I jog back outside after finding my phone. I can’t believe how much time it took to even find it. I reach outside and see Minji talking to some woman and I begin to jog towards them, an uneasy feeling growing in my stomach. Minji doesn’t know anyone here except her family and mine. She hears me approaching and looks up as I look at the other woman and freeze in place.
‘Jiyeon.’ I say as I gulp. I can’t help myself but stare for a moment, unable to believe my eyes. Jiyeon is here of all the places in the world. She looks as beautiful as I remember her… not that it changes anything. I look over at Minji and notice her face and hair which are dripping with some liquid, even her dress is wet. I see her lips trembling and her eyes brimming with unshed tears. I feel the anger bubbling inside. ‘What did you do to her?’ I ask Jiyeon angrily.
‘Is that any way to greet me baby? And I accidentally spilled my coffee on her.’ She says with a shrug as she wiggles her coffee cup which only angers me more. I know she’s lying about it but I know Minji – why would she let her get away with it? She would have punched her or slapped her… so why didn’t she? ‘As for what I did to her, I told her nothing but the truth. She may not have much going for her but she is smart so she knows I’m not lying.’ Jiyeon says smirking triumphantly. I look at Minji who is fighting hard to not let herself cry in front of us and I can’t help but get even more angry with each passing second. What did she tell her that it upset her this much? Why is she doing this?
‘Maybe I should leave you two to talk.’ Minji says. It’s not her usual cheerful voice – it sounds so broken. I see her gulp as she begins to walk away quickly. I take two big strides and grab her wrist, forcing her to a stop. I turn her around to look at me – by now she has a single tear rolling down her cheek.
‘Minji don’t leave.’ I say in a soft voice, not letting go of her wrist. ‘I have nothing to say to her. I don’t know what she told you but don’t pay attention to her.’ I say. I can hear the panic in my own voice, scared that she might break up with me.
‘Jimin… you don’t get it.’ Minji says, shaking her head as more tears fall down. ‘I want to ignore what she said but I can’t because it is the truth. You and I are from different worlds. I’m nothing but an average girl, with average dreams who’s always getting mixed into trouble. I’ll only cause you embarrassment… I had no right to get involved with you. I’m sorry.’ She says as she finally breaks away from my grip.
‘Minji that’s not true.’ I say. I feel my heart race in my chest as I see her cry. I feel my heart breaking as I see her tears. What the hell did she say to you? ‘Please… don’t.’ I say but she shakes her head as she slips out of her shoes once more and turns around to walk away. ‘Minji!!’ I yell as I go to follow her but Jiyeon grabs my arm.
‘Jimin baby leave her.’ She says as she holds my arm. I stare at her in disbelief and go to look at Minji who has taken off in a run. *! I turn back to Jiyeon who is smirking as I yank my arm from her grip.
‘What the hell is this about Jiyeon? What did you say to her?’ I yell in her face, not caring that she is a woman or that people are looking at us.
‘I told you – I told her the truth. Come on Jimin – be honest, if not with me, with yourself. She’s useless compared to you or me. Are you really going to date that low-life?’ She asks and I glare at her.
‘Jiyeon be careful how you speak about her!’ I warn her. ‘No, she’s not an idol or a famous model, she’s not the richest girl in the world but she is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. She has the prettiest smile and the most wonderful laugh. She’s feisty and kind and brave and she is nothing, nothing like you. You want to call her a low-life? You should look in the mirror, then you’ll see who really is a low-life.’ I snap at her.
‘Awhh are you still mad I dumped you Jiminie?’ She asks, her voice sickly sweet which makes me feel like gagging.
‘No. First of all, don’t call me that. It makes me want to throw up. Secondly, I couldn’t care less about our past Jiyeon. I couldn’t care less about you but I am mad. I mad for the way you treated my girlfriend and I’m warning you – stay away from me and Minji.’ I say.
‘Once the media finds out about you two, they’ll eat her up alive and she won’t do well under pressure. I’m doing you a favor.’ She argues and I scoff.
‘The biggest favor you can do for me is staying the hell away from me Jiyeon. You haven’t changed one bit. You’re still the arrogant, manipulative * you were back then. I can’t believe I actually loved you once.’ I say.
