Apparently Sam wasn’t going to stay silent any longer. “Scared? I'm not scared..."
Sam fixed her with a look of disbelief. "You're not scared?"
When Leila nodded, Sam snorted, "Then what is the matter? Why haven't you said yes yet then?"
"Sam this isn't something I can just agree to in the blink of an eye. I have to consider everything. What will Marcia do? I can’t leave you right after this thing with Paul, and how will mama take me going to live across the world..."
Sam interrupted her, "You know what I've noticed? Not once have you mentioned yourself; you're more concerned with me, Marcia, and mama."
Leila only blinked, realizing that her sister was right.
Sam continued, "Leila you can't worry about us. I will miss you, you're the only sister I have...but you've been away from me for over a year now. Do they not have telephones and computers in Korea or something?"
Leila laughed and Sam smiled. "Exactly, we can still talk. And the same goes for with you and Marcia. As for with mama, I'm sure she'll be sad that you’ll be even farther away, but she understands this is your life. Just like when you decided to move up to New York. She's happy as long as you're happy, and she wants you to achieve your dream. Opportunities like this only come once in a lifetime, don’t miss your chance."
Leila digested her sister's words. Had she only been worrying about how her move would affect her loved ones? Had she not been thinking about herself?
***
G.K. and the rest of T4L arrived at the Nokia theatre before any of the other dancers and staff. G.K. walked through the theater, his mind a million miles away.
He hadn't spoken to Leila about his offer since they had eaten together two days ago, their conversations managing to circle around it as if it had never happened. While G.K. hoped with all his mind, body, and soul that she would accept, he was unsure if she in fact would come with him back to Seoul.
When they reached their dressing room, Jinyung stood waiting for them inside. He motioned for the group to take a seat on the sofa and chairs that were scattered throughout the large room.
When they were all seated, Jinyung spoke, “So I have some shocking news for you all. We’re cancelling the remainder of the tour and you all will be going back to Korea this week."
Surprise echoed throughout the room at his announcement. G.K. was the first person to speak up, "I thought we had another week here before we were going to Europe. That’s a lot of shows to reschedule
hyung
."
Jinyung nodded, "Well it seems you all have been requested to be a part of a major network TV special. My partner and I discussed it and we think it would be an insane opportunity to miss out on."
"How long will we be on this show? What about the fans?" Kwan asked.
"Shooting will be for at least five weeks and you’ll probably have to do another week or two of promotions. The fan meetings and show appearances are being rescheduled for the end of the year.” He paused, before continuing, "This will be good publicity, since we're planning to release an album in a few months."
They guys all nodded, "So when will we be leaving?" Kibum inquired.
"Filming begins Sunday. So we'll be leaving on Thursday."
G.K. felt panic well in his chest, Thursday?! Thursday was only two days away. How was he going to get Leila to give him an answer in two days?
He had told her she had at least another four weeks. G.K. rubbed his forehead worriedly.
G.K. felt Jinyung's eyes upon him, which only served to put him more on edge.
Later while everyone else got ready for the show, Jinyung approached him.
"G.K. are you alright?"
G.K. looked into Jinyung's concerned eyes, and shook his head.
"No, I'm sorry; your announcement just came unexpectedly that's all."
Jinyung nodded in understanding, "Are you not happy to be going home?"
G.K.’s brow furrowed, "Yes...No...I don't know. I haven't heard an answer from Leila about joining our dancers. And now with us leaving in a few days..."
Jinyung finished his sentence for him, "You think she'll feel pressured to make a decision."
G.K. nodded, releasing a heavy breath.
Jinyung rested a hand on the younger man’s shoulder, "G.K. she doesn't have to decide immediately, you know. I offered her the position, and it will remain offered to her. We can always send for her in a week, or two, or even a month. Try and relax, okay?"
G.K. smiled in gratitude, thanking Jinyung.
The manager waved off his thanks, flashing him a smile, before moving over to speak with the now arriving staff members.
***
Leila arrived at the theatre with the other dancers, a few hours before the show was to begin. As they went through make-up and wardrobe, Leila was kept her eyes out for G.K.
She had seen him earlier, during their final run through of the show, but like the previous few days, they hadn't spoken about her accepting or declining the job offer.
In the days since her conversation with her sister, had re-run Sam's words in her head so many times, the memory had holes in it. She had even gone so far to call her mother, who had reassured her that while she would miss her youngest daughter, she would be even more proud of her for pursuing her dream. Leila had still thought and thought, about her decision until her mind had screamed at her to stop.
As much as Leila hadn't wanted to admit it, she
was
scared.
Who wouldn’t be?
This move would be a complete one-eighty from everything she had ever known. She'd be completely out of her comfort zone, and that
DID
scare her. Add to that, the possibility of things not working out with herself and G.K., and she was positively terrified.
When all of the dancers had finished makeup, Jinyung gathered them around.
"I would like to let you all know that working with you all over the past few weeks has been an extreme pleasure. I speak not only for myself but for the entire Z-Tune family and T4L as well when I say we have appreciated all of your hard work and dedication."
