Wiping my eyes with my hands, sniffling from the cold as I sat up in my bed.
The cold shock of the room hitting me, shivering upright. Fingertips blush from the feeling.
Y/N - fucking... hur......
It came to my head about last night came to mind.
What we did, something that we can't come back from. By all means, I have no regrets about it.
Maybe a bit but at the same time, that's the other factors that come into play. But what I felt, what we felt. A little more different than anything else.
Turning my body a bit to my left, looking down at the sheets that covered her. Her messy hair scattered all around the pillows, feet dangling off the edge. Mouth wide open and one arm over the blanket and the other hanging out as well.
Ruffling my hair seeing her like this, I could only do nothing but shake my head.
Y/N - jeez.
Well, they weren't lying that Haewon sleeps chaotically when she has a good night's rest.
Sitting up in bed, my hands gripped the blanket and took it off of me. But doing the common courtesy of putting my side onto her.
Tightly tucking it into her, watching her to see if she would move an inch.
She did not.
Making sure she wasn't cold, I gently nodded at myself reaffirming my decision.
Y/N - okay cool.
Whispering, my next step was to get up and make breakfast but I should check on Jinae first.
Lightly getting out of bed with small steps, getting into my slippers and going out the door.
Making my way towards the kitchen where I grabbed a glass from the kitchen cabinet.
Poured myself a glass of water before chugging it down. Exasperating with a gasp of being relieved.
Y/N - ain't that nice.
Wiping my lips and running the glass under water in the sink, putting it in the drying rack before closing off the running sink.
Y/N - first things first, Jinae.
Moving my light steps towards Jinae's room, yawning a bit as I glanced at the clock beside me on the wall.
Y/N - nine? Nine thirty seven.
What day is it again? Oh right.
It's the weekend.
No school for Jinae and more time for me to hang about and do whatev-
Oh wait Haewon's here.
What should we do?
Play games?
Go out?
Do the same thing we usually do?
I'm not entirely sure but I should really base it off on something that's worth doing unless something comes up in my schedule.
Now in front of Jinae's room, gently opening the door slightly so I could peek my head inside,
Checking. I saw that Jinae was just fine, she hasn't moved much and wasn't as bad as Haewon when she sleeps. Still cuddling her teddy bear bringing a slight smile to my face
Y/N - huh
My checkup is now done, I should get started on breakfast.
Closing the door, I remembered I forgot my phone on the nightstand so I should grab it.
Reenacting my silent side. Making my way back into the bedroom, grabbing my phone quickly off the nightstand but was greeted with a text from an unknown number.
"L/N Y/N? Is this you?"
Huh?
Who's this?
No contact, no profile picture.
Just an unknown number.
Should I humour them or should I ignore it?
But my curiosity piqued my interest, so while walking out of the bedroom. Closing the door behind me, texting back to the number
"Yes this is L/N Y/N. Who is this?"
Seeing as it was a really recent text, and by how recent. It was only sent a minute or two ago.
Holding my phone in my hand to wait for the text, I was back in the kitchen. Getting ready to prepare for breakfast.
Humming to myself, it vibrated causing me to look at the phone once more.
Taking me aback a bit, seeing what the person texted back with.
My heart dropped almost a little, but stayed calm to not cause a scene this early in the morning.
"Ya L/N Y/N, it's me. Yu Jimin. We need to talk"
Digging the top of my phone into my forehead, taking a deep breath.
Y/N - oh for god's sake.
Five years. Five years have passed since she left Jinae and I's life.
Why does it have to be now?
For five years, I've roamed all around SM avoiding her and making sure our paths wouldn't cross.
But at a certain point, the past has come to haunt me.
Putting my phone down at a certain distance away from my face, I've realised. I can't run away from this.
Y/N
Talk about what?
Jimin
I just want to talk to you, in person.
Y/N
When? I don't suppose you are free? Everyone's working these days.
