When Jiwoo and Soomin had been called in for a disciplinary meeting, and they knew it was serious.
They sat nervously in the small meeting office, under the weight of disciplinary action.

Ms. Kang, Ms. Oh, and Mr. Jeon, the trainers-in-charge who had convened this fateful meeting sat across conference table. The atmosphere was so tense enough. The stoic expression were on their faces.

The room was still as a tomb; a palpable tension filled the air. Soomin was biting her nails as Jiwoo sat nervously playing with her hands on her lap.

Ms. Oh started off with a serious voice filled with authority, her tone cold, "Jiwoo and Soomin do you know why you are here. You you realized the severity of this event?"

The two girls had an anxious look that passed between them before Jiwoo spoke up," Yes Ms.Kang we got caught breaking our curfew and doing things that are against trainees' rules."

Ms. Kang was the first to speak with an ice-cold voice," You have both broken several trainee rules. We have evidence that you broke curfew, drinking and clubbing which is unacceptable for JYP trainees."

Jiwoo quickly glanced at Soomin in panic.Jiwoo proceeded hesitantly toward Mrs.Kang.

"Mrs.Kang,Mrs.Oh,and Mr.Jeon we were framed.We didn't do those things.Someone who is attempting to sabotage us has tipped managers off about our so called clubbing or misconduct.This person tried to make it seem we did it all on purpose."

Mrs.Oh sighed while shaking her head,"The reality is that regardless of what happened,you broke some rules.As trainees you should meet certain standards of behavior.Even though we have to be strict about this issue".

Ms Kang.

As she pleaded, Soomin's eyes filled with tears, "I beg you, believe us. It was all Garam's doing. She framed us. We would never jeopardize everything we have achieved."

Speaking regretfully but firmly, Mr. Jeon leaned forward and said in tone of finality in his voice, "No matter who was behind this, you broke the rules.It is as plain as that And as trainees, you need to be accountable for your actions."

Tears welled up in Jiwoo's eyes, "Please, Mr. Jeon, Ms.Kang and Ms.Oh! We can't get kicked out. This is our dream! Besides we cannot afford the penalties either...we just wanted to help Garam find her sister."

Ms. Kang's expression hardened further, "I understand that dreams are at stake here, but rules are rules. There are consequences for your actions. You both will most likely be expelled from the trainee program, and you will be required to pay back all penalties incurred during your time here. A meeting with your parents will be scheduled for next week after the evaluations. Until then, you'll have to wait for the final outcome."

Ms.Kang's face grew harder than ever before, "I understand that dreams are at stake here but rules are rules and there must be consequences for your behavior; most likely both of you will be expelled from trainee program while required paying back all incurred penalties during stay with us. There will be a meeting schedule with your parents after the evaluations has been done .Until than you will need to wait for the final outcome of the disciplinary action."

Those words felt like a punch in the gut for Jiwoo and Soomin who was ready to dropped on their knees begging for mercy, "Please give us one more chance... This can't be how it ends!"

They worked so hard together till now only feeling anger mixed with betrayal towards Garam whom they were sure planned everything against them leading to failure finally achieved by these two friends.

But even as they groveled before her cold face Miss Kang showed none whatsoever saying simply - 'My decision remains unchanged - You must pay the consequences."

They all fell silent, realizing just how serious their situation had become. Jiwoo and Soomin's faces were filled with pain and deep disappointment; they were angry at Garam for betraying them. They are certain he played a huge part in their downfall.

┍━━━━━»•»🌷 🌺🌷 «•«━┑

In the dorms.

The dorms were quiet too.The atmosphere was heavy and somber. The rest didn't know what exactly happened but they could tell that things were bad. Jiwoo and Soomin kept to themselves. Their hearts sank as they knew that they would be eliminated soon.

The atmosphere in the whole apartment room was thick with tension. You and Chaewon locked the door behind you as you've entered the room, hoping no one would hear what you had to say. The rest of the girls in the apartment were curious of the outcome. The room was dimly lit, casting long shadows that mirrored the heavy hearts of the four girls.

"What happened?" You asked in a whisper to Jiwoo and Soomin.

Jiwoo looked mad and sad at the same time, her eyes were going wild with rage and despair."Just like we thought," she said sharply, "We'll be cut after elims. We won't debut with De-N-im".

