Summary: Daisuke formally is removed from Produce 101. He parts with his new friends at the airport.
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Haneda airport was crowded with tourists, business people, and other travelers, yet Daisuke managed to get through without having anyone bump into his sling. That was mostly thanks to the squadron of young men surrounding Daisuke as they made their way to his gate. In just an hour, Daisuke would be on a flight back to Korea. Everything seemed too surreal for him. He was still in denial about his departure from Produce 101, despite the news articles being released this morning confirming his leave.
He wasn’t expecting anyone to accompany him to the airport, but Heecheon, Yoondong, Younghoon, Ren, Takumi, Issei, and Kosuke all came with him to send him off. There definitely would have been more press and fans around, but all the boys were covered up in hats and masks. Their identity was hard to pin, especially when they looked just like any other traveler.
Once they reached Daisuke’s gate, that sinking feeling of finality came back to Daisuke’s stomach. He felt it when he finished packing his last suitcase in the dorms, and again when the remaining trainees following the elimination round stood outside their doors that morning to watch him leave.
“You have everything? Your friend is going to meet you when you land?” Heecheon checked one last time. Daisuke managed a small huff of a laugh. He felt like he was leaving one parent to go visit the other. He was going to miss Heecheon’s parenting.
“Yes. If I forgot anything at the dorms, you guys can keep it.” Daisuke gave a small smile. The boys in front of him tried to return the same, but it was hard. They had spent every single day together for the past several weeks. It was the end, but it felt like there should have been more. So many memories that could have been made together would never happen. Their time together had been cut short, and that was the worst of it all.
Daisuke’s throat tightened at the thought. He licked his lips before speaking, trying not to think that this will most likely be the last time they’re all here together.
“I-I want you guys to know that I had a lot of fun.” Daisuke got out. “And that I’m not upset about losing the competition. I’m mostly upset about leaving you guys.”
Takumi sniffled, wiping under his eyes with his thumb. Ren’s arm wrapped around the strawberry-haired boy, but even his eyes were glossing over with fresh tears.
“But in a way, I think this was destiny.” Daisuke continued. “Just like how all of us meeting together on Produce was destiny. We’re going to meet again, just under better circumstances. Hopefully where I don’t have a bum arm.” He gestured to his sling, causing the boys around him to chuckle.
“Daisuke, you’re gonna go far. I know you will, kid.” Kosuke came up and patted his head in a brotherly way. “Focus on getting better. I’ll defiantly be keeping tabs on you.”
“That sounded mildly threatening, but I appreciate it.” Daisuke grinned. Kosuke chuckled and backed up so the others could say goodbye.
“It sucks that I can’t even give you a proper goodbye hug.” Younghoon complained, but he stepped forward and gingerly wrapped an arm around Daisuke. “Rest up, okay? And promise you’ll call?”
“God, you’re worse than Heecheon.” Daisuke laughed. “But yes. I will call. And I will be watching you guys from Korea.”
“Use your votes on me!” Kosuke raised his hand as if he was in a classroom. The boys laughed as Daisuke nodded.
“I’ll be splitting my votes up between all of you. You guys deserve debut, and you will make it. I know you will.” Daisuke said firmly.
“You will too.” Ren affirmed, coming over to give his friend a gentle goodbye hug. “When you debut, just remember that we are your first and biggest Japanese fanbase.”
“I couldn’t forget it.” Daisuke swore.
Above them, an announcement alerted travelers that the flight Daisuke was taking home would be landing shortly.
“That’s your cue.” Heecheon said sadly, taking in a deep breath.
“One last group hug?” Takumi suggested. Everyone agreed, huddling together gingerly. When they separated, Daisuke grabbed the handle of his suitcase and took out his ticket from his pocket.
“Well, we’ll meet again soon.” Daisuke looked at everyone’s face one last time. “Good luck, boys. I’ll see you on the other side!”
As the trainee waved and turned his back on his new friends, he could hear them clapping together as he walked away. A smile formed on his lips as he looked back over his shoulder. His friends clapped harder and more vigorously, as if this was the end of a spectacular performance.
He gave them a dramatic bow, causing them to laugh. When he rose up, he gave them a final wave before entering the gate.
