Hoseok
Everyone is around the breakfast table when we hear the door opening and running footsteps. Minji and Jungkook both come running into the dining room, both of them out of breath but laughing. ‘Beat you again.’ Minji says between breaths.
It’s good to see her smiling and happy again after yesterday’s events. She might not realize it but she definitely is strong. I doubt I would be able to do what she is doing – waking up and facing another day after what happened. I think I would be too scared, knowing that I have someone who is trying to get to me.
‘Yes, you did but this isn’t over Minmin. We have to race again.’ Jungkook says laughing as he grabs an orange from the fruit bowl and starts to peel it.
‘As you wish but I’ll only beat you…again Kooks.’ She says as she sits down on the stool, next to Jimin, who hands her a mug of coffee. It's kind of funny finding someone who can actually beat Jungkook in sports. She beat him in Taekwondo and now in races and she's probably better than him in archery as well. Perhaps they have golden genes or something. ‘Morning everyone.’ She greets as she waves at everyone.
‘Morning. You seem to be better this morning.’ Namjoon comments and she nods.
‘Much better Oppa. I’ve had a good run this morning, helped to clear the cobwebs up here.’ She says pointing to her brain. ‘You guys were right. Blaming myself is not going to change what happened. I just need to stop acting rashly and get smarter about it but I won’t let that * get to me.’ She says, sounding determined. Somehow, I don’t doubt that.
‘Glad to hear that but eat something now. Yun said your lectures start at ten today, right?’ Jin asks. I can’t help but smile at my hyung’s behaviour – he’s always been like the mother figure as ARMY have often stated. He always takes care of us and makes food for us and it’s nice to see how he has swooped Yoona, Minji and Yun into the equation.
‘Yep. Thank you for breakfast Oppa.’ Minji replies as she takes a bite from the croissant that Jungkook hands her. I see Jin smiling from ear to ear at her gratitude.
‘Good, we can drop you off at your apartment so you can change and grab your things and then we can drive you to school.’ Jin offers.
‘Thank you Oppa.’ Minji says.
We finish breakfast and we decide to take the family van as we take them to their place. We wait inside the van while the girls go change and grab their things. ‘I’m glad to see her better.’ Jimin says to Jungkook who nods.
‘Me too. Seeing her like that last night really scared me.’ Jungkook admits.
‘Of course it would. It would scare anyone but especially you, since you’re her brother.’ Taehyung comments.
‘Tae’s right. Seeing someone you care about suffering and not knowing what to do make it even worse.’ Jimin says. A part of me thinks that he isn't just talking about Jungkook. I know that Jimin instantly took a liking to her and that in the weeks we have known the girls, he has grown very fond of the girls, especially Minji.
‘She said that being there for her is enough. Can you believe that people used to call her a freak because of her panic attacks?’ Jungkook asks, clearly annoyed. I would be too if someone called my sister a freak for something she cannot quite control.
'People can be cruel Kook, especially those who do not understand the concept of human compassion.’ I say.
‘Yeah but fortunately she’s strong.’ Jin says.
‘Sometimes, a person doesn’t know how strong they are until being strong is the only thing they have left.’ Yoongi says as everyone falls into silence. I know what he means – everyone has their demons to fight and sometimes, you have to be strong even when you feel like wanting to give up. The more I get to know Minji, the more I realize that she must have gone through some kind of hardship that has shaped who she is.
‘Anyways, I called Bang yesterday to inform him of the situation and to ask if we could take this morning off. I was thinking we could surprise them by coming back to their place and fixing it up for them. Maybe get them some new furniture too.’ Namjoon says.
‘That’s a brilliant idea hyung. Thank you.’ Jungkook says, getting excited which makes all of us smile along with him, sharing in his excitement.
He really was meant to be a brother – it comes naturally to him – the way he cares for her and tries to protect her. It’s not just him, Minji seems to have also gotten used to the role pretty quickly. She teases him and tries to stop him from worrying. Seeing them this morning, racing against each other and teasing each other was really adorable. They missed out on a lot of things throughout the years but at least they are together now.
Yun and Minji come hurrying towards the van – wearing jeans and hoodies and carrying their laptop bags. They get in and Jin starts to drive towards the University so I take out my phone and decide to text Yoona.