Soomin's shoulders slumped over as if she couldn't hold them up anymore and her voice shook when she spoke. "I trained for six years..." Her voice broke a little as she continued," Three here... Three at my old company..." She trailed off realizing everything she worked for was gone now, "I thought this was my chance... but it's all over."

Nothing needed to be said after that. The girls knew what happened without having to ask.You and Chaewon exchanged glances while packing up some of your friends things into their suitcases, they felt like crying too.Something inside of them knew that even if they weren't supposed to do anything about this situation, morally it would be wrong not trying to help them pack.

They started carefully folding clothes into suitcases. Jiwoo's suitcase had neat piles of clothes with her favorite outfits on the top so you could see them.Chaewon put Jiwoos journal on top since it meant a lot to her.Jiwoos diary had all her dreams in it.

Soomin's stuff was more randomly thrown in - everything she packed felt like another year of training to her. You helped fold a white dance practice hoodie she used to wear when dancing late at night, it still smelled like sweat.She put a small plush toy from her parents that they gave her when she first joined JYP on top as a symbol of the love and support she felt she was letting down.You also packed her notebooks filled with written notes and practice schedules.

As you zipped up one of the suitcases tears welled in your eyes. Tears streamed down your face,"I'm going to miss you guys so much.I can't believe you were just kick out like this. I know something was off the minute that snake came in all innocent. She is behind it...trust me."

Jiwoo looked devastated, "Ms Kang didn't even want to listen to reason. Why would we go and drink so close to elims. We got a complimentary drink from that waiter. We just sat there and we felt suddenly dizzy and disoriented. Soomin was laying on the couch. I didn't want to close my eyes, aware off the dangerous situation. It was hardly few minutes when the trainers found us in that state---"

Soomin wiped away some tears from her own face and shook her head, "I can't keep doing this anymore..." Her voice was quiet but full of pain, "I'm done with training... I'm done with JYP. My parents are so upset... They believed in this dream just as much as I did."

She paused for a second, wiping away more tears before continuing, "But JYP doesn't care about the truth...They only care about their image."

Jiwoo was furious, "It's just not fair!" she shouted, her face turning red, "Garam's family can buy anything they want! We can work as hard as we want but it won't matter because it'll never be enough.This is about money and connections, not talent or effort."

You and Chaewon sat there listening, your hearts breaking for your friends. You knew Jiwoo was right; you've had seen how things were run here, the favoritism and politics. Eunchae who weight a little over 50kg last month wasnt punish with starvation, Kuzuha ate a  forbidden snack bar but it was not an issue, even Sakura had a crack in her voice and they didn't let her run around rapping lines from a song. She just shrugged and said she had a cold. But to hear it said out loud like this, with so much emotion... It was almost too much.

Jiwoo packed up her suitcase by the door while Soomin stood next to her with her thick hoodie pulled over her on top of their head, their dreams left behind in this small room that you'd shared together. You put an arm around both of them, pulling them into a tight hug.

"We're here for each other no matter what," you whispered softly.

Chaewon joined in the hug too, tears welling up in her eyes, "This isn't where it ends," she said determinedly. "We'll get through this together somehow - we'll figure out how."

In that moment everything else seemed to fade away: all the heartbreak, all the anger, all the fear... None of that mattered anymore because you had each other and your friendship would always be there for you.
......

On Friday by two o'clock, the elimination was a gut-wrenching event. Jiwoo and Soomin stood firm and silent as their names were called out of the line up. They did not make it into debut. Most of the shock on trainees faces were evident because Jiwoo did better than Garam and Yunjin in the previous eliminations round.

The pain in their eyes was devastating, and the other trainees couldn't help but cry on stage. All the successful ten girls were asked to stay behind, and the group flocked around Jiwoo and Soomin, offering what little comfort they could.

As photos were being taken of the ten who made it in the line -up and congratulations given by the trainers, brief glares full of hatred towards Garam from Jiwoo's and Soomin's eyes didn't go unnoticed to you or Chaewon, who had also made top ten. The betrayal was clear as day, and Jiwoo couldn't be any more bitter.

