Minij
It’s Friday afternoon and we’re waiting for the final lecture of the day to begin. I find myself paying more attention to my phone - ever since Monday, Yoona added me and Yun to a group chat with the boys and every now and then we would chat, just like today.
Yoona: We’re coming to the cafeteria tonight. You two are going to be there right? ❤ ❤
Minji: Yes, of course. Yun and I have the late afternoon shift. 😊 ❤ ❤
Yun: I still can’t believe this is happening haha. I feel like it’s a dream. ❤ ❤ ❤
Kookie: Well you better believe it haha 😂
Joonie: We’re looking forward to seeing you both tonight. 😊
Hobi: Yeah everyone is excited to spend some time with you again. Will there be more cherry pie?
Yun: No ☹ Sorry Hobi but I did prepare some special cupcakes – they’re of blueberries and lemon.
Jin: OHH sounds delicious!! How come you bake as well for the shop?
Yun: Well, um… I love baking and cooking so the manager gave me permission to sell the stuff I bake and make some extra money 😊
Minji: Our manager is super sweet and everyone loves Yun’s cooking!
Hobi: Well I’m sold. Make sure you reserve one of those cupcakes for me 😊
Jin: Me too!!!
Taehyungie: Noona said it’s Karaoke Night and you two always sing. I hope we get to see you sing 😊
Yun: What?!
Suga: Come on don’t be shy. We know you have good voices.
Minji: And how can you possibly know that hmm?
Suga: Um… well… 😂 😂 you see…
Jin: Yoona showed us a video of you and your friends on a way to some party…
Yoona: Yeah I remember that one! I showed it to them since you're fans and all that 😂 😂
Jiminie: And you were singing… you sounded great… ❤ ❤❤
Kookie: And you were singing my song haha 😂 I liked it. 😊😊
Minji: Oh God.
Taehyungie: Yeah Kookie was really excited to see you singing his song but can someone remind him they were also doing Fire? Please?
Yoona: Tae – you just did. 😂😂
Minji: Hey guys, I’d love to stay and chat but my lecture is about to start. TTYL and see you tonight 😊 ❤ ❤ ❤
I put my phone away and pull out my notes instead just as the Professor is about to start. He does the attendance and introduces the lesson which is the final few slides on Vygotsky’s Theory. ‘Okay so now that we’ve exhausted Piaget, Vygotsky, Bruner, Spearman and Gardner you will be given your assignment. You will be in pairs and you will be doing a ten-minute presentation on two theorists of your choosing. I want you to compare and contrast and give examples based on different ages. I will be choosing the pairs and I don’t want to hear any complaining and no, I won’t be changing partners.’ The professor says adamantly. Rei, Usagi and I exchange a look, knowing we might not be in the same pair. The professor starts to read out the pairs and I sigh before he finally reaches Rei. ‘Ms. Rei will be with Mr. Mark.’ He says. My eyes go wide as do hers. ‘Ms. Usagi will be with Mr. Seob and Ms. Minji will be with Mr. Byung Hoon.’ He says.
‘What?’ I say a little too loudly before I can stop myself. My eyes go wide and my heart skips a beat… not in the good sense. The professor gives me a look and I gulp as he continues to read of the names. I look behind me towards Byung Hoon who gives me a smile and a small wave. I roll my eyes and frown as I turn my attention back forwards.
‘How did the three of us end up with those three?’ Rei whispers to me and Usagi who hasn’t stopped smiling.
‘Does it matter? Come on – we’re paired with the hottest three boys in our class.’ She says excitedly and I groan as I slowly slam my head against the table. We hear the bell ringing and everyone starts to pack when I hear footsteps approaching. I look up and see Byung Hoon and his two goons with him.
‘Did you have anything to do with this?’ I ask him. Byung Hoon smirks and looks at his two friends and then shrugs.
‘Maybe yes, maybe no – either way, you can’t do anything about it. Now you definitely cannot avoid me.’ He says, making me look at him in disbelief.
‘So, Usagi, will you meet me tomorrow so we can work on it?’ Seob asks, turning to Usagi who goes a bit red in the cheek and nods. ‘Awesome. Give me your phone so I’ll give you my number. Text me what time you’ll be free.’ He tells her in a very gentleman way.
‘We can do the same thing Rei, if it’s okay for you.’ Mark says, also presenting himself as a very well-mannered man. Rei gives him a small smile and hands him her phone. I look at Byung and cross my arms across my chest, waiting to see with what he comes up with.
