"Who knew that I'd be flying off the same place?"
Minjeong mumbled to herself while waiting for her father and a certain person to arrive inside their private jet, they're on their way to Jeju for business reasons.
And because her father still felt sick, her presence was once again needed.
As much as the girl wanted to protest, she wasn't able to because she knew how much her father needed help. This was at least the thing she could do after accepting huge allowances from him.
A few minutes of waiting later, the girl's father finally arrived which caused her to sigh contently.
"Finally!"
The father chuckled at his daughter's annoyed expression whilst walking his way towards the seat across the latter, that's when Minjeong noticed another person missing.
"Where is he? Wasn't he supposed to come?"
Mr. Kim wore his eyes mask before making himself comfortable on the seat to sleep, "He's going to follow us, I guess he has some business to take care of. After all, he just arrived didn't he?"
Minjeong slouched down her seat, groaning in displeasure. "Borrriinngg!"
The man snickered, "Miss him much?"
"No, I want to beat his ass for not saying a thing for two years."
"You do you, sweety. As long as both of you are happy."
The girl's father released a small laugh after eventually falling asleep, Minjeong on the other hand merely smiled at the sight and focused her eyes on the window beside her as the jet began to take off.
Would I see her?
Hmm, probably not.
———————————————
5 p.m
Earlier when Minjeong arrived at their hotel room, she immediately went out and explored the island. She had a fun time spending her father's money, eating various kinds of dishes she was foreign to.
The difference between Jeju and her hometown was particularly big. When she first came, everything she saw felt new.
The girl was afraid that she would get bored if she stayed inside the hotel, so she thought of going outside for once.
During that time, when she was waiting for the traffic lights to go green. By some shitty coincidence that Minjeong hated, she bumped into her supposed fiance.
Thus, why she's presently walking beside the guy towards wherever the heck her legs take her. She was so displeased with it that she forgot what she was going to do later on, not that she's mad.
Her alone time was solely being interrupted.
At first, she didn't mind the guy intervening. However, when the latter changed... her outlook as well.
"Why are you following me?"
"Aw come on puppy! It's been two weeks since I've seen you in real life, and I've never thought that I'd meet you here!"
Minjeong sighed before pausing her steps to answer the sudden buzz that came from her phone, the action caused Win beside her to pause also, looking at the girl with full curiosity.
"So? Did you arrive?"
A chuckle was heard, "Yeah, I'll meet you at that popular restaurant near the hotel."
"Awesome!"
"Heh, it's been a while since I heard you so pumped up."
"Dude, you're like the only person I like since elementary."
"Woah, did you just admit that you like me?"
"Yes, I did."
Loud laughter was heard behind the phone, "I miss this side of you."
"I'm only like this to you though."
"Which makes it special."
Minjeong rolled her eyes, "I'll see you later."
Ending the call, the girl swiftly fixed her gaze on the guy beside her only to see him having such a confused expression.
"What?"
"For a moment there... you looked normal."
Minjeong blinked her eyes in disbelief, "Did you just indirectly call me abnormal?" she laughed. "That hurts you know."
"No, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to, what I mean was you looked strangely happy." Win chuckled nervously, "May I know who that was?"
"Secret."
Minjeong patted her friend's shoulder as she walked past him to make her way back towards the hotel, Win frowned at this and continued to tail the latter.
"Where are you going?"
"Somewhere... and why the heck are you still following me?"
"Oh, don't get me wrong!" Win laughed, "I'm going this way by coincidence."
Minjeong groaned, "I feel like this coincidence is going to lead me somewhere not good..."
———————————————
And indeed it did.
The very moment Minjeong arrived inside the restaurant, she found herself concealed within the very corner of the facility. Hiding her presence away from the sight she never intended nor wanted to see.
Since Win arrived with the girl, he always knew of her presence. Thus, taking full consideration of it and does not tell his sister about it who's currently talking to her boyfriend happily at a particular table.
Minjeong could only watch from afar, taking in the confusion she's feeling.
Even though with this sense, the girl's aware that it wasn't mere confusion. She's aware that it's pain, she didn't want to admit it— though inescapable, it remained in her heart.
She was only familiar with fear and anger that this feeling was beginning to grow terrifying. So not wanting to have these thoughts any longer as well as seeing a certain couple, she made her way outside the facility.
As soon as the girl left, Win who had his eyes directed towards the girl stood up and bowed respectfully to his family.
Jimin tilted her head, "Where are you going?"
"Yeah... dessert hasn't even been served yet," Kai said whilst munching on his steak.
Win displayed a wry smile, "I'll be right back, I'm just going to take a quick breather." he bowed once again before trailing Minjeong's tracks.
The guy looked all over the huge restaurant, and when it came to the last place he hasn't looked— the nearby grassy field. He saw Minjeong who's surprisingly holding a wooden sword, the girl looked expressionless.
Yet it was captivating.
Minjeong was drawing the sword towards a tree. Within a tension as if even the air around her had frozen over, she held the sword straight with a steadfast stance.
Entranced by the girl's profile, Win couldn't help but swallow his breath as the latter swayed the sword she had in hand with great elegant precision to strike the tree.
*THUD THUD THUD THUD*
She struck the tree, until eventually... the sword had broken into two pieces.
Win couldn't restrain himself but flinch, "W-Woah!"
Minjeong was startled at the abrupt voice, causing her to let go of the sword's broken piece. She instantly fixed her eyes towards the voice, revealing Win who had a shocked expression.
"Yeah, I'm not even going to complain anymore." she sighed in defeat.
Win approached the shorter whilst scratching his cheek, "Sorry, I got worried."