Your two friends moved downstairs joining those in one of the rooms used for those who didn't make it. Jiwoo's bitterness was tangible; her disappointment  a severe ache which wouldn't subside.

Their parents were notified later that evening; however much they tried to hide it only deepened their daughters' despair when all they could hear through phones was sheer disappointment.

Mrs. Oh tried to take some weight off them, "This is not end of world there will be other opportunities where you can still chase your dreams. You'll be in the group showcase for trading off to other companies."

Jiwoo found hope through her heartbreak in those words-they wanted to train with other girls who hadn't made it either so they could find another way toward achieving what seemed impossible at this point; even if meant starting over again from scratch somewhere else entirely different this time around. But being almost twenty will be hard to debut or succeed.They knew they had keep going no matter what-

Jiwoo and Soomin will have the opportunity with other non-debut trainees - (those who don't fit the concept, those who are too old , those whos talent lack for their current company or those who were cut from a possible debut line up from different companies) in a showcased and get transferred to other companies who will buy their contracts out. That along with all the other trainees who didn't make it like Modhaus or Pledis Entertainment will be at the showcase, exchanging trainees.

Meanwhile, the ten trainees who had made initial line up continued with their intense practice schedules; but Jiwoo & Soomin were determined to prove themselves again despite everything having seemed like such a failure. They will be training for month for the showcase after the final line up has been revealed. This only making them now even more stronger and determined too succeed.

That night was heavy. The dorm felt empty, almost too quiet. After Jiwoo and Soomin left, you sat on your bed staring at the packed-up room feeling lost in a way you've never had before. They were your life line and bestfriends. How will you forged new friendship in this established group. Chaewon already has other friends.

And to crown it more you schedules are different from the other trainees where Jiwoo and Soomin are right now.

┍━━━━━»•»🌷 🌺🌷 «•«━┑

Friday evening.

The usual murmur of voices of the dorm was gone, and instead there was a dead silence that felt like it followed your friends out. Chaewon was watching a movie with Yeji and Lia. Trying to forget the aweful bittersweet day.

You were alone on your bed only your side lamp illuminating the room. You grabbed your phone for comfort and texted Seokjin.

It gave you some peace in the dimlit room.

Yuqi: Hey Seokjin... Jiwoo and Soomin left yesterday evening.

Seokjin: I'm so sorry to hear that, Bunny. How are you holding up?

Yuqi: Not great. It's so unfair. They worked so hard, and now it's all gone. And I can't shake the feeling that Garam had something to do with it, even if she has an alibi and proof.

Seokjin: That must be very frustrating. But you have to be strong. Don't let Garam's smugness get to you. She'll get what she deserves eventually.

Yuqi: I hope so. It's just hard seeing her walk around so confidently, like she's untouchable.

Seokjin: I can only imagine how that feels. But right now you need to think about yourself. Be strong for Jiwoo and Soomin too; they would want you to keep fighting for your dreams.

Yuqi: You're right. It's just... next month two more girls are going to be cut they said... I'm terrified, Seokjin. This is my ultimate dream if I lose this, I don't know what I'll do.

Seokjin: Don't think like that Bunny! You're talented and dedicated! Have faith in yourself!! Remember our Sunday meetings? Get excited already cause I'm driving us out again!!! Let's use that time to recharge and refocus! Okay sweetie. You've got this Bunny!!

Those words were like a little light in the darkness; whenever dark clouds loomed, Seokjin could always nudge them away. It was at this point that you inhaled deeply and realized how deeply you were starting to fall for this idol.

Yuqi: Thanks Seokjin, I needed that. I’m looking forward to Sunday,

Seokjin: Anytime Bunny, just hang in there alright? You’re stronger than you think.

After an hour texting you set your phone down and all of a sudden felt calm.The night was still heavy, Jiwoo and Soomin were sorely missed but Seokjin’s words had reinvigorated you somehow.

It will be hard; you knew it'll be tough but the glint of hope never completely goes out when you have friends like Seokjin.

┍━━━━━»•»🌷 🌺🌷 «•«━┑

Jiwoo and Soomins' new room is on the second floor with two other girls, Ruyjin and Yuna. Not at all luxurious as the pre- debut groups penthouse floor.

