Minji
It’s Wednesday afternoon and Yun and I don’t have to work tonight so we agreed to go and watch the boys and Yoona rehearse after Yoona asked us when we’re free. ‘It seems like we’re not the only ones who want to get to know them.’ Yun says excitedly as we walk towards the building, our arms interlinked together.
‘Yeah. I was thinking the same thing and I honestly couldn’t be happier. It’s like a dream come true, right?’ I ask.
‘Yep and everything is working perfectly. I mean, I know they’re idols and all but they’re really down to earth and humble. It makes me like them even more.’ She says. 'And they really take an interest in what we say and what we do. Last time Jin and I were talking about food and recipes and what not and you seem to be going really well with Jimin and Jungkook.' She says and I nod.
‘Sometimes I wonder why they took such an interest in us. If we’re honest, we’re just two students, trying to survive the adult world and they’re – well, they’re them. I mean, is it really because Yoona wanted to get to know us and have some friends who are actually girls?’ I ask and Yun shrugs.
‘Aish you're always doubting everything but I know what you mean because the thought has crossed my mind but they seem genuine and I think so. I mean they are pretty close to her, especially Hoseok. Have you noticed?’ She asks and I smile.
‘Oh hell yeah. I’d be blind not to. I mean the way his eyes linger on her when she moves from next to him and the smile he has when she says something and she also likes him. I’m positive. I mean they don’t even bother to hide it. I wonder if they’re together and just keeping it a secret.’ I say.
‘I don’t think so but then again it would be complicated for them. I mean he’s an idol. She works at the same company as him and even more she’s his teacher.’ Yun says.
‘I don’t get it. I mean, love is love. It shouldn’t have to be complicated because of outside factors.’ I whine and she smiles.
‘You know, for someone who’s scared of relationships, you’re a total romantic.’ She says as she hugs me from the side. I sigh and nod, not denying it. We reach the BigHit corporate building and I take out my phone to text them that we’re here.
Minji: Yun and I are at the front door. 😊
Kookie: Coming to get you right now 😊
I smile at the text and put my phone away. Within a few minutes, I see the door opening and Jungkook there. ‘Hi girls.’ He says as he embraces Yun in a hug. He looks at me and hugs me as well. I feel him hold on to me tightly before he pulls himself away, clears his throat and rubs the back of his neck. ‘Come on in. We were waiting just for you.’ He says as we begin walking.
‘Oh I hope we didn’t leave you waiting for too long.’ I say but he shakes his head and gives us a smile.
‘No, not at all. This morning we had a photoshoot so we had to shift the dance rehearsal to evening. I’m really glad you two could come. Maybe we can go eat dinner together later.’ He suggests.
‘Sounds good.’ Yun says with a smile. We reach the elevator and Jungkook presses the button. There’s the usual ding-dong bell sound and we start going up. I see Jungkook staring at me from the mirror but he seems to have realized that I noticed so he looks away.
‘So, how is Uni going?’ He asks and I turn slightly around.
‘Quite good. I have a presentation next Friday.’ I say and he nods.
‘Good luck then but I’m sure you’re going to be fantastic.’ He says, offering his bunny smile. I see Yun looking at me and Jungkook, her eyes narrowing. ‘What Yun? Do I have something on my face?’ I ask, touching my cheeks.
‘No. You remember how we always used to joke around about how you have the same smile as him?’ She asks. My eyes go wide and so do Jungkook’s. ‘It’s not just your smile… even the eye shape is similar.’ She comments, tilting her head to one side.
‘Yun!’ I say and she starts to laugh. I look over at Jungkook who stares at us before we’re saved by the bell – literally. The elevator door opens and we hurry outside.
‘Um, this way.’ He says as we turn right and walk down the long corridor. He opens the door for us and we walk into a spacious dance studio.
‘Whoa!!’ Yun and I both exclaim at the same time. The boys and Yoona hurry next to us and Yun pulls up her bag. ‘I brought everyone home made apricot tarts.’ She says. I see everyone’s face lights up as they peer in to see and I take a step back and walk next to Jungkook.