I don't think she knows that I know she's an idol. She's aware that I don't listen or watch tv relating to K-pop mainly.
Jimin
Are you free today? We're off for the holidays
Scratching the back of my head, I guess I can tell Haewon to take care of Jinae while I'm gone.
I'm starting to see a pattern here of my time being taken up a lot more than it should be.
Y/N
Yeah I should be, what time?
Jimin
I was thinking about in thirty minutes? It's okay if you can't make it. I just have to do something with my friend later on today
Y/N
Yeah nah sure. I can do that.
Jimin
Cool, I'll send you the address in a bit
Y/N
Cool cool
Putting my phone away into my pocket, laying my hands on the counter top.
I could only think of what to say or even do when I saw her.
But I do know it's still something I'm going to be thinking about even before I turn the corner.
â-------------
My hands remained still on the steering wheel, with a free conscience.
Tapping lightly with my index finger every few seconds in triplets.
I was only a few minutes away from where she wanted to meet, a certain place here in Seoul where we used to go out on dates when we were younger.
I'm surprised it's still around after all these years, but coming back now. It gives me a unsure feeling from within.
Where did the time go all these years, as I watched her become the superstar that she is now while I sat and cowered away from job to job.
Despite what she did, for herself and for the sake of what she wanted. I was proud of her for who she has become.
Remembering the day I would pick her up from SM myself or having to wait minutes, sometimes hours on dates because she couldn't get out of training fast enough.
Pondering upon that put a slight smile on my face but couldn't help to wonder that who she is now, wasn't who she was before. Rubbing off that smile in an instant.
I have responsibilities now, there's no need for me to lay it off because I'm stuck on nostalgia of a past that we don't have anymore.
Parking in an open spot, my eyes spotted her in the near distance only about a few meters away from me. Looking at her, the same way I used to. It was almost like I wanted to duck and hide and go but eventually, you'll have to face your fears.
Y/N - you can do this Y/N.
Closing my eyes and clenching my fists, taking a big deep breath. Calming myself as my heart was almost out of my chest, anxious, confused and I don't have to lie. It hurt a little.
A little too much.
Unbuckling my seatbelt around me, getting out of the car, locking it.
Walking up to her with my hands in my jacket pockets, she was a bit distracted since she was peeled to her phone but I could recognise her from a mile away if I had to.
Those angel eyes I wouldn't dare to forget at all.
Sure she had a mask on and I'm glad to see she kept that necklace I got her in 12th grade.
Y/N - ya Yu Jimin.
Her head turned up to me in a snap, almost as if she was shocked to see me. Watching her hand go down, phone in hand very slowly.
Karina - Y/-
Feet shuffling, almost struggling to stand up where we met toe to toe, eye to eye.
I don't know if she's happy to see me, or holding anything against me.
I just don't know what to expect.
Almost in a instant, before I could react. Her arms wrapped around my neck, tip toed since it caught me off guard.
Karina - I- I haven't seen you in forever.
Some shock in my face, it was nothing I expected but taking my hands out of my jacket. It wrapped around her waist, hugging her back.
Y/N - m- me too.
I'm still a nervous wreck but, in a way. Still in my eyes, she was still Yu Jimin.
In the same position for almost a minute, I let go first, holding one hand on her waist where we looked at each other. A soft smile on her face.
Y/N - you look good.
Karina - you too.
Finally dropping each other's hold, my foot gently kicked the ground making me look down for a second before looking back up at her.
Y/N - d- did you order yet?
Karina - ani. I was waiting for you.
Y/N - oh. Let's go in, it's still pretty cold.
Karina - sure.
Side stepping to my left, letting her go inside first where I followed her from behind.
Thinking about it now, it's almost Christmas. A week and two days from now if I recall.
It was a bit quiet, the both of us standing in line. Stealing glances from each other, making us look away and chuckle to ourselves before looking at the front.
Making our way to the cashier, we made our order.
