November 30th 2027

We just finished singing our second to last song. And we all planned to save Shout Out as the last one after the big announcement we'll be making.

"Engenes! Did you like it?" I asked into my mic receiving lots of screams and 'yes's.

"Before we play the last song, the eight of us have an announcement." Jungwon explained making the whole auditorium go silent, "And I think noona," he gestured to me, "really wants to share this one."

"Go noona!" NiKi yelled making all of us laugh.

I stepped forward slightly and took out my earpiece. I smiled, taking in everything as is. I was really going to miss it.

"Uhm.. as many of you know. Our contracts ended and we of course made new ones. I am aware there was an article saying that all eight of us renewed our contract..." I laughed lightly when the crowd started panicking, "Okay okay- before the tears start! It's not as bad as you think! I swear!" I said quickly because I saw some people in the audience almost start crying.

"The article is false. I am.. still under Hybe. But I will no longer be an active member of Enhypen." I said hesitantly. Everyone gasped.

I tilted my head back to keep the emotions in as long as I can.

"But the key word is active. In our hearts, Enhypen will always," I looked at the boys around me. Sunghoon reached out his hand and intertwined his with mine, "always, be eight." I added softly, "As many of you know, I have been part of a lot, a lot of acting projects. I actually have one coming up soon." I laughed sheepishly, "and when the company approached me about the contract renewal.. uhm- we made the decision for me to step down as an active idol."

I laughed hearing all the shouts and protests from Engenes, "I'm going to be a full time actress under Hybe. I partly made this decision because lately I haven't been able to do a lot of things with Enhypen cause of my acting schedule. And it just seems unfair to be a part of Enhypen when I'm not even there for half of our promotions." I explained, "Fortunately, Hybe and I made a special contract. I can still be part of Enhypen content. I can film with them, and so on. I can even still release music if I wish. I'm just going to be focusing on my acting career."

"We made this decision together, and we all support Soojin," Heeseung added, "Right engene?"

A loud yes echoed through the venue making me smile brightly, "Ah Engenes... what I wouldn't do without you. I love you guys!" I said making a heart, "I assure you, that I'm still a member of Enhypen. An honorary one that is after tonight."

"Nah Soojin, you'll never be an honorary member. You'll always be part of Enhypen." Jake said quickly.

"Thank you, Jake. But there is another reason why I am stepping down as an idol.." I looked at Sunghoon, "You wanna say it?"

Sunghoon shook his head and put his arm around me, "No, no. You say it." I could tell he was excited for it.

I sucked in a breath, "Uh- two weeks ago we found out some shocking news.. me and Sunghoon are going to become parents." I said quickly as I was very nervous about the reaction.

It was dead silent.

Me and the boys bursted out laughing seeing all the shocked Engenes in the crowd.

"Engenes are too stunned to speak!" Jay joked.

Sunoo pointed to a section of the crowd that was just staring with their mouth wide open, "Noona, I think you broke them. They look like they're glitching!"

Jake shook his head, "They had a worse reaction than us."

"No you guys had a pretty bad reaction. Jay nearly flipped the table." Sunghoon said teasingly looking at Jay.

"AH WAIT SOOJIN WHY ARE YOU CRYING?!" Heeseung yelled rushing over to me. I had tears flowing down my face while I tried collecting myself.

Engenes started snapping out of the trance and cheered for me making me cry more.

Sunghoon quickly walked over to me and pulled me into a hug, "Hey, what's wrong?" He asked quietly while wiping away my tears.

I leaned my head on his shoulder, "I feel bad. I'm going to miss them so much." Before I made the decision of leaving Enhypen. I had a full breakdown. And it feels like that again. After running for my dream these seven years. I'll start a new one. And I wouldn't be part of Enhypen while doing so.

"You'll still have that support. And like you said, Enhypen is always eight. And Engenes will always love you." Sunghoon whispered assuringly. Kissing me lightly on my forehead.

"Oh wait- NiKi's crying now.." Jay said pointing to NiKi who was on the side while trying to cover his eyes.

"Not as bad as them!" NiKi protested. We all looked at Sunoo who was being comforted by Jungwon. Who was also tearing up.

"I think it's okay that we're all crying." Jungwon laughed.

"Ah all the maknaes are crying." Jake cooed while ruffling my hair.

"Not for long." Sunghoon said looking at Jay who was rapidly blinking his eyes.

"Should we start the next song now? Since we're getting into the mood for it?" Heeseung teased.

Jake turned to the live band behind us, ""

We had the greatest time singing to Shout Out. Per our request, there was no flashy confetti or lights. It was just the eight of us and Engenes.

I stood by Sunghoon the whole time. I remember writing Shout Out as a song not only to Engenes but also to him and the other boys. Sunghoon grabbed my hand as we started singing the bridge, "Jinjja nae moksoriro Nege jinsimeul jeonhae! Uri hamkkemyeon segyeneun areumdawo~"

Sunghoon put his arm around my waist as he sang his part, "Jeomjeom peojyeoga peojyeoga meolli Ijen sorichyeo sorichyeo oechyeo 'Til the end of time,"

All the boys gathered around us in one big hug. Jungwon put the mic between me and Sunghoon so it was in the middle, "" The whole stadium erupted into cheers as the eight of us sang the last line together.

We all kept singing the song together, regardless of the part. Engenes of course joined in and it was the best concert we've had.

When the song finished, we all gathered on the lift of the stage and held our hands together, "1..2! Connect! This was Enhypen! Thank you!"

"We love you Engenes!"

"Can't wait to see you guys again!"

"Thank you for everything!"

Soojin's Letter-

To my wonderful Engenes. It's been a wild seven years huh? It still seems like yesterday when I was stepping into I-Land for the first time. But here I am; writing a goodbye letter to all of you. I am so incredibly lucky to have such an amazing fan base.. no family. I know there have been some major bumps in the road but you guys made it all worth it in the end. Please take care of the rest of Enhypen since I'm not there to keep them under control on stage.

I know this is a "goodbye" letter. But it really isn't. It's a letter of gratitude from me to you. Thank you Engenes for making all my dreams possible. For supporting me, Sunghoon, Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunoo, and NiKi all the way through.

For me, it's time for something new. And I hope you can support that.

As of today, Enhypen will physically be 7.

But don't worry, it'll always be eight.

I love you Engenes!

-Kim Soojin 김 수진

Thank you to everyone who supported Soojin along her journey through I-Land. I hope you had a fun ride getting to know her. And I think it's almost time to- maybe- close the book on this story.

I know I haven't been the most consistent author but thank you for taking the time to even click on the story to read it.

Soojin was the true start of this account and she is my child 😂

If you guys want to go see the epilogue epilogue, go look at the I Want You book where you can meet SooHoon's kid.

Bye everyone and this book is officially... done!