Minji
I can’t believe how fast time is flying by lately – we’re already in mid-November. It’s been almost two weeks since I found out that Jungkook is my twin brother. Sometimes, it still feels as if it is a dream. We’ve been talking every day, even little details as if trying to make up for all the lost years we’ve had. We keep making plans of what we want to do together – camping, go on a holiday, go watch him perform and he wants to see me doing sports and graduate.
Jungkook and the boys, along with Yoona are coming more frequently to the cafeteria as well. I can’t help but notice how Hoseok and Yoona are even closer than before. They were even holding hands under the table when they thought no one was watching. My gut feeling is that they’re together but haven’t told anyone yet so I don’t mention anything either. I also think Yun is growing closer to Yoongi. Every time I mention it, she goes red and starts getting shy so I tease her more just like she teases me about Jimin.
Jimin and I also talk every day. Every night we call each other, talk about how our day was even though we text each other throughout the day. He sends me photos of the most mundane things such as the food he's having for lunch and I end up doing the same. He’s really caring and he always make sure to ask how things are going and how my studying is going. Every time we talk, I feel butterflies in my stomach and every time he smiles, my heart skips a beat.
Mentioning studying, our school group has officially become tied together. Rei and Mark are together and so are Seob and Usagi. They keep teasing me and Byung about it but it’s clear neither of us want any relationship with each other. It’s strictly friendship and it’s enough for the two of us. I don’t blame them for teasing us – they don’t’ really know about me knowing BTS or having the biggest, fattest crush on Jimin. The six of us really actually go well together, like right now as we sit around the dining table in Byung’s house while we work on our group project.
‘Ah I can’t believe we’re that lucky and got grouped together.’ Seob says as he stretched to snack on the peanuts.
‘Tell me about it. I couldn’t believe it when the professor read our names. I kept looking at Rei and Minji to ask if I was hearing things correctly.’ Usagi says laughing, earning a kiss on the forehead from Seob.
‘Are you girls participating in the Sports Week?’ Seob asks, turning to look at me. Usagi quickly shakes her head while Rei and I nod. ‘Really? Which ones?’ He asks.
‘They’re going to do the wall climbing activity on Thursday so I’m taking part in that. I sometimes go mountain climbing so this should be fun.’ Rei says and I see Mark smiling.
‘I’ll be participating in the archery show they’ll be hosting on Monday at quad.’ I say.
‘Then I’d better run out of sight or you’ll just shoot your arrows at me monkey.’ Byung says and I tilt my head and look at him.
‘I’ll be very tempted to do that.’ I respond as I mimic the motion of shooting an arrow at him. He does a dramatic show of pretending to be shot, his hand on his chest as he falls from his chair and onto the floor, making all of us laugh rather loudly.
‘Is this what you call working?’ A loud booming voice says which makes me jump from my seat. We were making so much noise we didn’t even hear the person coming in. Byung quickly stands up on his feet, his smile vanishing. I turn around to see Byung’s father there. Each one of us stand up and against every fiber in my body, I bow down as well. He takes a couple of steps and stops in front of me. ‘I see you’re here again. Do you not know when you are not wanted little girl?’ He asks and I scoff.
‘Appa, please, don’t start again. I’m the one who invited her because we have work to do.’ Byung says, taking a step forward to stand next to me.
‘Does she not have a mouth? I was speaking to her, not you Byung.’ He says sternly. I look up at him and smirk. If this * thinks he can intimidate me he’s wrong.
‘Yes, Mr. Oh. I am here again and yes, I do know you do not like having me around here but unfortunately for you, I am a stubborn head who does not care much about the opinions of others about me.’ I say.
‘I can see that. For some reason, my son thinks you – a simple coffee girl like you is worthy of being his friend.’ He replies.
‘Appa, please stop. Minji is my friend just as much as Mark and Seob are. Her social status does not make up her worth. She’s an amazing person who is independent and hard working. Yes, she works at a cafeteria to be able to pay her rent because unlike me, she doesn’t live off her parents’ wealth.’ Byung says and I look at him for a moment and smile.
‘This girl tried to make a fool out of me in front of you and the district attorney. She tried to humiliate me. How dare you stand up for this piece of trash instead of your own father?’ He says angrily.