Y/N - Can I get a medium uh- hot cappuccino and uh- that?
Pointing to the sandwich in the display, the cashier nodded in response before turning to her.
Karina - I'll just get a medium iced americano.
Cashier - is that all?
Y/N - yes, thank you.
Taking out my wallet from my jacket, I had failed to notice by the time we had both our cards out, the cashier was met with a decision.
Turning my head to look at her, our eyes widened in surprise.
Y/N - it's on me
Karina - ani, I insist oppa-
Oh wow, I haven't heard that in years.
Y/N - o- oh.
Cashier - we do offer a couple's discount
Looking at the cashier at the same time, we both blushed a bit, shaking our heads.
Y/N - oh- I-
Karina - oh uh-
The cashier quickly took my card with us distracted, making us look back at her.
Cashier - I'll just take his, he's treating you right?
Karina - o- oh. Yeah he is.
Retracting her hand away and putting her card back. The cashier gave me back my card, bowing at her for thanks.
Cashier - it'll be out in a bit, make yourself comfortable
Y/N - thank you
Karina - thank you
The both of us walked to a free table, we sat down opposite each other. My elbows lay on the top.
Y/N - t- that- huh.
Karina - s- sorry.
we felt an awkward atmosphere in the air, she used to call me oppa even though we were the same age.
I should really divert the topic.
Y/N - so. How's work?
Snapping out of her shy self, her eyes laid upon me. Fidgeting with her fingers.
Karina - great really.
Y/N - congrats on the awards by the way. I watched the show.
Her eyes darted around quickly, checking to see if there was anyone around which wasn't many considering this place was like a hidden gem of all sorts.
Her fingers wrapped around her mask, taking it off to see her bare face. Something she was always comfortable with me seeing.
Karina - how'd you know?
Y/N - well, you know I don't like pop in general, or 'K-Pop' in general but it's hard to not know when you're the face of the world right now among other groups and idols.
Karina - oh.
Y/N - don't worry about it, how's life right now?
Karina - i- it's been okay. We're great, on break for the holidays. Back to work after it's done. You?
Y/N - I have work tomorrow, and I'm gonna do a side job for my company.
Karina - where are you working these days?
Y/N - JYP. so we're a bit of rivals right now
Karina - idol?
Y/N - video editor.
Karina - oh, you became a video editor?
Y/N - had to find a way to get money.
Karina - I see, how's that?
Y/N - pays pretty well, I live down the road about thirty-ish minutes away by car.
Karina - near the JYP building right?
Y/N - mmhm. Hard to think you wanted to go to JYP when it got too hard at one point.
Karina - yeah. I did.
Looking down at the table, we both knew we were avoiding the elephant in the room.
Karina - how's Jinae?
Y/N - she's okay. Happy really.
Karina - that's good to hear. T- that's good.
Looking at her, she didn't want to look up at me. But I could see her eyes getting wet, maybe the thought of our daughter still in her head. If one thing is certain, she still thinks about Jinae. Maybe not me but at least Jinae.
Y/N - has anything come up in your life lately? Anything exciting?
Karina - nothing much really other than the MAMA awards, but that's over now.
Y/N - what about your love life? Maybe hobbies?
Karina - oh. You know, I dated Jae Wook but it's been lights out since then. What about you?
Y/N - I'm dating Oh Haewon, made it official last night between us.
Karina - I'm happy for you. Official official or behind the scenes?
Y/N - behind the scenes. I don't think employee and employee relationships would work in public in this industry given well-
Karina - she's worldwide. Yeah, I understand.
Y/N - mmhm. How's your sister?
Karina - she's okay, still working.
Y/N - that's great.
By the time, I wanted to ask a certain question. The cashier from earlier delivered our drinks to us, thanking her as I took a sip from the mug.
Y/N - hot.
Karina - you idiot, you forgot this.
Sliding me a milk packet, putting it in the coffee before grabbing a stirrer and some sugar. Pouring that in and mixing it all together before taking another sip.
