Minji
I wait by the cafeteria when I see an expensive looking car approaching. It stops and I see the door sliding upwards as it opens and Byung Hoon walks out. ‘Are you just going to stand there monkey?’ He asks, with an annoyed expression on his face. So much for being civil and nice!
‘What do you mean? Aren’t we going to work at the cafeteria?’ I say, pointing to the shop right behind me. He rolls his eyes, shakes his head and takes a few strides towards me.
‘Are you serious monkey? Do you really think we can work in there? I thought you were smarter than that.’ He says and I scoff.
‘For your information, I’ve worked in the cafeteria many times. Now, if you can’t work in there, you’re the dumb one.’ I say as I cross my arms.
‘Whatever. Are you going to stand there and waste more time? I don’t have all day you know.’ He murmurs. I roll my eyes and get into the car. ‘Put on your seat belt.’ He orders.
‘That’s what I was going to do.’ I say to him as I pull it out and put it in place. ‘So where are we going to go work.’ I ask.
‘My house, where else? What kind of stupid question is that?’ He asks as he looks at me, eyebrow raised. I frown and look out of the window. ‘I was surprised that you didn’t even try to change partners.’ He says, breaking the silence.
‘You heard the professor – he won’t change it and besides, I thought I was going to give you a chance and be civil but perhaps I was wrong again.’ I say and I hear him sigh but he doesn’t say anything else. I look outside as I see the trees passing by like a blur. I just want today to be over with.
I choose to focus on yesterday instead to keep my spirits up. I smile as I remember singing with Yun and seeing the boys and Yoona looking at us happily and even perhaps proudly. As they walked us home, they kept telling us how much they liked our singing and Yun and I couldn’t help but blush at their compliments. As we walked, Yun stayed between Jin and Namjoon as they talked about her studies and food while I found myself between Jimin and Jungkook.
Jungkook seemed troubled yesterday, as if something was on his mind and when I asked him, he assured me it was nothing and even gave me his signature smile but even I could see through it. Something about him makes me feel comfortable – and like I want to protect him. I can’t understand it – this feeling of familiarity when I’ve only known him for a week and having only met three times, one of them being him saving my ass. Yet, it feels as if it is enough.
Then there’s Jimin. I’ve always liked him but never imagined what it would be like to meet him. He’s so incredibly nice to me and every time he smiles or laughs, I feel my heart flutter. It’s not just that he’s the most handsome man I have ever laid eyes on or the fact that he is an idol or that he’s talented but he seems to have a pure heart. What we see is really what we get. He's someone who genuinely appears to care about the people around him, even strangers such as myself and Yun. A part of me just wants to get to know him more.
‘Monkey!!’ A voice yells, making me jump as I come back to reality. I look over to Byung Hoon who looks at me, his eyebrows furrowed together – a hint of concern on his face. ‘Are you okay? You completely zoned out.’ He says.
‘Why do you even ask? I really do not get you Byung. You mock me and everything I say and do but then you also show rare moments of care. I can't figure you out.’ I say, unable to bite my tongue.
‘I feel responsible for what happened after the party, after what happened at the beach. You could have gotten killed because of our actions and words.’ He says and I scoff.
‘Oh spare me the pity. I do not need that, not from you or anyone.’ I say a little angrily. He sighs but doesn’t say anything for a while.
‘We’re here.’ He says as he stops the car. We get out and I stare at the mansion. Damn – this is huge! I hear him chuckle and I look at him. ‘I know it can look huge…’ He begins.
‘It is huge.’ I reply to which he smiles. ‘Shall we start then. I want us to finish as early as possible.’ I say and he nods as we begin walking towards inside. He actually looks disappointed. We reach the front door and he opens it for me. I walk inside and he follows behind me. As we do, a woman approaches us.
‘Master Byung Hoon. You’re home. I will ask the maids to prepare you some food while you work.’ She says. Byung Hun gives her a warm smile as he walks next to her. He’s so much taller than her as he places his hands on her shoulders tenderly.
‘Mrs. Hun you are incredible.’ He says as he gives her a kiss on the head. ‘Mrs. Hun – this is Kyung Minji – my classmate and partner for this presentation.’ He says and Mrs. Hun smiles. ‘Minji, this is our housekeeper but she is also many, many other things in this house.’ He says with a gentle smile I’ve never seen before.
