The ride back to Minjeong and Yizhuo’s shared apartment had been weirdly silent. It was to be expected though. They really hadn’t calculated the possibility of Minjeong’s mom suddenly barging in, forcing her daughter to go back to her.
But luckily, Minjeong had chosen them. No. She had chosen, for the first time in her life, herself.
Minjeong basically had to make the hardest choice of her life yet, so her being completely silent, and most likely extremely shaken, was to be expected.
And Jimin, who had been stuck behind the wheel, just wanted to give Minjeong a tight hug, and tell her that everything will be okay. But all she could do at the moment was to simply quicken up her pace, and try to arrive at their destination as soon as possible.
She knows that Minjeong needed her the most at that moment. And she will gladly offer anything that will make the younger girl feel better.
And when they finally arrived, all four of them went up. When they had reached their destination, and it was time to split up, Yizhuo, who had been silent until then like the rest, finally broke the silence.
“Is it okay if they sleep over?” she said, gesturing towards Aeri and Jimin, who just stood behind her.
Minjeong silently nodded, and made her way inside first, without saying anything else.
The air around her felt a bit icy. Not from distaste against her friends though, far from it. Minjeong just honestly felt like locking herself in her room, and bawling her eyes out all night.
But at the same time, knowing that her friends would be there with her… that she wouldn’t be alone… was enough to convince her.
And eventually, they all settled on the couch, and put on some crappy romance movie.
In fact, Minjeong, unbeknownst to the three others, actually felt the safest she ever did, squished between her three friends on the couch. For once, she allowed herself to leave all her problems behind, and indulged herself in her friends’ warmth.
“Minjeongie?”
Minjeong turned her head slightly towards Jimin, who was directly positioned on her right. Actually, she’s the one who had been squeezing her the tightest out of the girls, to no surprise. And Minjeong deeply appreciated the support, she really did.
Gosh she had missed Jimin so much. Being in her arms right now felt like a dream, really.
And finally, in a moment like this one where Jimin is so close to her, she realized that everything is real. She really did leave her mother’s desires behind, and followed her heart for once.
She followed Jimin.
And she knows she always will.
“What’s up?” she sleepily mumbled.
Amidst the darkened room, she noticed Jimin’s lips curling in a soft smile. “I’m glad to see you again,” she whispered so softly that it made Minjeong’s heart melt on the spot.
It seems like her angsty arc away from Jimin really did tenfold her feelings for the older woman… But at this point, she didn’t even mind.
But boy was Minjeong glad that Aeri and Yizhuo were completely passed out. Because she’s sure that if they had seen the deep blush on her face, she really wouldn’t be able to ever live this down. At least, she wishes they were…
But she guesses that showing this side of herself to Jimin is okay. She feels comfortable enough to do so after all.
Showing herself to Jimin is okay.
Without even realizing it, she took Jimin’s hand in hers, and looked at her straight in the eyes. “I missed you too Jimin.”
She couldn’t help but to tighten her hold.
“So much…”
Jimin, who had looked a bit taken aback from the sudden and intimate contact, immediately tightened Minjeong’s hand back.
“Me too Minjeong…” she offered her a saccharine smile, and gosh it made Minjeong’s heart skip yet another beat. “But you’re here with me…” she immediately corrected herself. “With us I mean!”
Minjeong couldn’t help but to let out a quiet chuckle. After all, Jimin was still Jimin. And Minjeong wishes for the woman to never change.
But she knows it already. Jimin is, and will forever be, the most adorable loser she’s ever met.
And Minjeong, who had gone through such a rollercoaster of emotions that day, felt like unwinding a little bit. So she couldn’t help but to tease her favorite loser a little bit.
“I’m glad to be here with you Jiminie~”
Jimin hit her side with her elbow, and whined. “C’mon we were having a moment, don’t ruin it like that!”
And it made Minjeong giggle even more. “I would say I’m sorry, but I really mean it!” Her heart felt so full, and so safe.
Jimin felt so safe. She really could not get enough of how Jimin makes her feel, seriously.
But suddenly, the crimson looking Jimin let out a small yawn.
Minjeong smiled at the sight. “Sleepy baby.”
“You wish,” smirked back an awfully sleepy-looking Jimin, who delicately put her head in the crook of Minjeong’s neck and comfortably nuzzled into it, all traces of embarrassment seemingly disappearing.
Emergency, emergency! Yu Jimin, what the hell do you think you’re doing so suddenly?
Not that Minjeong minds though. Who would mind becoming Yu Jimin’s teddy bear after all! Clearly not Minjeong.
