Minji
It’s the 23rd of December which means University is closing up for two weeks for the Christmas holidays and everyone is going home to visit their families. It feels weird to say goodbye to the boys as Yun and I go back home to Incheon.
‘Is it weird that I really miss them when we just spent last night with them and saw them this morning?’ I ask as I play with the phone in my hands.
‘I know right. I often find myself wondering how it was before and I can’t even remember.’ She says smiling.
‘So many things have happened in such short time.’ I say as I recall the major events that happened in the past two-three months – I was almost run over by a car, we met BTS without knowing why, I found out that Jungkook is my brother, our place got thrashed, the weekend getaway and then Jimin and I getting into a relationship. ‘I still can’t believe Jimin and I are together now.’ I say with a smile as I bite my lower lip.
‘I can. You have no clue how cute you look together. I’m surprised the media hasn’t gotten to know yet.’ She says with a sigh.
‘We try to be careful, especially when we’re on dates just the two of us. If the whole group is there, we can always explain it as me being Kooks’ sister but if it’s just me and him, it’s more difficult but we still manage to go out and have fun. Last time we went to volunteer at the animal shelter and we both had so much fun.’ I say.
‘I know. You didn’t shut up about it for five hours.’ She reminds me causing both of us to laugh.
‘What about you and Yoongi? How long are you going to drag it out before you tell him you like him?’ I ask and she shrugs.
‘I don’t know Min. I mean I like him, I really do like him but you know how this is going to play out. Eventually, he’ll need to be away for months on end and that means doing the long-distance thing and I’m not sure if I can go through that again.’ She says.
‘I understand but Yoongi isn’t Jae. You know that he gives his all in everything he does so if he does get into a relationship with you, he won’t let go so easily.’ I say.
‘Maybe but there’s another thing Min. I don’t know how he feels about me. I mean sure, we’re pretty close and we enjoy each other’s company and sometimes flirt with each other but I don’t know if he likes me the way I like him.’ She says with a pout.
‘He’d be crazy not to but trust me, I think he does. I just think he’s very shy and reserved so you’ve got to make it clear to him that you like him.’ I say giving her two thumbs up and a big smile that makes her laugh.
While on the train, Yun puts on her headphones and closes her eyes and I grab my phone to text Jimin.
Minji: Hey jagi! How’s your trip going? 😜
Jiminie: Well your brother is busy playing video games 😔 😔 You?
Minji: Not much better. 😅 😅 Yun might have be sleeping on me haha
Minji: She hasn’t moved for the past five minutes. 😓
Jiminie: So you decided to text me instead 😆 😆
Minji: Yep I’m bored
Jiminie: So not because you miss me!! I’m offended! 😞
Minji: Of course I miss you!! 🤗 🤗 🤗 🤗
Jiminie: Really? How much?? 😉 😍
Minji: I miss you by the thousand!! 💓💓
Jiminie: I miss you as much as there are stars in the sky 💓
Minji: Awhh Oppa!! You’re so cute 😍 😍 … my adorable Chim Chim
Jiminie: Stop it… you’re making me laugh and people are staring at me!!
Minji: Lucky them!! They get to stare at your handsome face 😍 😍
Jiminie: You seriously don’t know when to stop 😆 😆
Minji: You’re the one who started it!
Jiminie: I’m going to punish you when I see you! 😉
Minji: Oh oh should I be scared? 😱 😱
Jiminie: You should be! 😈 😈
Minji: Are you sure? I mean I could take you on whenever I want!
Jiminie: Are you threatening me princess? 😈
Minji: Maybe 😉 😘
Minji: I wish we could spend our first Christmas together. 🎅 🎅
Jiminie: I wish that too but we both have been away from our families.
Minji: I know and we’ll have plenty of time to spend together. 😍
Jiminie: You definitely got that right – as soon as we’re back we’ll go on a special new year date 😍
Minji: I'd love that 💓💓
Minji: I’ve got to go. We’re almost here.
Jiminie: Okay… take care and stay safe and stay out of trouble. 💓 💓
Minji: I will… Call me if you have time xxx 💓 💓
Jiminie: I will xxx 💓 💓
I put my phone away and shake Yun up. She wakes with a jolt and she looks outside. She stretches and I see that she was listening to ‘August D’ and I smile. The two of us grab our bags and get down at the station where we see our respective parents there. We break into a run as we go to hug them.
