Minji
I wake up early even though it is Sunday. I look at my phone which is on my nightstand and smile as I remember yesterday’s conversation with Jimin. I get out of bed and stretch. I get out of my room, the house sounding completely quiet, well until I reach the living room where I hear Byung snoring. I look at him and it takes everything in me not to start laughing hysterically. He’s face down, his face into the pillow, one arm dangling and touching the floor and one leg resting on the higher piece of the sofa.
I walk into the kitchen and take out some of the things I need and start to prepare breakfast. I set the pan as I let the water boil while I take out three eggs from the fridge. I grab six oranges, cut them in half and squeeze them out, making enough juice for three people. I plug in the toaster as I prepare the bread just as I hear footsteps. I turn around and see Yun, her hair a complete mess as she stumbles into the kitchen.
‘Morning.’ I say happily. She yawns and nods at me as she sits down. I look at her and chuckle. ‘You were pretty wasted last night. How are you feeling?’ I ask.
‘Like my head is about to explode.’ She replies with a groan. ‘Why is Byung sleeping in our living room?’ She asks as she turns to look again.
‘You both got pretty drunk and I couldn’t take him home. I didn’t want his father to see him like that and give him an excuse to treat him badly.’ I admit and she nods.
‘Makes sense I guess. You’re in a very good mood this morning.’ She says with a smile. She never fails to notice anything.
‘I talked to Jimin last night before I went to sleep. He actually noticed that something was bothering me just from a simple text.’ I say.
‘Ohh nice but what was bothering you in the first place? My memory is kind of fuzzy.’ She says. I sigh not sure if I should talk about it but then again, Yun is my best friend and I have always told her everything.
‘Well, Byung tried to kiss me and I slapped him and then he said that I’m everything he doesn’t like because I’m loud and violent and I’ll never be good enough to be his girlfriend, which by the way, would never happen.’ I say.
‘He probably doesn’t even know what happened. He was even more drunk than I was, I think.’ She says. ‘Why did it bother you in the first place if you don’t like him in that way.’ She argues.
‘Because the truth stings Yun. He’s right – I am loud and violent. I mean I’m always getting in the middle of fights. I’m not girlfriend material and I couldn’t help but think of Jimin and wonder what he thinks.’ I say.
‘Stop thinking like that. Look I don’t care what that baboon said. He was drunk, probably didn’t mean a thing of what he said. Yes, you’re loud but that’s one of the things people who know you love about you and about being violent and getting into fights – you fight to protect others.’ She says and I nod.
‘Don’t mention this to him. It would be too awkward to talk about. Also, next Sunday the boys will be coming over. Yoona is taking part in that dancing show so I told Jimin to bring everyone here.’ I say.
‘Sounds awesome.’ She says just as I finish doing the toasts. ‘I’ll go wake Byung up.’ She says and I nod. I finish serving breakfast just as Byung walks in.
‘Morning. Is that a couch or a bed of rocks? My back aches all over.’ Byung grumbles as he stretches and I roll my eyes.
‘Oh God, here we go again. Sorry your majesty but our couch was the only thing we could offer to your drunken ass or would you have preferred for me to take you home?’ I ask, a little snappier than usual.
‘NO!!’ He responds quickly as he looks at me confused.
‘I thought so.’ I reply. ‘Do you remember anything from last night?’ I ask and he looks at me and Yun.
‘I remember getting into a fight with two guys and then you kicking some ass. I remember the others leaving for the hotel but after that, everything is kind of blurry.’ He says.
‘Well don’t think too much about it. Eat your breakfast.’ I say as he sits down and I put the plate in front of him.
‘Did you prepare breakfast yourself?’ He asks and I nod. He turns to look at Yun. ‘Is it safe to eat?’ He asks.
‘Aish! You ungrateful brat!!’ I say as I grab an orange from the bowl of fruits on the table and throw it at him. He doesn’t see it and it hits him on the head.
‘Ow! Must you always hit me?’ He asks, looking at me with wide eyes and rubbing at his head.
‘I can’t really cook but I can make toast and boil eggs. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that one out.’ I say.
‘Fine, whatever you say monkey.’ He says and I see Yun shaking her head and chuckling to herself.
‘I’m glad you find this amusing.’ I say to her and she looks up at me. ‘And next time, listen to me when I say stop drinking. I had to call Dong Min to help me and you, you elephant – you’re so heavy.’ I say.