Karina - did you burn your tongue?
Y/N - no I'm alright, quite a scare.
Karina - still a bit clumsy huh?
Y/N - mmhm. Jinae is too, you can't believe how much she would run before tripping on herself.
That made her laugh a bit, easing myself. But her face quickly changed, cupping her hands around her americano.
Karina - Y/N.
Y/N - yeah?
Karina - I know I haven't kept in contact with you for too long.
Y/N - I don't blame you
Karina - Idol life, you know.
Y/N - again, I wouldn't blame you.
Karina - hm, if it's too late for me to say this. I- I want to be in Jinae's life.
Keeping a straight face, taking another sip from my coffee while looking out the window. Watching a car go by, the sky a pale blue with some dark clouds and people walking past unknowingly in warm winter clothing before looking back at her.
Y/N - why now?
Tucking her shoulders in, I could tell she was really preparing herself for the question so I would give her some of my own.
Karina - me and Aespa, we're four years in now and in three years time. We'll make the decision to renew or get out of the industry. We're leaning towards renewing and we'll be older by then. I've missed too much of Jinae's life already, and I regret it. Everyday. Every single day.
Her voice broke, a few tears coming out of her left eye before her right joined in as well.
Karina - I did what I had to do. Go in with a clean slate and with that covered up, but a part of me I have to kill because I can't see my own daughter. That I have a career that I'll mess up if anyone found out.
Y/N - I know.
Putting a hand for her, wide open for her to take. The least I can do is comfort her but it was up to her decision to take.
But, she grabbed it. Tightly holding it as I watched her cry silently.
With my other hand, over to my other side. I took some tissue, handing it to her which she took, wiping her tears away.
Y/N - it's not my decision to decide whether you can see her or not. You were always allowed to see her, she's my blood as she is yours.
Slowly turning her head up at me, rubbing her hand with my thumb, I sighed.
Y/N - it's Jinae after all. I would've been happy anytime you came and welcomed you with open arms as I do now. But she's the one who's never known who her real mother was.
Sitting there silently, still sobbing a bit. Tucking my lips, tightly clutching her hand.
Y/N - if it's no problem at all. You can stop by really quickly to see her or another day. I know what you want, and this was never about us. That's all gone now. But I'm not going to cut the string of a mother and her child. You deserve to see her.
Karina - t- thank you.
Sliding my chair back, she watched me stand up, walking over to her side. Squatting down, patting her on the shoulder.
She leaned in, hugging me. Feeling her warm body against my head.
There were times like this I remembered fondly, but for a reason.
It was vastly different this time around.
â--------
The both of us were in the car, my eyes glued onto the road.
A bit of silence between us, listening to the speakers playing music that came from my phone.
Karina - w- what do I do?
Y/N - for?
Turning the corner, I didn't want to turn my head since the road was a bit icy today.
Karina - when I see her?
Y/N - talk to her. You can tell her anything.
Karina - can I tell her that I'm her mother?
Y/N - that's something you're going to have to build up. She doesn't know who you are remember? You don't have to tell her at all and when it feels right. You can.
Karina - yeah. Right. I- I have to do that. Sorry
Y/N - don't apologise. For anything to me or to her. I forgave you a long time ago. I don't want you to blame yourself for something you couldn't control or do.
Karina - right.
Humming to myself to the song, my eyes glanced at the rearview mirror to take a glance at her before back on the road.
Karina - s- so. How's your sister?
Y/N - great. You know her. You probably see her a few times in the company, being her usual self.
Karina - I have yeah. I wanted to ask you myself, but every time we talk, it's like she really wants to end the conversation between us short. I noticed it when me and the girls were talking to them one time, when it came to me. It was just small talk but to my members it was full on. Am I overthinking it?
Y/N - you're not. Do the other Red Velvet girls act the same to you?
Karina - yeah.
