Minji
It’s almost the end of April which means it has almost been a month since the whole incident with the hitman. Appa and Mr. Oh are still working on it but it has been difficult. Mr. Lee is being very careful but I know we can’t give up. Although most of us don’t talk about it at the dorm, I know everyone sometimes thinks about it. It’s in the back of our heads, a thought that keeps coming back to haunt us. What if he comes back? Will we be ready for him? Can we get lucky again? What if he manages to hurt one of us? Can I stop him? Can Appa and Adam stop him before it’s too late?
‘Hey babe, are you okay? You look kind of spaced out.’ Jimin whispers to me as all of us are in the living room watching a movie together. The others don’t seem to notice.
‘Yeah, yeah I’m fine. I was just thinking.’ I say, snuggling closer to him. I feel him watching me so I look up at him only to see that look of concern. ‘Really, I’m fine baby.’ I say and he nods. I hear the doorbell ringing and I can’t help but sit up anxiously. Everyone looks at each other anxiously before Namjoon goes to open the door.
‘Ah Mrs. Kyung.’ He says, his voice echoing. I relax and I can see everyone relaxing as Namjoon leads Eomma to the living room. She looks at me and smiles. Something about her smile makes me excited.
‘I finally have some good news for you.’ She says, waving an envelope. I see the logo on it and I recognize it immediately – it’s of a hospital in New York. I can’t help but gasp and smile at the same time.
‘Really? It can happen?’ I ask and she nods. I jump from the couch and jump over it as I go to hug her. ‘You are awesome.’ I say loudly, forcing Eomma to laugh loudly, sharing my excitement.
‘Minmin, what’s going on?’ Jungkook asks, bringing me back to reality. I let go of Eomma and look at them and at Yoona who is on the couch, the wheelchair next to her. I look at Eomma, motioning for her to go ahead and say it herself.
‘A few weeks ago, I asked Minji to get me Yoona’s medical reports.’ Eomma begins to explain. I see Yoona looking at me confused, well, not just her but everyone. I just smile at Yoona as I give her an encouraging nod. ‘I know that the doctors here have been very sceptical about surgery. The reason for this is simple – it’s a complicated surgery and it has a considerable risk of failing.’ She explains in a matter-of-fact kind of way.
‘You said risk of failing? Does that mean it is possible?’ Hoseok asks and Eomma nods. Hoseok’s eyes go wide with anticipation. I can feel the excitement in the air and I can’t help but smile. Everyone wants for Yoona to be able to walk again and eventually dance so every glimmer of hope, gets everyone excited.
‘I have a friend who is a neurologist. I’ve shown him the case without revealing your identity and he believes that it can be done.’ Eomma explains.
‘The reason we didn’t tell you before about the possibility was because we wanted to be sure that it is an option. We didn’t want to raise your hopes, only for them to fall flat.’ I say.
‘I can walk again if I get the surgery?’ Yoona asks, her voice barely audible with emotion. I see Hoseok holding her hand and squeezing it in his as they both try to keep from getting emotional.
‘Possibly. There are risks Yoona, I won’t lie to you. It might not work but he is one of the top neurologists in the world. If anyone can do it, it’s him.’ Eomma says. Yoona smiles brightly before her smile begins to slowly go away.
‘How… how much is the surgery?’ She asks quietly. I know why she is asking this. Surgeries like these costs thousands of dollars. Considering the ordeal they went through, I’m sure her family cannot cover the costs but Eomma has already thought about it as she looks at me again.
‘Yoona baby, it doesn’t matter how much it costs. If you want to get the surgery, we’re getting it.’ Hoseok says.
‘Yeah, hyung is right. You don’t need to worry about money noona. We’ll all pitch in.’ Jungkook says.
‘Yeah don’t worry about it. We’ve got it covered noona.’ Taehyung adds. I can’t help but feel a certain warmth in my heart. Even as a fan, I always knew they were kind and giving. It was one of the things that made me love and stan them but now, that I know them in a more real way, I can’t help but feel even prouder and moved.
‘Actually, you don’t have to worry about that Yoona sweetie. This doctor is an old friend of mine and I did save his wife when they were in Korea for a holiday, so he is going to do it for free and as soon as possible.’ Eomma says.
‘Really? Oh my God… Mrs. Kyung, I don’t know what to say.’ Yoona says, finally breaking down into tears. Hoseok is quick to kneel down at her level and places his hand on her thigh as he kisses her forehead. He whispers something to her and she nods while she sniffs. I look over at Jimin who is looking at me.
‘You and your mum have been cooking this up for weeks and you managed to keep it a secret from me.’ He whispers to me and I smile and nod. ‘You are truly a superstar, you know that? I can’t tell you how much all of us appreciate this.’ He says.
