Minji
As usual, I am the first one in the lecture hall. We’re only around thirty people in the course and most of them are pretty nice but everyone has made their own cliques as well. We have the typical, good-looking rich girls who stay together all the time. Most of the times you can hear them talking about their hair, their nails, their clothes and where they’re going for the weekend. We also have another clique which is a mix of boys and girls who are loud, funny and the pranksters. Everyone gets along with them.
There are also the three who are considered as the ‘cool’ guys – one of them is Byung-Hoon. I’ll admit it, they’re handsome and charismatic which makes most of the girls in our class and probably a lot of the girls at Uni drool over them. Personally, I couldn’t be bothered. I came here to study and do well and get my degree not chase after guys. Besides, Byung-Hoon and his friends have something about them that just doesn’t sit well with me but I’m not sure what it is.
I usually just stay with Usagi and with Rei. Usagi is a Japanese girl and Rei is actually from Busan but all three of us moved to Seoul when we started University. Usagi’s first degree is in Psychology while Rei graduated in mathematics. I graduated in English which makes me the key person everyone comes to when they need help with the language. They’re both quiet girls, well, at least that’s what I thought at first. Outside of school, Usagi loves to party and Rei is all about the extreme sports. Usagi loves to dance and have fun and Rei’s idea of fun includes jumping off planes or going bungee jumping.
My hand plays with the locket around my neck. I open it and trace my fingers over the engraved letters – M and J. I know that ‘M’ stands for my name and ‘J’ must stand for my twin brother but I don’t even know his full name. This locket, the letter and the photo are the only thing I have of my biological family. My parents had told me the truth when I was ten. They figured I was old enough to know it and I’m really glad they did tell me. They didn’t want me to find out the truth from somewhere else because they knew I’d be hurt more that way so I’m really grateful they trusted me with the truth. There aren’t many people who know about it – Yun is one of them since she has been my best friend since we were kids. I also told Dong-Min around a year after knowing him.
I have accepted the fact that I am adopted. I’m one of the lucky ones considering everything. I was adopted by very loving parents who always treated me right. My mum is a doctor while dad is a lawyer and they’re both very good people. I was brought up with good values of respect, family, honesty and humility although I did develop a short temper which my parents are not so fond of. I was given opportunities to chase hobbies I love including athletics, archery and singing. They have always supported my dreams, including the one of becoming a teacher.
I have also accepted the fact that my biological parents had to give me up. I’ve read their letter several times over the years. I know their reasons and I have accepted it. They gave me a chance at having a better life. I know it couldn't have been easy for them either. Still, a part of me still wonders about them and my brother. It feels weird to say that – to mention him without even knowing his name or face or what he likes. What does he like to do? Does he love food like I do? Does he like to sing and do sports like I do? Is he studying like me? What is he like?
‘Hey Monkey.’ Someone says, making me jump. I look up and see Byung Hoon chuckling to himself and I roll my eyes. ‘What no good morning? That’s very rude.’ He says, clicking his tongue and shaking his head.
‘I would have said good morning if you didn’t call me monkey.’ I reply back, not looking at him.
‘Really? Or is it because I gave you a fright? You’re such a scaredy-cat.’ He says still laughing so I don’t respond. ‘In all seriousness though, you looked distracted. Are you okay?’ He asks.
‘Why are you asking? It’s not like you care.’ I snap back as I look at him. I see him flinch at my words but he quickly recovers.
‘So it’s okay for your to ask but not for me.’ He comments shaking his head again. ‘Whatever, sucks to be you. Anyways, I just wanted to give you this.’ He says as he throws a book in my direction. I look at it, with one eyebrow raised.
‘What’s this?’ I ask and he rolls his eyes.
‘What does it look like? A book.’ He replies, clearly getting annoyed.
‘I meant why are you giving this to me? Is there some spider hiding in it or something?’ I ask and I see his face soften while his eyes twinkle. He reaches for the book, his face really close to mine as he takes the book. He looks at me as he opens the book and shakes it.
‘See? No spiders.’ He says as he throws the book in my lap. Before I can say anything else, he starts going up the steps as he goes back to the back of the lecture room. He sits down as he puts his headphones on. I look at the book as I read the title; ‘Through the Glass Wall: A Therapist's Lifelong Journey to Reach the Children of Autism’ by Howard Buten. I stare at the book as I remember yesterday’s conversation when he saw me reading a paper on Autism. He remembered?
I go to look at him but I hear the door opening and I shift back. I see Rei and Usagi hurrying to come sit down next to me. They seem pretty excited and I look at them confused. ‘What’s got you so excited?’ I ask.