‘Sorry if Yun made it awkward back there.’ I say but he smiles but it’s not his normal smile, it almost seems stressed.
‘Nah don’t worry about it. I was surprised because…’ He pauses and gulps, suddenly seemingly nervous as he shifts his feet about. ‘Well, because my hyungs mentioned it as well. The fact we look alike I mean.’ He says, scratching at his hair. This time, I’m the one who is gulping. I feel the emotions starting to build up in my stomach. No, no please not now, not here. I feel my heart starting to race and I know I’m on the verge of getting a panic attack. ‘Minji are you okay?’ He asks, placing a hand on my shoulder, concern swimming in his eyes like the first time we met.
‘Please excuse me.’ I say as I break into a run. I push open the door and run down the corridor as fast as I can which is pretty fast.
'Minji!! Wait!!' I hear Jungkook calling out my name but I keep running. I run down the stairs and then turn a corner. I rest against the wall and slide down in a squatting position. I feel my breathing quickening as my panic attack starts to take hold of me. Breathe Minji... Breathe. ‘What’s happening to me? Why am I getting so emotional about this?’ I whisper to myself. Come on Minji – it doesn’t mean anything. He’s not your twin brother – it’s just a coincidence. You won’t be the first to resemble someone without being related. Snap out of it! I mentally scream at myself as I wipe away the two tears that have fallen. I grab at the locket around my neck and sigh. ‘Why do I miss you when I don’t even know you? Why does it hurt so much?’ I whisper.
‘MINJI!!’ I hear Jimin calling out. I stand up and wipe my face and come out of my hiding space. ‘There you are.’ He says sounding concerned as he jogs next to me. Without hesitation, he pulls me into a hug and I let him. ‘What’s wrong?’ He asks.
‘Nothing. Sometimes I get panic attacks. I remembered something and it, um, it triggered an attack.’ I say, not even lying. ‘I’m okay now.’ I say, trying to reassure him.
‘Do you want to talk about it?’ He asks, still not letting go of the hug. I shake my head and he nods. ‘Okay then. Shall we go back. Jungkook is sick with worry. He thinks he said something to upset you.’ He says and I pull away from the hug.
‘No, no, God no, he didn’t say anything.’ I say. The problem isn’t him! The problem is me! ‘Come on then. I need to reassure him it’s not his fault.’ I say and Jimin gives me a small smile. His hand reaches out for mine and I let him take it. Maybe my mind is going crazy or something but it’s almost like I can feel sparks inside my stomach as he does so. He leads me back upstairs as he texts Jungkook. We enter back in the studio and Yun comes running to me.
‘I was worried. Did you have another attack?’ She asks and she sighs but before she can say anything else, I hear running. I look back and see a very worried Jungkook and Yoongi behind him.
‘Minji.’ Jungkook says and I go to hug him. ‘I’m so sorry. I’m sorry if I said something which upset you. I really am.’ He says as he hugs me even tighter. Why does he sound like he is about to cry?
‘No, Kooks, you didn’t say anything, you don’t have to apologize.’ I say as I rub his back. I pull away from his hug and look at everyone. ‘The truth is sometimes I get panic attacks, especially when something triggers my memories about certain things. I do not wish to talk about them, not yet. I hope you forgive me for the scare I gave you and hope you do not think I am weird.’ I say as I give a low bow. I instantly feel someone pull me up and I look and see Yoongi.
‘That’s nonsense. Of course we don’t think you’re weird. You suffer from panic attacks, I used to suffer from depression and anxiety. We all have our demons Minji.’ Yoongi says.
‘Hyung is right and you don’t have to apologize for that.’ Taehyung says as he gives me a big, bright smile that makes me smile with him.
‘Just tell us what to do so we can help if it happens.’ Namjoon says and I see the boys nodding.
‘Are you feeling better now?’ Yoona asks and I nod. ‘Good. Now shall we get to rehearsals and show the girls what they came to see.’ She says with a smile. The boys smile as they quickly get into position.