‘It’s a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Hun.’ I say as I give her a slight bow. Byung comes next to me again and leads me to the dining room in which there is a large, long table. He motions me to settle down and I sit down and take out my laptop. As I do, two maids come in, wearing their neatly pressed uniform as they put down two trays of food. In one of them are a number of different fruits while the other homemade tarts and bakes. I look over at Byung and he shrugs.
‘Mrs. Hun is obsessed about making sure I eat.’ He says. ‘Let’s start shall we?’ He asks.
‘Yes. I was thinking that it would be ideal to compare and contrast Piaget and Vygotsky.’ I begin.
It’s been three hours and we actually progressed a lot more than I expected. Our conversations were actually civil and we worked pretty well together, except he kept calling me monkey every time. We go to the kitchen and I watch as Byung starts to make some sandwiches. ‘I have to admit. I’m surprised.’ I say and he looks at me quizzically.
‘About what? The fact that I can be nice and work in a team or the fact that I can make a decent sandwich.’ He asks as he hands me one plate.
‘Both I guess.’ I reply as I take a bite out of my sandwich. ‘I know you’re trying to make up for what happened last time but I do not want you to do that because you feel responsible. We’re all responsible for our own actions and I’m the one who wasn’t paying attention to the road.’ I say and he looks at me stunned for a moment.
‘But it was my actions that led to that. I just want us to be friends Minji and I know you probably don’t believe me but-‘ His words are cut short when a man walks in. He has the exact same face as Byung Hoon except he’s older and taller. He’s wearing an expensive suit which contrast to my own inexpensive clothes. He looks at Byung, completely ignoring my presence. ‘Hello appa.’ Byung says as he lowers his head down. I put the plate back on the table and bow as well.
‘Byung.’ His father says sternly. He looks up and so do I and I steal a glance at Byung. It’s almost like all his confidence has been drained away… is he afraid of him? ‘Who is this… girl?’ He asks, as he turns to look at me with disgust.
‘My friend from Uni. We have to work together on a presentation.’ Byung says. His father scoffs and approaches us.
‘So you are still insisting on pursuing that foolish career which won’t get you anywhere.’ His father says and I feel myself straighten while Byung sighs. What the hell is he talking about? How dare he disrespect the teaching profession?
‘Appa, it’s what I want to do. Being a teacher is everything I have ever wished for.’ He says. I can hear the sincerity in his voice as he says so and I remember that night at the beach. He had told me how he wanted to change the world and how much this mattered to him but after what happened, I doubted it. Now, I see that he was saying the truth, at least about that.
‘I do not care what you wish for. I will not let you ruin your life by chasing fruitless dreams. Your place is at the company not doing some charity work. If you want to do charity, hold a charity event but not this. Drop out or I will make you.’ He says, sounding pretty sincere with his own vile threats.
‘Appa please…’ Byung cries out. I feel the anger bubbling inside of me as I ball my hands into fists. Who does this man think he is? – He’s his father – don’t get involved! I tell myself as I try to keep quiet, something I am not particularly good at. ‘Appa I have obeyed you all my life – I have done everything you have asked of me but I cannot obey on this. I cannot betray my heart.’ He says and for the second time since I’ve known him, I see the real Byung and this Byung is someone I can be friends with, someone I can support.
Suddenly, his father takes two huge strides and I see his hand connecting to Byung’s face. The slap echoes in the kitchen and I gasp for a moment. ‘You are a disgrace to this family. You will do as you are told or I swear I’ll make your life hell.’ He says, ready to him again but I don’t allow it. I jump in front of Byung and stare at him, dead in the eyes. ‘What are you doing little girl? Get out of the way.’ He says angrily. His eyes are almost black and it’s like I can see the hatred in them but I do not budge.
‘No.’ I reply defiantly. I feel Byung placing a hand on my shoulder. I look at him and actually see fear in his eyes. What is he afraid of? Is he afraid I’ll make maters worse? Is he afraid his father will hurt me?
‘Minji, don’t.’ He whispers but I shake my head and look at his father with a determined look in my eyes. I won’t let him bully his son this way.
‘You call him a disgrace but the only disgrace I see is you.’ I say. I see his father’s eyes go wide with fury. ‘You think that because you are rich and powerful, you can treat your son in this way. What kind of father are you?’ I ask, not bothering to hide my own disgust.
‘The kind that gets the job done. I do not have to answer to you – you are nothing but Byung’s little whore after all and eventually he will tire of you and discard you like trash.’ He says and I roll my eyes.