‘Hello Eomma, hello Appa.’ I say as they both embrace me. ‘I’ve missed you a lot.’ I say.
‘We missed you too sweetie. Here, let me take your bag.’ He says and I nod as interlink my arm with that of Eomma.
‘We figured you and Yun might be hungry so we’re all going to go eat together.’ Eomma says.
‘Sounds like a plan.’ I say with a bright smile. We walk together towards the van that belongs to Yun’s father and we all scramble in.
‘So, when are you going to bring your boyfriend and brother home for us to meet?’ Eomma says. My eyes go wide and I look over at Yun.
‘Don’t look at me. I didn’t say anything.’ She says and I hear Appa laughing.
‘I did. I mean last time when I saw you after you helped out Mr. Oh’s son, you mentioned Jimin and I figured it would be a matter of time before you got together with him so I baited your mother knowing she'd ask you about it.’ He says.
‘Yah! So you lied to me.’ Eomma says as she hits Appa in the arm.
‘Technically I did not because it’s the truth. I just made an educated guess.’ He says with a shrug. I see Yun and her parents laugh and I shake my head.
‘Yes, I’m dating Jimin and you’ll get to meet him eventually and Jungkook too.’ I say. ‘They really want to meet you.’ I add and I see my Eomma smiling at that.
We finish lunch and then we go home while Yun goes home with her own parents. We’re sitting in the living room, drinking some wine and sitting in front of the fireplace and talking about school and the boys.
‘Mentioning Jungkook, I imagine he went to visit his parents, well, I guess your parents rather.’ Eomma says.
‘Eomma they are my biological parents but you’ll always be my number one.’ I say.
‘We know that sweetie but your mother and I have been thinking a lot and talking a lot about it. You’ve known for weeks now, why haven’t you visited them?’ Appa asks.
‘I don’t know. I guess I’m too scared to face them.’ I say with a shrug. Too scared that I’ll disappoint them – too scared that this is not what they have imagined as their daughter – too scared of being rejected.
‘We know. I can imagine all the emotions you’re having and the conflict but remember that they didn’t abandon you because they didn’t want you. They had no other choice.’ Eomma says.
‘I know that Eomma but for years they have known about me. They probably have their own image of me – how they expect me to be so what happens if I don’t meet those expectations?’ I ask.
‘Sweetie, they’re your parents. Maybe you don’t understand this now because you aren’t one yet, but as a parent, you’ll love your children no matter how they look or are in character. Trust me, they love you because your are their daughter and that won’t change.’ Appa says.
‘Minji, we’ve been waiting for you to arrive home and spend some time with us but we’ve been talking and your father and I agree. We have spent every Christmas together for as long as you have been with us while they have spent countless Christmases without you, probably wondering about you. We think you should go and spend it with them.’ Eomma says.
‘Eomma!’ I say as I look at them and sigh. ‘I don’t know. I don’t know if I’m ready.’ I say as I grip my wine glass tighter.
‘The decision is yours sweetie. We won’t make it for you, we’re just letting you know what we think and that we’re okay if you decide to spend it with them. In the future, we can bring the families and spend it all together.’ He says.
‘I need to think about it.’ I say and he nods. ‘I’m going for a walk and think a bit.’ I say and he nods once more.
‘Take your jacket with you. It’s quite chilly.’ She says. I stand up and they do too. Eomma approaches me and touches my cheek. ‘You’re so precious and it’s okay to be scared. It doesn’t make you weak.’ She says and I smile as I kiss her cheek. I grab my jacket, phone and keys and begin to walk towards the door just as Appa comes with a muffler and beanie.
‘Better take these as well. Like Eomma said, it’s chilly.’ He says. I kiss his cheek and take them and put them on.
I find myself walking towards the old treehouse. I look at it and sigh – it’s been abandoned for years now … around five years to be more exact. After Minho’s death, I never came back here. I don’t know if Yun has ever come but I doubt it. I start climbing up and go inside. There are a bunch of leaves and branches and a lot of dust.
