Minji
I wake up to something heavy slamming on my face. ‘OW.’ I grumble as I open one eye. I’m still slightly dazed as I find myself with an arm on my face and a leg on mine. What the hell!!! I look over and see Jungkook and I instantly relax.
I remember that I’m in Busan, not Incheon, I’m in Jungkook’s home, not my parents’ house and I am sharing a bed with my brother but damn – he takes up most of the space which is understandable, considering he’s quite larger than me but he sleeps really funnily. He’s also snoring a bit which makes it even funnier.
I cover my mouth, trying not to giggle as I reach for the nightstand. There, is my phone and a marker which isn’t even permanent. It’s evil I know but what better way to spend the first Christmas together. I scroll open the pen and start to draw on his face – I do a dot on his nose and he groans a bit. I draw lines on his cheeks and make it look like he has cat whispers. I do some “freckles” on his cheeks and then draw around his eyebrows. I can barely hold my giggles as I take my phone and snap a photo.
‘What are you doing?’ He asks in a deep, sleepy voice as he groans while he sits up. He yawns as he stretches and I roll my eyes. ‘Did you sleep well?’ He asks as he looks at me.
‘Yes, I did until you decided my face was a punching bag.’ I say and he looks at me confused.
‘What are you talking about?’ He asks and I roll my eyes. ‘Did I hit you?’ He asks, innocently but I can’t get over his face right now. He looks stupid but cute too.
‘Yeah and you were snoring.’ I add as I cross my arms across my chest. He frowns and rubs his neck.
‘Sorry about that. I’m not used to sharing my bed with anyone. I thought it would be better than one of us sleeping on the couch.’ He says.
‘Don’t worry about it. Besides, I had my revenge.’ I say. He blinks his eyes and then I show him the marker in my hand. His eyes go wide as he jumps out of bed and runs to the mirror on his wardrobe. He gasps loudly.
‘Tell me it’s not permanent!!’ He yells as he looks at me with a horrified look. I shrug and he groans as he walks into the bathroom which is adjoining t the bedroom. He doesn’t bother to close the door. ‘You’re worse than the boys.’ He yells as he opens the tap.
‘Stop making a fuss. It’s just something sisters do.’ I say. He walks out from the bathroom as he gives me an evil look. ‘What?’ I ask as he crosses his arms across his chest.
‘What sisters do huh?’ He asks as he smirks as if to challenge. I know he’s not mad at me but the look on his face still scares me a bit. ‘Well, this is what brothers do.’ He says as he suddenly begins to run to the bed.
‘Ahh!!’ I scream just as I stand up and jump over him just as he reaches the bed. I laugh as I grab a pillow and throw it in his face before I begin to run. I throw the door open and begin to run down the stairs with him chasing behind me. I run into the kitchen to find our parents staring at me just as Jungkook arrives.
‘I’m going to get you, you gremlin.’ He says, almost growls as he continues to smirk evilly. There’s only the dinning table separating us now.
‘What’s going on between you two?’ Our mother asks and Jungkook looks at her. ‘And what do you have on your face?’ She asks, giving him a confused look.
‘She drew on my face because I accidentally hit her face when I was sleeping.’ He whines which makes me laugh even more.
‘Aish!’ Our father comments as he shakes his head. He goes to run to the corner and I gulp as I break into a run but he catches me as he wraps his arm around my back. He lifts me up over his shoulder in one swift movement and begins to walk away with me.
‘Let me go Kooks!’ I yell as I playfully punch him. I try to wriggle free out of his grasp but he doesn’t let go. Why does he have to be so damned strong!! He suddenly throws me on the couch and begins to tickle me. ‘Noooo.’ I say as I burst into a fit of laughter and giggles. I move around, trying get free of his grasp when I accidentally hit him a little too hard on the nose.
He reels backwards, his hand on his nose, his eyes squeezed. ‘Ow. I forgot how hard you hit.’ He mumbles.
‘Oh my God. I’m so, so, sorry Kooks.’ I say as I stand up beside him. I bite my lower lip as I remove his hand from his nose gingerly. He has a little bit of blood but it’s not excessive. ‘I’m so sorry.’ I say.