Hobi: Hey jagi 😍😍 Namjoon just informed us that we have the morning off because of what happened to Minji and Yun. We’re going over to their place to fix it up as a surprise. 😊 Want to come over? A woman’s touch is always important. 😉😉
Yoona: Are you sure that’s the only reason you want me to come? 😉
Hobi: Nope… I miss you and I want to see you. 😘
Yoona: You saw me yesterday… you ate dinner with me and my family again 😝😝
Hobi: I know but I still miss you 😊 So, will you come?? 🤗🤗 Pretty please!!
Yoona: Yes, yes I will come ❤️❤️ – not just for you though – for the girls too. 😛
Hobi: Of course ❤️❤️ I’ll see you soon jagiya …. I love you ❤️❤️
Yoona: I love you too jagi ❤️❤️
I smile and put my phone back in my pocket. I see Yoongi looking at me with a knowing look and I clear my throat, hoping my face isn’t all red. We arrive at the University and watch them leave just as they are approached by Rei, Usagi, Mark and Seob but Byung isn’t there.
‘Looks like Byung isn’t there to welcome them.’ Jungkook says coldly as Jin starts to drive. I can’t blame him for disliking the guy – not because of what happened but because of the way Byung acted after – running away rather than face the problem with them.
‘I was thinking the same thing. I’m not a hateful person but I really do hate that guy.’ Jimin says, sounding as if he is whining.
‘I wonder what she’ll do when she sees him.’ Yoongi comments and I look at him. ‘I mean, I don’t know what I would do but I definitely would not want to see him. I just might feel like punching him and I don’t think Minji would keep back.’ He adds with a shrug.
‘I don’t think anyone would blame her. I honestly don’t know why she’s friends with him – they’re so different from each other.’ Taehyung says.
‘It’s because she’s a good person. I think a part of her wants to help him out of the situation he’s in.’ Namjoon argues.
‘Situation? What situation? He’s an arrogant * who is always getting her into some kind of trouble or hurting her in some kind of way.’ Jungkook retaliates.
‘That’s true but he’s also a victim himself.’ Namjoon says and I sigh and nod.
‘Joon is right. Can you imagine being brought up by that man as your father? Byung probably has no say at all and if he does try to say something, he’ll just get hit and he can’t do anything about it.’ I explain.
We arrive at their apartment just as Yoona does too. I had told them that I texted her about what happened and she wanted to help. We decided to group up – Namjoon, Yoongi and Jin have gone to buy the girls new furniture, including a couch, TV and the kitchen table and chairs. Jungkook, Taehyung and Jimin are taking care of the living room while Yoona and I are taking care of the kitchen.
I look over at Yoona who is sweeping up the broken glass so I approach her. ‘Need any help with that?’ I ask.
‘No, it’s fine, thanks.’ She says as she scoops it up and throws it in the box along with the rest of the broken glass. ‘I know you told me it was thrashed but I never imagined it was like this.’ She comments.
‘I know right. It’s a disaster honestly so I’m glad we’re doing this.’ I reply. ‘I’m just glad they weren’t here and they weren’t hurt.’ I say and she nods.
‘Me too.’ She says as she looks at me. I see her eyes swimming with emotion, her hands balling into fists. ‘Men like Mr. Oh, they think they can have anything they want just because they are rich. They think that people are puppets and that they can do whatever they want without any care for what is wrong or right. I really hate people like that.’ She says and I know she’s not just referring to Mr. Oh but also to Boss.
That story might be over but Yoona has admitted to me that she sometimes gets scared that it was too easy or that her brother might fall again even though he is doing well on his job and is trying very hard. I don’t blame her – it was something scary and not something she’ll forget any time soon. The thought that he could come back is scary in itself as well.
‘I know jagi and you’re right.’ I say as I pull her into a hug. She lets me as I wrap my arms around her and embrace her tightly. ‘We just have to try our best to be there for each other and keep each other safe.’ I say. She looks up, smiles and nods. I smile as well as I lean closer to her and give her a kiss.
