Minji
It’s Friday night which means it’s time for the party. At least Yun has agreed to come even though she’s not a party person either. I hear the car honking and I look at Yun. ‘Seems like our ride is here.’ I say, referring to Rei.
‘Seems like it.’ Yun replies as we start walking towards the door. I give myself one last look in the mirror and nod. After hearing Usagi going on and on about how important this party is, I actually decided to go for a black dress. It’s rather plain but it has white loose sleeves which give it character. I let my hair lose as well and the only jewelry I wear is my locket and a pair of white earrings. I grab my white bag from the chair as we leave our apartment. We hurry down the stairs and go to where Rei and Usagi are.
‘Whoa!’ I exclaim as I see Rei’s car. I don’t know what model it is but I do know it’s the expensive and beautiful kind. It’s white and completely spotless, making it shine and the roof is open. ‘Damn girl. Talk about a sweet ride.’ I say as Yun and I get in the back.
‘I know right! Appa gave this to me on my twenty first birthday.’ Rei explains as she begins to drive.
‘Lucky you. My Appa said that if I want a car, I’ll have to work for it.’ Usagi says giggling. ‘And Eomma said she’s rather not have me drive at all since I’m a bit of a nutcracker.’ She says making us laugh. ‘Hey Rei can I put the stereo on?’ She asks.
‘Sure. The albums are in there.’ Rei responds, pointing to one of the compartments. Usagi opens it and pulls out familiar albums and I smile.
‘You’re ARMY too?’ Yun exclaims and Rei nods just as Usagi turns the volume up as Euphoria starts to play. I smile as it’s one of mine and Yun’s favourite songs.
‘Ah I love this song.’ I say as Yun and I quickly start to sing along to it. I see Usagi smiling as she takes out her phone and starts to do a live stream.
‘Hey peeps! This is Usagi along with Rei, Minji and Yun. We’re on our way to Surfside for the Opening Bash Party Wohoo!! And we’re going in style and singing to BTS songs!! Sing it!!’ She hypes us up.
‘Take my hands now, you are the cause of my euphoria!!’ I sing at the top of my lungs while my hair goes all over the place. Yun and I harmonize together while Usagi and Rei chuckle. Usagi turns the camera at Rei and then to her.
‘Ladies and gentlemen – our very own lovely singers – Minji and Yun.’ Usagi says making me smile. The song and Fire starts playing. All four of us exchange a look while we laugh until the chorus starts playing and we all sing as loud as we can.
‘Errbody say La la la la la (La la la la la) Say La la la la la (La la la la la)!!’ I see a car passing by with a number of young adults as they wave and smile. It’s like a scene from a movie as they respond to our singing with their own la-la-la. We finish the song and try to calm down while still laughing.
‘You girls are awesome. We’re going to have a blast tonight!’ Usagi cheers rather loudly. We finally arrive at Surfside which is already pretty crowded. We go to the reception and present our University student card. The man there flashes a dazzling smile which has made Usagi already lose her senses as he wraps the bracelets around our wrists.
‘Have fun ladies. Remember the drinks are on discount tonight.’ He says with a wink. Yun and I exchange a look while Rei clears her throat, grabs Usagi by the elbow and drags her inside. The music is blaring loudly as Good Boy is playing. I look around and see a number of our course mates here as well as we exchange greetings. Usagi and Rei immediately go to the bar to get drinks, leaving Yun and I together in the crowd. We stay together as we begin to dance and try to enjoy ourselves.
It’s been about an hour and the girls have ditched me so I go outside where there is the beach and sit down on the sand. I take off my shoes and dig my feet in the sand as I hear the waves roll quietly while the music from the party is still heard in the distance. I look at the sea and shiver. There was a time where nobody could get me out of the water – I used to swim every chance I got but… that was in the past. As much as I enjoy sitting here, the sea scares me to death now. I can’t even dip my toes in without starting to panic.
I hear footsteps approaching and I look up to see Byung Hoon there. ‘Hey.’ I say quietly as he sits down next to me. He hands me one bottle of beer and I take it.
‘What are you doing out here all alone?’ He asks as we cling the bottles against each other. There’s no teasing in his voice – it sounds genuine – like someone who wants to talk.
‘I’ve been ditched. Usagi has gone off dancing with some guy and Yun met some friends from her own course. She didn’t want to go but I knew she would love to spend some time with them as well so I practically pushed her to them and Rei met with some friends from college who she used to go cliff diving with so she ended up leaving with them.’ I explain and I see him nod. ‘What about you? What are you doing here?’ I ask as I take a sip from the beer.
‘I know it’s probably hard for you to believe but I am not a party person. Only reason I am here is because the other two dragged me with them but, like your friends, they ended up ditching me because they found some girls.’ He says and I chuckle. ‘What’s so funny?’ He asks.
‘I’m sure half of the girls in there would love to spend the night with you.’ I say, with a raised eyebrow. This time, he’s the one who chuckles.