Taking my right hand off the steering wheel, locating where her hand was. Which I think was on her lap?
It laid down upon the top of her hand, gently patting it.
Y/N - you know I grew up with them right?
Karina - yeah, I remember.
Y/N - they hold a grudge against you, I don't want to sugarcoat it but the rest have accepted it as it is. But if Soo-young comes around, she might shout at you to get out.
Karina - oh.
Y/N - I'm her baby brother after all.
Karina - I'm so- sorry
Y/N - it's fine. Just- I'll talk to her if she comes around one of these days.
Karina - thank you.
Taking my hand off her hand, I felt hers quickly grab it.
Karina - c- can I atleast hold your hand?
Y/N - sure.
Karina - it's been years since I last felt it.
Y/N - take the time you need.
With a soft 'hm' from her. I continued on driving.
Y/N - what about your members? Do they remember me?
Karina - they do.
Y/N - so they know then.
Karina - they do, they understand. But sometimes, I feel like I still get judged for it.
Y/N - if it's one thing, I've come to learn that you just have to sit down and talk to them, one on one with each of them or all of them. I tried that with my parents, but here I am. Living alone at twenty four with a daughter.
Karina - didn't go so well did it?
Y/N - yep.
Karina - oh. What happened?
Y/N - after you left, there were arguments between me and them to put Jinae up for adoption or to let my auntie and uncle to take care of her but. I didn't want to. So I had an option, leave home or leave her.
Karina - and you left home?
Y/N - we've been on our own with support from the noonas since then.
Karina - I- I didn't know you had it so rough all this time
Y/N - rough is an understatement. Try living in a friend's house with a crying baby, working job to job freelance scraping up money to feed her. Some nights I didn't eat because I was so focused on feeding Jinae, I forgot to feed myself.
Karina - I-
Y/N - don't blame yourself for that. At all. We only lived at my friend's house while the apartment we live in was getting renovated since some shit with mold or something.
Karina - hm.
Y/N - point being, just talk to your members. Words will be said maybe you don't want to hear or want to hear but at the end of the day. You want that weight lifted off your shoulder, an easy feeling you can wake up with yourself.
Karina - y- you're just so different than you were back then.
Y/N - we both are. We're grown up with purpose. My purpose now is to raise Jinae. If love comes my way, there's another purpose I can live with. But it's something I'm trying to balance now between Haewon and Jinae. But I'll figure it out.
Parking into an open space now in front of the apartment building where my apartment was, I turned my head to her. Turning off the car in the process.
Y/N - we're here.
She let go of my hand, the both of us unbuckling our seatbelts and got out of the car.
Scratching the back of my head while locking the car. I waited for her to come around, checking my text messages from earlier I got from Haewon.
Telling her that we had a visitor coming over and asked if she didn't mind.
She doesn't.
Feeling a tap on my shoulder, my head turning to look at her.
Karina - a- am I supposed to be this nervous?
Y/N - yep. Got a glass of water for you upstairs.
We both looked at the building, admiring a bit.
Karina - seems. Cosy.
Y/N - a bit old, still brick but the inside is modern so don't let that fool you.
Karina - sounds nice.
Y/N - come on in.
The both of us walked to the front door, putting in the code where I let her in first.
We took the stairs up before being met with the apartment front door, unlocking it with my key.
Karina - i- is she awake?
Y/N - I don't know. Maybe. We'll see. Take a deep breath.
Listening to her take a deep breath, the door already open. I waited for her to calm down before giving her a thumbs up and a nod
Y/N - good?
Karina - I- I'm okay.
Pushing the door open quietly, letting her in first before me. Walking inside, turning my head immediately over to the living room to see the back of Haewon's head before closing the door.
She had turned around, seeing me and Jimin.
Hae - oh oppa! Hi! Karina-sunbaenim?
Y/N - good morning, sorry. I had to go pick her up.