You and Chaewon were so sad. Because you guys have different schedules now. You won't even see them regularly anymore. They had to try staying for two months and then they can leave the company cause their three year contract will be done with, but if they leave before their contract expire they must pay the penalties. Jiwoo and Soomin were beyond broken-hearted and humiliated.

They were just waiting for their parents to finally make up their minds, complete their contract term or leave and pay the penalty or take part in the showcase and hope another company take them in and buy out their contract.

Since than you ignore Garam like she is contagious disease.You and Chaewon didn't border to talk to her or her minions at all ever since that day in the practice room.Your dorm room feels different now; You and Chaewon decided sleep on the two single beds near the window instead.

┍━━━━━»•»🌷 🌺🌷 «•«━┑

The Saturday.

The night before the vocal training session, you stayed up a little late, your mind buzzing with anticipation and a touch of anxiety. You knew that at 12 PM the next day, you would have vocal training with four other group members. The trainers put you into new groups of five. You,Chaewon, Lia, Eunchae and Kuzuha. Sleep came eventually, though it felt fleeting as morning light filtered into your room.

In the kitchen, Sakura and Ms. Choi were busy preparing brunch for the girls. Sakura, excited to try out the smoothie recipe Ms.Ji had given her, gathered the ingredients: kale, Greek yogurt, bananas, honey, avocado, and coconut milk with barley.

"Sakura, what's in the smoothie?" Ms. Choi asked as she watched Sakura place the ingredients into the blender.

"Well, it’s kale, Greek yogurt, bananas, avocado, honey and coconut milk. Ms Ji said it’s a good low-carb recipe. Oh, and barley,” Sakura replied holding up the barley itself.

Ms Choi quickly intervened, “Wait Yuqi is allergic to barley make sure to prepare one without it for her.”

“Thank you for telling me”, Sakura nodded with relief as she made the first smoothie minus barley ,carefully writing Yuqi on the cup.Ms Choi pulled out whimsical takeaway cups with plastic lids knowing they would be heading to the studio soon. She also whipped up small round waffles with mixed berries and place it on the table.

Three girls entered the kitchen, their greetings cheerful. "Morning, Sakura! Morning, Ms. Choi!" they chirped.

Ms. Choi reminded them, "Girls, please don't take the one with Yuqi's name on it. It's special for her."

The girls thanked Sakura for the smoothies, excited by the thoughtful gesture.

You and Chaewon soon entered the kitchen after few more girls entered, grabbing quick bites of waffles from the small plates, before picking up your smoothies. You took your cup with your name and, together with Chaewon, ran after Kazuha, Lia, and Eunchae to the elevator where your driver awaited.

The drive to the JYP studio was relaxing, with all the girls enjoying their drinks. However, once you arrived, you began to feel unwell. Your stomach churned, and nausea set in. You grabbed Chaewon's hand, urgency in your eyes.

"Chaewon, I don't feel well. I need to go to the restroom," you said, your voice strained, you felt as if you want to puke that moment.

"Come take my hand," Chaewon rush you to the nearest restroom in the foyer.

The girls looked weirdly at the two of you.

In the restroom, your discomfort escalated into severe abdominal pain and diarrhea.You leaned against the stall, your face pale white with pain, and then you started  sobbing while vomiting.Your felt the perspiration on your body.Your stomach was aching as you laid curl up on the floor, clutching your stomach, hard.

Chaewon, became alarmed, ran fearfully out to find Ms.Ji. Luckily she saw the trainer on her way to the elevators.

"Ms.Ji! Yuqi is really sick! We need help!" Chaewon cried with a panicked tone.

Ms. Ji rushed you to the agency clinic where a nurse examined you, looking puzzled.

"She's allergic to barley," Chaewon explained breathlessly, "Sakura made a barley-free smoothie for Yuqi because Ms. Choi told her about the allergy. We don't know how it became mix-up."

The nurse quickly gave you some allergy medication to help you. You were laying in the clinic, wincing and sweaty. But the kind nurse attended to her while her group was busy with vocal evaluations.

Despite the efforts, your condition prevented you from participating in the vocal tests due to the severe stomach problems.Chaewon completed her vocal test but immediately asked Ms. Ji, "Can I go back home with Yuqi? She needs to rest and take her medication."