‘It’s okay.’ He says as he opens his eyes. ‘Really, I’m fine Minmin.’ He says but I keep looking at him. I grab a tissue from the tissue box on the coffee table and pinch his nose. ‘What are you doing?’ He asks smiling.
‘Fixing my mess.’ I say but he just laughs more. ‘I’m very ticklish and I lose control of myself when someone tickles me. I didn’t mean to hit you.’ I say guiltily.
‘Well that’s normal honey. My brother and I used to hit each other a lot too.’ Our father says as he walks into the living room. ‘He’s older than me but I always managed to win anyways.’ He says.
‘That’s because he probably let you.’ Our mother says from the kitchen. Our father rolls his eyes and motions us to follow him to the kitchen.
‘We’ll be right there.’ Jungkook says and he nods as he leaves. He then looks at me. He gently removes my hand from his nose. ‘I forgive you for hitting me but it’s not over. I’ll get you and oh Minji… Merry Christmas.’ He says with a wink as he takes my hand and drags me behind him.
We finish eating breakfast and Jungkook and I offer to do the dishes but we end up throwing water at each other and turning the kitchen into a disaster. Even if we had to clean up after, neither one of us could stop laughing. It feels so good to be making these memories with him. We may not be kids but it doesn't mean we don't get to do childish things. After that, we went to get a shower to prepare to go out. I put on a red dress which is just a little higher than my knees. I do some light make up and then put on my coat and heels. Even if it’s lunch, it’s Christmas and I have to look decent.
Jungkook, our parents and I decided to go for a walk around to Busan. It had snowed in the night so the air was crisp and the ground soft. We walked around so they could show me some of the childhood places of Jungkook such as the school, the playground and the Taekwondo club. I couldn’t help but feel happy that I got to know the place where he grew up.
We eventually stop to go and eat lunch at the restaurant they had booked. As soon as we walked in, I instantly see Jimin. ‘Jimin is here.’ I whisper to Jungkook who looks around and see him. He seems to notice us as well as he quickly stands up and approaches us.
‘We just arrived here. I didn’t know you were coming here too.’ He says. He looks at me and I see him lick his lower lip as he does so. It takes everything in me to not jump on him, hug him and kiss him but his parents and mine are here and we are completely surrounded by people.
‘Do you think we can join tables?’ Jungkook asks and Jimin nods. ‘We’ll be right back. We’re going to ask if we can join tables.’ Jungkook says to our parents who nod. I keep looking at them and I can’t help but smile. For the first time ever, I am spending Christmas with both my brother and my boyfriend. There isn’t anything else I could possibly wish for.
They come back smiling big smiles and I know they have succeeded as I watch some waiters approaching their table. They work quickly as they set up the extra table for us. I end up sitting between Jimin and Jungkook. I see Jimin’s brother who is sitting across Jimin as he smiles and waves. ‘Good to see you again Minji.’ He says and I smile.
‘You too Jihyun.’ I say with a sincere smile. How perfect it is to be sitting here – with my brother and our parents along with Jimin and his own family. I mean, it’s slightly awkward knowing that they’re my boyfriend’s family but I guess it’s quite nice too. We make our order and as we wait for the food, we’re given wine.
‘You look beautiful princess.’ Jimin whispers and I can’t help but look at him and gulp. He’s staring at me with those intense eyes before he starts to smile. Jungkook clears his throat as if to attract our attention and remind us that we’re not alone. I look away and grab the wine glass as I see Jihyun laughing.
‘So, this is your daughter?’ Jimin’s mum asks just as I almost choke on the wine. I look at my mother who nods with a proud smile. ‘She is pretty.’ Jimin’s mother says, making my cheeks flush.
‘Thank you Mrs. Park.’ I say as I bow my head low. We continue to eat lunch together as everyone continues to chat about day to day things and food. For some reason, we end up talking a lot about food.
Eventually, we finish up and while our parents decide to stay for some coffee, Jimin, his brother, Jungkook and I decide to go and have a little fun. Granted, I’m wearing heels in the snow which isn’t the best of ideas but I still manage somehow. We end up in an open area and I see the looks on the boys’ faces.
‘SNOWBALL FIGHT!!’ Jungkook and Jimin scream at the same time. Jihyun and I exchange a look and then shrug. All four of us throw snowballs at each other and I see Jungkook aiming one at me. I manage to duck and it hits Jimin in the face instead. I can’t help but laugh loudly.