‘No, Mr. Oh. I was not the one who humiliated you. You did that to yourself when you went to try and butter up to my Appa. I got you so scared that you went running to him except I had not said a single word about the incident.’ I say. I see Mark and Seob look at me with their mouths wide open while Rei and Usagi keep back but stare at me and Mr. Oh. Byung gulps but continues to stand beside me.
‘You expect me to believe that you little wench? You and your father planned the whole thing.’ He says but I shake my head.
‘My appa is a very intelligent man and he instantly realized what was going on. Your reputation precedes you it seems Mr. Oh and my appa just made you spill out the truth before you even knew what was going on. Did you honestly think you could turn him against his own daughter?’ I ask.
‘His own daughter huh?’ He says with a scoff and a smirk I don’t understand. ‘I did some research and I found out some very interesting things about you Miss Kyung.’ He says.
‘What are you talking about now?’ Byung asks, sounding irritated but also trying to maintain respect, perhaps out of fear. Mr. Oh takes a step closer to me, closing off the distance.
‘She’s not his real daughter – she’s just an adopted girl who was abandoned in a box on the steps of an orphanage.’ He says and I gasp, unable to stop myself in time. How did he even find out? Then again, money can buy you anything, even information. I look at Byung and see the look of surprise but he doesn’t say anything. Mr.Oh looks at me with a snarl on his face. ‘Not even your own parents wanted you.’ He says. I ball my hands into fists which I shake out of anger. I try to keep back and not hit him.
‘Appa ENOUGH.’ Byung shouts, attracting everyone’s attention. I gulp, lick my lips and look down, trying to will myself not to cry.
‘My parents could not afford to take care of me and my brother, so yes, Mr. Oh, they gave me up but they did so to try and give me and my brother a chance at a good life. They had to do sacrifices, sacrifices you can never understand.’ I say.
‘You are nothing but a poor girl living in your parents’ illusion because they could not have children of their own. As for your real parents, I bet if they met the ill-mannered, rude, spoiled brat you are they would be glad to have given you up.’ He says. His words cut through me like a knife and I lose my battle against my tears as I feel two tears sliding down my cheeks.
‘You’re such an *!’ Byung yells as he pushes me behind him as if to not give his father the satisfaction of seeing me cry. I feel my lips trembling as more tears spill out which I quickly wipe away. Byung looks at me, guilt all over his face before he turns to look at his father. ‘You’re so disgusting.’ He says.
BLAM! The slap echoes throughout the now silent room. I watch in horror as Byung’s head *s to the side. Usagi lets out a small scream and Rei gasps loudly. Mark and Seob take a step on instinct towards him but the look on Mr. Oh’s face keeps them back but not me. I run to Byung’s side and look at him before I look at Mr. Oh with hatred in my eyes.
He walks next to me and smirks. ‘Guess I’ve won.’ He says and I nod before I punch him across the face with all the force I can muster. He falls to the floor, blood coming out of his nose as he looks at me with shock written all over his face.
‘If you think playing with people’s emotions is a game, then sure, you’re a champion at it but don’t worry, go ahead, give it your best shot Mr. Oh because in the end, people like you, they always lose.’ I say. He stands up and wipes the blood from his nose with his sleeve as he walks next me just as Byung does so too. The two men glare at each other before Mr. Oh leaves the room and I sigh.
‘This isn’t over.’ Byung murmurs before he turns to me. He looks at me and I search for anger but I don’t find it – instead I find empathy. ‘Are you okay?’ He asks.
‘You’re the one who got slapped so I should be the one asking that.’ I say as I look away. Suddenly, I feel his arms wrap around me as he hugs me.
‘I’m so sorry Minji.’ He says as he squeezes me tightly. ‘I’m sorry for the way he acted and I’m sorry I didn’t stand up better for you.’ He says.
‘You did stand up for me and it got you slapped. I couldn’t stop myself from punching him. I’m sorry if I made things worse for you.’ I say. He lets go of the hug and he looks at me.
‘It doesn’t matter. I’m just worried about what he might do. I don’t think he’ll let this go.’ He murmurs. ‘I’m so sorry Minji about everything.’ He says.
