Jungkook
It’s been about half an hour since we reached home and Minji hasn’t woken up yet. I’m worried about her, not having seen her look like that since the day I threw her in the pool. Even in her worst panic attack, she still didn’t look like today and I can’t blame her. Even I can’t get rid of the image of what I saw – Rei, all bloody in Minji’s arms.
Minji looked like she had seen a ghost and I guess in a sense she has. I don’t understand how all of this could be happening to us, especially to Minji. She’s always been so kind to everyone but life keeps testing her. She was already blaming herself for Oh and now this has happened.
I groan in frustration and I feel Taehyung shifting beside me. ‘Kook, you okay?’ Taehyung asks as we sit down in the living room.
‘I’m fine hyung. I’m just worried about my sister.’ I admit and I hear Yoongi sighing. I look at him and see him run his free hand through his hair while he holds Yun’s hand with the other one.
‘We all are Kook. It’s difficult to deal with for anyone.’ Yoongi says. Yun rubs at his hand as she looks down at their hands.
Jin walks in with a tray of hot chocolate. He places them down on the table and I reach for a mug. I wrap my hands around it, trying to warm up my hands. I can’t help but recall one particular memory that I have with my sister.
*Flashback*
It’s a cold February night and Minji and I are at the park after having gone shopping at the mall. Both of us hold a cup of hot chocolate, trying to warm up. ‘Are you sure it’s okay for us to be here? I don’t want you to catch a cold.’ Minji says and I nod.
‘It’s fine. It’s not like I am made of glass gremlin.’ I say laughing. I see the smoke coming out of my mouth as my warm breath mixes with the cold air.
‘Whatever bunny. I was just looking out for you because I don’t want ARMY to have my head for getting you sick.’ She replies, sticking out her tongue at me as she takes a sip from the hot chocolate. ‘This is really good.’ She murmurs, a smile on her face.
‘It is. Taehyung is a big fan of hot chocolate since he doesn’t drink coffee.’ I say and she nods.
‘I know.’ She replies, a reminder that she knows more about us than we know about her. ‘I remember that Run episode when you went to the coffee shop and I think it was Jimin who asked if Tae could have hot chocolate. It was really cute.’ She says, her cheeks blushing a bit and I can’t help but chuckle.
‘I’m guessing he was your bias even before you met us.’ I say, raising my eyebrow. I see her smile growing while her cheeks get redder, forcing me to laugh a little. ‘Don’t even try to deny it because your face shows.’ I say.
‘I admit it. He was my bias from the start but I am an OT7 stan.’ She says and I chuckle more. ‘There was something about each of you that I liked. For example, with Jin Oppa he always makes me laugh, Yoongi Oppa kills it with his savage lyrics, Namjoon Oppa’s mind just blows me away, Hoseok Oppa’s dancing just hits me like a ton of bricks and Taehyung Oppa’s voice always made me just fall into a trance.’ She says. I smile, seeing the ARMY in her.
‘What about Jimin hyung? What was it about him that made him your bias?’ I ask her and she sighs contently. She stares out at the distance, her smile growing even bigger. I don’t think she even realizes it. I take out my phone but keep it down low so she doesn’t see it as I start to record her answer so I can show it to Jimin hyung later.
‘What made Jimin Oppa my bias huh? I don’t know… I just always loved everything about him. His voice reminds me of angels most of the time. It calms me down and gives me a sense of peace. When he released Promise, I was bawling my eyes out. His dancing always captivates me – I mean the way he can move so gracefully. I love the way he is always so caring towards everyone. He’s never afraid to show the people he cares about that he cares and that made me love him even before we met and then when we met, I don’t know, I couldn’t help it. I fell in love with Park Jimin the man not the idol.’ She says, still looking into space. ‘Sometimes I still can’t believe how lucky I am.’ She adds and I smile. I put my phone away and look at her.