‘I know babe but I didn’t do anything. It was mostly Eomma. All I did was get the medical records.’ I say with a shrug while everyone is chattering away excitedly.
‘You did so much more than that for her and for all of us Minji.’ He replies as he kisses my cheek. I look over at Eomma who is smiling as she observes everyone.
‘So, what happens now Mrs. Kyung?’ Namjoon asks, being the first one to calm down and come back to reality.
‘Now, we meet Dr Anderson and see what he says. He can explain to you much more than I can since it’s his specialization. What I can tell you is that if everything goes to plan, you’ll be getting the surgery in New York.’ She explains and Yoona nods.
‘I don’t know how to even thank you.’ Yoona says, traces of tears still on her face.
‘There’s no need to thank me Yoona sweetie. I’m a doctor and even if you’re not my patient, I have a responsibility to help out anyone in need.’ Eomma replies.
Yoona
Minji and I are in the back garden, soaking up the sun. I’m sitting in my wheelchair while she is sitting on the grass, her eyes closed, a smile on her face. She looks serene and peaceful. I take my phone and snap a picture while I chuckle to myself. She hears me as she turns her head to look at me. She opens one eye while she squeezes the other and puts her hand above her eyes to see better. ‘Why are you staring at me Unnie?’ She asks, laughing.
‘You looked cute, licking up the sun and I’m sure Jimin would love to see you like that.’ I reply and she laughs. ‘Thank you Minji – for everything.’ I say quietly.
‘You don’t have to thank me Unnie. You would have done the same for me if the situation was reversed.’ She says with a shrug but I shake my head.
‘I doubt I’d run to fight a hitman but you did that, twice.’ I say with a slight chuckle. ‘You didn’t even stop there. You’ve been working with your father to try and get to Lee and you worked with your mother to get me this surgery.’ I say and she shrugs again.
‘You deserve to be happy Unnie. I… I know what it feels like to hit rock bottom – to feel like you’re lost in a sea of darkness. When Minho died, I questioned why he did it. I questioned how I could be so careless and let something like that happen. I questioned why I was alive when Minho was dead.’ She says. I can’t help but feel myself hold my breath as she says so. I see the sadness in her eyes when she mentions him. She might have moved on but a part of her will always remember that ache. I can relate to that feeling of self-blame. When Hoseok was shot and Minji almost killed at the hospital, I couldn’t help but feel responsible. When Minji went with the hitman to save Jimin, I felt like it was my fault. Not knowing where she was or if she was safe made me feel like I wanted to die.
‘I’m sorry you had to go through that. When you told us the story, I…I tried to understand but it wasn’t until I went through all of this that I fully could understand… that I could relate to you.’ I say and she nods.
‘It took me a long time to come to terms with what happened and one of the reasons I was able to climb out of that hole was Yun.’ She says with a smile.
‘Yeah, you two definitely share an incredible bond.’ I say nodding and she nods as well. ‘I’ve always known you together as a pair at the cafeteria. You always were so energetic and full of life and I always enjoyed seeing you do karaoke together.’ I say, smiling at the memory of them singing while me and the boys watched them.
‘Well, our duo became a trio when you walked into our lives. Because of you, I found my brother. Because of you, I found the person who means the world to me and so did Yun.’ She says while laughing.
‘I guess…we’re like the Charmed sisters right?’ I ask, referring to a TV show I used to watch as a kid and she nods. The story was about three girls who were sisters and who were witches. They shared the most amazing bond and always protected each other.
‘Definitely.’ She replies as she gives me her fist while we bump them together, causing both of us to laugh. ‘Unnie… it’s going to take some time and a lot of hard work and practice, but you’ll walk again and you’ll dance again.’ She says determined and I nod.
‘I’m trying to keep positive and think that way too. Just yesterday, I didn’t have any hope I’d walk any time soon.’ I admit and she gives me a small smile. ‘Now I can’t wait to meet him and see what he’ll say. We’re supposed to meet him in an hour.’ I say.
‘Hoseok-Oppa is coming with you right? And Eomma?’ She asks and I nod. ‘Good. Eomma will stick with you like an octopus. She’s very energetic and very likely to drive you crazy but she’ll take good care of you, I promise.’ She says.
‘I have no doubt. If she raised a daughter like you, I can imagine what she is like.’ I reply.
Hoseok, Mrs. Kyung and I meet with Dr Anderson at a cafeteria so that we can have a more relaxing atmosphere which takes away the tension, at least, that’s what Mrs. Kyung said. I guess she is right, it definitely was better to break the ice but I am still super excited and nervous.