‘Probably not as heavy as you.’ He says and I open my mouth to say something but Yun is the one who hits him. ‘Ow. What is it with you two? Don’t you know anything besides being violent?’ He asks, yelling a bit.
‘It’s a very rude thing to say to a girl.’ Yun replies very calmly but he lets out a chocked laugh.
‘Her? A girl? More like a wild animal.’ He says. I stand up and he quickly covers his face while still snickering. ‘Relax monkey, I’m just joking about. I love seeing you get worked up.’ He says.
‘Pabo.’ I reply as I go the container on the counter. He sticks out his tongue at me and I shake my head. ‘A real *.’ I add as I open the container and pull out a cookie that Yun had baked yesterday.
‘It’s Sunday and it looks like a beautiful day. Do you guys want to go out to the park?’ Byung asks all of a sudden. I stop eating and look at him, trying to figure out if it’s one of his tricks or not. He seems to realize and he offers me a gentle smile. ‘It’s not a trick. Mark and Seob are at the hotel anyways and it would be a shame to waste today.’ He says.
‘Ah so you only want to hang out with us because you have no one else to hang out with.’ I say crossing my arms across my chest and he frowns.
‘Do you really have to second guess everything I say? I could call anyone I like to hang out with me and they’d drop everything and come.’ He says.
‘Why don’t you then?’ I ask, taking a step closer to him, challenging him with my eyes.
‘Because it’s you two I want to hang out with.’ He says and I’m taken aback by his answer. Yun and I exchange a look and she gives me a reassuring nod but before I can say anything else, he stands up. ‘You and Yun – you’re honest and you don’t pretend with me. You aren’t like other girls that I’m usually surrounded with. You couldn’t care less about my status and the fact that I come from a rich family. I know where I stand with you.’ He says.
‘Byung, we’d love to spend the day with you but we’ve got to be clear on one thing. I know you love kids and you respect kids but that respect has to go with others as well.’ I say and he nods. ‘Finish breakfast. I’ll go get a shower.’ I say.
‘Okay um…’ He begins suddenly getting a bit nervous as he looks at me. ‘You don’t happen to have any, um, clothes I can borrow right?’ He asks.
‘Does it look like we would have male’s clothing here?’ I ask him. Yun takes a step forward and looks at us.
‘We could ask Dong Min?’ She suggests.
‘Who’s Dong Min?’ He asks, looking at the two of us.
‘He’s the one who helped me carry you up here.’ I say and he nods. ‘I’ll go ask him.’ I say as I begin to head out.
Baekhyun
I can’t believe I have managed to finally find some decent work. It’s hard and laborious as it involves working in construction. The pay isn’t much but it’s consistent from what I have been told and that way I can start paying my sister little by little, even though she insists on the fact that I don’t have to but I know I do. I look at the lunch my mother made for me and I smile as I think back of when I went to tell my sister about my new job.
*Flashback*
I run into the BigHit building and go towards to the reception desk and the woman there looks at me as if I am crazy. ‘Hi, I’m Baekhyun, I’m looking for Sung Yoona – she’s my sister and she works as a choreographer here.’ I explain in one breath, my words rolling down my tongue faster than a rapper.
‘Ah okay. They’re doing the rehearsal right now. It’s the third floor, last door on the right.’ She says with a smile. She must have seen my excited face and I nod.
‘Thank you, thank you.’ I say as I break into a run. I run towards the elevator and press the button repeatedly but it seems to take too long so I start running towards the stairs. I run up until I reach the third floor and run the length of the corridor till I reach the door. I open it, not bothering to knock as I run inside. They hear me as they stop suddenly and look at me. Yoona’s eyes go wide as she starts to approach me, her face quickly contorts to one of worry.
‘Baekhyun what’s…’ She begins but I don’t give her a chance as I run to her, pick her up and twirl her around. ‘Whoa!! Baek put me down!!’ She screams at me so I set her down while I continue grinning still trying to catch my breath. ‘What the hell is up with you?’ She asks as the boys walk towards us, looking at us with curiosity in their eyes.
‘Noona I got a job! I got a job!!’ I yell and I see her face light up. She hugs me tightly and pats me on the shoulder.