Jungkook
It’s Saturday and the guys and I have finished doing rehearsals so we decide to go to the cafeteria with Yoona. I smile as I see Hoseok and Yoona walking next to each other, closer than ever. I exchange a look with Namjoon who is next to me and also looking at them and smiling. Do they really think we didn’t notice? We arrive at the cafeteria and I push open the door. I see Minji and Yun behind the counter as they both turn to look at us.
Minji looks for a second before she starts running towards me. She practically slams against my chest as she hugs me tightly. ‘Hey, hey… you okay?’ I ask as I push her slightly away to look at her. I see her eyes are slightly red. ‘Have you been crying? What’s wrong Minji?’ I ask. She looks at Yun who gives her a nod and then she takes my hand and leads me outside to the alley behind the store. ‘Minji, what’s wrong? Did someone hurt you?’ I ask but she hugs me again.
‘I just need you to hold me for a bit Kooks.’ She says and I nod as I hug her tightly to me. Still, I cannot stop the worry – I’ve only known her for around six weeks now and the only times I saw her get so emotional were the times she had her panic attacks but this feels different.
‘Whatever it is, it’s going to be okay, I promise.’ I say, putting one hand behind her back. We stay like that for a few minutes before she pulls back. ‘Do you want to talk about what’s bothering you?’ I ask.
‘You’re my brother so that means I should not keep secrets from you and that I should be able to talk to you about anything.’ She says and I nod. She looks at the fire escape stairs and pulls me there to sit down. ‘I was over at Byung’s house today with Rei, Usagi and Mark and Seob to work on the group project I told you about.’ She says.
‘Yes, I remember. The one with the case study.’ I say and she smiles. ‘Did Byung say something to upset you again?’ I ask, tensing a bit.
‘Not him, his father.’ She says with a sigh. ‘He doesn’t like me very much because, well, I’m not exactly someone who knows their place.’ She says.
‘What’s that supposed to mean? Just because he is older than you and richer doesn’t mean he can trample over you.’ I say.
‘He found out I’m adopted.’ She says and I stare at her while she stares into the wall. ‘He said so many horrible things – that not even my parents wanted me and that if they were to meet me now, they would be glad to have given me away.’ She says.
‘Minji, that’s not true. Don’t you dare listen to him, do you understand me?’ I ask and she looks at me and nods. ‘I wish I could see this guy and let him know exactly what I think of him. Didn’t Byung say something?’ I ask, irritated that this guy seems to always be at the root of her problems. She smiles and nods.
‘He tried to stand up to me but his own father slapped him and I kind of punched him in the face.’ She says, biting on her inner cheek. I start to chuckle and shake my head. ‘What?’ She asks with a pout.
‘Nothing. It’s just you always impress me.’ I say and she looks at me confused.
‘Me hitting other people impresses you? I don’t think that brothers usually say that to their sisters.’ She comments, finally smiling a bit.
‘Well I do because my sister isn’t ordinary. She’s special and feisty. I know my sister can protect herself and that makes me happy.’ I say as I show her my fist. She giggles a bit and complies as we fist pump.
‘Do you think your parents, our parents I guess, would like me? I mean, is this how they imagine me to be or would I be a disappointment?’ She asks.
‘Minji, I don’t know what kind of daughter they imagined throughout the years but I do know they love you, even if they never met you. I saw it in the letters they wrote but kept hidden. I think they’ll like you just the way you are, just like I do. If you want to meet them…’ I begin but she shakes her head.
‘Not yet Kooks. Being with you is one thing but meeting them is another and I’m not ready to do that yet. Please understand that.’ She says and I nod.
‘Of course. Have you told your parents about me?’ I ask and she nods and I smile happily. ‘I’m glad. I hope I can meet them properly one day so I can thank them for raising such an amazing girl who I can call my sister, or even better, my twin.’ I say and she smiles.
‘They’d love to meet you too. Listen, we should go back inside. I’m supposed to be working and I don’t want to leave Yun alone for a long time.’ She says. I nod and stand up as does she before we go back inside. She walks to the counter and I go to our table. I see Jimin looking at her before he looks at me.
‘Is she okay?’ He asks and I nod.