‘Well he’s also lucky to have you by his side but you’re right. Jimin hyung has always been such a caring person, for everyone. In the beginning, I was quite shy believe it or not. I was young and maybe scared. I was terrified of failing and I was scared of the expectations of people but the hyungs brought me out of my shell and made me confident. Jimin hyung was always there for me, like when I had that accident and couldn’t perform. He kept on checking on me.’ I explain and I see her nodding.
‘I always felt a connection to you, something I couldn’t explain. It never crossed my mind you could be my twin although, I’ll be honest with you, there were days I fantasized about it since I knew we shared the same birthday. Those usually were the very bad days where I really missed my brother and wanted him by my side.’ She admits with a smile. ‘You’re a good brother Jungkook and I’m really happy we found each other.’ She says.
‘Me too Minmin. Just remember that we always have each other’s backs from now and you never have to feel alone again.’ I say. She smiles and I put my arm around her as I hug her.
‘I love you brother.’ She says and I smile.
‘I love you too sister.’ I whisper back.
*Present Time*
‘We were just talking a bit earlier about everything.’ Yun finally says, breaking the silence. ‘She was telling me that she felt confused about how she should feel about Rei and I was telling her that whatever she is feeling, she shouldn’t shut us out. I’m scared she will after this.’ Yun says, bringing me back to reality.
‘I know Yun. I’m afraid about that too.’ Mr. Kyung says with a frown. ‘Things are just collapsing and yes, she’s strong but the last time I saw her like that was when Minho died and you know how much of a toll that took on her.’ He says and Yun nods.
‘What I am worried about is Lee coming after her or the boys. Is there anyway we can ensure their safety? It’s clear that we’re in a very dangerous situation and my top priority is making sure they are safe from this madman.’ Bang says.
I sigh, grateful to have him as our boss. We’re lucky to have him – someone who genuinely cares for us. It’s always been like that – from the very start. Yes, he’s been hard on us and he’s pushed us to our limit but only to reach our potential and to succeed.
Still, he’s always been there for us, to stand up for us and to ensure our safety. He always made sure that we have enough security and to have our privacy protected as much as possible. He always made sure that we got the rest we needed and that we were eating. He would get mad if they anyone forced diets which were too strict. He always gave us freedom to explore what we want to do.
Unlike others, he doesn’t stop us from dating, actually, he almost encourages us to find love – something about making music even more meaningful. He always says that although he does want us to succeed and be professional, he also wants us to maintain that little bit of normalcy.
We suddenly hear footsteps and I look up to see Minji walking down with Jimin following behind her. Everyone falls silent as she makes her way to the couch next to me and sits down. She doesn’t look at anyone as she looks at the mug on the table, her eyes fixed on it.
Yet, I notice the not so subtle signs that she is dealing with a lot of emotions. Her hands aren’t trembling like when she is having a panic attack, instead they are balled into a fist, her own nails digging into her skin. Her eyes seem cold and her mouth is pressed in a thin line. Her body seems rigid as she sits unmoving.
Jimin is resting against the wall, his hands across his chest, his eyes fixed on her. His face shows how concerned about her he really is. His eyes don’t move away from her unmoving figure. She finally looks up and turns her head towards Bang and Mr. Kyung.
‘The only way to ensure their safety is if my father and Adam catch Lee.’ She says, her voice flat, devoid of any emotion but I know it’s a façade, trying to cover up the boiling anger she has. Her tone of voice might be hiding it but not her eyes.
‘Minji, sweetie it’s not going to be so easy with him gone. He could be anywhere by now.’ Mr. Kyung replies, trying to keep his voice gentle and soft. She scoffs as she turns all her attention to him.
‘Not going to be easy huh?’ She asks. ‘We have known he was responsible for what happened to Yoona for months but you didn’t do anything about it.’ She says, her voice dripping with anger as she stands up. I look over at my hyungs who all look taken aback… but there is also understanding.
‘Minji I know you’re angry and you’re looking at someone to blame but you know I had my hands tied. Without hard evidence, I couldn’t bring him in. He would have just walked away, scotch free and it would only have made things harder and more complicated.’ He replies, still sitting down.