When she made sure that Jimin was fast asleep, Minjeong carefully and tentatively rested her head on top of Jimin’s. It felt comfortable, as expected. And she swears that the second her head had softly hit Jimin’s, she heard the older girl purr.
Minjeong might have been at war with herself mere hours ago. But right at this moment, she had never felt so at peace before.
***
“You wrote this??” exclaimed a very much surprised Yizhuo.
The day following her escape, the group had gone back to class, as if nothing had ever happened.
At least, on the surface. Because really, every single second since she returned, Minjeong had never been alone. Hell, at least one of the girls was always at her side during the day!
And after her classes, that she had somehow kind of missed, ended, Minjeong, accompanied by Yizhuo, had reunited with their other two friends inside the club room, to discuss their new activities.
But before anybody could really start any conversation, Minjeong had awkwardly showed them the notebook she had safely retrieved from her house.
And to say that the others were surprised to see that Minjeong had written lyrics all by herself would be an understatement.
“I know that you’re super good at guitar but damn I didn’t know you were also a skilled lyricist!” exclaimed Aeri.
Minjeong, who felt a bit embarrassed, scratched her cheek. “I wouldn’t say I’m skilled… it was more of a spur of the moment thing.”
Jimin, who had been leaning behind Minjeong’s shoulder to take a peek at the notebook, whispered. “From all the pencil marks and ripped pages, it doesn’t look like something that was just made in the spur of a moment…”
Minjeong couldn’t help but to pinch the older girl’s cheek, making Jimin whine a bit. “Hush you!”
She then turned towards Aeri, purposely ignoring Jimin’s cute pouty noises behind her. “I didn’t just show this to brag though. I have a favor to ask… if it’s okay.”
Her tone had changed to a more serious one, successfully catching the attention of everyone in the room.
Minjeong took a breath. “I want to perform this song on stage. Is it okay if we try to compose it around my lyrics together?” She awkwardly shifted on her feet, waiting for her friends’ answer.
And luckily for her, it came faster than expected. “Of course!” rejoiced an already overly excited Yizhuo, joined by Aeri who positively nodded.
Jimin looked very eager as well. “That sounds like a great idea!”
Minjeong felt like she could breathe again. “Thanks guys!” She then turned to Aeri in particular. “Also I would like to ask you something in particular Aeri.”
The older girl tilted her head a bit to the side. “What’s up?”
“Since you’re basically our leader, and took care of all the administrative stuff for the festival gig, is it okay if you can talk with the university to see if they can hold another exceptional concert please? I realize that I’m asking a lot from you, and I’m so sorry for that but-”
Aeri abruptly raised her hand, and interrupted Minjeong’s ramble. She smiled softly towards the younger woman. “Of course I will Minjeong, it’s no trouble really.”
“Thanks a lot everyone!”
Minjeong truly felt appreciative of her friends’ support. Honestly, without them, she’s sure that she wouldn’t have been able to hold up like she currently was.
Of course, things were still messy in her mind, and every passing second she was dreading the time her parents would try to contact her. Luckily, her mother was as stubborn and proud as her, so she hadn’t tried to message her yet.
But nonetheless, Minjeong wasn’t alone in this.
“Oh yeah,” she started again. Thinking about her mother reminded her that she owes Jimin and Aeri a much needed and overdue explanation on her situation.
“I guess I should finally tell you a bit more about the situation with my mom…”
***
Practice had gone by in the blink of an eye. And soon enough, the girls had all parted ways. Aeri and Yizhuo had to go back to their dorms to study, leaving Jimin and Minjeong alone behind.
Usually, they either would have get some more practice done in the empty classroom, or would have both gone home.
But that afternoon, it seemed like Jimin had other plans. “Minjeongie, do you wanna come over to my house?”
What. The.
Okay, time's up brain! Minjeong doesn’t want to get the wrong idea or something, but Jimin’s proposal sounded way too direct!
Or maybe, Minjeong is the only one who saw this request in that way…
Anyways! Who was she to deny such a thing? She has always been curious about where Jimin lives anyways.
“Sure!”
This made Jimin smile, and take Minjeong’s hand in hers. Over time, it became a habit for them to hold hands whenever they felt like it. Minjeong isn’t sure when or why it started, but she is perfectly fine with it nonetheless.
They walked towards Jimin’s house in silence. But it didn’t feel awkward at all. It was the kind of silence that relaxes you, and makes you feel at peace.
Kind of like how Jimin makes her feel.
But soon enough, their small bubble of happiness popped as they arrived at their destination.