‘Ha! I knew it.’ Taehyung yells, making the two of us jump. Aish – I forgot this is an open plan, divided only by an ark. They could hear and see everything. Yoona and I look at each other and shrug.
‘We all knew hyung.’ Jungkook comments as he genuinely starts laughing. ‘Hyung – noona, we all have known for a while – we were just trying to respect your privacy and letting you tell us first.’ Jungkook adds.
‘Even Minji knew. We were talking last time and she kind of let it slip that she thinks you’re a cute couple.’ Jimin says.
‘We’re that obvious huh?’ I ask laughing as I take her hand in mine and interlock my fingers with hers.
‘We know you so it was easy for us. I wonder how the girls knew.’ Taehyung comments as he crosses his arms across his chest and looks up as if the answer was going to drop from the ceiling.
‘A girl’s intuition.’ Yoona replies. ‘We can usually tell when other people like each other but not when it comes to ourselves.’ She says with a smile.
‘Anyways, we all think you look pretty cool together. You’re like the dance couple goals.’ Jimin says.
‘You really do look great together and we’re all happy for you but don’t worry, we’ll keep it a secret for as long as you want.’ Jungkook says while Taehyung pretends to zip his mouth and throws away the key, making everyone laugh along. He really always manages to make everyone feel so comfortable.
Minji
It’s already three in the afternoon and right now I’m on break. I have till six with lectures today and this is the only hour I have free but instead of eating, I’ve been trying to call Byung for the past twenty minutes. He hasn’t shown up for the lectures and when I talked to Mark and Seob they both said that he wasn’t responding to their texts or calls. Although I am angry at him, I’m also slightly worried. I find myself wondering if his father might have done something to him – maybe they got into a fight or something.
I frown as I look up when I suddenly see him. My eyes go wide as I quickly stand up from my seat and I break into a run. ‘Byung!!’ I yell out but he doesn’t stop. Instead he begins to hurry. Is he serious right now!! I think to myself angrily as I run more, quickly reaching him. I grab him by the arm, forcing him to a stop.
‘Did you really think you can outrun me?’ I ask. He gulps and looks away as he tries to get out of my grip. I hold him tighter and then I drag him with me to the quiet garden where nobody seems to be. Perfect – maybe we can finally talk. ‘Why didn’t you come to the lectures? Why have you been avoiding me?’ I ask but he doesn’t reply. ‘Oh so the great Byung has lost his tongue, has he? Did you forget how to talk or something?’ I ask, getting angry. He should know better than to irritate me when I’m already on edge.
‘Monkey…’ He begins as he turns to look at me. I can see a whole turmoil of emotions – a whole confusion like a storm.
‘Don’t call me that.’ I snap at him. He sighs and runs his hand through his hair, his thin bracelet jingling with every movement. ‘I had come to actually like it when you called me that because it felt like a term of endearment but those terms are used by friends and I’m not sure you are my friend.’ I say.
‘Minji…’ He says again but stops as he looks away. ‘I’m your friend, you know that.’ He says, barely above a whisper.
‘Do I? Do I really?’ I ask, crossing my arms across my chest. I can hear the sadness in his voice but I’m too angry to stop myself. ‘You sure don’t act like one.’ I add.
‘This is because of what happened yesterday, isn’t it? I don’t blame you if you blame me and if you hate me…’ He begins but I shake my head.
‘I don’t hate you Byung and I blamed myself but never you but you can’t call yourself my friend when you ran away when I needed you to be there.’ I say. ‘You ran off when you and I both know it is your father’s doing.’ I say.
‘What did you want me to do? Apologize on his behalf? I will – I am really sorry he did this.’ He says, taking a step closer, enclosing the space between us.
‘No!’ I scream at him as I shake my head and take a step back. ‘No, I didn’t want you to apologize for something you are not responsible for. I just wanted you to be there, to show me you’re different than your father. My friend got hurt, my place thrashed just because I was your friend and because I stood up for you. I never expected anything in return, I just wanted your support.’ I say.
‘Do you think I don’t know that? I do which is why I couldn’t bear to look at you. I felt ashamed and I was angry – angry at my father and angry at myself. I had a feeling he was up to something, but I never thought it could get this far. I did nothing to stop it so I took off running to go and look my father in the eye but then I came to understand that he is too powerful for you and me. We can’t do anything to stop him and I felt even more ashamed that I got you into this mess without a way out.’ He replies.