He waited as all of the dancers murmured their thanks, before speaking again, "Unfortunately I have to let you all know that we are going to have to cut our association short. T4L, the staff, and I will be returning to Korea sooner than expected. This will be your last performance with us. Because this is such a last minute announcement and to thank you for all of your hard work we will be honoring your contracts and paying you for the entire duration, despite our departure this week.”
T4L will be leaving this week
…Jinyung’s words echoed dramatically in Leila’s mind. That meant they had to be leaving in no more than a day or two.
Leila felt as though something invisible was pressing down on her chest. She’d thought she had more time...to think...to come to terms with her decision.
She had decided that while she wanted to be with G.K. and dance full time, she didn't think she was ready to go that far away from her home and her life in America.
She had been planning on waiting to tell G.K. closer to the finish of their tour in Europe. However, Jinyung’s announcement had forced her hand.
She would have to tell him sooner.
***
Leila spotted G.K. talking to Kwan and Kibum near the side of the stage as theater staff worked on setting up the lights and equipment for the show.
Leila eased over to the trio, drawing their attention.
"Hey can I borrow G.K. for a minute?"
Kwan smiled, nodding his head, "You can keep him if you want."
She laughed when G.K. made a face before grabbing his hand and pulling him away from them. "Thanks guys!"
Leila managed to find a semi-secluded corner backstage, with only few people milling around.
G.K. pulled her close to his body and entwined their hands at his sides.
Leila cleared her throat, "G.K. I've been thinking..."
G.K. interrupted her, "Before you tell me whatever you have to say, I have to tell you something." He paused "I’m sure you’ve heard by now that we’re leaving early.”
Leila nodded her head silently and G.K. sighed, “I don’t want you to feel pressured, but I have to tell you. Leila I love you. And I know that the thought of going so far and to somewhere so different is a little scary. But it'll work."
G.K. took a deep breath, attempting gather his racing thoughts, "And maybe I'm being a little selfish to even ask you to consider this. But I wasn't kidding when I told you that I don't think I can live without you."
He inhaled deeply again, "But the offer to dance for us still stands. You don’t have to tell us yes or no right this minute. It could be tomorrow, or next month, or a year from now. You’re worth waiting for.”
Leila's heart constricted at his hushed words. She opened her mouth to tell him that she wanted to stay, that she couldn't find the courage to come with him.
But the words got caught in her throat.
He wasn’t just looking at her but seemed to be looking into her. His gaze never faltered and made her feel as if she was the only person in his world.
Leila couldn't break his heart...or her own. She could no longer deny that there was honestly nothing she would rather do more than go to Korea not only for her career but to be with the man she loved.
She was still frightened by both the idea of being of leaving her home, as well as the intense feelings she had for G.K.
But Leila remembered the words she’d told her worried mother, before she’d moved to New York alone.
If she didn't take the chance, she'd never know if she could make it. Leila exhaled lightly, before leaning in brush her lips against G.K.’s gently.
"I don’t need a year…I accept." She said softly.
G.K. thought his mind was playing a cruel trick and that her words were just a figment of his desperate imagination.
However when she attempted to repeat herself, G.K. knew that this wasn’t a dream. He cut off anything else she was going to say when he settled his lips over hers, in a ferocious kiss.
Chapter 21
The preceding few days flew by in a wild and surreal blur of packing, planning, and contract signing. Leila had signed a two year contract with Jinyung's company, and he had promised that if at any time she wanted to extend it, they could.
Leila had even had to sign another contract about her living arrangements.
Jinyung had offered her a room in one of the company owned "female" apartment buildings, which housed Z-Tune’s female artists and dancers. He also gave her the option to find her own housing anywhere in Seoul.
“There would be a little more…privacy.” He’d told her with a small smile.
Leila had known to what he referred and felt herself flush. “That’s alright, the company housing would be fine.” She’d told him while looking everywhere but his face.
Jinyung’s face didn’t change as he’d nodded and given her the contract without a word.
***
G.K. wasn’t as happy however, when she told him about her living arrangements.
He’d been waiting with the other members at their hotel, as Jinyung had gone over everything with Leila at Z-Tune’s US office in Manhattan.
When Leila came into G.K.’s room with her key the room, she came up short upon seeing the entire group sitting inside.
They all looked over at her entrance, greeting her enthusiastically. Leila went and sat with G.K. as he gave her a light kiss.
"How'd it go?" He asked anxiously.
Leila smiled, "It went fine. I signed everything and I am now officially one of your dancers."
The guys all congratulated her while G.K. only grinned, his body practically radiating with happiness.
Leila was surprised by how calm she felt. Just a few days ago she had been extremely nervous and frightened, but now she was excited and curious about her new life in Korea.
She wouldn’t’ lie and say she wasn’t a tiny bit apprehensive, however; her anticipation of this new chapter in her life outweighed her concern.
“So did you decide to stay in one of the female apartment buildings ?"