‘Byung and I are just friends and you have no right to speak to me or to him in that way, you pompous old *.’ I say, standing my ground. If he thinks he can scare me, he’s way wrong.
‘You insolent little brat.’ He says as he goes to raise his hand to hit me. I feel Byung move but before he can, I grab onto his father’s hand. He looks at me, wide eyes and mouth open. He goes to shake his hand off but I don’t let go of my grip. Thank you Appa for insisting I learn how to defend myself – I think to myself.
‘Were you really going to hit me?’ I ask as I push him away, sending him tumbling a couple of steps. His face shows that he is surprised by my strength. Well years of training gives you a bit of an edge. ‘Think twice before you do that.’ I warn him.
‘You little rascal. I’ll have you arrested.’ He says and I see Byung beginning to panic but I place a hand on his chest and I smile. I see Byung looking at me with a puzzled look.
‘You do that and I’ll throw you in prison. You see, my father may not be a business man like you but he is District Attorney Kyung. He may not be as rich as you but he is just as powerful. You do not want to get into a legal battle against him – you will lose.’ I say. I see his eyes go wide once more, this time in surprise.
‘Your father is D-DA – Ky-kyung?’ He asks, stuttering a bit and I nod. I see him gulp and I feel my stomach flip, knowing that I have one over him thanks to my appa.
‘Yes and he would not be too pleased to know that you were going to raise your hand on his little princess. Nor would he be pleased to know the way you addressed me.’ I say smugly. Two can play this dance! ‘Come on – Byung, let’s grab our things and go finish that presentation. I’m sure your father has a lot to think about.’ I say. Byung simply nods as we go back to the dining room and grab our things. I follow him and we go to his bedroom and he closes the door. We put our things on the desk and then he pulls me into a hug which cuts me off the ground. ‘Whoa!! Byung.’ I say but he just hugs tighter before he eventually lets go and looks at me with a big smile on his face. ‘What was the hug for?’ I ask.
‘Nobody has ever stood up to my father like you did, not even my friends because we’re all scared of him.’ He admits. ‘I never dared to answer back to him and when he was about to hit you, I wasn’t sure what I was going to do.’ He says.
‘Well you didn’t have to do anything. Luckily, I know how to defend myself well enough.’ I reply, a smile on my face.
‘True and not just physically. You were incredible. I mean, I’ve never seen anyone, not even his business enemies talk to him in the way you did. You made the old geezer stutter Minji.’ He says as he starts to laugh. You did Minji – what if he suffers the consequences for it? I remember what Yun sometimes tells me – ‘your tongue is going to get you or others in trouble someday’ and she might be right.
‘Don’t get too happy Byung.’ I say as I bite my lower lip. I sigh and he looks at me. ‘Byung what if I acted too rashly? What if he will make you pay for what I said?’ I say.
‘Don’t worry about it Minji. He can’t do much to me. I’m his only heir and he needs me to run his company. At most he’ll try to make my life a hell but as you might have noticed, he already does. It’s nothing I can’t handle.’ He says and I nod, still not convinced. ‘Out of curiosity, why did you do it?’ He asks and I shrug.
‘I don’t know. I hate bullies, no matter their age or gender or position. I hate it when people use their power to hurt others.’ I say.
‘You’ve experienced bullying, haven’t you?’ He asks but I stay silent.
*Flashback*
‘Happy fourteenth birthday Minji.’ Yun says as we sit at Block B, away from the crowds. Although we have many friends, we’ve been best friends practically all our lives and we like to have our special moments together – like giving out birthday gifts.
‘It’s beautiful Yun.’ I say as I look at the frame – it’s actually three heart shaped frames with pictures of me and Yun. The frame is wooden and I can see that she has painted it over.
‘I designed it myself and my uncle helped me to make it at his workshop. I painted it myself too.’ She says excitedly as the two of us hug.
‘I really love it Yun. I’ll put it on my nightstand.’ I promise her. We hear footsteps and I see Alanna with her friends.
‘Ohh look who it is. Yun and Minji – happy as can be.’ She says and I roll my eyes. ‘What? Aren’t you happy to see me?’ She asks.
‘Not at all Alanna. What do you want?’ I ask, still grabbing the frame. Alanna and I belong to different groups. She’s one of the popular girls because she’s rich and beautiful. Yun and I belong with the nerds but even though we do – most people like us as well. That’s because I’m also part of the athletic and sports group while Yun is part of the theatre and music groups. You could say Yun and I are popular in our own way which seems to irritate Alanna.