‘But you did and you groveled at my feet and begged me not to leave you. She doesn’t know you – she thinks you’re this kind of prince charming but really, you’re just as much as a loser now as you were back then.’ She says.
‘Then why try to break us up? Why do you care at all?’ I ask angrily.
‘I don’t like anyone touching what is mine.’ She says. ‘Don’t make the mistake of thinking that I am going to let that tramp take what is mine.’ She says.
‘Yours? Do you honestly think I’m yours? That I’m some kind of object that you can throw out and then pick up when you desire?’ I ask angrily.
‘Are you really going to keep lingering to the past Jimin? Come on! Grow up. Think of all the possibilities we can have if we’re together – you and I against the world like we used to be. You, one of the world’s biggest idols, and me a top model – we can elevate each other. She can’t do that for you. She can only drag you down.’ She says.
‘ENOUGH.’ I yell, having heard enough. ‘I don’t want you to mention her at all. You are not worthy to even mention her name and I warned you – take note of how you talk about my girl. And if you think I am coming back to you, you’re delusional. Bye Jiyeon – I sincerely hope you have a good life but stay away from mine.’ I say.
I kneel down and pick up Minji’s shoes and walk away. When I am quite some distance away, I break into a jog and take out my phone and call Minji. ‘Come on, pick up the phone babe, please.’ I murmur as I take a right. I have no idea where she might have went and I’m worried she could get lost. She’s barefoot again and probably cold and confused. I call Jungkook who picks up the phone after two rings.
‘Hey hyung, how’s the date with my sister going? Did you take her ice-skating like you wanted to?’ He asks.
‘JK – we had a bit of a fight. I forgot my phone inside and while I went to get it, Jiyeon showed up.’ I say.
‘What? Jiyeon? As in your ex?’ He asks.
‘Do we know another Jiyeon? Anyways, she told her some stuff and she took off running. I can’t find her now. I’m worried she might have gotten lost.’ I say.
‘Aish. This is bad. She doesn’t know the town and it’s freezing.’ He says and I hear him shuffling while I keep walking. ‘I’ll be on my way.’ He says as I hear him opening his wardrobe. I take a right and I see something which attracts my eyes – her read dress.
‘Wait. I found her.’ I say and I hear Jungkook letting out a breath of relief. ‘Jungkook I don’t know what to tell her. I don’t know if she’ll believe me.’ I say.
‘Hyung, just tell her the truth. You know that Minji likes nothing more than the truth and she will understand.’ He says and I nod.
‘Okay. I will. Thanks and sorry for worrying you. I’ll talk to you later.’ I say before I hang up. I look at her as she sits down on the cold snow and just staring ahead. I approach her slowly and I hear her sniffling. ‘Minji.’ I whisper but she doesn’t turn around. I walk in front of her and kneel down to see her tear stained face. I go to wipe her tears away but as soon as I touch her face, I realize how cold she actually. ‘Aish, you’re freezing.’ I say as I pull her into a hug and start rubbing her back, trying to warm her up.
‘I’m sorry I raw away like a coward but…’ She begins and I pull away from the hug and touch her face once more and she looks at me. I know that under her tough and confident exterior, there are a lot of insecurities, especially after Minho’s death and what she went through after that – the bullying and humiliation she endured.
‘I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you like I promised I would.’ I say and she sighs. I close my eyes and lean my forehead against hers. ‘Can we talk? Can I tell you why you shouldn’t listen to her?’ I ask and she nods. ‘Okay but first let’s get you out of here and somewhere warm.’ I say. I stand up and offer her my hand which she takes as she stands up. She lets out an involuntary wince. ‘What is it? Did you hurt your foot?’ I ask.
‘I, I um kind of tripped and fell.’ She says. I let out another sigh as I pick her up in my arms. ‘Yah! Why is everyone insisting on picking me up and carrying me today?’ She asks as she hits my chest. I smile, knowing that the Minji I know is still there.
‘Why do you keep insisting on being barefoot? Are you planning on being like Cinderella?’ I ask her and she actually smiles a bit.
