Minji
Somehow Rei and Usagi have managed to convince me and Yun to go with them for the Halloween party. Byung, Mark and Seob are coming as well which is of no surprise. During this week, Byung and I worked well together – we’d meet up in our breaks and work on the presentation somewhere which is quiet. He also comes to talk to me in class without bothering to check if there is anyone else in class, in fact, he and his friends even sit next to us now.
I look into the mirror as I look at my costume with a smile. My costume consists of a black garment like those of ninjas. It has a piece that comes like a skirt over a shorts and the top part marks with a cross on the chest. I even have a hood and a piece to cover my mouth and fake daggers attached to the waist. The costume is a mixture of black and gold which actually stands out quite well. I feel my phone vibrate and I take it out to see a message from Jimin and I can’t help but smile.
Jiminie: Hey Minji… you have the party tonight right? 😊
Minji: Yep. Somehow my friends managed to convince me to go with them 😂😂
Jiminie: Have fun but be careful and stay safe. Don’t drink too much 😊
Minji: I won’t Jiminie <3 I’ll stay safe – don’t worry. 🤗🤗
Jiminie: Can you text me when you get home? 😊
Minji: Sure <3 But you really don’t have to worry about me. I can take care of myself 😊
Jiminie: I know you can… you’re a badass 😝 Have fun ❤️️❤️️
I keep smiling like an *, looking at the messages when suddenly I hear footsteps. ‘You look scary in that costume – like you’re about to beat somebody. Can you do my laces?’ Yun says as she comes next to me. Yun looks cute in her pirate costume which consists of a dress that goes just a little above her knees. She turns around and I start to tie up her laces. ‘You know, these past couple of days, since Wednesday actually, you’ve been texting more than usual.’ She comments.
‘What are you trying to say?’ I ask as I pull on her lace. ‘And why does this have to be so complicated?’ I ask with a frown which causes her to giggle.
‘Oh come on it’s not that complicated and what I mean is that I haven’t seen you gush about a boy in a very long, long time.’ She says, approaching the subject carefully.
‘How do you even know?’ I ask as I finish tying them up. She turns around and places a hand on my shoulder.
‘Besides the fact that you're an open book, Min, we grew up together, we’re like sisters. Do you really think I wouldn’t notice? And I think I know who it is.’ She says. I raise one eyebrow and cross my arms and she chuckles. ‘Jimin.’ She finally says and my eyes go wide.
‘But how?’ I ask in bewilderment. ‘I mean am I that obvious?’ I ask, suddenly getting really worried.
‘Yes, well I mean to me you are, I don't think the others noticed. Don’t worry but like I said, I know you. It’s good to see you like this.’ She says with a warm smile.
‘It’s been a long time Yun and truth is he makes me feel things I haven’t felt in years, things I haven’t felt since…’ I begin but stop, unable to mention his name, the pain still lingering in my heart.
‘It takes time to get over something as traumatic as that I know but you’re strong and beautiful. I’m happy for you.’ She says.
‘I don’t know Yun. It’s not like anything is going to happen. He’s an idol and I’m just a simple girl. He’s just being nice to me and this is a simple crush. It will probably fade away soon enough.’ I say.
‘First off, stop selling yourself short and it doesn’t matter. You’re allowing yourself to like someone because of Jimin and I’m proud of you for that.’ She says as she embraces me in a hug. We hear the car outside and we let go of the hug, switch off the lights and hurry outside.
‘Heyyy girls.’ Usagi screams as we jump into the backseat. I smile seeing their costumes – Usagi is wearing the sexy nurse outfit while Rei is dressed up as Harley Quinn.
We arrive at the party and Byung and his friends see us and wave us over. We walk over to them as we exchange greetings and Byung orders drinks for us. Seob gives the drink to Usagi who gulps it down in one gulp. ‘Jeez Us, calm down, we just arrived.’ Rei says chuckling.
‘I can hold my liquor. Can you?’ Usagi challenges. Rei raises one eyebrow and looks at the drink in Mark’s hand. She takes it and downs it in one gulp. Byung looks at us, holding the mine and Yun’s drinks. Yun has even lower tolerance than I do but she seems determined to enjoy tonight as she takes the drink in hand.
‘Are you going to drink or do you expect me to keep holding your glass monkey?’ Byung asks. I roll my eyes and take it.