‘Meet me tomorrow at eight o’clock near the coffee shop you work at. Don’t keep me waiting monkey.’ He says before he turns on his heels and leaves with Mark and Seob behind him, not allowing me to refuse or anything.
‘Tell me that this was real.’ Usagi screams as soon as they leave the hall. I see Rei roll her eyes and nod while I slam my things in my bag. ‘Someone’s *ed off.’ She murmurs.
‘Can you imagine working with that *? He’s probably going to make me do all the work and then take credit for it.’ I grumble.
‘I think you’re being too harsh on him. I mean – imagine if he talked to the Professor about being paired up with you! That would be so romantic.’ Usagi says, earning a look from Rei. It’s a wonder how these two are best friends when they are so different from each other.
‘Look Minji – maybe he really is trying to make things right. I’m not telling you to forgive him because that was a very * move he did, but maybe you shouldn’t make things too complicated and actually be willing to work with him, otherwise, it’s going to be hell for both of you.’ Rei says.
‘I know.’ I reply, a little more calmly. Maybe they’re right, maybe I am dragging in too far. Ever since he apologized on Tuesday, he’s been giving me warm smiles, short greetings but also giving me space and time. I know that the more I resist, the harder it will be to work together which would not be fair for either of us. Yet, a part of me is still furious at him. I don’t even understand why it hurt so much – it’s not like we had been friends for a very long and it’s not like I didn’t know the way he is. So, why did I take it so badly? Perhaps… because it reminded me of him… I sigh as I grab my bag and walk towards the entrance with the other two. ‘Good luck for tomorrow. Let’s ace this.’ I say, giving them a thumbs up.
‘Now that’s the attitude we’d like to see. See you girl and make sure to text us about how it goes.’ Usagi says with a big smile on her face. That’s one of the things I love about her – she’s always so cheerful and normally I am too.
‘I will. Stay safe.’ I say as Rei waves at me and the two of them get into Rei’s car while I head for the bus. Luckily, I don’t wait for long as I get on and go and sit at the back as I put my headphones on. I finally arrive to the cafeteria and I go inside. It’s my turn to start the shift as Yun finishes an hour behind me. Covering her shift for now is Eileen. We wave at each other and I quickly get changed into my uniform.
I see Yun walking in and I wave at her. ‘Hey Min. I’ll go change quickly.’ She says and I nod. She comes back in her uniform and comes to stand next to me as Eileen leaves. ‘How was your day?’ She asks as she begins to sip on her ice tea.
‘Quite good. I have to work on a presentation for next week.’ I begin and I see her nod. ‘With Byung Hoon.’ I say. She stops drinking and looks at me with wide yes. ‘Yep, that Byung – the one who came here and made a scene – the same one I told you I slapped on Monday and the same one who apologized on Tuesday.’ I say. Yun and I have been best friends since we were kids and she’s the one who knows about every little thing in my life and vice versa.
‘Hmm and how do you feel about it? You don’t seem so *ed off as I I’d imagined you’d be.’ She says with a slight knowing smile.
‘Well I had a talk with Rei and Usagi and they made me realize that the more I resist, the harder it will be to work together and to be honest, I’m done being angry. It doesn’t mean I forgive him or trust him but I am willing to be civil and work with him.’ I say and she nods.
‘Glad to hear that and I’m happy to see you’re not letting it effect you. You’re only human so of course you’re going to be bothered by it what happened but I’m glad to see you happy and smiling.’ She says and I nod.
‘I know and I am happy too. Besides, I’m going to do what I always do – look on the bright side – we met the boys and we’re getting to know Yoona properly!’ I say excitedly.
‘Mentioning the boys and Yoona, do you still want to do Fake Love tonight? I mean I know it’s the song we practiced but we didn’t think they’d be here.’ Yun says and I can see the shyness in her eyes. When the manager had heard us, she had asked us to perform on Fridays and Saturdays so that people feel more at ease to do karaoke. So, Yun and I decided that during the week we would prepare a special song and then we do other fun songs. We’re not professional singers but we actually sound pretty decent and the people always seem to enjoy it.
‘You know what Yun – we should do that song even more now. They know we’re fans and what better way to show them than to sing their song. Besides, we can do the other songs later.’ I say, referring to our usual karaoke songs. She nods and we get back to work.