Jimin’s house was kind of similar to hers. It looked very spacious and proper, but still well balanced. But contrary to hers, Jimin’s house is way closer to the campus, explaining why she still lives there. She told her a while ago that she only lives with her father though, because her mother works abroad during the week, while her older sister has her own apartment already.
“Don’t worry, my dad isn’t here today so we won’t disturb him,” said Jimin, while unlocking the front door.
Minjeong raised a brow, and teased her friend a bit. “What do you mean by this, Miss Yu?”
This made Jimin groan. “You and your dirty thoughts I swear…” Minjeong lightly chuckled, as she followed Jimin inside.
The older woman guided her downstairs, seemingly in some kind of basement. And when they arrived there, Minjeong couldn’t help but to let out a small gasp.
Jimin’s basement kind of looked like her grandpa’s attic. Multiple band posters adorned the walls, and a big couch occupied most of the space of the room, aside from the set of drums placed in its corner.
It truly looked like a practice room. Jimin plopped down on the couch, and Minjeong immediately followed.
“I felt like getting a small change of pace would be great, I hope it’s okay with you.”
Minjeong smiled. “Of course it is! This room looks very cool.”
This made Jimin chuckle softly. “Hehe, thank you. My dad used to be in a band, so that explains all the equipment. And when I started playing the bass, he let me use this space.”
Minjeong hummed, as she scanned around the place. But suddenly, Jimin got up, and took her bass out of its case.
“Now, shall we jam for a bit?”
Minjeong smirked at the request. “We shall!” She picked her own guitar, and positioned herself next to Jimin.
They settled on playing ‘Disco’, from Surf Curse. Minjeong was delighted when she heard Jimin mentioning this song. Because, unknowingly to the other woman, this song has always reminded her of Jimin. So playing it with her felt like a dream.
Jimin counted until three, before Minjeong started scratching her cords along with Jimin’s bass sound.
“And I can’t help it with you, Stubborn-hearted blue,” started to sing Minjeong. When she mentioned the color, she couldn’t help but to glance at Jimin, who was absorbed in her own world.
Blue always reminded her of Jimin, for some reason.
“Lights come into our room, When disco plays our tune~” As she sang, Minjeong felt herself getting physically closer to Jimin. She doesn’t know what came over her, but the second her gaze met Jimin’s, she felt like she was being pulled by the other woman’s eyes.
It was Jimin’s turn to sing now. “’Cause there’s nothing like it, Not like the way you move.” She took a step closer.
“I can try but I can’t hide it from you.” While singing this part, it seemed like Jimin’s cheeks reddened a bit. Was it because of the meaning behind the lyrics, or because of their sudden close proximity?
Because in fact, somehow, they were only a foot apart now. And maybe even closer, because Minjeong could almost count Jimin’s eyelashes.
“’Cause I can’t wait for you,” continued Jimin. Minjeong doesn’t know if she’s delusional enough for dreaming this, but as she said this, Jimin’s gaze seemed to be looking down. Almost at her lips…
In a breath, Minjeong sang her line. “I can’t wait for you…” They were now only a breath away. Minjeong is sure that, by now, her face was as red as a tomato. But she found comfort in the fact that Jimin’s skin tone wasn’t any better.
But was she dreaming or Jimin seemed to be feeling the same tension as her? Because the mood between them could definitely be cut by a knife, with how thick it currently was.
None of them risked talking, but they surely risked getting closer. Because how did she manage to feel Jimin’s breath over her mouth in such a short amount of time?
Jimin was close enough to be in her reach, but too far to be completely in her space.
Would Minjeong mind if Jimin invaded her space though? Absolutely not. Clearly not. Definitely not.
Suddenly, but oh so softly, Jimin searched for her eyes. As if asking if it was okay to go any further. And who was Minjeong to deny whatever Jimin wanted. So she closed her eyes, in a way of showing her approval to the other girl. She felt Jimin’s hand tentatively approach her cheek…
Clank!
Obviously, as if the universe was against them, both the fretboards of their guitar and bass abruptly collided, when they got close enough to finally close the gap between them.
And she couldn’t help but to click her tongue. Dang it, instruments! Minjeong always loved music, sure. But not right now! Can the instruments learn how to read the mood, for Pete’s sake!
“Sorry I-” Jimin tried to apologize, but she stumbled over her own words.
And Minjeong wasn’t any better. When she opened her mouth, all she could do was to stutter. “I-it’s okay I-”
“Jimin!” Both of them froze when they heard a masculine voice.