‘She had another altercation with Byung’s father. I may not like Byung that much but I’m beginning to understand what Minji meant about him. His father is an * though. He found about her being adopted and tried to use it against her but she punched him right in the face.’ I say as I realize I’m smiling proudly.
We stay there for a while and since it’s Saturday, they’re doing karaoke. Minji and Yun go up to the stage and Yun takes her place, this time with a violin in hand. I remember how she mentioned that she could play this along with the piano and guitar. ‘Ladies and gentlemen, we hope you’re enjoying yourselves. The song we shall be singing is called Unbreakable by Fireflight. It’s a song we both grew up loving and a song which we have both found comfort in so we decided to put our own twist to it. I hope you enjoy.’ She says, flashing a smile.
Yun starts playing the violin as beautiful as ever while there is a backing track playing as well. ‘Where are the people that accused me?... The ones who beat me down and bruised me… They hide just out of sight… Can't face me in the light… They'll return, but I'll be stronger.’ Minji starts to sing, her voice sounds really beautiful and I look around and see everyone just looking at them.
‘Wow… these lyrics are beautiful and her diction is amazing.’ Namjoon says. Yun harmonizes with her and does the backing vocals but I think this is Minji’s song and everyone seems to realize too.
‘God, I want to dream again… Take me where I've never been…I want to go there…This time I'm not scared…Now I am unbreakable, it's unmistakable…No one can touch me… Nothing can stop me.’ She sings, her voice sounding rather powerful. I’m also blown away by Yun’s playing.
‘They’re incredible together. They could do really well as idols.’ Jin comments and I nod once more.
‘Yeah, hyung’s right. They both convey a lot of emotions. It makes me wonder what they have gone through to perform like that.’ Yoongi whispers.
‘Sometimes it's hard to just keep going…But faith is moving without knowing…Can I trust what I can't see...To reach my destiny?... I want to take control, but I know better…’ Her voice goes from soft to powerful as she sings the chorus again. I watch Minji close her eyes as she grabs onto the microphone stand. She sings in a way which is so heartfelt and deep – almost as if she is letting all the emotions out.
‘Forget the fear, it's just a crutch…That tries to hold you back…And turn your dreams to dust…All you need to do is just trust.’ She stops for a moment, allowing Yun to take the spotlight as she plays. The melody is hauntingly beautiful and I steal a glance at Yoongi who seems starstruck. Minji starts to sing the chorus again with even more power before she finally finishes with one final beautiful note.
‘Wow.’ Jimin says as everyone starts clapping and cheering for them. I stand up as well as I clap and look at them and smiling.
‘They were so incredible. I’ve heard them sing so many times but I’ve never seen them like this.’ Yoona says.
‘This song clearly means a lot to them and when you have a song you relate to, you just pour everything in it.’ Hoseok argues.
‘Do you think it has anything to do with what happened with Minji earlier? I mean the episode with Byung’s father?’ Taehyung asks and I shrug.
‘I’m not sure but I think it played a part but it can’t be just that.’ I say and I see Jimin nodding.
Jimin
It’s Monday morning and Jungkook and I have managed to get into Seoul National University undetected as we sport our mask, caps and sunglasses. Nobody is expecting to see us here so most people don’t give us more than a glance. Anyone can visit the university, especially during events like Sports Week. Hell, even politicians sometimes come visit to see what is happening and to look good for the media.
Minji told us she is participating in the archery competition which will be taking place today. I think it’s pretty awesome that she loves archery and I can’t help but remember when we tried to take part in something similar. Jungkook, Yoongi and I had been the ones to do it and I had scored the least that time. I smile at the memory as we reach the quad area.
‘Wow there are quite a number of people.’ I comment. ‘Isn’t that the mayor?’ I ask, slightly pointing to one of the men sitting on the expensive chairs. There are around seven rows of chairs filled up with important people.
‘Yeah. Look and next to him is the Minister of Education and that one is the Minister of Sports.’ Jungkook says to two other men.
‘I think that’s the Principal of the University as well and look, there are even journalists. Damn, I didn’t realize how important this event is. Minji made it seem like something ordinary.’ I say.