Back at the dorms, Ms. Choi was shocked to see you in such a state, "Oh my goodness, Yuqi! What happened?" she exclaimed.

"It must have been the smoothie," you replied weakly, holding on the Chaewon, "but I don't understand how. I drank the one without barley."

┍━━━━━»•»🌷 🌺🌷 «•«━┑

It took you a good two hours to feel better. Even while in bed, your stomach still pained although the cramps had subsided. You could not nap properly. You heard your phone buzz next to you. You received a message from Seokjin. A soft smile touched your lips.

Seokjin: Hi Bunny! Good luck for today and may you have the best from your  vocal test of today.

Your face formed a weak smile as you replied to the text.

Gosh, you so lucky to have Seokjin as your friend.

Yuqi: Thank you Seokjin, but I am not fine. I could not do my vocal test. I drank a smoothie with barley in it and got an allergic reaction from it.🤮🥵🤒

Seokjin: Oh no! Sweetie, that sucks really bad news. However, allergies can be tough; if I were present there now, I would make you laugh off my stupid jokes and prepare you some ginger soup😜

His message caused your lips to curve upwards briefly and slightly elevated your mood.

Yuqi: With my friends around, You will be the cause of a severe meltdown ..now and forever., 🤗

Seokjin: Alright then...dont want to kill some ARMY. SO, here is one: Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field! 😄

A small chuckle escaped to change her mood just a tad bit.

Seokjin: Seriously though, I'll order the best 'barley allergy' medicine online for you. I hope it will help. It has antihistamines and anti-inflammatory tablets as well as digestive aids so that it may help you feel better within no time.

Yuqi: Thanks Seokjin...you so kind.

You want to teared up.

Seokjin: You're special, Bunny. I'm coming to pick you up myself on Sunday. So get better soon, okay.

You text few more minutes.

Soon after Ms Choi came into the room carrying a small parcel in her arms, "This is from Doksu Pharmarcy--you really ordered so many expensive meds---. " she said placing it on the bedside cabinet with another jug of hot water.

She smile when she asked you if you need something to fill your tummy. She will make you chicken soup to strengthen you.

You didn't forget to call your family especially your sister, Fanqia and brother Xuanjun.

Upon opening the packets you found what Seokjin had described: antihistamines to combat allergy reactions, anti-inflammatory pills meant to alleviate pain as well as digestive medicines meant to help calm down your stomach.

You accepted them gratefully aware of how kind-hearted Seokjin had been. You sent him a quick thank you text because he was shooting a  'Dolce Cabana cologne  commercial with a magazine interview and he will text you later to check up on you.

┍━━━━━»•»🌷 🌺🌷 «•«━┑

The girls were all surprised to hear that Yuqi had an allergic reaction. They congregated in the living room, looking at each other with worried expressions. Garam and Yeji went with a driver to go do personal business at the mall.

Kazuha frowned, “Sakura was so cautious; how did it happen?”

Eunchae appeared troubled, “What if it was planned? It seems too coincidental.”

Yunjin agreed slowly，“I am also starting to get suspicious as somebody could be out to sabotage us.”

Sakura finally spoke up and said,” I even made sure that Yuqi’s smoothie didn’t have barley in it; I don’t understand how this happened. Ms Choi saw me when I prepared her meal.”

Wonyoung shook her head and explained that,” That doesn’t add up we are here for each other right?”

Yeji sighed, “I hope so but incidents like these make it difficult not to be skeptical. She might have died”

Lia added on to the discussion,” Let us be on high alert because things have gone far.”

“It is like someone messed with the smoothies,” mused Chaewon narrowing her eyes,. She suspects Garam. But there is no evidence.

The room was very quiet. Every girl sat and thought about sabotage. But no one talked about it. They questioned who would do such a thing and why?— and the suspicion was palpable.

.....
A/n Who tampered with the Smoothies?

Thank you for all your loyal support.

1. Who do you think might have tampered with Yuqis cup?

2. How do youfeel about Soomin and Jiwoos elimination?

3. Do you think it was fair?

4. Do you think they will complete their contract, leave and pay all the penalties or wait for the showcase and being traded to another company.

5. What do you think about Jins' care of Yuqi?

6. Do you think the truth will come out?