Jungkook
Every now and then I keep looking at Minji but she looks okay now. She’s even smiling happily and laughing but I am still worried about what happened earlier. The moment I had said that, I had seen her face change before my very eyes. She took off running and I’ll have to admit, she’s a damned good runner. She’s probably even faster than I am. I couldn’t find her and I felt my heart beating against my chest – I found myself wondering if this is what it means to be a brother.
We slump down on the ground, breathing heavily and panting while Yoona remains standing, hand on hips while she gulps down water. ‘Do you two dance?’ Yoona asks, finally turning to Minji and Yun who both shake their heads.
‘No way. I am completely uncoordinated. An utter mess.’ Yun replies and Minji smiles.
‘She’s more into singing and playing instruments. She’s an amazing musician.’ Minji explains.
‘Really? Which ones do you play?’ Yoongi asks, turning slightly to look at them better, curiosity all over his face at the mention of music.
‘Piano, guitar and violin.’ Yun says. ‘Minji on the other hand is more into sports. She’s an amazing runner, archer, basketball player and has a black belt in Taekwondo.’ Yun explains excitedly. I smile seeing the way they praise each other but I also smile at the thought of Minji doing Taekwondo.
‘Taekwondo? Really? So does Jungkook.’ Taehyung says as if reading my mind. ‘How about you two have a match?’ He asks and I look at him in disbelief.
‘No way, I’m not fighting a girl.’ I say. I hear Yun laughing and all attention turns to her.
‘Oh you don’t have to worry about being a gentleman with her. She can and she will kick your ass and won’t hesitate to do it either.’ Yun says and I see Minji shaking her head. I stand up and offer her my hand which she takes.
‘Well if that’s the case then.’ I say as we both take off our shoes. We go to the middle of the studio and I hear the others laughing and cheering. I see Jimin ready with his phone to record the whole thing. ‘I promise I’ll be gentle with you.’ I say in a jokingly manner which makes her scoff.
‘And I promise I won’t hurt you too bad.’ She says, sounding confident. We both bow at each other and before I know it, she goes to give a kick, surprising me. ‘Don’t take it easy on me because I’m a girl.’ She warns me.
‘If you say so.’ I reply with a slight smirk as I go to kick. She blocks with her own foot. Soon enough it becomes a dance as we both punch and kick, neither of us managing to hit the other one as we keep blocking. I go for a leg sweep and she jumps and I hear the others cheer. She starts to kick even faster, forcing me to move backwards. As we ‘fight’, both of us are smiling and laughing. I manage to grab her leg and turn her around, forcing her to the ground. I go to kick but she rolls and does a kip-up.
‘WHOA!! Go Minji!!’ Jimin cheers making her giggle. She pushes her arm forward, hitting me in the collarbone. As she does so, she jumps and does a round house kick, sending me to the ground.
‘Impressive.’ I say as she smiles. I take the opportunity and sweep her off her feet, using my own legs so that she is on the ground like me. She rolls and comes on top of me.
‘Oh no you don’t.’ She says among giggles as she pins me to the ground. I go to move but her grip is tight.
‘You’re stronger than you look.’ I say and she laughs.
‘My biggest advantage.’ She says as she suddenly bends down and gives me a kiss on the forehead as she giggles. ‘That’s for letting me win.’ She whispers and then gets off of me. I stand up as well and she does an exaggerated bow while the others cheer.
‘This is the first time I’ve seen Jungkook beaten, especially by a girl.’ Taehyung comments.
‘Finally.’ Jin comments. ‘Now how about we go and have dinner. I’m starving and I’m sure the girls are too. Right?’ Jin asks.
‘Well the last time we ate properly was six hours ago during lunch break so yeah.’ Yun says.
‘Yah!! Why did you wait that long? That’s not healthy.’ Jimin says and both girls shrug.
‘We had lunch break at noon and we had four hours of lectures and then we rushed here.’ Yun explains.
‘Next time, say something. We have a canteen over here.’ Yoona says, giving them a stern look.