‘I am not planning on getting drunk, thank you very much.’ I say as I take a sip.
‘You’re such a buzz kill Min. We’re here to celebrate doing well on our first assignment. It's not like you have to worry about driving.’ Usagi says with a smile. I smile back but don’t say anything.
‘I still can’t believe that our pairs got the highest marks from the whole groups.’ Mark comments, referring to yesterday’s presentations. Out three pairs were the only ones who got a mark above eighty.
‘We worked well together.’ Rei says with a big smile. ‘I hope we’re paired up together again. I enjoyed working with you.’ She says as she looks at Mark.
‘Makes two of us.’ Mark says flashing a big smile of his own. ‘Shall we go dance?’ He asks her as he offers her his hand which she quickly takes. Seob offers his hand to Usagi who takes it without hesitation. We look on as they get really close to each other as they dance together. I look at Yun and offer her my hand.
‘Yah! What about me monkey?’ Byung asks as he pretends to be annoyed by pouting.
‘You should have asked us to dance – you didn’t.’ I say with a shrug and a wink to which Yun laughs. I take Yun’s hand and lead her to the dancefloor. We go back to back and I let the music take control.
‘I kind of feel bad for Byung being alone.’ Yun comments and I look over at Byung who is at the bar and drinking.
‘It’s just for a couple of minutes. It won't kill him.’ I murmur my reply. ‘He’s so hard to figure out. There are moments I feel like strangling him and there are moments where he’s a complete dork.’ I say with a small smile. Yun nods in agreement. We continue to dance for a bit when I suddenly see Byung dancing with another girl. ‘Seems like he isn’t alone anymore.’ I say with a chuckle, happy he’s having fun as well.
‘I need a drink.’ Yun says and I nod as we go to the bar and order our drinks. I look over at Rei and Usagi who are happily dancing with Mark and Seob. Yun seems to follow my gaze because she smiles. ‘Seems like they’re getting along really well together.’ She says.
‘Yeah seems like it.’ I say. ‘Cheers.’ I say as we cling the glasses together. We stay at the bar for a while before Usagi and Rei come to get us. All four of us go to the dancefloor as we begin to dance together. I take Yun’s hand and spin her around.
‘Ahh I haven’t had this much fun in ages!!’ Usagi says as Rei spins her around.
‘What are you talking about? We came to a party two weeks ago.’ Rei comments and Usagi giggles.
‘I mean the four of us together. Last time everyone ended up separated.’ Usagi replies as she looks at me and I shrug. ‘Let’s take a photo!’ She says as she takes out her phone.
‘Here, let me.’ Mark offers as he takes her phone. We stand next to each other, drinks in hand. ‘Go for sexy.’ Mark teases and I roll my eyes but we all do as he says. ‘Say cheese!!’ He says as he snaps the photo. Usagi looks at the photo and gives him a thumbs up as she posts it on Instagram. I look at the caption and smile.
Halloween party with my girls 😍😍 - @Yun_1997, @Rei_extremesports and @MJ97. We’re all having such a great blast. I’m so glad to have met these people!
#Pirate #Nurse #HarleyQuinn #Ninja #Halloween
We continue dancing before I start to feel slightly dizzy from all the people in here. The level of heat has increased tenfold and the smell of sweat and alcohol is suffocating. Mark, Seob, Rei and Usagi are busy dancing together with me and Yun dancing with them. I look around but I can’t find Byung anywhere. ‘I’m going outside for some air.’ I say.
‘Do you want me to come with you?’ Yun asks but it’s clear she’s having fun here.
‘No need. Don’t worry. I’ll be right back.’ I tell her and she nods. I walk towards outside and I smile as I feel the cool air on my face. I take a deep breath allowing the night air to cool me down. I take a couple of steps forward when I see two boys fighting with another one. This does not concern you Minji! I try to tell myself, not wanting to get into trouble but my heart doesn’t let me. I take a step closer and realize that the one at the disadvantage is actually Byung.
‘Yah!!’ I yell as I run towards them. They all look at me with confused eyes as I reach them. ‘What do you think you’re doing?’ I ask, standing next to Byung. It’s clear to see he’s a bit drunk.
‘He kissed my girlfriend.’ One of them says and I frown. No wonder they were fighting.