‘Byung, I would do it all over again if you had just stayed. I needed you to stay but instead you took off and ignored my texts and calls all day long. You couldn’t even bother to text me and ask how I was doing after what happened.’ I say.
‘I wanted to. I can’t tell you how many times I wrote the texts and deleted them. I told you, I couldn’t even bear to look at you because of the guilt I was feeling.’ He says.
‘I don’t need your guilt or your pity, all I needed was your support. God, I don’t even know why I was looking for you today. I don’t know why I got so worried when you didn’t show up. I thought your father might have done something to you.’ I say.
‘Minji, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to support you and that I left. I wish I could have done things differently. I didn’t realize you would take it this way.’ He says.
‘How do you think I would take it huh? Do you know who was there to support me? Yun who has always been there because that’s what friends do. Do you know who else? Jungkook and Jimin and Yoongi. Do you know who else was there when I had my panic attack and collapsed?’ I say just as his eyes go wide.
‘What? What do you mean you collapsed?’ He asks, stopping mid-rant as he grabs my arm. I can’t help myself but scoff while I pull my arm away from him.
‘No, no you don’t get to ask me now.’ I say. ‘I wanted to be your friend, I wanted to be there for you but I’m not so sure now.’ I say.
‘Maybe it’s for the better if we don’t hang around each other.’ He says and I sigh, knowing why he is really saying this. He thinks that if we don’t hang around, his father would leave me alone but it’s not that easy. ‘I wish you nothing but happiness and health and I want you to be safe.’ He says as he begins to walk away.
‘Byung wait.’ I yell out. He stops but he doesn’t turn around but I still continue. ‘I’m so angry at you Byung, *ed off really but I don’t want us to become strangers.’ I say, my voice trembling a bit. I’m not even sure why it is doing so. Is it out of anger or is it out of sadness? He doesn’t say anything and he just walks away. As he does, I feel tears rolling down my cheeks. Aish – when I did become such a crybaby? I hate the fact that I am crying right now.
Yun and I both finish our lectures so we meet up at gateway to go and catch the bus home. ‘Are you okay? You look preoccupied.’ She says as we walk next to each other.
‘I confronted Byung about leaving last time. He said he felt ashamed. We ended up fighting and he walked away, saying it’s better if we don’t hang around each other.’ I say and she sighs.
‘You do realize why he said that, right?’ She asks and I nod. ‘He thinks being away from you will make his father leave you alone.’ She says.
‘Maybe he’s right Yun. Maybe it isn’t worth it.’ I say.
‘I don’t know Minji – you were never someone who gave up on others but maybe some time and space will do you good. Gives you a chance to wrap your mind around it and think about your next move.’ She says. Before we can continue talking, we hear a car honking and we both look up. I smile as I recognize Jungkook’s car.
‘Kooks is here.’ I say excitedly, momentarily forgetting my problems. We hurry to his car and I wave happily. ‘Hey Kooks.’ I say.
‘Come on, get in.’ He says and we nod. I get into the front, next to him while Yun gets into the back. ‘The boys, Yoona and I have a surprise for you and don’t worry about work. I called your boss and you have tonight off.’ He says.
‘Really? Awesome.’ Yun says just as happily. ‘How was your day?’ She asks.
‘Quite good. We were working on a surprise we have for you.’ Jungkook says. I look at Yun who shrugs.
‘We love surprises.’ I say laughing. ‘Can I switch on the radio?’ I ask and Jungkook nods. I switch it on and smile as Marry the night by Lady Gaga starts playing. Yun and I look at each other as we both start laughing. ‘Yah we used this sing this so much!’ I say as we both start singing like there is no tomorrow. I hear Jungkook laughing as he tries to focus on the driving.
‘I'm gonna marry the night… I'm not gonna cry anymore… I'm gonna marry the night… Leave nothin' on these streets to explore.’ I shout and sing at the same time. Right now, it’s not even about hitting the right notes but rather a way to let it all out. ‘Come on ruuuuuuuuun… Turn the car on and ruuuuun.’ Yun and I both sing together. I see Yun dancing on the backseat as she lets lose as well.