‘Yeah, she probably did not want to make a big fuss about it.’ Jungkook replies as we make our way to the group of students standing there, behind the chairs. I can feel the excitement from everyone as I see the archers getting ready – stretching, testing out their bows and their positions. I see a group of people approaching as well.
‘Isn’t that Byung Hoon?’ The female student asks getting excited. They look younger, probably first year students. The other one nods, equally as excited.
‘Yeah and those are Mark and Seob. I think those are their girlfriends from what I heard – Rei and Usagi. Rei’s taking part in the climbing wall competition this week. I wonder if they’re here to support anyone or just watch.’ The other one murmurs. I exchange a look with Jungkook who shrugs – both of us knowing that they’re here to support Minji.
‘Who do you think is going to win?’ A slightly older male student asks his friend who smirks.
‘Kyung Minji – who else? She’s dominated these each year she’s taken part.’ The other one replies and I can’t help but smile proudly. The host takes his place in the middle of the quad and turns to address the audience. Everyone falls silent, ready to listen.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the start of Sports Week at Seoul National University. I would like to welcome our esteemed guests and thank you for coming.’ He says and the people clap. ‘I would like to remind you of what will be happening. We have eight archers here who will be competing against each other in three rounds. Let the game begin.’ He says and there’s another round of applause.
The first two archers take their place – a bit of distance from each other. They take turns in shooting their arrows. As soon as they finish, they are replaced by Minji and another archer. I see Jungkook pulling out his phone and starting to record the whole thing. The other player releases his first arrow scoring an eight. ‘Whoa. That’s good.’ I murmur. Minji steadies her pose and takes a calming breath. I watch her as she puts in her arrow in place. She calmly draws the bow backwards as she aims. She releases the arrow as it hits dead centre – earning a ten. ‘Daebak!! That’s a ten!’ I exclaim.
‘Yes, it is.’ Jungkook says proudly as he continues to record her. The other player shoots his second one. We watch in awe as they finish – the first player getting 8-6-8 while Minji gets 10-9-9. We watch the other set of archers as four are eliminated. The second round begins with two other players and then it’s Minji’s turn. This time the other player gets 8-8-9 while Minji gets 9-10-10. ‘Wow, she’s incredible.’ Jungkook says.
‘She’s even better than you.’ I joke and he nods. We watch as it’s the final round with Minji against another male who has gotten a pretty high score herself. ‘This is it.’ I say. The first player releases his first arrow, earning a ten. Minji releases her, also earning a ten. The second release mimics the first one, both earning a ten again.
‘This is close. I wonder what happens if they get a draw.’ Jungkook says.
‘They keep going until one of them gets a lower score.’ Someone responds from next to him. Jungkook nods as we turn our attention back to them. The male takes a steady breath and releases – hitting a nine. I see him curse under his breath. Minji makes her pose and releases – earning a ten.
‘She won!!’ I exclaim loudly. Some of the students turn to look at each other and I hear the previous girls talking.
‘Is he her boyfriend or something?’ She asks and the other one shrugs. The host approaches Minji and raises her arm.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, your winner, for the fourth consecutive time – Kyung Minji.’ The host declares. There is a loud round of applause and cheering and I find myself cheering loudly as is Jungkook. She smiles and bows just as a journalist approaches her.
‘Miss Kyung – can we have a word?’ She asks and Minji nods. ‘First of all, congratulations on your win. I must say it was very, very impressive and it is even more so knowing this is your fourth time competing in the University’s Sports Week challenges. How does it feel?’ The journalist asks.
‘I won’t lie, it does feel good. I have to say it was a tough competition – especially the final round. It was nerve wrecking and I would like to congratulate my opponent who gave me the biggest challenge yet. I’ve always been into sports and archery has been something which I’ve been doing for a number of years and I’m quite passionate about it.’ She says.
‘Yes, mentioning doing it for years. We know that you were given up for adoption because your family was poor.’ The journalist begins to say in a calm manner. I see Minji’s eyes go wide and I can’t help but stare as well. I look over at Jungkook who looks like a mixture of mad and sad. I don’t understand how they can ask such questions and how did they even find out? ‘Do you think that if your family had not given you up, you would not have been able to have such opportunities?’ She asks as she plasters on a fake smile. Minji closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.