I look at the picture frame which is on the floor with the glass broken. ‘It must have gotten windy and it fell.’ I say to myself as I grab it. I dust off the broken glass onto the floor and pull out the photo. It’s a photo of me, Yun and Minho and I smile. ‘Aish what should I do?’ I ask as I fold the photo and put it in the pocket of my jeans. I sit down on the floor and lay down even though it is dirty. I stare at the ceiling as I expect the answer to fall from there.
Come on Minji. Why are you so afraid? – I think to myself. I hear the wind rustling and the window opens, causing the wind to get in. Leaves fly in and I see a couple of paper moving about because of the wind. I smile as I bend down to pick them up. They’re drawings that the three of us used to draw when we were kids. We had put them on a shelf but they must have fallen.
I go through them and smile as I see one of Yun which is easily identifiable. She was always a skilled artist who could draw much better than Minho and I combined together. It’s a picture of a red and pink rose and the detail in it is incredible. I look at one by Minho which shows him in a black suit and me and Yun in what are supposed to be wedding dresses. I look over at one of mine and I sigh.
It shows me in the middle next to ‘J’ who is my brother. We're wearing matching sweaters with our initials on them. On one side are my parents – my Eomma wearing her hospital lab coat and Appa in a suit. On the other side are two other people – my other parents. They’re wearing ordinary clothes but we’re all holding hands. The wind rustles again and I smile.
‘Okay, okay I got it. I’m going.’ I say with a smile as I take the drawings with me and begin to head back home, having made my decision.
Chi-Won
It’s two days before Christmas and Boss has decided to call me in. We’ve been having some meetings, mostly to report to him what is going on with Baekhyun but nothing has moved forward, yet. I think things are about to start moving which means I can show my loyalty to Boss. I clear my throat as I knock on the door.
‘Come in.’ Boss’ loud, booming voice says. I turn the knob and push open the door to see Boss with three other men. They’re all around the same age as Boss and wearing expensive suits. One of them is familiar because he’s often here and rumours have it, he’s Boss’ business partner or something. ‘Ah Chi-Won, you’re finally here. Come on in and have a seat. Let me introduce you to Mr. Park, Mr. Chui and Mr. Oh.’ He says as he points at each one.
‘A pleasure to meet you.’ I say as I bow down low.
‘This is Chi-Won. He’s one of my new trainees and he’s really looking forward to prove his loyalty to me and climb up the ladder, aren't you?’ Boss asks with a smirk and I give a slight nod. ‘I have a new mission for you Chi-Won. See Mr. Oh over there – around three weeks ago, four chumps decided to beat up his son. They were arrested but have been released today thanks to their daddies. The leader is Jang Man-Seok. I want you to choose two of my men and give him a proper beating. Cripple him if need be.’ He says.
‘Will do. I won’t let you down sir.’ I say as I smile, grateful for the opportunity to prove myself.
‘Don’t kill him.’ Mr. Oh warns us and I nod. I see Boss roll his eyes and sigh.
‘Ah Oh, Oh, Oh. When will you learn? I don’t understand this need for you to not eliminate those who are a problem. This boy is scum and we’ll do the world a favor by getting rid of him.’ Boss says.
‘I am aware of that but I do not believe killing achieves anything. I’d rather have him beat up and live the rest of his life in fear that should he approach my son again, he’ll get another beating.’ Mr. Oh says. I’ve got to say – the old man knows what he is talking about. Killing people complicates things - you have to explain their disappearance and make sure there is no evidence but having them live in fear - that's a different game - they do the work for you. In my opinion the risks are about the same.
‘Whatever floats your boat Oh. You heard him, don’t kill him. Consider this my Christmas present to you Oh.’ Boss says laughing. ‘Oh Chi-Won, where are we with Baekhyun?’ He asks, turning back to me.
‘He’s still gullible as ever sir. He’s determined not to ever set foot in a Casino again and play.’ I say.
‘Hmm well that’s too bad. It’s time to begin phase two. As soon as you finish with Jang Man-Seok, go to him and take him to the Scorpion bar. Get him to play a game or two but do not lose too much money. We need him to feel safe and that he can trust you and his own self.’ He says.
‘Consider it done.’ I say. 'Is there anything else you require sir?' I ask.
'No, you may leave.' He says as he waves me off. I bow down low and I leave the room. I go to where I know his men are. They all know me by now so when I motion for two of them to follow me, they don't ask questions.