Watching her get out of the couch, walking over to us. She bowed at Jimin, myself yawning before quickly getting a hug from Haewon.
Hae - oppa, you were gone for so long. I made breakfast.
Y/N - miahne, I got some with Jimin.
Hae - Jimin?
Karina - sorry Haewon, we don't know each other that well. But me and Y/N used to- uh-
Y/N - date.
Hae - date? You never told me this before.
Haewon laughed out loud, where I smirked.
Y/N - you gotta sit down for this one.
Hae - hm?
Karina - I think you should.
Hae - oh. Okay.
The two of them walking to the couch, I broke off from them, walking over to the kitchen
Karina - where are you going?
Y/N - glass of water
Hae - can I get one too?
Y/N - of course.
Grabbing two glasses of water and filling them up. Joining them, sitting down the glasses.
I sat down beside Jimin, since it's going to be us who's going to have to tell her.
Hae - why over there oppa?
Y/N - it's gonna be heavy.
Hae - oh alright.
Putting my elbows on my thighs, my hands together as I sighed.
Y/N - Jimin-ah, start it off.
Karina - o- oh? Me?
Y/N - I'll do it if you want.
Hae - what's with the seriousness? It's kind of early.
Me and Jimin kept our faces stoic, Haewon's still smiling a bit.
Y/N - Is muffin awake?
Hae - ani, she's still sound asleep.
Y/N - good.
Hae - why? What's up?
Y/N - I never told you who her mother was.
Hae - yeah because you never wanted to te- wait-
Her face immediately changed, confusion and realisation seeping in. her finger pointing at Jimin.
Hae - is-
Y/N - before you say anything. Let me explain. Me and Jimin here, have known each other since what?
Karina - 7th grade.
Y/N - same middle school, same high school. We fell in love around the 8th grade. And we were inseparable. Dates out and about, by the beach, picnics, shopping, you name it.
Karina - mmhm.
Y/N - going to the countryside together. You get the picture, we were young.
Observing Haewon, she was listening more and more as I explained. Her expression changed more and more indescribable. As if she was going to blow.
Y/N - 11th grade. We had well, premarital- well. You know. Next thing you know, she was pregnant with a girl.
Hae - Jinae.
Y/N - Jinae. That's right.
Nodding my head up and down, sighing once more.
Y/N - she was still a trainee at SM so it would hinder her from debuting. But she wanted to debut so badly. So for a while, we- wanted to-
Wiping my face with my hand, the thought of an unforgiven sin that we would've committed.
Y/N - we wanted to get rid of Jinae. B- but we couldn't. We just couldn't.
Tears welling in my eye. My head hung, not being able to continue on.
Karina - do you want me to continue on oppa?
Y/N - go on.
Listening to her clear her throat, she continued on for me.
Karina - we were lucky that his own sister is Joy from Red Velvet
Hae - I know.
Hearing some passive aggression in her voice, it was clear how she felt.
Karina - h- he struck two deals with SM.
Hae - the first I hear of.
Karina - ghostwriting and producing for Red Velvet, and to clear my slate. No record that I was pregnant as a trainee or that I had Jinae.
Hae - so you think, you're in the right to come back here? All these years just because you're now far into your success is what you're trying to tell me?
Karina - I-
Y/N - Haewon-ah. Relax.
Hae - no oppa, it's been five years! I've been by your side more than her! I took care of Jinae! I fed her! I bathed her, clothed her with the unnies!
Y/N - I know. Just, listen.
Hae - it's hard to listen when she could think she could stroll back into, one. Your life! Into Jinae's! When I practically took care of her longer than she did!
My head was bulging a bit from a headache that was coming up, I expected it since truthfully, I knew how this was going to go but my body will go with the latter every time.
Karina - Haewon. I- I just wanted to make amends. I d- don't want to get in between your lives
Hae - our lives? All of a sudden? Do you know what he's been through? What he sacrificed? For Jinae? For himself?
Jimin remained quiet, taking in Haewon's outburst.