‘I’m not interested in those girls. I’d rather be alone than with someone who is with me just for my looks or my money. Even you are better.’ He says with a playful smile.
‘Yah! What is that supposed to mean?’ I say as I punch him on the arm, almost causing him to fall down but he manages to hold on.
‘Yah! Your punches are really strong!’ He whines and I roll my eyes. ‘Seriously, where did you learn to punch like that?’ He asks as he rubs his arm.
‘Appa always insisted that I needed to know how to defend myself so I used to go to Taekwondo among other sports. I even have a black belt in it.’ I admit, a little proudly. I was always very athletic and there was a time my parents thought I’d pursue a career as a professional athlete but my heart lies elsewhere.
‘That’s pretty impressive, even for you Monkey.’ He says and I roll my eyes. ‘It’s good though, I mean, I think everyone should have an opportunity to learn something like that.’ He says. ‘So, you probably could beat my ass if I really annoy you.’ He says.
‘Yep, I’m surprised I haven’t already, considering my bad temper and all.’ I say, but I don’t say it in a cold way, but rather in a jokingly manner. ‘By the way, I wanted to thank you for the book. I’m almost finished with it. I’ll return it as soon as I am finished.’ I say but he shakes his head.
‘No need. You can keep it.’ He says and I stare at him for a moment. He takes a couple of sips from his own beer and then seems to become aware that I am staring. ‘What? I can be nice sometimes.’ He says chuckling. ‘So, Minji what got you into teaching?’ He asks and I shrug.
‘I never imagined myself as being anything else. I mean, my parents thought I’d pursue sports but I’ve always loved working with kids. I worked as a playworker for two summers and I’ve worked in childcare and although it was very tiring, I always went to work happy. Most of the days, I felt satisfied every time I saw a child smiling and enjoying a lesson.’ I say.
‘Same for me. I didn’t work in child care but I spent three summers volunteering – once in Brazil and twice in South Africa.’ He says. I feel my eyes go wide.
‘Really? Wow that must have been such an incredible experience. I really want to do that someday.’ I say.
‘It’s indescribable Minji. It puts everything into perspective. Like, I come from a rich family, you know that, and I can have everything I want while these kids have to walk miles just to get water. It *es me off how unfair the world is.’ He says and I can see how passionate he is.
‘You find yourself wishing to change the world but not sure if you can so you start with the little you can change.’ I say and he nods.
‘Yeah. If I can change one child’s life for the better, than I’ll be happy.’ He says and I nod. I look at him and for the first time, I see him in a completely different light. Behind the tough, cool exterior is someone who genuinely cares about others, especially those in need, so why does he have to be such a * sometimes? ‘I know what you’re thinking.’ He says, with half a smirk.
‘Oh yeah? And what would that be?’ I ask, gulping down a couple of sips from the beer. He turns slightly, coming even closer to me.
‘You’re thinking – how can this guy, who’s such a * to most people, actually care? You’re wondering if I’m lying.’ He says and I chuckle and shake my head.
‘No. I know that you do care but I do not understand why you act like a *, to use your own words. I don’t get it.’ I say but before he can answer I hear footsteps and so does her as we both look up. I see his two friends – Marc and Seob – who like him are part of the cool, rich kids club and with them are two girls from the same school but not the same course. They’re both tall, pretty and maybe a little intimidating with the way they look at me. Byung Hoon and I both stand up.
‘Dude – what are you doing with this nerd?’ Marc asks. Ouch – well that stings – I think to myself as I look at Byung Hoon but he doesn’t look at me. He looks uncomfortable – is he ashamed to be seen with me?
‘Yeah, I mean she’s such a loser, even her friends ditched her, isn’t that right sweetie?’ One of the girls asks and I scoff.
‘Say that again and I’ll make you eat the sand.’ I say. She lets out a little nervous laugh but takes a step back, clearly slightly afraid. The look on my face must tell her that I am very capable of doing it.
‘Seriously though – why are you with her? She’s nothing like us.’ Seob says as he looks at me up and down and gives me a look of disgust. I hear Byung Hoon laugh.
‘I was just wondering how long it was going to take for her to realize I was just joking around with her. Quite pathetic honestly.’ Byung Hoon says. What? I feel my lips tremble but I refuse to cry in front of this piece of crap.
‘You’re so plain Minji – honestly, do you really think you can hang out with people like us?’ The other girl says while snickering.
‘That’s enough – let’s not waste more time with her.’ Byung Hoon says irritated and I nod.
‘Yeah – don’t waste time with me. I guess I was wrong, you are a liar and a *.’ I say as I bend down, pick my shoes and start hurrying away from them.
‘God, what a loser. Come on – we’re going to the Blue Bar. You coming?’ Seob asks as if nothing just happened. I feel a tear falling down my cheek and wipe at it angrily as I hurry up my pace.