‘Ohh really?’ He asks with a mischievous laugh as he bends down and begins to form a bigger ball.
‘Oh no.’ I say as I try to run but it’s so difficult. ‘Kooks! Help me.’ I yell but Jungkook stays there and shakes his head while laughing.
‘Not a chance.’ He yells back and I glare at him but he just shrugs. This is his payback for this morning and I curse under my breath.
‘I’ll help you.’ Jihyun says as he grabs me and puts me on his shoulder and begins to run with me.
‘This is not what I had in mind when I called out for help.’ I say chuckling as we bounce up and down, his feet digging into the snow.
‘It’s the best way to * of my brother so win-win situation.’ He replies chuckling which causes me to laugh even more.
‘Yah!! Put my girlfriend down.’ Jimin yells as he chases after us. ‘If you drop her, I’m going to kill you.’ He yells again. On the other side I see Jungkook laughing really loudly as he bends forward, hand on stomach and just laughing.
Jihyun reaches a car and places me down as we hide there while we form snowballs. ‘Yah! Where did you go?’ Jimin yells. I peek up and throw a snowball at him, hitting him in the chest. He stares at me before he goes to throw one at me. I duck just in time as it misses me. Jihyun stands up and throws one at Jimin. ‘Ohh you’re on.’ Jimin yells.
I go to stand up but he’s ready for me. Jimin throws a snowball which hits me exactly in the forehead. The surprise startles me and I’ll admit, heels might not be my best friends – so I topple backwards and fall onto my butt into the cold snow. ‘Minji.’ Jimin calls out as he runs next to me. Jihyun and Jungkook also look at me. ‘Aish. Did I hurt you too much?’ He asks nervously.
‘I’m fine Chim.’ I reply. ‘I fell because of my heels. If you haven’t noticed, dressing up is not my usual thing.’ I say. I see him looking at me and then at Jungkook who is laughing. Jungkook takes out his phone and quickly snaps a photo of me. ‘Yah! Why are you taking photos of me?’ I ask, my voice raised.
‘I know you took a photo of me with the drawings on my face. Now I took a photo of you on your butt with a great big red spot on your forehead.’ He says with a smirk. I smile, nod as I remove my shoes in one quick move. He stops smiling as he looks at me.
‘You little brat.’ I say as I begin to run after him. He starts to shout while I run barefoot after him – stupid idea actually – especially for someone who is usually smart. ‘YAH!! If you post that photo you’re dead meat.’ I scream after him.
Jungkook may be fast, but I am faster as I manage to reach him and tackle him to the ground. He yelps but laughs at the same time. We roll into the snow as I try to grab his phone. ‘It’s too late. I already sent it to the group.’ He says.
‘Aish!!’ I say as I give up. I roll off of him and lay next to him, both of us panting. ‘Well, whatever, they’ve seen me worse. Want to do snow angels?’ I ask.
‘You’re weird… but a good weird.’ He replies as he nods. The two of us start to move our arms and legs to create the pattern. Jimin and Jihyun reach us and look at us.
‘Are they always like this?’ Jihyun asks his older brother.
‘I think the lovey-dovey part of getting to know each other is over and now their true colours as siblings will show.’ Jimin replies. 'That means who is he most competitive and who can pull the most pranks.' He adds.
‘Yah hyung! Stop chatting and come join us.’ Jungkook yells. I look at Jimin who smirks and pushes Jihyun to the ground before he lays down next to me. He reaches for my hand as we move them together, making our angels seemingly holding hands too.
We get up after a few minutes and Jungkook takes a photo of the four snow angels. I start to shiver as my legs begin to get cold. ‘Are you cold?’ Jungkook asks and Jimin takes my hand.
‘Her hands are freezing!!’ Jimin exclaims and I roll my eyes. Jimin begins to rub my hands with his to warm them up. I'm someone who feels cold really quickly, possibly more than other people. I love the cold weather but my body can't handle it well.
‘Of course they are. She’s barefoot in the snow and she was just making snow angels.’ Jihyun says as he points to my feet as if it is the most obvious thing – it is.