I look at the clock which marks six o’clock and I find myself wondering if they’re actually coming when I hear the door opening again. I look up and see them and I can feel my face light up. Yun sees them as well as we both go to greet them. ‘Sorry we’re late but Noona kepts us over time with the dance rehearsal.’ Jimin says, making me smile. I see Yoona hit him playfully and he laughs. Damn – he’s even cuter seeing him up close.
‘That’s okay. How about you settle down and we’ll bring you the menus.’ I say and they nod. We let them sit down and go with the menus.
‘Did you save us those cupcakes you mention?’ Jin asks, looking hopeful and I nod. ‘Awesome. Are you going to be singing?’ He asks.
‘Soon. Karaoke starts at half past six. Today and tomorrow we stay open till eleven since it’s the weekend.’ Yun says and I see the boys stare at us.
‘Wow, that’s pretty late.’ Jungkook comments but I shrug. Is that concern I see in his eyes?
‘We’re used to it now. This is our fourth year working here.’ I say and I see them nod. We take their order and go to make it. As usual, I take care of the beverages. I feel the steam from the machine and I wipe at my forehead. ‘Are you ready?’ I ask her, referring to the singing. She nods as we finish making the drinks and preparing the food and go and distribute it to the boys and Yoona and then we head towards the platform.
‘Hello ladies and gentlemen. My name is Minji and this is Yun. For those who are new, here at Blossoms, we do Karaoke night every Friday and Saturday. Everyone is welcome to sing and have fun. Tonight, Yun and I want to celebrate with you – we want to celebrate the idea of friendship – old and new ones.’ I say as I look at the boys who beaming with happiness.
‘For our first song we will be doing Fake Love by BTS.’ Yun says and I see their smiles growing even bigger.
Jungkook
Minji and Yun settle on the stage as Yun takes place next to the piano while Minji remains standing next to her. Yun fixes the microphone so that she can reach it while she plays as well. I see her exchange a look with Minji who nods at her. I feel my heart beat faster with excitement and anticipation, happy that I’ll get to hear them singing live other than some video. I look at Yoona who gives me a smile, knowing exactly how excited I am.
Yun is the first one to start singing as she plays the piano. Minji takes the next verse and I can’t help but notice how they alternate equally in the way they distributed the lines. For some reason, it sounds even sadder in the way they sing. I smile, hearing their perfect harmony as they sing ‘just for you’. ‘Whoa! They sound amazing.’ Taehyung says from beside me and I nod, my eyes darting from Minji to Yun. Their voices are quite different from each other – Yun’s voice is soft and slightly more high pitched while Minji’s voice seems to be fuller and can sometimes go deeper. We watch as they do the rap part and I nod my head along to it as they take it in turns, making the song seem like a conversation between them. It’s almost like they have forgotten every one else in here.
‘I love the way they did the rap. It sounds really fresh and unique.’ Hoseok says.
‘They have lovely voices too.’ Namjoon says nodding in agreement as he leans forward as if to hear better. I look at the crowd and see someone record them and I curse under my breath, wishing I did that myself but I’ve been too enthralled in their performance.
‘Even their harmonies sound amazing.’ Jin says. I look over at Jimin who has his eyes fixed on them and in his eyes I can see that he is really liking their performance, or perhaps, not just their performance.
‘Yun is playing the piano beautifully.’ Yoongi comments as they reach the climax of the song and then come down slowly, as if their voices are left to echo in the room. As soon as they finish, the small crowd in the shop erupts in a loud applause. I stand up as do the boys and Yoona who are all cheering and clapping as well. They do a little bow and go down while a group of young girls go up. They approach us and I give them a thumbs up.
‘That was incredible.’ I say and they both smile at me. Someone goes to the counter to order so they have to leave and go back to work and I sigh. ‘They have to work so hard.’ I mumble.
‘Don’t worry Kook. You’ll get time to know her.’ Taehyung says and I nod. ‘You should be receiving the result tomorrow, right?’ He asks.
‘Yep. Words can’t begin to describe how I’m feeling. I’m excited but also scared.’ I say.
‘Scared? Of what?’ Jimin asks and I sigh once again as I look at Minji. ‘Ah I see. You want her to be your sister and you’re scared the test might tell you otherwise. You know this is why Yoongi-hyung and Jin-hyung told you to be careful.’ Jimin says.