‘Complicated? Mr. Oh is in the hospital fighting for his life and Rei is dead and you want to talk about complicated? And for the record, no, I’m not trying to blame others for my mistakes but you should own up to yours. You *ed up.’ She says.
I gulp, surprised to hear her say such words, especially to her father who I know she is super close with. Mr. Kyung stands up as well, coming to her level. Jimin and I both move on instinct but I feel Namjoon holding me back as he shakes his head while Yoongi holds Jimin. I know they’re right – this is something between Minji and her father and I should not get involved, but a part of me wants to support Minji and I can tell Jimin wants to do so too. I see Minji taking a step closer to her Appa, enclosing the space between them so that they are face to face. She doesn’t back away and she is too angry to even be intimidated by him.
‘You and your damn laws. You and wanting to do everything by the book is what got Rei killed.’ She says.
‘Minji you’re upset but let me remind you that I am your father and I do not enjoy the tone you are using with me. May I also remind you that I am a representative of the law. I cannot break the law because things are personal.’ He tells her, trying to remain calm but I can see he is about to lose his patience.
‘Personal? When it was me who was at risk of being hurt, you would have tried to move mountains so why are they any different?’ She yells at him as he looks away. ‘You’re a liar and a hypocrite.’ She snaps at him, her voice raised. I see his eyes growing wide with anger as his hand suddenly flies across her cheek.
The slap echoes in the room and I can’t help but gasp. ‘Minji!’ Jimin calls out as he walks over to her. She looks stunned but also *ed off. Jimin goes to put his hand on her shoulder but she shrugs him off.
‘Minji I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…’ Her father begins but before he can even finish his sentence, I see her own fist flying. Her knuckles connect to his face, the sound making me cringe. He recoils backwards, his hand going to his lip which has gotten busted. I stare in disbelief. I would have never thought it would get to this. Jimin looks at her with wide eyes, clearly not believing his eyes either.
‘What? Can’t handle the truth?’ She yells at him. ‘You can’t handle being called a liar and a hypocrite? You’re always talking about justice and doing the right thing. You told Mr. Oh to do the right thing but you can’t even take a risk to do the same thing.’ She screams at him. Bang takes a step forward, going between.
‘I think both of you should calm down. I know it’s not my place to say anything but blaming each other isn’t going to take us anywhere and hitting each other definitely won’t either.’ He says. Mr. Kyung sighs as he runs his hand through his hair.
‘You’re right. I need some air.’ She says, nodding as she turns to leave the room. She takes off with a jog and Jimin goes to follow her as they leave towards the roof.
‘*, *, *.’ Mr. Kyung yells as he kicks at the sofa. For the first time I realize that he looks tired. He must be just as devasted as Minji about how things have turned out but he hasn’t been showing it, probably for her own sake. Minji on the other hand seems to have finally snapped. She isn’t just in shock anymore, she is angry and desperate – raked by guilt and remorse – the worst combination.
Minji
I run up the stairs as I make my way to the roof. I push open the door and stumble outside into the pouring rain. I run towards the middle just as tears start flowing uncontrollably. I don’t even care that I am getting soaking wet right now. I feel my hair getting drenched and my clothes quickly become completely wet. The air is cold and although I shiver, I barely register that it is cold.
I scream loudly as I bend down. It’s a blood curdling scream coming out from the pits of my stomach but I don’t care who hears or sees me. I just want to let it all out. ‘AHHHH!!!’ I scream again. It’s a loud piercing shriek meant to make me feel better but it doesn’t.
I feel like I am drowning all over again – drowning in anger, guilt, remorse, bitterness and hate… yes, hate, something I never felt before. I feel as if I am losing my mind and all I can think about is how much I want Lee dead. If I were to see him in front of me, I don’t know what I would do.
‘Minji…’ Jimin’s quiet voice says. I turn around to see him standing right behind me. Like me, he is soaking wet and I feel a tinge of guilt, knowing he is out in the rain because of me. He has a soft and gentle look as he offers me his hand but I shake my head.