‘Who in the hell stays barefoot in the snow?’ Jungkook asks shaking his head in disbelief as he looks at me.
‘Yah! I’m only barefoot because I was chasing after you. I can’t really chase after you with heels.’ I retort back.
‘Who told you to wear heels?’ He asks back.
‘Yah! Stop it you two. It’s Christmas. Let’s go find your shoes.’ Jimin says as he comes in front of me.
‘What are you doing?’ I ask as I stare at him.
‘Get on my back so you can get out of the snow.’ He orders but I shake my head as I look at Jungkook who shrugs. ‘Come on, I’m won’t tell you again Minji.’ He says.
‘Fine.’ I say as I climb onto his back. I realize that although he’s the shortest in boys’ group, he’s still pretty tall and pretty strong. My feet dangle at his sides while my hands wrap around his neck gently. ‘You’re the best jagi.’ I say as I kiss his cheek and I see him smile.
‘Are you saying that just because I am carrying you?’ He asks and I shake my head. ‘Really?’ He asks and I giggle.
‘Really. You’re the best boyfriend in the whole wide world, even if you hit me with a snowball.’ I tease and he chuckles.
After a few minutes, we manage to find my shoes and while I am still on Jimin’s back, Jungkook actually puts them on for me. ‘Jihyun – want to go and hang out a bit and leave the love birds alone?’ He asks and Jihyun nods. I look at Jimin who is smiling from ear to as we wave at them.
‘Are you going to keep me on your back?’ I ask, when I realize he hasn’t put me down.
‘Yep. There’s somewhere I want to take you and this way you can’t say no.’ He says and I smile even more.
‘Who said I was going to say no?’ I ask and he shrugs. ‘I think you just enjoy carrying me so you can hold me closer.’ I tease.
‘Maybe.’ He replies. Good God – I’m like a nutcase who is always giggling when I am with him. I can’t stop myself from smiling or giggling and there’s this warmth and happiness inside my heart whenever I am with him – warmth and happiness that I had not felt in a long time. I keep staring at his handsome face as we walk. How did I get so lucky? I sigh as I realize that this is no longer a crush or simply dating – I am falling for this man. ‘Why the sigh babe?’ He asks as he tilts his head a bit to look at me.
‘I was just thinking of how lucky I am to have you Jimin.’ I say, not telling him just how deeper my feelings have gotten. He stops walking as if my statement caught him off guard.
‘Jagi.’ He whispers. I bring myself closer to him as I nuzzle his cheek with my nose. ‘I feel like I’m the luckiest guy in the world to be able to call you mine.’ He says.
We reach the place after fifteen minutes of walking. It’s not a big place but it looks very homely. ‘This is the local skating ring. I used to come here when I was younger.’ He says as he walks inside the building, still carrying me. We reach inside and he orders our skating shoes and then we walk towards the ring. There are a couple of people skating around.
He finally sets me down as the two of us remove our shoes and coats and put on the skates. ‘Here, hold my hand.’ He says as he offers me his hand. We’re still wearing our masks to cover our faces but the people don’t seem to pay much attention to us. I take his hand and let him lead me outside to the ring.
‘I haven’t been skating in forever.’ I admit as I feel my feet a little wobbly. ‘I remember watching a video of you guys and Joonie was talking and poor Tae fell on his butt.’ I say and he begins to chuckle.
‘Ah yes I remember that.’ He says as we skate slowly, getting used to it. ‘You know, coming to think of it, you know so much about me already. That’s not really fair.’ He teases.
‘Oh come on. It’s fun being a little mysterious.’ I tease back. He suddenly pulls me closer to him so that we’re face to face. His hand is on my waist as he stares at me with those intense eyes which make me gulp.
‘Is that so?’ He asks. I don’t find my voice and just nod. ‘Then I will discover every little bit of you.’ He replies before he smiles again. He pushes me away slightly as he twirls me around but never letting go of me.
‘Ah Aish! I think I forgot my phone inside. Wait for me here.’ He says. I nod as he takes off in a jog. I turn around and take in the scenery around me as I stand outside of the skating building. Christmas has always been one of my favourite times of the year. Everything about it just makes me happy – the cold weather that just makes you snuggle, the lights everywhere that makes everything looks like a fairytale and the romance that seems to always reach a high in Christmas.