‘It doesn’t mean you can gang up on him.’ I say, still coming to his defense and they scoff.
‘Girl, you should tell your boyfriend not to kiss other men’s girlfriends.’ The other one says and I roll my eyes. Boyfriend? In your dreams *! I hear Byung chuckling.
‘First off, she’s not my girlfriend and secondly if she was happy with him, why would she kiss me huh? Clearly you’re not satisfying her enough.’ Byung says with a smug smile even though he has blood dripping from his mouth. I see the guy getting furious again as he begins to approach him. I put up my arm and push it against his chest.
‘Enough! All of you.’ I yell out, giving them all my deadly glare. ‘Stop acting like stupid boys. Yes, he did wrong to kiss your girlfriend but it seems like your girlfriend isn’t too innocent either.’ I say. ‘Leave while you still can.’ I warn them.
‘You should listen to her. She’s got a mean right hook.’ Byung says laughing. I drop my head down and shake it. Why must it always be like this? Why did I even become friends with this *?
‘Ohh should we be scared of a boy who cannot stand up and a little girl who doesn’t know her place?’ The *ed off boyfriend says as they both take another step. You sexist *! Byung takes a step closer as well, fire in his hazy eyes.
‘Aigoo.’ I murmur to myself as I get ready to defend myself. I use my hand as I push it forward, hitting the ‘boyfriend’ square in the nose. His head bounces back and he takes a couple of steps back. The other one stares at me and then he approaches me. I use my leg and sweep him off his feet in one swift move, sending him to the ground. The ‘boyfriend’ comes back at me, his fist ready in the air and I roll my eyes. I use my own right hand as I punch him in the face, sending him next to his buddy. I hear Byung laughing loudly.
‘I told you guys. She’s no ordinary girl.’ He says laughing. I glare at him as I grab him by the ear and start pulling him inside. ‘Ow, ow that hurts.’ He says.
‘Good.’ I reply through gritted teeth as we enter back into the club where the party is. I drag him to the ladies’ bathroom and force him to stand up against the sink. ‘You’re a such an *!’ I say as I grab at a tissue and wet it. I wipe his face and then use another one to wipe at the side of his lips.
‘Why are you taking care of me Minji?’ He asks, pouting a bit. For a moment, I forget the fact I am mad at him and give him a small smile.
‘We’re friends, aren’t we?’ I ask and he nods multiple times making him look like a comedy farce. ‘You shouldn’t have gone and kissed that girl.’ I say.
‘Why? Are you jealous that I kissed her and not you?’ He asks, leaning closer while I take a step back.
‘In your dreams pabo.’ I say with a half-amused smile as I push him gently away from me. I see his own smile fade away but I keep cleaning his lip. ‘What I meant is that you shouldn’t go around kissing girls and causing trouble. They could have hurt you really bad.’ I say.
‘In my defense, I’m not the one who kissed her. We were dancing together and she didn’t tell me she has a boyfriend. I think she wanted to make him jealous so she kissed me and I kissed back. Why should I care about what she does or how he acts?’ He explains.
‘You don’t need to explain yourself to me Byung. There, that should do it.’ I say as I throw the wet tissues away. ‘And for the record, you should care because the world doesn’t revolve around or your circle of friends only. Come on, let’s go.’ I say as we start walking out just as two familiar girls come in. I recognize them as the two girls from that night on the beach and they don't look too happy to see me with Byung.
‘Looks like the nerd is trying to get some action tonight just because they worked together once. What a pathetic loser.’ One of them says while the other one laughs.
‘She didn’t give up on Byung and is hoping to trick him while he’s drunk. You’re such a slut.’ Her friend says and I feel Byung getting angry.
‘Hey shut up and don’t call her that!!’ Byung says angrily. I grab him by the elbow and drag him out.
‘Ignore them. It’s easy.’ I say as I lead him to where I see our friends. They see me dragging Byung with me and they quickly circle us. I see Mark and Seob exchanging a look.
‘Did you just come out of the bathroom… together?’ Seob asks. I give him a glare and he gulps before he gives me an apologetic look before he turns to look at Byung. ‘Byung why is your lip swollen?’ He asks, trying to change the subject.
