IZ*ONE University [THE REWRITE]

Chapter 23: To me, this is a memory that spent long nights

Eight Years Later.

Kwon Eunbi's POV

I owe Mrs. Jang for her kind invitation, which allowed me to become one of the youngest prosecutors of my time. Instead of serving in the government, Assemblyman Jang arranged for me to work for them directly. I've become incredibly successful, and my dad doesn't belittle me as much as he used to. Perhaps that's because Chaewon hasn't been around. My mom and dad found a middle ground a few years ago and decided to attempt reconciliation. Despite everything he has done to us, we chose to forgive him. Maybe I'm just making excuses because I still long for that perfect family image I desperately wanted.

The girls are also successful. Chaeyeon is now a renowned choreographer and restaurant owner, while Sakura is in medical school—a surprise to all of us. She discovered her passion for tinkering and decided to pursue a career as a brain surgeon. Given that Chaeyeon's parents are famous doctors, they arranged for Sakura to begin her neurosurgery residency early at their hospital. After Yena graduated, her father appointed her as CEO without delay. A year later, Yuri and Minju signed contracts with Choi Entertainment. Minju has now become an A-list actress, and Yuri has been successful as both an actress and a singer.

Hitomi, on the other hand, transferred back to Japan for college. We didn't try to convince her to stay, especially after the news broke about Honda Motors' new owner, Kim Group, shortly after Chaewon left. As for Nako and me, we entered a relationship but soon realized we had rushed into things and were better off as friends. Nako is also an actress in Japan, and we were all surprised when she chose not to pursue a career as an idol.

Out of those who are abroad, Yujin was the only one who kept in contact with me. She's now an Olympian representing the States, and I'm extremely proud of what she has achieved. She is now a U.S. citizen. In contrast, I expected to hear from Chaewon, even just a goodbye, but I haven't heard anything at all. It felt as though I never existed to her. Yujin comforted me by suggesting that Chaewon was probably just busy adjusting to her new environment, but couldn't she at least spare me a few minutes? I knew I was a bit envious of the attention Chaewon received, but that didn't mean I didn't care for her.

I even work at Mrs. Jang's firm, but I haven't heard from Wonyoung either. The only updates I get about her are from the news or her social media. The last I heard was when she ended her engagement with Hyunjin, three months after it was announced, causing quite a stir. She is now dating a K-pop idol, Park Sunghoon, and they have been together for five years. Whenever I ask Yujin how she feels about it, she always says she is happy for them, though the hesitancy in her voice suggests otherwise.

"What's got you preoccupied, unnie?" Sian asked.

"Nothing important, Sian," I replied, turning my chair to face her. "Why don't we get dinner and discuss the upcoming case we have?"

Sian's eyes lit up at the thought of lunch. Despite my attempts to forget the past, I couldn't help but recall a distant but vivid memory of Hyewon doing the same. I shook my head to bury the thought. Sian had stood by my side since high school and was here now. There was no use reminiscing about old friends.

"Do you have any suggestions on where we should eat?"

"We could always hit up Chaeyeon for a free dinner—Ow!" I playfully smacked the back of her head.

"Yah! We still have to pay; we shouldn't abuse Chaeyeon's kindness!" Hmm... It had been a while since I last saw the couple, so I might as well ask if they want to join us. "I'll send Chaeyeon a text and see if she and Kkura would love to join us."

"Oh, I just thought... never mind. Let's go," Sian replied, faking a smile as she opened the door for me.

I knew Sian had feelings for me, but I didn't want to take advantage of that like I did with Nako. Using someone's love for you is never the solution to loneliness.