‘That’s awesome news. Where?’ She asks. I let out a shaky laugh, knowing she won’t be liking this next bit. ‘Baekhyun – what will you be doing?’ She asks again, this time sounding authoritative which always scares me more.
‘Relax noona, it’s nothing bad. It’s with a construction company.’ I say and I see her eyes go wide.
‘What?’ She asks, her voice going into a high pitch and I brace myself for the oncoming storm. ‘Out of the all jobs you could go to, why did you choose something so dangerous?' She asks.
‘Noona, don’t worry. I’ll be fine. I know it’s hard work but I can do this and your support would mean the world to me.’ I say as I look at her and try to do the cute look I know she cannot resist. I see her pinching the bridge of her nose as she sighs.
‘Aish you’re always worrying me but of course I’ll support you. Just promise me you’ll be careful and you’ll stay out of trouble.’ She says.
‘I promise noona. You were right, I needed to stop acting like a child and start being responsible. I will start paying you back as soon as I get my first paycheck.’ I say.
‘Baekhyun, I already told you, I don’t want you to pay me back just as long as you don’t do it again.’ She says.
‘No, noona, I’ve got to do this. You may not want the money but I need to give them to you. That’s the only way I can grow up and be responsible.’ I say.
‘I know it’s not my place to say but the kid is right Yoona. Let him do this and that way he can learn.’ Hoseok says and I nod fervently.
‘Fine. Please, Baek, be safe and be careful. I’m proud of you dongsaeng.’ She says as she embraces me in a hug.
*Present Time*
I continue eating lunch, smiling at the memory of seeing my noona so happy yet concerned but also proud. I had not seen that look in a long time because I did not deserve it. When Appa walked out on us, I was so angry – angry at him for leaving, angry at Eomma for not stopping him, angry at Noona for moving on, but she didn’t, not really. She worked hard to earn money for us and I was a complete jackass to them. Noona had to try and balance between her own life and our family.
‘Hey mind if I sit here?’ An unfamiliar voice asks. I look up and see someone close to me in age. I smile and nod.
‘Not at all. Have you been working here for long?’ I ask and he chuckles.
‘Actually no. This is my first day on the job. Are you a newbie too?’ He asks.
‘Yep. One week.’ I reply laughing. ‘Do you have any lunch?’ I ask and he shakes his head. I grab the extra chopsticks Eomma always insists that I carry with me in case I break or lose the other ones. ‘Here, have some of mine. Eomma makes enough to feed three people not one.’ I say. He smiles, takes the chopsticks and digs in. ‘By the way, I’m Baekhyun.’ I say.
‘Chi Won. It’s a pleasure to meet you.’ He says with a smile.
‘Likewise. Perhaps us newbies should stick together.’ I say laughing and I see him nods.
‘That would be awesome.’ He says. ‘I feel really lucky, making a friend on my very first day working here. I feel like this is going to be the start of something new.’ He says.
‘New beginnings are always an amazing opportunity to make it up to ourselves and the people we care about.’ I say with a smile. Yeah – I’ll make you proud Eomma and Noona – I promise I will.
Jungkook
‘Kook, when are you going to tell Minji the truth? I mean it’s been over a week now.’ Jimin comments. Jimin and Taehyung both came to my room earlier since it’s our free Sunday. The three of us are sitting on the ground, the game consoles in our hands with the game paused.
‘I don’t know hyung. It keeps getting harder to tell her.’ I admit with a frown. ‘For the first time, I feel terrified.’ I say and I see Jimin nodding.
‘But we’re not talking about some girl crush here. We’re talking about your long-lost sister.’ Taehyung says.
‘Precisely. It has to be perfect hyung. I might only get one chance at this and I really want her in my life so I can’t * it up.’ I argue. ‘I just need to wait for the perfect moment and I want her to get to know me before I tell her.’ I say.
‘Yes, I know. How about next Sunday? We’re going over to their place to watch Yoona compete on the show.’ Jimin says with a hopeful smile.
‘We are? Since when?’ I ask as I exchange a look with Taehyung who shrugs and looks at me just as confused. I don't remember anyone mentioning this. ‘Jimin have you been talking with her?’ I ask. I see his eyes going slightly wide and his mouth parts a bit as he goes to speak.