‘This pabo kissed someone’s girlfriend and got into a fight with her boyfriend and his friend outside.’ I explain. I see Mark shaking his head in disbelief while Seob is trying to stop himself from laughing at the situation. Yun lowers her head and shakes it while Rei and Usagi stare at us.
‘Well technically, she kissed me and I didn’t know she had a boyfriend so I kissed her back. Then those two dragged me outside.’ He says. ‘Details are important monkey. Can’t leave them out.’ He says.
‘Good God you’re infuriating, do you know that?’ I ask, my voice raised as I hit him in the back of his head.
‘OW!’ He mumbles as he rubs the back of his head. ‘Anyways, monkey came out and she saw them and she warned them but they didn’t listen. She was so cool – she sent one to the ground and then she punched the other one and I think she knocked him out.’ Byung says laughing as he tries to show what I did while I roll my eyes.
‘Minji is right. You are a pabo.’ Mark says. ‘You should be grateful she was there or otherwise tonight could have ended in a disaster.’ He adds.
‘Anyways. Rei, Usagi, Mark and I are going to a hotel tonight.’ Seob says. I stare with wide eyes and even Byung, in his half drunken states looks at them with a confused look.
‘Don’t look so surprised.’ Usagi says with a big bright smile on her face while she rests her hand on Seob’s chest. Seob smiles even brightly as she does so and I can see Usagi, the girl who is never shy actually blush.
‘Are you guys coming with us? Yun said she’d wait to see what you’ll say.’ Rei says and I look at Yun. I shake my head and she nods while the others are staring at us.
‘Are they communicating by looking at each other or do they have the gift to read each other’s minds?’ I hear Mark asking Rei who shrugs.
‘Yun and I won’t be joining you to the hotel.’ I say and I see them nodding. I look at Byung to see what he says.
‘I won’t be joining you either.’ He finally says. They nod once again before we exchange hugs. We watch as they leave, Seob holding Usagi’s hands while Mark holds Rei’s hand as they go out. ‘Well, there’s that. I need a drink.’ He says as he begins to walk to the bar.
‘Are you sure you should be drinking?’ I ask hurrying behind him with Yun trailing behind me. Before I can stop him, he orders a round of drinks for us as well. Aish!!
I look at Byung and Yun who have both gotten drunk and are sitting down on the pavement. Yun is resting against the pole, her head swaying from side to side while Byung has his head resting on her shoulder. Apparently, my alcohol intake has gotten stronger than I remember and is definitely better than theirs. ‘Aish now what am I supposed to do?’ I ask myself as I look at them while I wait for Dong Min to come pick us up. I see Yun almost topple forward and I kneel down in front of her, keeping her from falling down. I hear a car honking and I look around and smile as I see Dong Min there.
‘Daebak. What happened? Did they drink the whole bar?’ He asks as he comes to stand to me. ‘Also, you look pretty cute in that outfit kitten.’ He says as he looks me up and down and I roll my eyes. ‘Really. If I wasn’t gay, I’d definitely would date you.’ He says, making me smile.
‘Come on, help me get them in the car.’ I say and he nods. I slowly push Byung off of Yun while I gently lay him on the floor. Dong Min and I help Yun get up and she groans as we help her into the backseat. We go and get Byung and I hear Dong Min groan this time.
‘Daebak – this guy is heavier than he looks.’ He whines. ‘I wonder if he has a lot of muscles under these clothes.’ He says, giving me that usual look which normally makes me laugh. We manage to get him into the car and I slam the door shut. ‘So where are we taking him?’ He asks. I remember what his father is like and I realize it’s probably a bad idea to take him there in this state.
‘Our place.’ I say and Dong Min looks at me with wide eyes. ‘Don’t worry – he’s sleeping on the couch.’ I add and he shrugs as we get into the car.
We manage to arrive to our apartment and Dong Min helps me bring them up. I lead Yun to her bedroom. I take off her shoes and cover her with the bedsheet. I go back to the living room where Byung is sitting down on the couch, half asleep. I look at Dong Min who is standing by the door. ‘Thank you for coming to pick us up in the middle of the night and for helping me with these two *s.’ I say.
‘It’s nothing sweetie. I’ve lost count of how many times you and Yun helped me. Are you sure you’re going to be okay babe?’ He asks and I nod. ‘Okay then. I’ll get going. This face needs its beauty sleep.’ He says, blinking his eyes at a rapid speed making me laugh. I watch him leave and close the door behind him and I turn to Byung who is beginning to stir.