‘So you’re saying that she will have to stay in New York for at least a month?’ Hoseok asks and Dr Anderson nods as he sips on his coffee. Dr Anderson looks quite young, maybe in his thirties but he does sound pretty smart. Mrs. Kyung told us about him and he has a record for the success rate of the surgeries he carries out.
‘Yes, so I can trace the progress. She’ll be undergoing lots of physical therapy but then it can continue here in Seoul. The physiotherapy department here is really good and Dr Kyung can follow it up and keep me informed.’ Dr Anderson explains.
‘Yes, of course.’ Mrs. Kyung says. ‘I will be coming with you to New York and your mother of course can come with you as well. I have already talked to someone about the lodging and found a place near the hospital.’ She explains with a warm, motherly smile and I nod, feeling as if I am about to burst out crying...again.
Hoseok
I can’t help but feel excited and hopeful. This news has completely taken me by surprise but I couldn’t be happier. I look at Minji’s mother who is looking at Yoona as if she was her own daughter and I can’t help but understand Minji better. She truly is like a mixture of her adoptive parents in character – she is a badass like her father and a caring soul like her mother. I guess what they say is true, it’s not all about genetics but also nurture.
We exchange goodbyes with Dr Anderson and Mrs. Kyung as we leave the cafeteria. I wheel her outside and we go to the plaza, both of our faces covered with a mask. We stop by the fountain and I hear her sighing. ‘You okay?’ I ask as I sit down on the edge of the fountain, right in front of Yoona. She nods.
‘I’m better than okay. I feel lucky.’ She says and I tilt my head to the side, allowing her to explain further. ‘I never had things easy after my father left, you know that. I had to provide for my family and help Eomma take care of my brother. The only thing I had was dance and my crew but I lost that because my then boyfriend cheated on me.’ She says with a dry chuckle and I nod.
‘But then you found us.’ I say with a smile and she nods excitedly. ‘We became a family and we had some good years. I mean yeah, we had problems along the way but we always made it work.’ I say.
‘You’re right. You trusted me like I trusted you. Then the whole mess with my brother came up and you stayed with me. I was surrounded by people who stood by my side and who protected me and have kept on helping me.’ She says.
‘Of course Yoona baby. You are an incredible person. I know you’re still struggling to see it but I won’t stop reminding you that you are phenomenal. You are beautiful, strong and fierce. You’re a fighter and a survivor and in time, you won’t just walk… you’ll dominate the dancing scene again.’ I say.
‘I love you so much Hoseok.’ She says and I nod.
‘I love you too jagiya.’ I say as I pull down my mask and lean forward to give her a kiss. She pulls down her own mask and kisses me back. It starts out gentle before it grows deeper.
‘I’m going to miss you so much baby.’ She murmurs as she rests her forehead against mine.
‘I know. I’m going to miss you too but it’s for the better. I’ll call you every day, I promise.’ I say and she holds out her pinkie, causing me to laugh but I show her my pinkie as well.
Bang looks at me with a smile on his face. He looks relieved at the news I have just given him as he sighs. His face and body seem to relax and there’s a content look on his face. ‘I’m so happy to hear that. I truly am. That Minji girl is sure something else.’ He says, squeezing his eyes a bit.
‘Yeah she is. To think we’ve known each other for around seven months only but it feels like a lifetime. We’re all lucky to have her in our life, especially Jungkook and Jimin.’ I say.
‘Yes, you’re right. Back to Yoona, she’ll be spending time in New York then.’ He says and I nod with a sigh. ‘Hoseok, I know you probably want to be there with her but we can’t push the comeback further.’ He says.
‘No I understand that. I just wish I could be with her at least for the surgery.’ I admit and he nods.
‘Maybe we can arrange that.’ Bang says as he rubs his hands together while his face scrunches, showing he is deep in thought. ‘The comeback is in June and practice and rehearsals are going well. Maybe you could go up with her to New York, stay for a couple of days after the surgery and come back to Korea.’ He says. My eyes go wide at the thought and I feel a smile forming on my face.
‘Really? That would be amazing.’ I say, unable to hide my own excitement to which he chuckles slightly.
‘I know it’s really hard to be away from your loved one and I’m sorry I can’t give you more time.’ He says but I shake my head quickly as I look at him.
‘I can’t even begin to thank you enough. It really does mean the world to me.’ I say happily. At least this way, I can be there for her when she needs me more than ever.
Rei
‘Noona… is it true that you found a new job and you’re helping with the expense of my treatment?’ Dae-won asks as we walk together in the garden. I nod but don’t say anything. ‘What’s the job? I hope you’re not overworking yourself noona.’ He asks, curiously.