‘I don’t even like Cinderella.’ She says. ‘I was more into Mulan and Sailor Moon and Power Rangers.’ She says making me smile a bit. ‘So where are you taking me?’ She asks.
‘You’ll see.’ I reply as I turn the corner and go the coffee shop that has been here since forever, quite literally, about five generations if I’m not mistaken. We eventually reach the coffee shop which actually doesn’t have many people in it.
‘Oh this is nice.’ She comments as I set her down in one of the boots. I sit down opposite her and go to grab her leg. ‘Whoa what are you doing?’ She asks.
‘Elevating your leg so it hurts less.’ I say and she nods as she lets me. I grab her leg and pull it up so it can rest on my lap. In this way, she can at least have some warmth. The waitress approaches us with a tired but big smile. ‘We’d like two hot cocoa please.’ I say and she nods before she leaves. ‘How did you even fall?’ I ask, turning back to Minji.
‘I was crying and…’ She stops as she suddenly realizes what she said. ‘I mean I didn’t see the bump.’ She says as she plays with her fingers nervously and I sigh.
‘You don’t have to lie to me Minji. I know you were upset and maybe angry too. I’m so sorry Minji.’ I say but she shakes her head.
‘No, it’s not your fault so don’t apologize. I’m the one who should apologize. You asked me to stay and instead I took off like a coward.’ She says as she laughs bitterly. The waitress comes with our order and Minji leans forward as she quickly puts her hands around the mug. I realize that her lips are actually slightly paler than their usual colour which shows how cold she is. I place my hand over hers and she looks at me. She has a strong smell of coffee… the coffee Jiyeon must have thrown at her and I feel my anger starting to rise again.
‘People keep calling me brave and strong but that’s a lie – I run away every time I can’t face my feelings – I ran away and hid when Minho died, ran away when Byung hurt me the first time, when I thought Jungkook was lying and today. I just couldn’t stay there – I couldn’t face you because I felt ashamed of who I am.’ She says. I sigh as I look down for a moment and then back at her.
‘What did she even tell you that upset you so much?’ I ask. It hurts me to hear speak like that about herself, especially because of someone like Jiyeon.
‘It’s not important.’ She says as she shakes her head but I cut her off.
‘It is. It is for me Minji. I want to understand but I also know you need to understand what kind of person Jiyeon is. That’s the only way you’ll believe me when I tell you not to listen to her – not to let her comments get to you. She hurt you to get to me.’ I say and Minji sighs.
‘Okay then. Tell me your story and then I’ll tell you what happened with her but you’ve got to promise not to get mad.’ She says.
‘I promise. Jiyeon and I knew each other when we were teenagers. We went to school together because it was a mixed school. She was one of the popular girls and I was kind of popular because I was a decent student but mostly because of my dancing. Eventually, the two of us got together when we were sixteen. A year later, I had become a trainee and she was working on becoming a model. As you know, our start as BTS was very difficult and she didn’t like that.’ I explain.
*Flashback*
I walk into the dorm with a frown on my face. ‘What? Did you have another fight with Jiyeon?’ Jin asks from the kitchen. Everyone is surrounding him, some trying to help and the others just looking. I nod as I slump down.
‘I honestly don’t know what you see in her Jimin.’ Yoongi says. He’s always so brutally honest and at times I love that about him, but times like these, I really hate it.
‘I love her hyung and she loves me. We just don’t agree on some things and fight sometimes.’ I reply a little angrily.
‘No, hyung, it’s not sometimes. You’re always sad or angry after visiting her.’ Jungkook says. Jungkook is pretty shy usually but this is one topic which he really makes sure that I know what he is thinking.
‘Kook is right Jimin. We’ve all noticed it and we're worried about you.’ Namjoon says in a calm voice.
‘I honestly don’t think she appreciates you enough. I know you love her but I don’t think she loves you as much as you love her.’ Hoseok says.
‘Shut up will you? You don’t know her so stay out of it. All of you.’ I say as I leave the room and storm into my room. A few seconds later, there’s a knock on my door. ‘Leave me alone.’ I shout but the door opens anyways and Taehyung walks in.