'We need to find Jang Man-Seok.' I say as I take out my phone and search him up. The * has a public profile and he is quick to celebrate his release. He's at some club and I smirk. 'Let's go.' I say to the others as we reach their car. We get in and while one of them drives, the other one turns to me.
'So you're Mr. Lee's new lackey?' He asks and I look at him but don't say anything. 'Don't get in over your head boy. The only reason he is training you is because he got rid of the one before you. You're like a young pup - easy to train and will listen to the Master.' He says and I scoff.
We reach the club and go inside. We're quick to locate him - he's busily drinking and having fun. He's surrounded by his friends and girls who drool over him. Pathetic if you ask me. We sit across, away from them but close enough to see what is happening and keep our eyes on them. We wait until Man-Seok goes to the loo. We follow behind him as we put on our caps and masks. We walk into the loo and we find him and another man there. The stranger looks at us and I motion him to leave. He listens as he hurries out and we lock the door.
This seems to attract Man-Seok's attention as he looks at us. 'What is this? What do you want?' He asks. I look at him and sigh - he is truly a rich man's boy with his expensive jacket, gold chain around his neck and a look of pure fear on his face.
'This is a message from the boss - stay away from Mr. Oh and his son.' I say as the other two go to grab him. I smile as I punch him across the face. I feel the adrenaline rush through my body as I hit him again and again and again. He drops to the floor and I start to kick him, enjoying every second of it. I motion the other two to have a go at him before I finally raise my hand. 'Enough - boss doesn't want him dead.' I say as they back away.
I kneel down next to him - he's still conscious but he's swimming in his own sweat, blood and well pee. 'Doesn't feel good to be ganged upon, does it?' I say as I shake my head. I take out my phone and take a couple of photos which I send to the boss. 'I hope you learned your lesson.' I say as I pat him on the head. He groans in pain as blood drops from his mouth. We begin to leave and as I reach the car I take a handkerchief and wipe the blood off of my fingers. I take out my phone and find Baekhyun's number.
Chi-Won: Hey hyung, want to go out tonight? I'm really bored and we're not working tomorrow so we can stay out.
Baekhyun: I promised Eomma I'll help with some house chores. Maybe next time.
Chi-Won: Ohh come on!! PLEASE!!!
Baekhyun: Fine, fine where do you want to meet?
Chi-Won: Awesome. I know this great bar. Meet me by cinema.
Baekhyun: Okay see you.
I put my phone away and smile happily. Tonight is the night that changes my life forever.
Jimin
It's the day before Christmas and everyone is excited. I'm with my family and Jungkook is with his but I know he wishes he could be spending Christmas with his whole family. He didn't want to pressure her in case she is not ready which is understandable. I hear a knock on the door and I look up as my younger brother walks in. 'Hey hyung, want to go for a walk with me?' He asks and I nod.
I grab my jacket and look at him. 'Where's your jacket?' I ask and he shrugs. 'Go get your jacket first.' I say, or more like order.
'Jeez you nag worse than Eomma.' He says as he rolls his eyes. I let out a deep sigh as I grab my phone and walk out of the room. I wait for him by the front door as I look at the sky. I think it's going to actually snow today. My brother finally comes out and we start walking. 'Where do you want to go?' He asks.
'Anywhere. I just... never mind.' He says as he rubs the back of his neck - a habit he has for when he is nervous or shy.
'You can say it. You want to spend some time with me.' I say as I ruffle his hair.
'Yah! Not if you're going to be annoying.' He replies as he swats my hand away. I just laugh as we continue to walk. We take a right, going towards the beach. We've always loved going for walks there. We walk for a good twenty minutes before we stop and look at the stones in front of us. We both bend down to pick up pebbles as we throw them. 'Whoa that one was cool.' He says and I laugh.
'You've gotten better too. How is school going for you?' I ask as I throw another pebble. It bounces four times before it disappears.
'It's going well. How about you? How are rehearsals going for the comeback?' He asks.
'They're going well. Yoona is working us as hard as ever. We have very different choreographies this time. We have one which is very fun and simple and nice and another one which is very intense.' I say before I feel my phone vibrate. I smile as I see the caller ID. 'Hey Minji. Did you miss me already?' I ask. I see my brother look at me with one eyebrow raised. I put a finger to my mouth, telling him to be quiet.