‘It’s nothing big so don’t worry Dae.’ I say, trying to reassure him and not worry him. I know he’s not satisfied with my answer so I try to elaborate a bit. ‘I’m like a researcher. I gather information and then report it.’ I say, not wanting to say the whole truth.
I had made a deal with him. For Minji’s safety, I should not tell anyone about what I am doing. I thought it would be over when the hitman got caught but he said that the hitman was hired so there might still be someone out there, trying to hurt her. That meant I had to keep looking out for her. I never did this kind of thing before and a part of me tells me it’s wrong – that something doesn’t feel right. Yet, I can’t deny the results. He said that by me giving him information, he could send someone to stop him when he attempted to hurt them again. Minji never said anything about it so I only have his version to follow.
‘A report? Like a write up?’ My little brother asks and I shrug.
‘Kind of – but it’s more like an oral report. I just pass on the information.’ I say. ‘Eomma said the treatment is working.’ I say, giving him a small smile which he returns.
‘Yep. The doctors look pretty confident about me healing and going into remission. I hope it happens soon.’ He says and I nod.
‘That’s good dongsaeng.’ I say. ‘I love you, you know that, right?’ I ask and he nods.
‘Of course I do noona and I love you too. I know how much you’ve been working on trying to help me and our family pay the money. I wouldn’t be getting the best treatment if it wasn’t for you.’ He says.
‘You’re my little brother. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you.’ I say as I look at him. I see the love in his eyes but also tiredness and I sigh. ‘Let’s sit down for a bit.’ I offer and he nods without complaints. We sit down on the bench near the fountain and we stay there for a good few minutes before my phone vibrates. I take it out and see it’s a message from Chi-Won.
Chi-won: We’re here by the chapel. Where are you?
Rei: I’m at the garden with my brother. I’m coming to you now.
I put my phone away and look at Dae-won. ‘Hey dongsaeng, wait for me here. I’ll be back in a few minutes.’ I say and he nods. I stand up and hurry towards the chapel where they are waiting for me. ‘Sorry to keep you waiting. I was on my way to meet you when Eomma insisted I take my brother for a walk.’ I say.
‘That’s okay Rei. Family is the most important thing after all.’ Mr. Lee says and I nod. ‘So, anything new?’ He asks and I nod.
‘Actually yes. We had lectures this morning and Minji and I were talking. You remember her friend Yoona right? The one who was in that accident?’ I ask.
‘Of course.’ He replies. Chi-Won and him exchange a knowing look that I can’t decipher but I shrug it off.
‘Well she’s flying to New York for surgery today. Also, something weird happened today.’ I say as I chew on my lower lip as I remember this morning’s episode. ‘Mr. Oh, Byung’s father came to talk to her. I didn’t know they were on good terms considering last time he outed her about being adopted on live television. Anyways, he gave something to her, it looked like a USB of some sort.’ I finish.
‘Mr. Oh? Are you sure?’ Mr. Lee asks. For the first time since knowing him I see him actually get agitated. He looks nervous and worried as he shifts position. He almost looks uncomfortable. Whereas usually he is calm and reassuring, now he looks … uneasy.
‘Yes, of course. I wouldn’t forget his face, not after the way I saw him treat Minji and Byung but that’s what is weird. They looked like everything was fine. There wasn’t any tension at all unlike last time. Byung said that ever since Minji saved his life, his dad was grateful but I don’t trust him. I’m scared Mr. Oh is trying to use her or wants to hurt her.’ I explain.
‘She saved Byung’s life?’ Mr. Lee asks and I nod. I see him shift around and Chi-Won is looking at both of us, his arms across his chest. I feel almost uncomfortable under his gaze.
‘Yeah. A group attacked Byung because of his father but Minji was there and she saved his ass. Why? Do you know them? It sounds like you do.’ I say cautiously and he sighs as he runs his hand through his hair.
‘There was a time we knew each other and we were best of friends.’ He says, almost sounding cold. It’s almost like I can see his whole demeanor change before me. ‘Mr. Oh is definitely not to be trusted. He is the backstabbing type.’ He says flatly.
‘Yeah I don’t trust him and I don’t understand why Minji does either. I mean the man sent thugs to her apartment just because she stood up to him.’ I say, getting riled up at the very memory of that. I had been so *ed off about that.
‘We have to go. Thank you for the information Rei and here is the money.’ He says as Chi-Won hands me an envelope with the money inside. That uneasy feeling returns in my stomach as I accept the money.
‘Do you think she’s going to be safe?’ I ask just as they turn around, ready to leave. They stop and Mr. Lee turns around and looks at me.
‘Of course. I always take care of things.’ He replies.