‘Hey Jimin.’ He says as he sits down next to me. ‘You know, you and I have known each other for a while now, right?’ He asks but I don’t respond. ‘You’re an amazing guy, I know it and the others know it, that’s why we’re worried about you. You don’t deserve to be treated this way.’ He says and I sigh.
‘I love her and I don’t want to lose her Tae. The thought of losing her because I am not good enough scares me.’ I say.
‘If she leaves you because she thinks you’re not good enough, then she doesn’t deserve you to start with.’ He says. Suddenly, we hear the doorbell ringing repeatedly and I look out of the window.
‘It’s her.’ I say, smiling, forgetting all that Taehyung has just said as I hurry downstairs just as Namjoon opens the door for her. ‘Babe.’ I say as I go to hug her but she pushes me away forcefully. ‘What? Are you still angry?’ I ask as I try to pull a cute face but she scoffs.
‘Stop being an *.’ She says and I instantly feel my smile fade away. She bends down to pick up a box which she pushes into my arms. ‘This is your stuff which is at my place. I don’t want to do this anymore.’ She says. I drop the box onto the floor and look at her.
‘Babe what are you talking about? It’s not the first time we’ve argued but we’ve always managed to sort things out before.’ I say and she scoffs.
‘No, you sort them out because you keep dangling on me like a damned baby. I am so sick of this and so sick of you.’ She screams at me. ‘You’re an * who doesn’t know when to be mature. You’re not even succeeding in what is supposed to be your dream. I won’t stay with a loser like you.’ She says.
‘Jiyeon please. Why are you doing this to me?’ I ask as tears begin to fall uncontrollably. I feel my heart crushing as I see how cold she is.
‘Why? Because I’m smart not like you Jimin. I am thinking of my future. Do you think a model like me who is progressing can be seen with a loser like you?’ She asks.
‘So you’re choosing your career over me? Even though we’ve been together for over two years? You’re throwing it away like it’s nothing?’ I ask.
‘You’d be dumb to choose love over your career and for the record Jimin, I only dated you because you were one of the popular kids in school and that meant I could secure my place. It was never meant to last this long but you kept clinging to me. I won’t let you hold me down any more.’ She says.
‘So you never really loved me huh? It doesn’t matter if you don’t because I do, I love you. I love you enough for the both of us so please, please don’t break up with me Jiyeon.’ I beg.
‘Stop being so pathetic Jimin. Get it through your thick skull – I used you. I stayed with you thinking you’ll become a successful idol which would have helped me. I never loved you, I never will. You were cool but now you’re just a nobody and that’s who you always will be.’ She says before she turns around and leaves, slamming the door behind her. I fall down to my knees as I begin to sob.
‘Hyung…’ Jungkook whispers but it comes out like a broken note. I look at him and realize all the others are there. Taehyung is looking away, fighting his own tears and Yoongi looks beyond *ed. Namjoon and Jin are looking at each other while Hoseok sighs.
‘You were right… you kept telling me but I didn’t want to listen.’ I say among the sobs. Yoongi sighs and approaches me as he kneels down beside me.
‘It’s okay Jimin. Cry, cry as much as you need to.’ Yoongi says as he rubs my back. ‘Let it out. It’s going to hurt like hell for now but you’ll move on. You’ll find someone better. Someone who will love you for the amazing person you are. Someone who will appreciate your jokes and goofiness, someone who’ll put you first, someone who will love you endlessly for who you are and not for what they can gain from you.’ Yoongi says.
*Present Time*
I look at Minji who stares at me but in those beautiful orbs of her, I see anger as well. ‘Yoongi-hyung was right. It took some time, but I found the one who I was looking for.’ I add as I continue to stare at her.
‘She really didn’t know what she was doing. It’s like that saying – throwing away a diamond, while searching for rocks.’ She says. ‘I still can’t believe she did that to you.’ She grumbles, more to herself than to me.
‘It doesn’t matter. It’s in the past but what matters is what she did to you. Do you understand now why you should not take her words to heart?’ I ask and she smiles a sad smile.
