. "Seriously?" My voice was filled with incredulity as I narrowed my eyes at him, but he just returned it with an eye roll.

"Are you gonna go back to Seoul?" He asked, ignoring my previous response. I relaxed my shoulders. Fine, I shouldn't be so defensive on my last day.

"Yeah," I mumbled, focusing my eyes on a motionless ferry in the distance, although the decolourising sky only allowed me to make out its borders. Donghyuck shuffled his feet for an awfully long time, eventually saying, "Good for you. You get to go back to that city life."

I let out a scoff. "Is that supposed to make me feel better?"

"Did it?" He looked at me calmly, while I squirmed at his unusual kindness. At this point in time, I rather he mock me.

A silence grew between us when I didn't answer, but he broke it a second later. "When are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow."

"Wow," he exhaled, causing me to look at him with absurdity. "And you didn't plan to tell any of us? How inconsiderate." Yeah, this I can tolerate.

"Not like you're going to see me off, so why should I?" I retorted, my plans of leaving quietly going down the drain. Donghyuck clicked his tongue, facing me with his hands tucked into his pockets. "How would you know if you didn't even tell us? Were you really gonna leave like that?"

"Well- I- If I did, I would get too attached, then I wouldn't be able to leave peacefully," I rambled, "It's not a big deal anyway, don't pretend you care." I bit my lip due to the brewing uncomfortableness; this is not how I expected to spend my last night.

"Why do you think I don't care?" He continued, furrowing his eyebrows as I stared at him in ridiculousness. "Drop the act, you don't suit the nice type."

"Says the one who said I should try being nice more often," he quoted as my face heated up at the familiar words. Gosh, I even remember saying it so clearly. I kept my lips pursed, refusing to say anything else that might be used against me. When he realised, he heaved out a great sigh.

"Dang, is it my turn to give out a speech?" He asked sarcastically, and I didn't understand until it hit me. What ridiculousness. When I didn't reply, he continued a little different than I expected. "Well, you won't get one, because I don't like long speeches."

"Good." The word slipped out of my mouth so fast I couldn't take it back, but Donghyuck didn't look offended, or at least to me. Instead, he said something else.

"Good luck surviving in Taepoong, you need a lot of training to catch up to them."

I stared at him doubtfully. I couldn't tell if he was being genuine due to his haughty tone, so I couldn't accept it just yet. But it looked like he sensed my incoming rebuttal, so he continued immediately, "Don't think too much into it and just accept it, I'm not as insensitive as you think."

He raised his hand above my head, looking a little hesitant as it hung there for a while, before lowering it and giving two pats on my shoulder. "Fighting."

He strode back up the beach, leaving me dumbfounded. "What was that? It looked like he wanted to slap me," I mocked under my breath, taking in his words slowly as a smirk found itself on my face. Well, good luck to you too.

---

We stood in front of the departure hall, my aunt hugging me the tightest yet. "Have a safe trip," she said, her voice muffled in my shoulder, "You can come back whenever you like."

I pulled away from her and smiled. "Of course." One person I forgot to thank; my aunt.

A buzzing sound came from her bag as she ruffled around for it. Her eyes brightened as she faced the screen to me. "Your mum's calling, I better take this." She walked to a quieter spot behind the escalator, and I was left standing alone in the middle of families and friends, making me feel a little dejected.

Feeling guilty, I texted Donghyuck and Haknyeon the time of my check-in yesterday, saying they could come if they want. A part of me hoped that they would, but looking at the time now, I doubt they'd show.

I glanced at my aunt, who was having a hearty talk with my mum. Or maybe there's still time left.

I tottered about my feet, gazing at the people around me. Since it was the end of summer break, there were quite a lot of students my age bidding goodbye to their families. On the other hand, there were friends chatting away before entering the departure hall one by one, gathering again on the other side of the gate. I have my aunt with me, but it somehow didn't feel the same.

My eyes flew around the area distractedly that I almost didn't catch sight of two figures walking towards me. Upon further squinting, I realised one of them was Haknyeon and the other was... Soobin? I laughed at myself. After that whole talk yesterday, he decided not to show up. Bravo.

"Yoojin!" Soobin ran to hug me tightly as I tried to do the same, although her arms were cutting off my oxygen supply pretty quickly. Haknyeon reached a few seconds after, smiling a little apologetically as he revealed, "Donghyuck had some family matters so he couldn't come, but he asked me to pass you this."

He handed me a folded piece of paper as Soobin let go, both of us scanning the tiny thing. "What's this? He said he doesn't like long speeches," I teased, proceeding to open it before Haknyeon clasped my hand shut. "He said to read it when you miss Jeju."

I almost burst out laughing. "He said that? Lee Donghyuck said that? Wow, he actually does have a cheesy side, but okay." I slid the note deep into my pocket so it wouldn't fall out.

"We're gonna miss you so much," Soobin whined as she hugged me again, but this time I pushed her away. "We can always meet in competitions, don't need to be so clingy." She pouted as Haknyeon took over. "Have a safe trip, see you soon."

We exchanged high fives as my aunt came back while stuffing her phone into her bag. "Alright, it's time for you to leave." She glanced at Soobin and Haknyeon before continuing, "Say goodbye to your friends one last time."

I waved to them quickly as I made my way to the entrance, not taking my eyes off them until I was officially inside the departure hall. I gave them one last wave before pulling myself away from the window.

Once they were out of sight, I reached into my pocket for the note Donghyuck left me, opening it without a second thought. I've got to see what cheesy stuff he wrote.

have a safe trip.
i'll meet you by the sidelines.
- ldh

I chuckled to myself again, disbelief spreading all over me. How can such a small note mean so many things? I guess only you can do that, Lee Donghyuck.

Folding the piece of paper neatly, I stuffed it inside my wallet where I know I wouldn't lose it, before proceeding to find my flight's gate with a skip in my step.

Sure, I'll meet you by the sidelines.

---

stay tuned for the epilogue!