Jimin looked at her apologetically, despite struggling to keep eye contact with her. “Sorry,” she sheepishly said. “It must be my dad.”
“It’s okay, it’s getting late anyways so I should go,” sighed Minjeong. She really didn’t want to go, but at the same time she didn’t really know what else she could have said to Jimin.
She’s not dense enough to not realize that they had almost kissed, and that Jimin most likely wants the same thing as her. At least, she hopes…
But maybe, that’s something to address for another time…
Minjeong packed her stuff, and hurriedly made her way towards the stairs. But before she could go any further, Jimin softly grabbed her wrist.
“Minjeongie,” she said in a breath.
Minjeong, trying to ignore the erratic beatings of her heart, merely tilted her head to the side.
“Can you wait for me? Just a little bit more.” Jimin suddenly sounded so sure of herself. But Minjeong couldn’t help but to notice the slight wavering in her voice, probably from apprehension towards her answer.
But in her mind, Minjeong’s answer is crystal clear. Jimin doesn’t even need to ask.
So she offered her a genuine smile, and fully took Jimin’s hand in hers.
“Of course Jimin, I’ll always wait for you.”
***
“Good news guys, the college accepted our request! They’re okay with us performing at the auditorium again!” exclaimed Aeri, as she barged in the club room.
Minjeong, who had been cleaning her cherished guitar until then, jumped out of her seat to go hug a delighted-looking Aeri, and almost dropped her guitar on the floor in the process. Luckily, Jimin, who had been sitting next to her on the couch, had managed to catch it right before it could hit the floor, and let out a sigh of relief.
Minjeong, who hadn’t even noticed Jimin’s battle in the back, rejoiced all while shaking Aeri’s shoulders. “For real??”
Aeri couldn’t help but laugh at Minjeong’s excited puppy-like expression. “For real!!” However, her face fell a little bit as she continued. “But, they only gave us two weeks… so we better get to work now if we want to be done with the song!”
Two weeks was a terribly short amount of time to compose and practice a song. For the rest of the setlist, they could still go for the songs they played at the festival. But managing to play Minjeong’s song on such a short notice seemed impossible.
Sensing her worries, Jimin approached Minjeong, and delicately placed a hand on her shoulder. She smiled at the smaller girl, trying to comfort her. “Don’t worry Minjeongie, we’ll make it in time.”
The sudden proximity reminded Minjeong of the accident that happened between them a few days ago, making her heartbeat race.
Yizhuo, who had been listening in the back during all of this time, approached them and put her hand on Minjeong’s other shoulder. “She’s right, it’s us after all! We’ll definitely make it work somehow!”
If she had to be honest, Minjeong would say that she felt a bit teary-eyed. Feeling her friends’ support made her feel confident again. There’s no reason why they wouldn’t be able to pull this off. She was able to run away from her mother’s control over her, and she was able to overcome her fear of embracing her passion. Next to those battles she had successfully won, composing and practicing a song sounded like a mere walk in a park.
Aeri looked at her friends, and pumped her fist in the air. “Well ladies, let’s get it!”
“Let’s go!” they all shouted in unison, mimicking Aeri’s gesture. They have a LOT of work to do, so they can’t afford to lose any seconds!
And practice like that went on for days. Every single day, after each of them would be done with classes, they would reunite in the club room and practice for hours, almost until exhaustion. It didn’t feel bad at all though. Quite the contrary actually. Spending time like this, being together everyday and working hard for a shared purpose felt fulfilling, and extremely rewarding.
They had managed to make a lot of progress, and the day before the concert, they finally managed to play a satisfying version of the song.
“Aaah I’m beat! I feel like my arms are gonna explode…,” whined Yizhuo, while plopping down ungraciously on the couch. “Jimin? Where are you going?”
Jimin, who had been hurriedly packing her stuff, looked up. “Oh, I have an appointment so I gotta go!” She messily stuffed everything inside her bag, and rushed out of the room, leaving the rest of the band looking perplexedly at each other.
Minjeong started to feel a bit worried, seeing Jimin hurry out like that. Of course, Jimin is more than allowed to have a life outside of the band, and hanging out with them! And maybe this appointment was something health related or something. But the older woman had looked too much in a hurry for it to be just a regular meeting.
Was she meeting with someone or something…
No! Minjeong shouldn’t have thoughts like that. And even if it was true, Jimin absolutely doesn’t belong to her, so she has no say in the matter! If Jimin is going on a date or something… it has nothing to do with her! Hell, she should be happy for her friend, shouldn’t she?
“Minjeong, are you okay?”