‘Um… yes. We kind of were chatting yesterday.’ He says nervously. ‘Jungkook, we’ve actually been texting since Wednesday after dinner.’ He admits.
‘Were you planning on ever telling me?’ I ask, for some reason getting annoyed that he kept it a secret from me. Jimin gulps and doesn’t say anything.
‘I think our Jiminie has a crush on your twin.’ Taehyung says with an amused smile. Jimin and I both look at him with a glare.
‘Not helping.’ We both say at the same time. Taehyung just laughs at our reaction and goes to sit on the bed. I roll my eyes and look at Jimin who is looking at the ground, picking at the carpet he’s sitting on. ‘Have you been just texting or…’ I begin, unsure of how to phrase the question.
‘Yes, just texting but yesterday I called her after the party and chatted for a bit, that’s all.’ Jimin says and he sighs. ‘But Taehyung is right – I do like her.’ He admits.
‘What? Hyung – she’s my sister who doesn’t even know that yet.’ I say with a frown. ‘Did you ask her out or something?’ I ask.
‘No Jungkook and I won’t, not until you tell her the truth. I do not wish to begin anything while keeping secrets from her.’ He says.
‘That would probably be very wise.’ Taehyung comments. ‘Now it makes sense why you’re so anxious for Kook to tell her and why Hobi kept teasing you.’ He says still chuckling.
‘Wait Hoseok knows too?’ I ask.
‘He kind of caught me texting her on Friday before the show. He stole my phone and I had to jump on his back.’ Jimin admits and for the first time I actually crack a smile. ‘Kook, are we okay?’ He asks, sounding a bit concerned.
‘Yeah I guess so. It just shocked me a bit.’ I admit. ‘Now I think I understand why the hyungs were always so careful about introducing their sisters.’ I say.
‘You’re already feeling protective of her, aren’t you?’ Taehyung asks and I nod.
‘From the moment I met her, that night she was almost run over by that car. I had no clue who she was but it’s almost like I felt it in my bones. I know I need to tell her the truth and soon, before she finds out accidentally. That will only make things worse.’ I say and I see them both nod.
‘It’s understandable that you’re scared. I would be too and you have to expect any kind of reaction. She might start crying, she might jump on you and hug you or she can be shocked and would need some time.’ Taehyung says and I nod.
‘Taehyung is right. Besides, didn’t you say that you believe fate is on your side? That it wants you to meet and get to know each other? Maybe you should trust in that.’ Jimin says.
‘You’re right but I need some more time. I need her to get to know me just a little bit more.’ I say. ‘Do you guys feel like going for a walk? I could use the fresh air.’ I say.
‘Sure.’ Jimin replies and Taehyung nods as he gets off the bed. I stand up and give Jimin my hand which he takes as I help him up.
We walk past the kiosk and then decide to go into the arcade. We’re wearing our caps and masks as we enter the noisy room. There aren’t many people in there but the group of kids is actually making a ruckus. I smile, remembering my own days of being a kid. I wonder if Minji used to go to the arcade as a kid. On the other side, I see four adults, three of them laughing while another is holding the steering wheel from the racing car game. I squeeze my eyes as I realize the girls are actually Minji and Yun and the guy holding the steering wheel is their neighbor.
‘It’s the girls and their neighbor. I can’t recognize the other guy though.’ I say since his back is to us. I start to walk towards them and Minji is the first to see us. She smiles even bigger if that is possible.
‘Kooks!!’ She says a little loudly as she walks towards us. I see her friends turning to look as well and I suddenly realize that the guy is none other than Byung.
‘Hi Minji.’ I say as I finally reach her. She surprises me as she gives me a hug and I’m only too happy to hug her back. ‘What are you doing here?’ I ask as she lets go. My eyes fall onto Byung momentarily and I feel as if I’m shooting laser from them like Cyclops from X-Men.
‘Byung wanted to go for a walk in the park and then we had lunch and we ended up here.’ She says with a shrug. Byung takes a step closer and comes to stand next to Minji.
‘Are you going to keep wearing those silly hats and masks? Are you afraid we’re going to get you sick or something?’ Byung says smugly. Jimin, Taehyung and I look at each other and I can see that they’re pretty annoyed with this guy too as they nod and we remove our masks. I don't even understand why Minji and Yun are hanging with him. Byung looks at me as recognition takes place.