‘It’s not that easy Chim. Do you know why?’ She asks and I shake my head. ‘Because what she said about me is true. I am not as beautiful as other girls and I sure am not sophisticated. I can be rude and act like a tomboy sometimes and I’m always getting into some sort of trouble, not to mention the whole anxiety issue. You’re an idol, loved by thousands and I’m…I’m a nobody.’ She says.
‘Is that what she said? That you’re a nobody?’ I ask, trying to remain calm but it’s difficult. The idea that she used the same words on her that she used on me is suffocating enough but the thought that she is doing this to her makes it even worse.
‘Something like that. I have nothing to give you Jimin. I can’t give you opportunities, I can’t give you amazing presents or surprise you with amazing dates or gifts. I have nothing … nothing except my love.’ She says. My mouth falls open as she says that and my heart begins to flutter. For a moment, I forget everything she said and just focus on the last word. She seems to notice as she smiles a bit. ‘Yeah, you heard me right. I know you might think I’m crazy or that it’s too soon, but I have fallen for you. I love you Park Jimin.’ She says.
‘Kyung Minji – if you’re crazy, then I am even crazier because I know I love you.’ I say. This time she’s the one who looks at me surprised. ‘The moment I saw you, I fell for you. I fell for your smile and laugh because I knew it was real. You’re the most genuine person I know and I love every part of you – the loving, the caring, the feisty, the angry, the anxious, the fearful, the brave – each part. You say you have nothing to give me, but you’re already giving me everything I need Minji – your love – that’s all I need.’ I say.
‘Jimin… aren’t you worried about what your fans and your managers will say? Whatever they say about me can’t do me damage but what about you?’ She asks and I shake my head.
‘My priority is protecting you. I can take care of myself and I have the boys supporting me. By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask you… she threw coffee at you, didn’t she?’ I ask and she sighs and nods. ‘Why didn’t you fight back? You always fight back for others, so why not for you?’ I ask but she lets out a chuckle.
‘Ironically, to do the thing you’re trying to do with me. To protect you. She was goading me in, trying to get me to hit her or slap her and I didn’t want to give her something to use against you.’ She says. I smile at her as I take her hand away from the mug and intertwine my fingers with her.
‘You keep amazing me Minji. You really do.’ I say as I pull up her hands towards my mouth to kiss it.
We make our way back to Jungkook’s place and I stand on the porch next to her. ‘It’s gotten pretty late.’ I say as I look at my watch which marks ten minutes to midnight.
‘There’s still ten more minutes before Christmas is over.’ She says as she points upwards. I look up and see a mistletoe and I can’t help but chuckle. ‘You know what that means right?’ She asks and I nod.
‘I know exactly what that means.’ I say as I pull her closer to me. I cup her face in my hands while she places hers around my neck as we both lean in and crash our lips together. It’s a sweet kiss but no matter how many times I kiss, it never feels like any other kiss. We pull away from the kiss and I look at her. ‘Good night my princess.’ I say.
‘Good night my prince.’ She replies. ‘Text me when you get home.’ She says and I nod. She stays by the door, watching me leave as I walk away happily.
I’m still *ed off about what Jiyeon did. I don’t care what she says to me or does to me but I can’t let her do this to her. Minji is precious. With all the flaws she was so ready to point out, she is still perfect. I’ve never met anyone like her in my whole life and I know that she is a very special person. My only worry is that Jiyeon won’t stop here. She won’t take my rejection very well and I have a feeling on what she might do – maybe I should tell Bang about us.
I arrive home, take a quick hot shower and change into my pajamas as I grab my phone.
Jiminie: I’m home jagi 😊 Took a shower and now I’m in bed.
Minji: Good. I’m with Jungkook – we’re playing overwatch 😊
Jiminie: Of course you are 😊 Make sure to beat him 😊
Minji: I’ll try to haha … will I see you tomorrow?
Jiminie: Maybe 😊 If you go out, make sure you dress properly. You were really cold today. Wear boots not heels.
Minji: Yes sir!!
Jiminie: I’m not joking.
Minji: I know. I need to get back to playing or Jungkook said he will shave your hair!! Good night.
Jiminie: Good night jagi.
I smile before I take a deep breath and decide to call the boys, even though it is late. Bang and the boys are the only ones I can trust and I know they will help me protect Minji.