‘I can’t Jimin… I can’t deal with this anymore. It’s too much.’ I say. My chest feels like it’s been hit with a hammer. My head is throbbing again. I feel as if everything is enclosing on me and it’s making it harder to breathe.
‘I know baby. I know all of this is really hard and it’s unfair. The whole situation is wrong and you shouldn’t have to deal with this but you’re going to get through it, just let me help you.’ He says.
‘I just can’t understand how I could have been so stupid in the first place.’ I say and he looks at me confused, not understanding what I am trying to say.
‘What do you mean jagi? You and I both know that you’re anything but stupid. You’re one of the smartest people I know.’ He says taking another step closer to me.
‘Then how did I not see that something was off with Rei? How could I not have seen that she was facing difficulties and that she was in trouble? What kind of friend am I? If I had noticed the signs, I could have confronted her. I could have stopped this from happening. She would still be alive.’ I say, my breath hitching as I try to control my breathing while getting the words out.
‘Baby, Rei’s death is horrible. She tried to do the right thing and she definitely didn’t deserve to get murdered in that cold manner but her death isn’t on you.’ He says.
‘Yes it is Jimin. You don’t get it, do you?’ I ask, my voice raising for some reason. I don’t want to fight with him but I feel like I can’t help it. I can’t stop myself. I feel like I am a ticking bomb waiting to explode… maybe I already have. ‘Lee went to Rei to spy on me because I stopped him from fulfilling his plans the first time. I was trying to play hero but it got people hurt and killed. He got Rei into this because of me so how isn’t it my fault that she is dead?’ I ask.
‘You’re right. He got Rei mixed in all of this because you stopped him the first time. Do you remember what you stopped him from doing? You stopped his plans of killing Yoona and Hoseok.’ He says and I can’t help but keep quiet for a moment. ‘Do you remember who else you saved?’ He asks. ‘Me, you walked away with a psychopathic killer to save my life. You weren’t trying to play hero Minji, you just acted on instinct because regardless of what you say, you are a good person. You are the most selfless person I have ever met in my life and it’s one of the many reasons why I love you. You’re someone who protects other people with every fiber in your body but you can’t save everyone.’ He says and I sigh.
I feel my knees buckle as I fall down on my knees. I use my hands not to fall completely as I lower my head down and sob. Jimin is quick to be my side as he wraps his arms around me and for the second time, I sob into his chest. ‘It hurts Jimin… it hurts so much.’ I say.
‘I know jagiya, I know it does but it’s going to get better.’ He says, rubbing my back. My hands grip onto his wet shirt as I hold on to him. My mind goes back to what he said moments ago – I had walked away with a psychopathic killer to save his life… I look slightly up to look at Jimin as a thought crosses my mind.
The only way I can make sure that my family is safe is by eliminating the people who are dangerous to us – regardless of what needs to be done. I need to do it alone in my own way – it’s the only way to make sure Lee doesn’t get to Jimin and the others next.
‘Jimin, I love you… I love you so much.’ I say and he nods. He squeezes me closer to him and kisses my head.
‘I know baby and I love you too.’ He says. I know which is why I need to do this.
We go back downstairs, both of us dripping wet which earns us a couple of looks from the others. ‘Are you okay?’ Jungkook asks, ignoring the fact that my father is still there.
‘Yes Kooks. I’m okayish.’ I admit. It’s useless to say I’m fine. I’m not and I won’t be for some time. He sighs but nods in understanding. I look over at Appa who approaches me.
‘You were right Minji. I was being a hypocrite and I’m sorry. I’m sorry for demanding too much of you and for putting so much burden on you in the first place. You should not have had to deal with all of this.’ He says but I shake my head.
‘If you and Eomma didn’t prepare me for this, I’d be dead and so would my friends.’ I say and I see him give me a small nod. ‘I refuse to let someone else get hurt.’ I say determinedly.