We arrive home and we walk up the stairs with Jungkook. I realize the door has been fixed and Jungkook gives dangles a new set of keys. I look at him confused before I take my set and open the door. ‘SURPRISE!!’ Everyone yells. Yun and I both let out a bit of a squeal and then we both smile.
‘Oh my God. You fixed our apartment?’ I ask, turning to Jungkook who nods. I realize everything is neat and organized. I also see the new furniture along with a new painting.
‘Wow the painting is beautiful!’ Yun exclaims.
‘I thought you might like it.’ Yoongi murmurs and I smile as Yun blushes at what he said. He’s right though – it’s perfect for Yun. It’s based on silhouette art – it shows a girl in the middle of a street, playing the piano as the rain falls. There are the houses on each side and the moon in the middle. Yun loves art and music a lot so it’s the perfect combination for it.
‘I’m really speechless. Thank you everyone. We really do appreciate it.’ I say as I look at Jungkook.
‘It was Namjoon hyung’s idea.’ He says as Namjoon smiles and looks away for a moment. ‘But that’s not all. We have another surprise for you.’ He adds. I look at him confused and I hear Jimin chuckling, probably at the expression on my face.
‘Another surprise?’ I ask and Jungkook nods.
‘We talked with Bang and your boss and they both agreed that you should have something to make you relax so the boss agreed you’ll have the weekend off and Bang is giving us the weekend off so we can spend it together.’ Jungkook explains.
‘That’s awesome.’ I say happily.
‘That’s not all. Bang has a villa which he uses every now and then and he gave us the keys to spend the weekend there. So, pack your bags because we’re going there.’ Jungkook says. Yun and I both look at each other with wide eyes and I nod excitedly.
‘This is officially the best surprise I’ve ever gotten.’ I say, making them laugh.
Rei
I arrive home after a day of lectures and after meeting with Mark to go and eat something just the two of us. I feel exhausted but also happy. Things have been going great this scholastic year – made new friends, I’m doing well in school and my relationship with Mark is going well as well.
I take off my shoes and replace them with my home slippers as I walk inside to the kitchen where I find Eomma and Appa around the table. Eomma is sobbing and Appa has his head in his hands and I feel my stomach drop.
‘What’s wrong? What’s going on?’ I ask as I sit down next to them. I take Eomma’s hand in mine and squeeze it but for some reason she cries even more.
‘It’s your brother Rei.’ Appa begins. My heart stops for a moment.
‘My brother? What do you mean? What’s wrong? Appa tell me!!’ I scream at the top of my lungs, fear taking over.
‘His leukemia is back Rei.’ He says. I let go of my mother’s hand as I begin to shake my head. I can’t help myself but let the tears flow uncontrollably. My brother, Dae-won is only sixteen, six years younger than I am. When he was a kid, he had gone through this already. It took two years of chemotherapy to get him back to health. He had lost his hair and was weak and there were days we thought we would lose him but he got better.
I was always so scared it would come back but it seemed to have had gone away. I forgot about it but now it’s back. I remember how difficult it was and I’m not sure how to go through that again. I stand up and go to Dae-won’s room. I don’t bother to knock and just open the door. He looks up at me and removes his headphones.
‘I guess you know, right noona?’ He asks, his voice sounding broken although he tries to smile. I run to his bed and fall on my knees as I start to cry. ‘Noona, don’t cry. I hate seeing you cry.’ He says as he hugs me but I just sob louder. He lifts my head up and wipes my tears. ‘Please stop crying.’ He says and I try to stop. I sniff and wipe my face using my sleeves.
‘Dongsaeng, I promise I will be there for you. I promise I will do absolutely anything, anything to see you get better.’ I say and he smiles.
‘I know noona.’ He says. ‘Can you watch a movie with me tonight?’ He asks and I nod. He moves, making some space on the bed for me to get in. We go on Netflix and I let him choose the film we’ll watch. We end up watching The Villainess as we snuggle closer together. Eventually, he falls asleep in my arms just like when we were kids. I look at him, wishing I could turn back time.