‘So you’re Jimin’s new tramp huh?’ A voice asks from behind me. I turn around and see a beautiful woman standing there in what looks like very expensive clothing. Yet, no matter how beautiful she may be, the look she gives me makes her look less so.
‘Excuse me?’ I ask as I look at her. Her face is familiar but I can’t quite place it. She’s tall, taller than me and slimmer. She’s wearing a short black dress that exposes a lot of her cleavage. She’s wearing a long, fur coat which she leaves open… for obvious reasons. Her blonde hair is up in a beautiful style. Around her neck is an expensive looking necklace and dangling from her ears are diamond earrings. Her make-up is really well done, making her eyes look sharp and cutting. Her face looks like it’s been chiseled out of stone, her features really standing out.
‘Are you dumb or deaf?’ She asks as she moves slightly, crossing one arm as she holds a cup of coffee or something in her other hand.
‘Look I don’t know what your problem is but I’m not looking for a fight.’ I say as I begin to walk away.
‘Don’t you dare turn your back on me.’ She says as she grabs my hand and turns me around. I look at her and shake her hand off. ‘You really don’t recognize me?’ She asks with a scoff as if she cannot believe it.
‘No, should I?’ I ask. She may be stunning but she is also annoying and rude and that makes her ugly. She scoffs once more as she takes a step closer.
‘My name is Jiyeon – I’m a model and I’m also Jimin’s ex-girlfriend.’ She says. I don’t know why her words sting, maybe because they caught me off guard. Suddenly, I realize why she looks familiar – I’ve seen her on the cover of magazines and on billboards all over South Korea. Hell, she even made a name for herself in France. ‘I can’t believe he’s dating … you.’ She says, her last word dripping with disgust as she looks me up and down.
‘I can’t believe he used to date you.’ I retort back, trying to hide away the fact that her words actually have an effect on me.
‘You don’t know Jimin sweetie. You’re really not his style at all. He likes his girls sophisticated and talented, tall, slim and beautiful. You’re none of that and you could barely keep yourself upright in there. You’ll only embarrass him.’ She says pointing to the skating building. There goes another jab.
‘If you know him so well, why are you his ex then?’ I ask, trying to keep calm, even though I am boiling on the inside. I don’t want to cause a scene, especially for Jimin’s sake. She’s a famous model and he’s a famous idol and fighting with her can get him into trouble which means I have to endure her, no matter what she says or does.
‘Don’t trouble yourself. I’m the one who dumped him but I can assure you, you two won’t last long. You’re from different worlds and eventually, he’ll get bored of you.’ She says snickering.
‘I’m not some toy that he’s playing with and Jimin isn’t like that.’ I say but she just laughs. ‘You’re the one who lost here. Jimin is an amazing guy – he’s sweet, gentle, caring, loving and funny. He genuinely cares about the people around him – he doesn’t do it for show. You’re just a cold woman who thinks she can bring others down because she’s reached the top. You think that because you’re famous and beautiful and sophisticated and rich, you can trample on everyone else but that makes you really, really ugly.’ I say, keeping my voice calm.
She lets out a chuckle before she suddenly throws her coffee at me. It splashes all over my face and dress and I can’t help but recoil back and gasp. I ball my hand, ready to punch her lights out when I remember who she is. She looks at me, smiling, hoping I’ll hit her but I keep back. I can’t give her what she wants and I can’t give her something to hurt Jimin with.
‘Do you think you can ever compare to me? I wear designer clothes, so does he but what do you wear? You probably bought that on sale. I have men lining up to ask me out just like he has thousands girls drooling over him. The two of us have people adoring us. I can give him anything he wants by just clicking my fingers while you have nothing to give to him. You have nothing to offer him and all you'll be is a burden. You’ll never be his equal because you – you’re a nobody and he deserves better than a nobody.’ She says. It stings hearing her say those words especially because they are the truth. It’s not like I haven’t thought about it before. I hear running footsteps and I look up to see Jimin who suddenly freezes in place.
‘Jiyeon.’ He says as he gulps. I can’t help but feel my lower lip tremble. No, no you can’t cry here – you can’t cry in front of them - I mentally scold myself.