‘Where am I?’ He asks groggily. I grab a glass and fill it up with water and hand it to him. He takes it and starts to drink as he groans, probably his head feeling like it wants to explode.
‘My place. You need to rest.’ I say and he nods and groans again. He places the glass on the table before he stands up. He almost topples over but manages to stand still. ‘What are you doing? Are you planning to sleep while standing up?’ I ask, annoyed.
‘What kind of stupid question is that monkey?’ He asks as he flashes me a smile. I approach him and go to help him sit down when he suddenly crashes his lips against mine. It takes me by surprise and I quickly pull back. ‘Come on monkey … one kiss.’ He says as he goes to kiss me again. This time I raise my hand and slap him. I close my eyes in regret as the slap echoes in the living room. ‘OW. You are the exact opposite of what I like – you’re loud and you’re violent – definitely not delicate. I don’t care what Mark and Seob say, you’ll never be good enough to be my girlfriend – you’re too difficult.’ He says.
‘Who said I want to be your girlfriend? I wouldn’t be your girlfriend if you’re the last man on earth you arrogant *.’ I say as I push him down on the couch. He falls with a thump and he crawls onto the couch, his feet sticking out because he’s too tall. I grab a cushion and place it under his head, not bothering to be gentle with him. I grab the blanket and go to cover him. ‘You’re so annoying.’ I murmur before going to my own bedroom. I quickly change into my night clothes and do my bed routine before I get into bed and grab my phone. It’s two in the morning and I find myself wondering if I should text Jimin or not… well he did tell me to text him as soon as I am home.
Minji: Sorry to text you so late but I’m home.
Jimin: That’s okay. I wasn’t asleep anyways. You looked cool today Ms. Ninja 😎
Minji: Thank you Jimin.
I go to place the phone away when it starts to ring and I realize Jimin is calling me. I accept the call and I see his face pop up. ‘Hey sorry to be calling. Are you okay?’ He asks, clearly worried and I sigh.
‘I’m just tired. How did you even…’ I begin but he gives me a small smile.
‘You didn’t use emojis at all and I know we haven’t known each other for long but you don’t call me Jimin, especially in texts. It’s always Jiminie, Chim or Mochi or something like that.’ He explains.
‘Should I start calling you Oppa as well?’ I tease and I see his face change slightly as his smile grows bigger and he nods.
‘I’d like that but stop changing the subject. What’s wrong? You can talk to me Minji.’ He asks and I sigh once again.
‘It’s nothing really. We went to the party with Byung and two of his friends as well.’ I say.
‘Byung? The guy who came into the store and made a scene last time?’ He asks and I nod. ‘I thought you guys didn’t get along.’ He says.
‘It’s complicated. Truth is he apologized and we were paired together for the presentation I told you about and we kind of became friends. Anyways, he and Yun both got really drunk so I had to call Dong Min to come pick us up and help me bring them here.’ I explain, leaving the details of what happened out.
‘He’s sleeping there? Is it um, well, how to phrase this, safe for you to have him sleep there?’ Jimin asks, clearly flustered as he sits up. I can’t help but giggle at his cute behaviour.
‘It’s safe don’t worry. He’s knocked out and I have my bedroom door locked.’ I reassure him. He still doesn’t look too convinced. ‘Really, you don’t have to worry. When will I see you guys again?’ I ask, wanting to change the subject. It seems to work as I see him relax.
‘How about next Sunday? Noona is going to appear on Hit the Stage as a guest and we’re all going to be watching together.’ He suggests.
‘Hmm sounds like a good idea. How about you guys come over to our house. Yun and I can prepare some food and snacks too.’ I say excitedly. I hear him laugh and I smile. ‘Are you laughing at me?’ I ask.
‘You’re really cute when you get excited.’ He says before his eyes go slightly wide, clearly not wanting to have said it out loud. ‘I… um… I should let you sleep. It’s pretty late and you said you were tired.’ He says and I nod.
‘Yeah. Good night… Oppa.’ I say and I see him smile once again. He waves at me before I hang up. I hug my phone, look at the ceiling and bite my lower lip while I smile. I find myself hitting the bed with my feet in excitement – he called me cute!