‘Possibly but my family loved me to the point that they wanted to give me an opportunity at good life.’ She says and then her eyes scan the crowd. ‘Mr. Oh – I see you’re here and I’m guessing this kind gentleman is the one who provided you with the information. Please, come join me.’ She says and I look at her with my mouth wide open. I look over at Byung who looks like he is about to explode and I realize that Mr. Oh is his father and probably the one who released the information.
Mr. Oh doesn’t have much of a choice as the camera turns to him. He smiles, uneasily as he stands up and goes to stand next to Minji. He shares an uncomfortable gaze with the journalist but Minji just smiles and I know she’s going to rack him through the mud for doing this. ‘Mr. Oh and I have not known each other for long but he has truly taken an interest in my life it seems. It’s quite surprising, considering he does not think very highly about the teaching profession and people like me, that is who are not on the same social class.’ She says. I hear people whispering between them and I see her smirk. ‘Mr. Oh, thank you for giving me the courage to speak up about who I am.’ She says before she gives him a nod, not bothering to bow as she walks away.
Jungkook and I follow behind her as we watch her enter one of the empty classrooms. I push the door open and we walk in. Her head snaps up and looks at us as we remove the things hiding our faces. ‘Kooks.’ She says as the two hug. The door opens again and Byung and the others walk in.
‘Minji.’ Byung says as he sees us. He sighs and turns to her. ‘I’m so sorry about my father. I don’t know what the hell he is doing.’ He says.
‘Hey don’t apologize on his behalf. It’s not your fault.’ She says. I see the other two girls staring at us before one of them shakes her head and walks towards her.
‘He thinks he’s playing some kind of game with you but it seems he’s underestimated you. You just humiliated him on live television Minji.’ One of the girls says.
‘Don’t get too excited Rei. We know Mr. Oh and he won’t take kindly to the stunt she pulled. He’ll retaliate for this.’ One of Byung’s friends says.
‘Let him try.’ Jungkook replies defiantly as he puts a protective arm around her.
‘Kooks’ right. Listen, can I meet you guys later?’ She asks as she looks at us.
‘Sure. We’ll meet at the canteen.’ Rei says as she pulls at the guy who spoke earlier.
‘Text us if you need anything.’ Usagi says as she gives her a small smile as she takes the other one by the hand. Byung lingers a bit.
‘I’ll see you later Monkey.’ He says and she nods. We watch as they leave and then she turns to us.
‘Sorry you had to witness that.’ She says to Jungkook who shakes his head. ‘And thank you for coming to see me. I wasn’t expecting to see you since I thought you’d have rehearsals.’ She says.
‘Bang knows about the situation so I asked if I could come visit and he immediately said yes.’ Jungkook says. ‘And don’t worry about what happened. Whenever you feel ready, we can tell the whole world that I am your brother.’ Jungkook says, trying to reassure her.
‘Thanks Kooks.’ She says and then turns to look at me. ‘And thanks Chim for being here too.’ She says.
‘Of course. Just promise me you’ll be careful, all right?’ I ask, remembering the words her friend had just said – he won’t take kindly to the stunt you pulled. He’ll retaliate for this. Just the thought that he could hurt her sends shivers down my spine and I know Jungkook is worried too.
‘I promise Oppa.’ She says as she holds her pinky finger out. I laugh and intertwine my finger with hers. She looks at Jungkook who rolls his eyes and wiggles his finger in as well.
‘We’ll try to come see you tonight, okay?’ Jungkook asks as he pulls away and hugs her instead. She nods and it’s almost like she is squeezing him to her.
Byung's father - Mr. Oh really does not like Minji and the feeling is pretty mutual. She refuses to be intimidated by him (I wish we could all have that kind of strenght and not let anyone bully us simply because they are in a position of power). Jungkook is being a good brother to her and supporting her by coming to see her and being there for her as is Jimin but we also see Byung standing up more for her. Do you think Mr.Oh will let this go or will he do something? :P
Also I have started a new project which include shorts stories. Each story will probably have not more than five parts. Please check it out :) Mikrokosmos - BTS (Short Stories)
As always I look forward to what you think.