Looking at Haewon, I remained calm. Thinking of how to defuse the situation.
Y/N - I told her. And I told you, she did what she had to do. That was the ultimate sacrifice. And what about her? Do you know what she's been through?
Hae - I- I don't.
Calming down, I sighed once more.
Y/N - let me ask her then.
Turning around to face Jimin, she looked at both me and Haewon, turning side to side.
Karina - I- I know I made my mistake. And that was not being there for her. Haewon, I lived with the thought that I left both him and Jinae behind. It still sits with me till this day. I suffered as much as him. I don't know if I trust my members fully because they knew what I did and who Jinae and oppa are to me. Every part of my soul I regret knowing that I missed her birthdays, her first day of school. Coming in for a teacher's meeting to see how sh- she is.
Watching her break out in tears again, Haewon's expression calmed. Scooting herself closer to us on the other couch.
Karina - I never wan- wanted to leave her. O- or Y/N. I wanted to b- be her mother. A part of me wants to leave the idol life behind to raise her b- but I'm too far in now.
Hae - sunbaenim.
Y/N - you know Haewon yourself. I don't resent her for leaving. I was the one who made those deals after all. I was lucky to be able to have that privilege or luck. Whatever you want to put it. Not a thought goes by where in another time, that she would've grown up fully with both of her parents. But it's never too late to try again. I just want you to understand her side of things.
Hae - I- I'm sorry. I- It's been hard for me as well. I love Jinae too, oppa, sunbaenim. We're both idols, I should've understood.
Karina - it's not your fault for thinking that way Haewo- Haewon. Different companies but we trained the same, we were both lucky to debut despite everything before that.
Y/N - in any case. What she wants now, is that she wants to be Jinae's side. Trying to do what she wanted all along. Can you understand that?
Hae - I can.
Y/N - I've avoided her because I wouldn't know what to say or do. I was afraid but I've come to terms that we're similar. It's still hard to see her as Karina of Aespa, the same way I can't see you as Haewon of NMIXX or my own sister of Red Velvet. Our humanity keeps us sane, and at the end of the day we're still human to want what we desire.
They chuckled a bit, Jimin's tears still running down.
Karina - still well spoken all these years
Y/N - should've been an English Teacher if I could.
Hae - I now understand sunbaenim.
Y/N - Jimin? You okay now?
Karina - I a- am.
Wiping the last bits away with her hand since we didn't have tissues on hand right now, I'll get more when I do my grocery run.
Karina - just let me be there for her as you are Haewon. I don't want to miss a thing anymore, we'll be both busy but I hope this doesn't change a thing between us.
Hae - it won't.
Seeing Haewon put her hand on top of Jimin's. It made me softly smile, before hearing a knock on the door. Making us turn our heads towards it.
Y/N - who the hell is that this early in the day?
Hae - I- I don't know.
Y/N - sorry you two. Give me a second.
Nodding at me, I got up and walked over to the door. Opening it.
Y/N - anny-
Joy - HEY!
Being immediately wrapped in a hug, my head immediately twitched to look at Jimin with wide eyes of horror.
Hae - unnie?
Joy - ah! I'm sorry! I wanted to come by to have break....fast.....
Noona and Jimin locked eyes with each other, closing the door, she let go of me.
Joy - is Jinae asleep?
Y/N - y- yeah.
Joy - no cameras around?
Y/N - I- y- yes.
Joy - the view from here means no one can see right?
Y/N - noo-
Trying to grab her by the wrist, Jimin stood up holding her hands up
Karina - unnie- I-
Walking with noona trying to stop her, it was too late before she raised her hand. Slapping Jimin across the face
Joy - how dare you show up here! In his home!
My mouth wide open, being unable to stop her in time. Jimin sat back on the couch, holding her face.
Watching her movements, she was about to hound her but I quickly stopped her, grabbing an arm as Haewon joined me. Grabbing her other, holding her back together.