Minjeong looked at Aeri, who watched her with a worried gaze. “You look out of it. ”
Minjeong, not wanting to worry her friends furthermore, waved her hands in front of her face. “I’m fine, don’t worry! I just zoned out, as usual haha…”
It was Yizhuo’s turn to look at her now, but the expression on her face was more one of weariness. “Y’know, it’s pretty much obvious that you’re jealous of whoever Jimin went to mee-”
“Aaah, shut up!” Minjeong blurted out, putting her hands on top of Yizhuo’s mouth to refrain her from saying anything else.
Aeri raised a mischievous brow. “Oh my, what do we have here…”
Minjeong whined. “Aeri! It’s not what you think it is, I swear!”
Yizhuo and Aeri exchanged an amused glance, before Aeri spoke again. “Uhuh, of course Minjeong, of course…”
Minjeong felt like burying herself 6 feet under. Those two definitely spilled some tea together, and now they were teaming up to attack her. What the hell is this! Minjeong wants to go home now!
“Since when though..?” inquired Aeri, as Yizhuo merely snickered next to her.
Minjeong sighed, and muttered to herself. “Just kill me already…”
—
While Minjeong was being busy getting bullied by her friends, Jimin was standing up in front of a familiar closed door.
She knows that what she’s about to do is completely stupid, and she’s totally overstepping. But ever since Minjeong had told them about the situation with her parents, and with her mother in particular, Jimin wasn’t able to get this idea out of her mind.
She hesitantly knocked on the door, and waited for a few seconds until she heard footsteps rushing inside. And when the door opened, Jimin wasn’t surprised by the look of disgust the other person displayed.
“You. Why are you here?”
Minjeong’s mother looked her up and down, and frowned. It was to be expected though. Jimin did encourage her daughter to run away with her, and she’s in the band with Minjeong.
So it’s pretty obvious that her mother sees her as the spawn of Satan itself.
“Good afternoon, Ms Kim,” politely greeted Jimin. If she had to be honest, she would rather punch this woman in the face. She’s the main cause of Minjeong’s pain after all. And whatever hurts Minjeong, hurts Jimin in the process.
But it’s still her friend’s mother… no. The mother of the woman she’s deeply smitten for. So, having been properly raised to respect her elders, Jimin felt the need to be polite with the woman.
“I would like to ask for a favor, if I may.”
Minjeong’s mother scoffed. “Cut the fake formalities with me, young lady. I don’t have time for-”
“It’s about Minjeong,” abruptly cut Jimin. Hearing this, the older woman stopped, and looked at Jimin, seemingly trying to decipher her intentions.
“Come in,” she instructed.
Jimin silently followed inside.
“Sit down.”
Damn this woman should stop ordering people around like that, scoffed Jimin in her mind. But she’s a good and well-behaved girl, so she politely sat down.
Minjeong’s mother sat down on a seat in front of her, and sharply glanced at her. “Now, tell me why you came all the way here to talk about my daughter.”
The way the woman had pronounced the words “my daughter” enraged Jimin. As if Minjeong was nothing but her property, her puppet. But she tried to stay calm and hold it in. For Minjeong’s sake.
“Yes,” she started. “We’re holding a concert tomorrow, and I would like to ask if your husband and you could come, please.”
Minjeong’s mother scoffed for the nth time of those five minutes Jimin had been there. “You’ve got some nerves, young lady.” Her words were poisonous. “You’re the one who took her away from me, and who corrupted her with this… stupid music! And now you’re asking if we can come to see you kids play? Don’t make me laugh.”
Jimin gritted her teeth hearing all of this. Usually, she’s the kind of person who believes in second chances, and who always tries to see the best in other people. But right now? She wants nothing more than to scream at this woman, and potentially punch her right in the face.
“Bear it for Minjeong…,” she thought. She took a deep breath to calm herself down, and talked again, despite the mother’s venomous words.
“If I may, I think that it would be a good opportunity to understand your daughter better. And probably the last chance you’ll get to repair your relationship with her.”
And with that, Jimin got up, and placed two tickets on the coffee table. “This is for you, in case you change your mind.”
Minjeong’s mother got up along with her, seemingly seething. “You little…”
Jimin politely bowed, and made her way out of the house before Minjeong’s mother could have the luxury to bad mouth her, or her friends, right in her face again.
She had successfully executed her plan. Now, all that was left was out of her reach, so she could only hope that things will proceed according to plan…
She doesn’t regret coming all the way here to basically get insulted though. That’s the least she could do for Minjeong after all.
That's the least Minjeong deserves.
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