'Hey Chim, yes, I do miss you but that's not the reason I'm calling. I kind of need your help.' She says, sounding uncertain and slightly nervous.
'Help? What do you mean? Are you in trouble? Are you okay?' I ask, my heartbeat accelerating at a speed I didn't know was possible. I see my brother looking at me confused.
'No, no nothing like that Chim. I'm on my way to Busan and I've been travelling for two hours. I should be there in around thirty minutes but I've never been to Busan before.' She says and I sigh in relief. 'I'm coming to meet my parents but I also want to surprise Jungkook, that's why I didn't call him but if you're busy don't worry. Just give me the address and I'll flag down a taxi.' She says.
'Nonsense. I'll meet you at the station and come with you. My little brother is with me.' I warn her.
'That's okay. Does he, um, well know about us? So I’ll know how to behave.’ She says as she chuckles a bit which makes me chuckle as well. I look over at my brother who is scratching his hair, looking even more confused.
‘He’ll know soon enough. I’ll see you soon.’ I say before she hangs up. I turn to my brother who crosses his arm across his chest.
‘Want to tell me what all that was about? You went from panic mode to giggling like a teenager in a matter of ten seconds.’ He says frowning. He hates being out of the loop.
‘I need to go to the station to meet someone. Come on, let’s go.’ I say as I begin to walk away with him follow behind me. ‘Can you keep a secret?’ I ask.
‘Is that even a question you should ask your brother?’ He asks, annoyed which forces me to smile a little more.
‘We’re going to go and meet my girlfriend.’ I say, trying to maintain my coolness.
‘Girlfriend?’ He asks, rather loudly. ‘Since when did you have a girlfriend?’ He asks.
‘Around three weeks ago.’ I reply, keeping my answer vague to see what the next question is going to be. I look at him and see him still trying to register what I just told him.
‘And she’s coming all the way here to spend Christmas with you instead of her family?’ He asks.
‘As romantic as that sounds, no, she’s not coming here for me.’ I say. He groans, getting even more confused and frustrated. ‘Do you remember when I told you Jungkook’s twin story?’ I ask and he nods. ‘She’s his sister. She’s coming to meet her biological parents.’ I say.
‘Ah that makes much more sense. I feel sorry for her if she has to put up with both you and Jungkook.’ He says.
‘Yah! Have you forgotten your manners or something?’ I ask and he just chuckles.
‘Do Eomma and Appa know?’ He asks and I shake my head. ‘Are you planning on telling them?’ He asks.
‘I will. I’m just not sure when. I think meeting one set of parents is enough for her for now. She doesn’t need to meet mine just yet.’ I say.
‘Waa if you’re already thinking about that, even if it’s in the future, you must be really serious about her.’ He says and I nod. ‘Does that mean my hyung is finally a man?’ He teases and I roll my eyes.
‘I’m thinking of not taking you with me at all if you keep this up.’ I grumble as we reach the bus station but he pretends to zip up his mouth and I roll my eyes.
We arrive at the station and I look around when I finally spot her looking around. ‘Minji.’ I call out. She turns to look at me and smiles brightly as I jog next to her. I embrace her in a tight hug that last for a few seconds before we finally let go. ‘Minji, meet my brother JiHyun. JiHyun, meet Minji.’ I say as the two bow to each other. ‘Are you ready to go?’ I ask her and she nods. She goes to grab her luggage but I take it from her.
We reach the bus station and get on the bus. The bus ride is silent and I see how nervous she is as she fidgets with her fingers. ‘It’s going to be okay jagi.’ I say and she nods but I can see that she is still anxious. I take her hand in mine and squeeze it.
We finally arrive at Jungkook’s house. My brother waits at the side while I walk with her to the door and she goes to ring the doorbell but her fingers are trembling before she pulls away and looks at me. ‘I don’t know if I can do this Jimin.’ She says.
‘Yes, you can. I know you’re scared jagi but it’s going to be okay. I promise.’ I say. She takes a deep breath and nods as she rings the doorbell twice. The door opens after a few seconds and I see a stunned Jungkook.
‘Minji – you came.’ He says before he breaks into a big smile and hugs her.