The year someone turns 18 they have the opportunity to be injected with a serum that will produce a soulmate mark somewhere on their body. This serum is costly and the procedure to get the injection is not covered by insurance.
A rare illness cropp...
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I nod in response to his statement. "Hobi played me a song by your group once before. He also mentioned how Big Hit gained controlling interest in your company, so they had a big say in how your group was managed from there on out."
He nods. "Yes, it is due to that turnover that I am in the position I am now." He frowns for a second. "I truly do hate though that it is due to such tragic events." He sighs. "This is a long story. Do you mind if I sit by you?"
"Please." I haven't been comfortable sitting and talking with strangers much lately. Probably because most of the strangers currently in my life are doctors, nurses, and other hospital personnel. For some reason though I find myself completely at ease with this stranger.
He clears his throat before he starts explaining to me his story. "After Park-sunbaenim's accident those in charge of the event had to cast someone else in the role for the special event that he was originally scheduled for. Initially they were hoping to convince Taemin-sunbaenim to fill his role. I don't know if you know him or not, but he is a wonderful dancer and actually a great friend of Jimin's."
I pause to think for a minute. "Is he the one that Jimin did that so-called dance battle with?" I don't know why they phrased it that way when they didn't actually battle each other at all. The two of them simply each took the stage separately before they shared the stage side by side. Taemin was indeed a great dancer, but I still swayed more to my Jimin's ability. Perhaps I am a bit biased though. I mentally roll my eyes at that thought. Then I almost snort out loud when I add in my own head that I am not a Jimin stan, but rather OT7 all the way.
Minghao nods at me. "Yes, that is him. Anyway, Taemin's schedule wouldn't allow for it. He's in two separate groups and is a popular solo artist also as well. So, he simply didn't have the time to also take on that role as well. I heard he was crushed that he wouldn't be able to do it in honor of his friend."
"So, they came to you next since you essentially work under the same label as Jimin?" I frown at my phrasing. "Sorry, that came out wrong. I am sure you are quite talented yourself."
He giggles. Literally, there is no other word for the sound that comes from his mouth. Despite my overwhelming cloud of sadness I can't help but admit that it is one of the sweetest sounds in the world. How on Earth is this stranger able to start easily pulling me out of my melancholy?
"No, I took no offense. Park-sunbaenim is in a class of his own. Anyway, that brings me to why I came here today. I wanted to wish you well and give you flowers in hopes it might cheer you up some. Perhaps even instill some hope that things will get better. Also, I am planning on dedicating the performance to him. I had to change up some of his initial choreography, because some of the moves he had planned I just can't accomplish myself." This time the sound that comes from his mouth is more of a nervous chuckle rather than the full out adorable giggle he released only moments ago.
I don't even question if what he is saying is simply an exuberant amount of praise for Jimin's benefit. It is obvious that he truly means what he is saying. After a few moments of sitting comfortably in silence a thoughtful look comes over his face. I can't help but ask him, "What is it?"
He shakes his head. "Four of the other members of Seventeen got their soulmate marks the other day. They put their names on the national database, hoping they will meet her soon. I'm a little depressed that I wasn't one of the ones to get a mark."
"You were hoping all of you would end up with the same soulmate. Wait, how many members does your group have?!? Please don't tell me seventeen?!?!"
He shakes his head then proceeds to explain to me the meaning behind the name. "Still though. Thirteen members? I know there are women out there with a lot of soulmates. I think, if I remember right though, the most documented has been ten."
He looks thoughtful once again. "I just hope I don't grow jealous of my brothers' marks."
"Well, hopefully your own mark will appear soon then."
"I hope that my soulmate ends up being as nice as you are." He openly admits, and for a brief moment I wonder if he is flirting with me. I look up at his face and all I see there behind his eyes is honesty. He stays for only about thirty minutes more, but before he leaves he makes sure to exchange contact information with me. "You have to promise to keep in touch."
I nod my head. "Hopefully the next time we see each other it will be under happier circumstances. Oh, and I look forward to seeing your performance next week."
A couple hours later Jimin's family arrives, and Jiwoo along with them. She is here acting as moral support for both one of her soulmates, Jimin's younger brother, and me. I give them all hugs.
Jimin's mother, Miyoung, holds me a little longer than the others. "He will wake up. I just know he will." She says in my ear, and honestly I don't know if she is trying to convince me of that or herself. I leave the room so I can give them their space. Jiwoo goes outside with me, and before I can sit down she takes me by the hand and drags me downstairs to the cafeteria. She makes me order something to eat even though I am really not hungry. I wrinkle my nose at the pungent aroma coming from my plate, but I still force myself to eat the food in front of me. Honestly my stress level has my appetite completely on the fritz. I am often not hungry, or my stomach just turns at the sight or scent of certain foods.
Jiwoo frowns at me from across the table as I play with the food on my plate. "You need to eat, Daisy. I understand why you might not have an appetite. I get it. The problem is you are starting to look sick because of it. You constantly have shadows underneath your eyes, your naturally pale skin doesn't have it's glowing hue that it usually does, and your eyes themselves look constantly glazed over and vacant. If it weren't for the weight you are gaining I would think you were flat out starving yourself."
Her words have me immediately frowning. Weight? I hadn't noticed that. I mean I have been just putting on the comfiest clothing possible before I ever head here, not caring at all what I look like as I pass by Army. I haven't taken notice of how the stretchy leggings are fitting me lately though.
It's then we both start tallying things together. I then double check some of the things we listed on the internet and gulp nervously at what I discover before I close out of the web browser and make a phone call. "Um, are you free now?" I find myself asking after the person on the other end goes through the routine on how she answers the calls coming in.
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A/N: First of all I apologize that things aren't really resolved yet. I also apologize that the only picture in this chapter is of Minghao (Stage name The8) from Seventeen. I promise though that even that is important. Anyway. I hope you enjoyed this chapter regardless. I hope it gave you a bit of piece of mind regarding Jimin's state, even though he's unconscious he is alive. Next chapter even more things will start to become unveiled.