Minjeong laughed, "What for? You shouldn't get involved with me, that's a warning."
"Yah, I'm a friend too you know?"
The shorter rolled her eyes before walking her way towards the nearby bench to sit. Certainly, Win followed and sat down on the opposite side.
"I liked you better when you were still quiet."
Win chuckled, "I liked you ever since I found out your passion for kendo, it strived me to do better." he casually said.
"What?" Minjeong raised a brow, "And when is that? I haven't even swung a sword not until just now."
"Exactly! That was a long long long long looonnnggg time ago!"
"That's weird, how long?"
Win playfully gave the shorter a wink, "Secret~"
"Is this payback?"
"Maybe?"
"Alright, fair enough."
Promptly, silence filled the two's space as no one dared to speak. Solely enjoying the quiet time as a comforting breeze passes against their skins, just like that time back at their field trip.
In midst of that, Minjeong slowly sunk inside her thoughts. She couldn't help but wonder what Win meant by a long time ago, positively they haven't met before.
So what could it be? It's strange...
"Hey, you're in love with Jimin right...?"
Getting a grip on herself, Minjeong coughed to clear her throat. "What?"
Win snickered, "I'm sorry it's just... My eyes were always directed towards you whenever I take sight of you, so I couldn't help but notice your eyes confusedly staring at her. Also, the way you left earlier just concluded my suspicions."
Minjeong pursed her lips, "I'll admit it, I guess I've fallen for her..."
"May I know when did you realize that?"
"Back when we signed the contract."
"Ah."
Minjeong squinted her eyes, "You did sign it, right?"
Win chuckled, "Don't worry I did."
"That's good then."
Win gazed down the ground, "Shouldn't you tell her?"
Minjeong could only smile at the thought and shake her head slowly. With that response, she laid her back on the backrest and sighed.
The taller was right, shouldn't she tell Jimin? Of course, Minjeong thought about it but still, it led her to a dead end.
Due to her condition, deep worry and anxiety wouldn't let her do that. Feelings, she wasn't still familiar with it. Therefore, filling her with fear and concern, scared of the fact of what might happen afterward.
Seeing the girl's response, Win furrowed his brows and looked at the girl worriedly.
"Why? You know that she feels the same way right? Won't you regret it if Kai and she... get seriously together?"
Minjeong smiled sternly, "Kai... I think he's going to need Jimin more, but don't worry dude. I'm prepared for it all. Even if my chest hurts, even if I'm ripped apart, I won't let myself taste any regret. It'll still feel better to try and regret, than regret not trying at all."
If a person could so ideally control their feelings... how carefree would life be?
Too bad I rarely understood them, I envy some people.
"How about you? What's love to you, Winwin? How about you give me an idea." she asked.
"Hmm." Win rested his chin on his palm, "Ahhh... love is really painful. When you think of the other person your chest hurts and you don't want to let them go, that kind of feeling."
"Is that how you feel towards me?"
"Well, yeah! No doubt." Win laughed, "I might seem to be on the losing side to you, but I'm still fighting... Not all battles happen in the brightest, flashiest spots. I'll keep these feelings until I see you happy with someone else."
"I like your determination."
"So will you let me remain behind your background?"
Minjeong snickered, "Congratulations, you just leveled up from friend to trusted friend— Well if I could trust you that is."
Win's eyes lit up, "My heart and soul!" he playfully saluted which earned a punch on the shoulder.
Just getting into the conversation, Minjeong suddenly heard music playing that came from the restaurant's open door. This got her curious as she saw a familiar figure through the glass wall, seated in front of a piano.
"So this is how she plays, huh."
Concentrating her gaze on Jimin, Minjeong admired every notes her best friend pressed. The melody was truly enchanting to the ears, causing her to release a faint smile.
"Beautiful right?" Win smiled at her sister, "She worked very hard to get there, too hard perhaps." he sighed. "Back then she'd constantly try to kill herself, a lot of eyes were on her... Well, thank god you came and saved her."
"...I guess."
Thinking deeply, Minjeong's vision began to tremor. She winced in pain whilst holding her forehead, the taller noticed this and scooted closer to examine the girl.
"Yo, are you alright?"
"No, my head hurts."
"Should I help you get to your room? Are you staying at that hotel?"
As the shorter was about to answer, a voice interrupted and approached the two.
"Let me take her."
Minjeong slowly leaned her head up to look at the figure in front of them. Getting a good look at the person, she smiled in relief and stood up to lean her weakened body against the person's chest.
"Well, aren't you early?" she mumbled sarcastically.
The figure smiled and carried the girl in a bridal way, causing Win to widen his eyes in disbelief though as well confused.
"Who... are you?" he asked.
"You're Dong Sicheng, yeah?"
Win simply nodded his head.
"Thank you for keeping her company. Don't worry, she's in safe hands... I'm Kim Doyoung, her older brother."
Win swiftly covered his mouth as his jaw dropped at the sudden revelation, merely nodding his head in understanding.
Doyoung chuckled at his actions and subtly bowed his head as a farewell before walking his way towards the exit whilst carrying his sister, looking at the latter with worried eyes.
"Are you taking your medicines?"
"...No, not anymore."
Doyoung sighed, "Start taking them again tomorrow okie?"
"But I'm stable-"
"You're unstable, take them... it's for your own good. Isn't this a sign?"
Minjeong didn't answer and buried her face in her brother's neck, then closed her eyes tight shut.
Doyoung could only sigh and pat the girl's back in comfort, "I wonder what should I do with you? Mom and dad wouldn't want to see you like that again..."