Joy - do you think just because we're not in the company together means you can see my brother! You-
Y/N - stop it now!
Hae - unnie!
Karina - unnie I-
Joy - you don't get to call me that here!
Listening to noona's grunts of trying to get out of the hold, we suddenly stopped. Hearing a door open creak loudly, turning our heads towards the sound.
Jinae - papa?
Looking at Jinae, her hair all around her. Hand rubbing her eyes as she yawned.
Y/N - sweetie, good morning.
Letting go of noona, Haewon did the same. Quickly walking over to her, going around the couch. Noona kept quiet, the same with everyone else.
Squatting down to her, she opened up her arms, a big smile on her face.
Jinae - uppies!
Y/N - of course, come here.
Lifting her up with my hands, I stood up, holding her up as I walked over to them.
Y/N - Gomo Soo-young is here and your mama is here
Joy - hi munchkin, I have breakfast for you
Hae - good morning Jinae-ah
Both noona and Haewon quickly kissed Jinae on the cheeks, making her giggle before she pointed at Jimin
Jinae - who's that?
Looking at Jinae, I looked at Jimin who was undeniably shocked.
Karina - I- I am-
Y/N - that's an old friend of mine. Do you know her?
Jinae - uhm-
Putting a finger to her lip, we gave her time to think before responding
Jinae - Aespa!
Smiling softly at her, a bit surprised.
Y/N - that's right sweetheart, that's Karina from Aespa, good job!
Jinae - papa knows everyone!
Hae - that's right, your papa is a popular guy
Joy - a bit too popular if I say so
Jinae - hehehe
Looking at noona, my expression changed quickly. Lowering my voice.
Y/N - how about you, prep breakfast for us really quickly? Hm?
Taking one last good look at Jimin, she nodded.
Joy - fine.
Walking off to the kitchen, bags still in hand before Haewon whispered to me.
Hae - I- I'll join her-
Y/N - thanks, j- just keep an eye on her. If she takes out a knife please stop her.
Hae - I will.
Planting a kiss on my cheek, she walked off joining noona. Now left with just me and Jimin.
Y/N - do you want to say hi to her?
Jinae - can I?
Y/N - of course you can. Here, I'll put you down.
Squatting down in my current position, gently putting her feet on the ground. She walked over to Jimin who was speechless
Jinae - papa what do I call her?
Y/N - she's your unnie. Not gomo.
Jinae - hi Karina-unnie!
Karina - h- hi. W- what's your name?
Jinae - L/N Jinae! I don't know who named me but my name is Jinae!
Unknowingly, Jinae couldn't know that the person who named her was in front of her.
Karina - that's a pretty name.
Jinae - you look like me!
Karina - o- oh we do.
It was true, if anything. Jinae shared some of Jimin's features. I do hear that she does look like her at school, saying she looks like Karina of Aespa but they were so right this entire time.
Y/N - Jinae-ah, how about you sit with her? Talk with her?
Jinae - okay!
Watching her lift herself up onto the couch, Jimin's eyes welled up again, turning her head to me.
Karina - s- she's so beautiful.
Y/N - and I'm never more thankful that I got to see it everyday.
She pouted a bit, Jinae happily waving her legs around.
Jinae - unnie! Your name is Karina right!
Karina - i- it's Yu Jimin
Jinae - Yu Ji....Min?
Y/N - that's right sweetie. She's still trying to get her pronunciation right
Karina - oh.
Jinae - hehehe papa and mama teaches me
Karina - who's your mama?
Jinae - Haewon-unnie! Actually mama? Haewon-mama?
Y/N - sure, that could be right.
Karina - th- that's great to hear. What do you like to do Jinae?
Watching the two of them talk, she eased up a bit.
But from where I stood, that part of her that was missing has been healed a little.
Which I'm happy to have seen in front of me.
Watching the two of them smile, seeing how they really are just like mother and daughter.