21. Visiting Her

"Hey, remember how you never told me about what happened at the coffee shop the other day?" Dong Yoo starts expectantly.

"Right." I sigh, trying to figure out how much I'm willing to tell him. "Let's start with this: ever wonder what Jimin and my's relationship is?"

Dong Yoo nods. "He acts all protective like a brother, but then he turns around and is like a jealous guy with a crush on you."

My cheeks heat up. Did Jimin ever act jealous? And when did he give off signals of possibly liking me?

"Kyung Mi?" Dong Yoo asks, snapping me back.

"Uh, yeah, sorry." I reply, re-focusing my mind on the topic of discussion. "Jimin is actually my bodyguard."

His eyes fill with surprise and confusion.

"Let me explain." I say.

I tell Dong Yoo the whole story, with our wealthy background, the threat letters, and the Sparked Mafia.

By the time I finish and answer all his questions, it's late and Jimin is restless.

"Kyung Mi!" He exclaims, drawling out the last vowel as he lazily walks over.

"I still can't get over how hot you look in that dress." Dong Yoo says out of random as Jimin's head snaps toward him, pure disgust plain on his face.

"I'll be in the car." Jimin mutters, sending Dong Yoo one last glare before sulking off.

"Dude, what was that for?!" I squeak, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

"I'd consider his body language from now on," Dong Yoo replies simply, "because, from what I can see, he might want to be more than just your bodyguard."

+++

It's Friday, meaning that I get a whole three days to myself. College perk number one that I get Fridays off since my schedule allows for it.

"Mi Mi, what're we doing today?" Jimin asks.

"Mi Mi?" I tilt my head, giving him a thoughtful look.

"That's the name of my childhood dog, and I thought it fits with Kyung Mi and all." He grins and I fight the urge to pinch his cheeks.

"That's so cute." I say happily. "And today we're going to my dad's place. He invited us, and I've been wanting to check up on him."

"In that case, I'll leave you to change."

+++

"Here's your tea." My dad says, handing me a cup full of the sweet drink.

"Thanks, Appa."

"And your coffee, Jimin." He gives him a big purple mug as Jimin nods his head towards my father and thanks him.

We sit there for some time, serenely drinking warm beverages and talking about simple things.

Before the atmosphere changes completely.

Jimin obliviously asks, "Hey Kyung Mi, where's your mom? I'd like to meet her; is she at work?"

My eyes close immediately in pain at the thought of her; it's a gut reaction at this point, like flinching when fruit is being catapulted in your direction as you stand behind glass. Scary and unexpected.

After I breath in deeply and open my eyes, Dad catches my eye and nods. "Why don't we show you, Jimin?"

+++

"Eomma, look at all the flowers that have grown!" I say excitedly, seeing all the beautiful plants around her grave despite the cold weather lately.

"She always inspired persistence in the face of hardship." Dad says proudly, smiling at the dirt above her.

I hear footsteps before Jimin walks up to her grave. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Lee."

After bowing to her, he walks over to me. "Hey, look, I'm sorry, I had no idea-"

"It's alright." I say, voice cracking as I pull him in for a hug. Why do I have to cry every single time?

I try stopping the tears but, of course, it's no use. Jimin rubs my back and silently listens to my laments.

I back away. "I'm s-sorry, I'm getting your shirt all wet, I keep crying and-"

Jimin pulls me in closer than before, giving me a full dose of his scent, wonderfully clean laundry. Strangely enough the smell has a calming effect on me.

"You can cry all you need," he mutters into the top of my head, "I'm right here. I'll always be here."