‘I thought your voice was familiar. You’re the * who tried to throw me out from the shop last time.’ He says. I scoff, ready to give him a piece of my mind.
‘Be nice.’ Minji says as she elbows him in the stomach. He lets out a grunt as he looks at her. ‘You promised you’ll be nice or next time I’ll leave you on your own in the first place.’ She says.
‘You wouldn’t, you’re too good, even if you’re always hitting me.’ He says as he rubs at his stomach. ‘I mean you even fought those two guys for me monkey.’ He says, once again sounding smug as he smirks at us. It’s almost as if to say – yeah you tried to throw me out but look who’s side she is on now!
‘You did what?’ I ask, my voice raised a bit which clearly startles Minji and her group of friends. ‘What is he talking about?’ I ask, a little calmer.
‘It’s not important Kook. Don’t worry about it.’ She says with a smile but Yun shakes her head and places her hands on her shoulders as she hugs her from behind. Yun seems to look at her proudly.
‘See that * called Byung – some girl kissed him and he kissed her back and her boyfriend and his friend dragged him outside and she ended up knocking them out.’ Yun explains, wanting to probably ease my worry but she only increases it.
‘Minji, you could have gotten hurt.’ Jimin says with a sigh and she smiles at him.
‘So, what is he even doing here with you today? I thought you didn’t get along and that because of him you almost got run over by a car.’ I say. At this, I see Byung look down.
‘He apologized, I’m still debating whether or not to forgive him but it so happened our professor paired us together for the presentation. We actually worked surprisingly well together so we’re working on becoming friends although he is the most annoying human being on the planet.’ She says.
‘Oh come on monkey. I’m not that bad.’ He says.
‘You are.’ Yun says as she crosses her arms across her chest. ‘He ended up getting drunk, so he slept over on our couch. He woke up complaining because it wasn’t comfortable enough.’ Yun says, trying to hide her chuckles. This * slept over at their place! I look over at Jimin who shifts uncomfortably but he doesn’t look surprised.
‘I was joking around and you’re one to talk. You passed out even before I did.’ Byung says.
‘Um guys as much as I enjoy watching you bickering like Tom and Jerry, we kind of have a situation on our hands.’ The neighbor says as he waves about the steering wheel.
‘Did you… break that from the machine?’ Taehyung asks in disbelief. The neighbor nods. ‘My God, I think he’s worse than Namjoon.’ He adds as he looks at me and Jimin.
‘He is.’ Yun and Minji both answer at the same time. ‘I swear Dong-Min Oppa has a way of breaking the unbreakable.’ Minji says.
‘Yeah like that time he broke the fridge’s door just by opening it or the time he blew up the microwave.’ Yun says.
‘Do you remember when we went to the store and he bumped into the mannequin which caused a domino effect and six dolls actually fell apart?’ Minji asks and Yun nods her head.
‘Yah!! Don’t you know how to respect your elders!’ Dong-Min says waving the steering wheel and almost hitting Minji who ducks in time. Minji and Yun both stick their tongue at him at the same time, which makes Jimin, Taehyung and I laugh while Byung stares at them.
‘I should get going. I’ll see you tomorrow for our morning lecture monkey. Don’t forget to read the paper by Baker.’ Byung says.
‘I already read it.’ She says and he rolls his eyes.
‘Of course you did. I’ll see you and thank you – for everything you did yesterday.’ He says. ‘You too Yun and even you.’ He says, nodding at Dong Min who is still holding the steering wheel. Minji and Yun wave at him and then turn to us as he leaves
‘Anyways, since you three are here, want to play a game with us?’ Minji asks.
‘Sure. We’d love too. What shall we play?’ I ask. She bites her lower lip and looks at Yun before she grabs my hand and pulls me with her. I almost stumble, forgetting how strong she actually is. She leads me to the shooting range and picks up the gun. ‘You versus me?’ She asks.
‘Oh you’re dead meat. Her aim is unparalleled.’ Yun says excitedly and I remember what she had said about her being an amazing archer.
‘You’re on and this time I won’t let you beat me so easily.’ I say and Minji laughs. I put in the coins and we start to shoot and I’ll have to admit she is pretty cool. I see Yun and Dong-Min cheering for her while Jimin and Taehyung cheer for me while Minji and I both laugh. I wish we could be like this forever.