‘There is going to be a party next Friday at Surfside. It’s so that everyone gets to know each other since we’re only in our second week. Rei and I are going, you’re coming right?’ Usagi asks.
‘I don’t know. Parties are not exactly my scene.’ I say, playing with my fingers nervously.
‘Come on Minji. Please. It will be fun.’ Rei says as she does a cute Aegyo which I cannot resist. I roll my eyes, sigh and nod.
‘Fine, I’ll come with you.’ I say, giving in. I see their eyes light up as Usagi claps excitedly. ‘But I’m bringing my best friend.’ I add.
‘That’s fine. The more the merrier.’ Rei says, unable to hide her excitement.
‘We’re just glad you’re coming. We’re going to have so much fun.’ Usagi says. ‘We should definitely prepare for it together.’ She adds, earning a look from both me and Rei. ‘Okay, fine we can meet there but we’ve got to discuss outfits.’ She says.
‘I’ll probably just wear some jeans and shirt. It’s just a party.’ I say chuckling.
‘It’s not just a party.’ Usagi promptly says. ‘It’s the beginning of the school year party which means it’s an opportunity to get to know the people and maybe getting a date.’ She says and I hear Rei groaning.
‘I swear, if you ditch us for some guy…’ Rei begins but Usagi just giggles. Anyone hearing us would think that we’ve been friends for years, when actually we’ve gotten to know each other just recently. We hear the door opening as more of our classmates walk in. I look back at the book which is still on my lap and smile.
Jungkook
‘Ah I’m so happy we’re going back home for these three days.’ Jimin says excitedly as he jumps up and down on the bed. I look at him and chuckle as I see his excited smile
‘Me too hyung. I’ve missed Busan and I’ve missed my parents. It would be good to see them again, even if it’s just for three days.’ I reply.
‘We should go get a burger from that diner while we’re in Busan. They always had amazing burgers.’ Jimin says.
‘Taehyung would love it there.’ I say as I continue to pack our things. I think of today and how Yoona seemed so preoccupied throughout the whole practice this morning and I can't help but sigh.
‘What’s that for?’ Jimin asks. I stop packing and look at him as I cross my arms.
‘Did you notice how out of it Yoona seemed today?’ I ask. I see his smile disappearing which tells me he has been thinking of it as well. ‘I don’t ever remember seeing her unable to focus during practice.’ I say.
‘Yeah I kept thinking the same thing. I know her brother is always fighting with her and her mother so she might be worried about him.’ Jimin tries to explain and I nod.
‘I know. Have you ever met her brother?’ I ask and Jimin shakes his head. ‘Yeah me neither. I remember meeting her mother once or twice. She’s very nice.’ I say.
‘Yeah. She brought kimchi for her and ended up bringing for everyone. I wish she would talk to us about her problems. Maybe we can help.’ Jimin says.
‘I know. I wish her brother could see what an amazing person she is and stop fighting with her. She's his sister after all and I'm sure she wants what is best for him. At least, she’ll get a break these three days and maybe that will help her settle whatever it is that is worrying her. ’ I say.
‘Do you really think she’ll take a break? I’m not sure that woman knows how to. She pushes us so much but she also overworks herself sometimes.’ Jimin says with a small smile.
‘That’s true but I guess, she’s just a perfectionist. Pretty much like us which is what made us work so well with her. Do you think Hoseok-hyung will someday find the courage to ask her out?’ I ask and I see him chuckle again while I go to continue packing.
‘I don’t know. I hope so. They would look good together.’ Jimin says. ‘Ahh I’m so excited to go home.’ He says, getting excited all over again which makes me laugh.
I finish packing and I put the suitcase in the corner of the room, next to Jimin’s own suitcase just in time as Namjoon comes knocking on the door. ‘Food’s ready.’ He announces and Jimin bounces off the bed. The two of us look at each other as we break into a run as we race against each other. I win the race as I enter the dining room, only to earn a glare from Jin.
‘How many times do I have to say no running in the house?’ He asks and I look at him apologetically.
‘Sorry hyung.’ I say and I hear Taehyung laughing as he helps Jin put the plates in place.
‘I think they’re too excited about the fact that they’re going home.’ Yoongi says and I nod.
‘We are.’ I reply. We definitely are.
Chapter 3 is up as well. We're seeing more of Minji and Byung Hoon - it's a bit of a complicated relationship between the two. We also met with two of her classmates - Rei and Usagi and we also got to know more about Minji. Jungkook and Jimin are going back home for three days but Jungkook's trip is not going to end in the way he thinks it will - everything is about to change for him. Byung Hoon seems to be a character you like so far and he's been shipped with Minji, with Yun and even with Dong-Min. I look forward to your thoughts as always. - Tae's Misfit