‘I came to wish you happy birthday of course.’ She says. Suddenly, someone from behind me throws a bucket of paint all over me. I shriek and I hear Yun gasp.
‘What the hell!!’ Yun screams as she comes next to me. I ball my hands into fists and I hear Alanna chuckling.
‘You know you can’t hit me – I’m the headmistress' niece and besides – don’t forget what she told you. If you hit me again like last time, you’ll get suspended from school and you wouldn’t want that, right nerd?’ She asks. I shake my hands with anger but keep back. She’s right. I don’t want to get suspended and disappoint my parents. ‘What a cute, obedient little dog. Oh I also have one other present for you.’ She says as she suddenly takes the gift Yun gave me.
‘NO!’ I scream just as she slams it on the ground, breaking it all apart. I hear Yun cry out as she does so. ‘Why did you do that?’ I ask, trying to keep myself from crying in front of her. I refuse to give her that satisfaction.
‘To remind you to keep your place. I’m the queen around here so don’t try to take my place. I see you hanging around the boys at the school gymnasium and doing races and martial arts with them, especially, Minho. Minho is mine so stay away from him.’ She says before she turns around and leaves. As soon as she does, I fall to my knees and start crying just as Yun comes next to me.
‘Shh it’s okay Minji. Don’t pay attention to her.’ She says as she hugs me, not caring that she will get her uniform dirty with paint. ‘She’s only doing this because she’s jealous and feels threatened by you and the only reasons she gets away with it is because of who she is. And don’t worry about Minho – he’s our friend and he would never trade us for her. Now come on, let’s get you cleaned up.’ She says.
*Present Time*
‘You don’t have to answer that.’ Byung says. ‘Come on, let’s finish this and we can go and have lunch elsewhere. It’s too bad you couldn’t finish my incredible sandwich.’ He says which makes me smile.
‘To be fair to you, it wasn’t that bad but it doesn’t even compare to Yun’s sandwiches.’ I say.
‘Really? Yun is the one who works with you right? Your best friend?’ He asks and I nod.
‘Yep. We’ve known each other since we’ve been kids. We were always together, always in the same class, always sitting next to each other. Both of us love to study and do well but she’s also a musical genius and although I do like singing, I’m more into sports.’ I explain and he nods.
‘So you came to university together as well right?’ He asks and I nod once again. ‘That must have been tough, leaving home and whatnot.’ He says.
‘It was, especially because we’re both close to our parents. My Eomma is a doctor and Appa was a lawyer at the time but he was promoted to DA two years ago. Yun’s Eomma is also a doctor, she works at the same hospital as my Eomma. In fact, they have known each other since they were kids too and her Appa works as a firefighter. It’s how they met actually.’ I say, smiling as I think of all the stories we had heard as kids about our parents. ‘But we both knew we had to move out. We lived too far away from University and we wanted to be independent but not too independent so we rented a place together and started working as well. We’ve been doing it since we were eighteen.’ I say.
‘Daebak. That’s impressive. If I’m being honest, I don’t know if I’d survive on my own. I don’t know how to cook, or do laundry or how to run a house but I do know a thing or two about fixing machines so at least, if something breaks down, I can fix that.’ He says which makes me smile.
‘You know, earlier, you said you wanted to be friends and in front of your appa, you called me your friend.’ I say and he nods. ‘Maybe I can start calling you that too.’ I say and I see his face light. ‘Does not mean I forgive you or trust you… not yet.’ I say.
‘I know. I have to earn that but even thinking about being my friend is enough to make me happy Minji. It really does.’ He says and I smile.
‘Well I’m glad. You see, your appa did something right after all.’ I say with a wink which causes him to laugh the loudest I have ever heard him laugh.
So it seems Minji and Byung are on friendlier terms but she does not fully trust him, yet, she stood up for him. Don't worry Alanna won't be another Gigi. As you know I like to address certain serious issues and so far we're dealing with
1) The different classes - poor / rich and the problems that the two sides may have. The poor family had to give up one of their children in order to raise the other but the rich family isn't happy either because the father is controlling and cares too much about status.
2) Bullying - whether it is direct or indirect, it always has consequences. The effects can be different and not all bullying happens in the same way.
3) The importance of truth.