‘It’s your own fault Minji. It’s your fault for letting your guard down.’ I say to myself. Why does it always happen to me? Why is it so wrong to like to study? Why is it so wrong to not be like others? They’re right – I am a pathetic loser... for believing him – for believing he might not be a complete *. No, he’s worse than a * – he’s a liar – he lies to me, he lies to his friends and he even lies to himself. He’s a coward who prefers to look cool and tough in front of his friends than be himself. Well * him and his friends!!
Suddenly, I hear a car honking loudly and I see the bright lights up close. I freeze in place and all I can do is squeeze my eyes shut. I hear the car squealing loudly and then I feel a full force knocking me down. I hit the ground painfully and I let out a cry just as I open my eyes. I see the car has stopped and right next to me is a man who is panting like he is out of breath. ‘Are you okay? Are you hurt?’ He manages to ask as the man from the car comes running towards us.
‘What the hell were you doing? I could have killed you if it weren’t for him!’ The man screams, clearly still dealing with his own fright.
‘I’m sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going.’ I say as I sniff. ‘But I’m okay, thank you – I’m sorry for that.’ I say. The man sighs before he starts to leave. Me and the mystery man watch as he gets into the car, slams the door and speeds away. He turns to me and I look at him and gasp. ‘You’re …’ I begin, unable to believe my own eyes and he lets out a small chuckle.
‘Yes, I’m Jungkook. Are you sure you’re all right? You took a pretty bad bump when you fell?’ He says softly. His hand reaches for my forehead which has gotten grazed. ‘You’re going to need to put some ice on there.’ He says.
‘I’ll be okay.’ I say and he nods. He stands up and offers me his hand. I sigh as I take it and let him help me up. My whole body feels stiff – maybe it’s the hit or the shock of it or everything that happened tonight. Yet, as I look at Jungkook – I feel a certain peace. It’s almost like a click that I can’t explain – maybe it’s because I’m a fan of his, but no, I don’t think that is it. ‘Thank you for saving me.’ I say as I give him a little bow.
‘No, no don’t do that.’ He says as he places his hand on my shoulder, forcing me to look up. I see his eyes fall on my locket before he shakes his head and looks at me. ‘Just be more careful next time, okay?’ He says and I nod. ‘I was walking so I can’t offer you a ride home but do you maybe want to walk with me and then I can drive you?’ He asks.
‘No, no that’s fine, really. You’ve already done more than enough. I’ll get going now. Thank you once again.’ I say and he gives me a warm smile. I nod at him and start walking away.
‘Wait! What’s your name?’ He asks and I turn slightly around.
‘Minji. My name is Kyung Minji.’ I say as I give him a smile. I see his face change, as if the name means something to him but I don’t pay much attention to it as I turn around and start walking, wanting to get away from this embarrassing situation.
I manage to get to the main road and I put my hand out and stop a taxi. I give him the address and settle in the back. I open the window, look out and I let the cold night air hit me against my face. As if sensing my mood, the driver puts on the radio. ‘They say music always heals the soul, whatever it is feeling.’ He says just as Lee Hi’s Breathe starts to play. I look out at the passing cars and lights just as I listen to the lyrics of the song.
Even if others think your sigh … takes out energy and strength … I already know … that you had a day that’s hard enough … to let out even a small sigh … now don’t think of anything else … let out a deep sigh … just let it out like that.
I nod to myself – she’s right – I just need to let it out and let go of tonight. I need to stay positive and look at the good things. I won’t let Byung-Hoon or his friends drag me down or get to me. I refuse to be made a fool out of again and the next time, he tries to talk to me, if he does that is, I’ll just show him that I am no girl he should mess with.
My friends didn’t ditch me because they don’t like me – they just like to party and have fun and as for Yun, I’m the one who told her to go with her friends. I may not be the prettiest, the richest, the coolest or even the smartest but I am who I am and I worked damned hard to reach where I am and I won’t let some pompous, arrogant * drag me down.
I was almost run over by a car because of those *s but I got lucky – Jungkook, saved my life. I’m alive and I met an idol I look up to and even if in that moment, I forgot to tell him I actually like their music and everything they do, I’m glad to met him, knowing that most likely, I’ll never see him again. I can’t help but wonder why he felt so –comfortable – so easy to talk to. Before I know it, we actually arrive and I pay the taxi driver before I walk to my apartment. I reach my bedroom and throw my shoes in the corner as I slump onto the bed, feeling exhausted.
This update is a bit longer and possibly one of my favourite so far. Byung Hoon is a complicated character - when he is just with her, he shows one side but in front of his friends, he shows another. (It's a bit influenced from Meteor Garden and there will be further influences in the future). Also, originally, this is not how I was planning for them to meet but I had this idea and I realized this would make it more exciting. Minji felt some kind of connection which she dismisses - I wonder how Jungkook felt. Let me know what you guys think and thanks for supporting this story. I purple you <3 - Tae's Misfit