‘Yes unnie.’ Minji says. ‘I can call you that right?’ She asks and Yoona starts to laugh and nod. We grab our things and go to the lockers and grab our bags. We wave to the others and head towards one of the quieter restaurants in downtown while we wear our caps and masks. We reach the restaurant and we’re led to the private room. As we settle down, we remove our caps and masks and make our order.
‘I need to go use the bathroom real quick.’ Minji says as she gets up and hurries out of the room.
‘Yun, is she really okay after what happened earlier?’ I ask, unable to help myself. Yun nods and gives me a smile.
‘Minji has two sides to her. She’s one of the strongest people I know and I’m not talking about just physically. She’s a happy person, loud, funny, doesn’t really care about what people say about her and she’ll fight anyone if she sees them hurting someone else but she also has her vulnerable side – her fears and insecurities but she doesn’t let them stop her, most of the time and she recovers quickly. She's fine - don't worry about her.’ Yun explains and I nod. I look at the others who have kept quiet as I absorb this new information.
After finishing dinner, we decide to walk them home. I watch as Minji walks next to Jimin and I can’t help but wonder what he thinks of her. Yoongi walks next to me. ‘What’s on your mind?’ He asks as he sees me looking at the girls.
‘I don’t know hyung. I don’t know what to do and how to tell her. I tried to hint at it earlier because Yun said we look alike and I told her that even you guys said so. As soon as I said that, she got that panic attack. I’m not sure why but I’m pretty sure that it’s because of something we said, even if she denies it.’ I say and he sighs.
‘I wish I knew what advice to give you Jungkook but the best thing I can tell you is that you’re doing well. Yeah, she had that panic attack but don’t dwell on it – she was fine a few minutes later and you guys even did that match and you looked so at ease with each other. That’s what siblings do. Nothing is perfect and eventually you’ll tell her. She either accepts you or not but you’re doing everything you can.’ He says.
‘You really think so hyung? Sometimes I wonder if I am doing the right thing.’ I admit.
‘You are. Jungkook, you’re thinking of her first – thinking of a way how to go about it without either of you getting hurt. I’m proud of you for that.’ He says and I smile contently. We reach their apartment door and stop there.
‘Today was really fun. Thank you Unnie and boys for letting us come to see you rehearse. It really means a lot to us.’ Minji says. Suddenly we see the door opening and a man in a robe running towards them. He looks drenched from head to toe and he's not even wearing any shoes. ‘Oppa – what’s wrong?’ Minji asks, trying to stifle her laugh.
‘My kitchen sink broke and water is spraying everywhere. Can you fix it Minnie?’ He asks.
‘How many times am I going to tell you to stop calling me that?’ Minji says with a frown.
‘Pretty please Kyung Minji, can you fix my sink before a disaster happens in there?’ He asks as he puts on a smile and pinches her cheeks.
‘It’s eleven o’clock and they have lectures in the morning. Can’t it wait?’ Jin asks. The man looks at him, ready to say something before he blinks his eyes.
‘Minji, Yun – are they who I think they are?’ He asks.
‘Yes, Oppa now shush. Jin-Oppa, it’s okay. We’ve got it. It’s not the first time this * broke something and we had to fix it.’ Yun says.
‘I’m an interior designer not a plumber honey.’ He says. ‘Now will you pretty please come fix it? Or have you forgotten I live above you and if more water keeps leaking down, I’m going to end up without a floor and you without a ceiling.’ He says dramatically.
‘Aish you pabo.’ Minji says, raising on her tiptoes and hitting the back of his head. He cries out as he rubs the area. ‘Hope to see you soon again and we’ll be watching on TV.’ She says as she waves at us. I nod and I watch as the two girls both grab at his ears and start dragging him inside.
‘What did we just see?’ Jimin asks.
‘You just saw two women who know how to take care of themselves.’ Yoona says with a proud smile on her face.
‘They’re scary.’ Hoseok says making everyone laugh. ‘Come on, let’s walk back to the cars and I’ll drive you home.’ He says. Jimin, Taehyung and I exchange a knowing look. Ever since the Casino incident, Hoseok has been driving her home and picking her up in the morning. I just wish he could confess to her already. Then again, he’s not the only one keeping secrets.