The past few weeks had been a whirlwind. As I settled into my new role as a model, balancing shoots and public appearances, the boys had been my unwavering support. Their love and encouragement made each day easier, and I could feel myself growing more confident in both my career and our relationships. Still, amid the excitement and the flurry of new experiences, something from my past began to resurface.

It was a crisp, sunny afternoon in Korea, and I was relaxing in the living room of our new home. The boys were scattered around, some lounging and others working on various projects. The house felt like a haven of warmth and love—a sharp contrast to the lonely childhood I had once known.

Jungkook had just come back from a photoshoot, his enthusiasm palpable as he recounted the day’s events. “You wouldn’t believe it, Ava,” he said, flopping down beside me on the couch. “We got some great shots today. I wish you could’ve been there to see it.”

“I would’ve loved to,” I replied, leaning into him. “Maybe next time I can come along.”

“Definitely,” he said with a grin. “And hey, you’ve been doing amazing yourself. I’m so proud of you.”

His words warmed my heart, but my mood shifted slightly as my phone buzzed on the coffee table. I glanced at it and saw a message from an old friend from back home. It was a simple “Hey, how’s everything going? Miss you!” but it was enough to stir a mix of emotions within me.

I hesitated before putting my phone back down. The boys noticed my change in demeanor, and Taehyung, who was sitting across the room, looked up from his book. “Everything okay, Ava?”

“Yeah,” I said, trying to sound casual. “Just got a message from someone I haven’t heard from in a while.”

Yoongi, who was working on his laptop, raised an eyebrow. “Someone from your past?”

I nodded. “Yeah. An old friend from home. It’s just… they’ve been reaching out a lot recently.”

Jimin, who was curled up in a chair with a blanket, tilted his head. “And how does that make you feel?”

I sighed, feeling a knot of discomfort forming. “Well, it’s a bit strange. I didn’t have many friends growing up. My childhood was pretty lonely, and I mostly focused on my studies. Now that I’m here and things are going well, it seems like some of them are trying to reconnect.”

Namjoon, who had been quietly listening, set aside his book and moved closer. “It sounds like you’re experiencing something difficult. It’s natural for people to reach out when they see someone’s life taking a turn for the better. But you should focus on how you feel about it.”

I nodded, appreciating his insight. “It’s just… I’ve changed a lot since then. I’m not the same person I was back then. And it feels odd to have them trying to come back into my life now.”

“Sometimes people don’t realize how their actions affect others,” Hobi said, joining the conversation. “But you have to set boundaries that make you comfortable.”

I smiled at the support they were offering, feeling a sense of relief. “Thanks, guys. I guess I just didn’t expect to feel this way. It’s like a reminder of how lonely I used to be, even though I’m surrounded by so much love now.”

Jungkook wrapped his arm around me, his gaze soft. “You’re not alone anymore. You have us, and we’re here for you.”

His words were comforting, but the flutter of anxiety remained. I tried to push it aside, focusing on the present and the joy I found in my relationships with the boys. Yet, as days passed, the messages from my old friends continued to trickle in. They seemed genuinely interested in reconnecting, but it felt as though they were trying to insert themselves into a life they had previously been distant from.

One evening, as I was preparing dinner, Jin came into the kitchen, his usual playful smile on his face. “Need any help?”

“Sure,” I replied, handing him a few vegetables to chop. “I’m just making some pasta tonight.”

As we cooked together, Jin’s gaze lingered on me, his smile turning into a softer, more affectionate expression. “You know, Ava, you’ve come such a long way. It’s incredible to see how much you’ve grown.”

I blushed at his words, feeling a warm sensation spreading through me. “Thank you, Jin. I couldn’t have done it without you guys.”

Jin’s fingers brushed against mine as he handed me a pot, sending a shiver up my spine. “We’re a team,” he said, his voice low and sincere. “And I wouldn’t trade this for anything.”

The warmth between us was palpable, and as we continued cooking, our conversation turned more personal. I found myself opening up about my childhood, sharing memories of loneliness and the struggle to fit in.

“I didn’t have many friends growing up,” I admitted, stirring the sauce. “I was always focused on my studies and didn’t really have time for socializing. Now that I’m here and things are going well, it’s like those old friends are trying to come back into my life.”

Jin’s expression grew thoughtful. “It’s understandable to feel conflicted. You’ve built a new life for yourself, and it’s okay to be cautious about who you let back in.”

His understanding and support were comforting, and I felt a sense of gratitude for having him and the other boys in my life. As we finished preparing dinner, the atmosphere in the kitchen was filled with laughter and warmth. The boys joined us at the table, and the conversation shifted to lighter topics.

During dinner, we talked about upcoming plans and shared stories from our day. The boys were their usual playful selves, and the teasing was lighthearted. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing—a sense of closure or resolution regarding my old friends.

After dinner, I retreated to my room, feeling the weight of the day’s emotions. I sat on the edge of my bed, reflecting on the past and the present. The messages from my old friends were a reminder of a time I had left behind, but they also represented a part of me that had shaped who I was today.

As I was lost in thought, Namjoon knocked on my door and poked his head in. “Hey, Ava. Can we talk for a minute?”

I nodded, and he came in, sitting beside me on the bed. “What’s on your mind?” he asked gently.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about my past lately,” I said, my voice tinged with uncertainty. “I’m grateful for everything I have now, but it’s hard to deal with the sudden reappearance of old friends.”

Namjoon placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “It’s okay to feel that way. You’ve made a lot of progress, and it’s natural for past connections to resurface when you’re doing well. Just remember that you have the power to decide who you want in your life.”

His words were reassuring, and I felt a sense of clarity beginning to form. “Thanks, Namjoon. I think I needed to hear that.”

As he left the room, I felt a renewed sense of determination. My past was a part of me, but it didn’t define my future. I had found a new family in the boys, and their love and support were more than enough to help me navigate the complexities of life.

The next day, I resolved to address my feelings head-on. I crafted a thoughtful response to my old friends, explaining that while I appreciated their interest, my life had changed significantly, and I needed to focus on the present. It was a difficult decision, but one I felt was necessary for my well-being.

As I sent the message, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. With the boys by my side, I knew I could face whatever came my way. Their unwavering support had become the foundation of my new life, and I was ready to embrace the future with open arms.

The chapter closed with a sense of hope and anticipation, as Ava looked forward to the new opportunities and experiences that awaited her, knowing that with the boys’ support, she could handle whatever challenges came her way.