‘I know hyung. Thing is Minij is an incredible person – she’s beautiful, fierce, hardworking, stands up for herself and others. I know we won’t agree on everything but I really want it to be her.’ I say and he nods. We stay there for a bit and watch the performances and eventually Minji and Yun both perform again. We keep to our table, not wanting to draw much attention to ourselves and before we know it, it’s eleven o’clock. They close off the shop and today they let us help with the cleaning up which we manage to finish quickly.
‘Let us walk you home. It would make all of us feel better.’ Namjoon says and we all nod. It’s really late and to have two women walk alone at this hour is unthinkable.
‘We do not want to bother you and besides, it’s not our first time.’ Minji replies.
‘You won’t be a bother at all.’ Namjoon insists. Minji and Yun exchange a look and finally nod.
‘Awesome.’ I say which causes both girls to laugh and my cheeks to flush red with embarrassment.
It’s Saturday morning and I haven’t been able to sleep. I’ve been in the living room, waiting for the post like an * since six in the morning. It’s eight o’clock now which means we’ll soon be leaving for rehearsals which also means I won’t know until we get back home tonight. Finally, I hear shuffling and I spring from the stairs and run to the door. I see the envelope and I quickly grab it. I see my name on it and the logo of the clinic I had personally gone too. I hear the others who have approached us as well as they look at me with expectancy in their eyes. I tear it open and begin to read it.
‘Dear Mr. Jeon Jungkook, we would like to inform you that the sample you have sent has been examined and tested with yours. We can confirm that the owner of this sample is indeed your sister….’ I stop reading as I feel the tears starting to form. I look at the others with trembling lips and shaking hands. ‘It’s her. It really is her! I found her.’ I say.
‘Congrats Kookie.’ Taehyung says as he quickly hugs me. I hug back, this time breaking into a sob. He pats my back and the hyungs all come for a group hug. We let go after a while and they all look at me.
‘So, when will you tell her?’ Namjoon asks and I sigh as I run my hand through my hair.
‘Not yet.’ I reply. I see Jimin and Taehyung looking at each other with confused expressions. Namjoon seems ready to say something but doesn’t find the words. Jin and Yoongi look at each other, a look of understanding on their faces.
‘Kook – I don’t understand. I thought you were really looking forward to know the truth and tell her.’ Hoseok says and I give him a smile.
‘I am hyung. I am glad to find out the truth and that she is my sister. I couldn’t be happier about that but I’ve also been thinking a lot these past couple of days. I don’t know if Minji knows about her adoption or about my existence. I do not want to be selfish with her so I want to be careful.’ I say and I see him sighing but nodding as well, understanding my dilemma.
‘There’s another reason though, isn’t there?’ Yoongi asks and I nod. How is he always so perceptive?
‘Yes hyung, there is. I am scared that she would reject me.’ I admit, looking down at the ground. Yoongi takes a step forward and places a hand on my shoulder and I look at him.
‘It’s okay to be scared but you can’t run from the truth forever. The more you linger to tell her truth, the more chance of her getting angry and hurt and you don’t want that.’ He says.
‘Of course not and I know hyung, I know I am taking a risk by taking time but I do plan to tell her. I just want her to get to know me first. I want her to know me as simply Jungkook – not as an idol, not as her brother – just me.’ I say.
‘So that she doesn’t just reject you for simply being her brother but gets to know you first and then decide.’ Jim comments and I nod.
‘Well it makes sense.’ Taehyung murmurs. ‘Just don’t take too long and make sure she finds out from you.’ He says and I nod once again, knowing he is right. I know how it can turn out if she finds out from someone else accidentally.
‘You’re right – I just need the right moment. I want her to trust me and see me for who I am.’ I explain.
‘Well you’re going to need to spend more time with her than simply going to the cafeteria, although that is a step.’ Jimin says. ‘Hmm they’re friends with Yoona. Maybe we can tell her to ask them to come see us rehearse some day and then we can go eat lunch together.’ He suggests.
‘That could work.’ I say, smiling at the thought. Yes, that might just work – she can get to know me before I tell her truth – just wait for the right moment and then hope for the best.
Finally finished this chapter. Minji has found herself partnered up with Byung Hoon - not the best of pairs perhaps but we'll see where it goes. On the other hand, Jungkook has the confirmation he needs but he is going to wait for the right moment - will that cause problems? We'll see :P Anyways, the boys are super sweet for wanting to walk them home (even if they have done it countless times). I look forward to what you think about Jungkook's decision. - Tae's Misfit
