I was making the bed when the doorbell rang. A secret smile touched my lips – it had to be Jimin. I hurried to the door, excitement bubbling within me. But when I opened it, the porch was empty.
Confusion settled in. Had I imagined someone there? I slammed the door shut, dismissing it as a trick of the eye.
Turning back towards the room, I froze. A man, masked in black, stood just inside the doorway. Fear seized me, drying my mouth. I tried to scramble back, to scream, but he grabbed my hair, his arm tightening around my neck. Helpless, I couldn’t even breathe.
“Don’t do this, please…” he whispered, his voice rasping in my ear.
The glass of a framed picture on the wall beside me shattered as it fell to the floor.
I startled awake, heart hammering. “Omo…”
“What was that about?” I wondered, shaken. “I can’t stop thinking about it…” I shook my shoulders, trying to dispel the lingering terror.
“Where is Jimin? I need to call him…” Worry tightened my chest. “Jimin-ah, where are you? You’re not at home, are you? Are you okay? Oh, wait… just a moment…”
He’d told me to open the door, and there they were: Jimin and Jungkook, standing side-by-side.
“Oh, Jungkook-ssi… Annyeonghaseyo!” I greeted him, offering a polite bow. He returned it with a nod.
“Let’s go inside, jagiya. Have you made dinner? I’m starving.” Jimin said, patting my head gently.
“Yah, give me a moment. Go freshen up. I’ll get started on the dishes.” I took his bag from him.
“Umm, Jungkook-ssi, please have a seat.” I led him to the lounge.
“Nice house, Kimsoo. You’ve changed a lot.” Jungkook remarked, looking around.
“But you haven’t changed at all,” I retorted, a small frown creasing my brow.
“I… I mean… you look good. And yes, thank you. It’s all thanks to Jimin.” I smiled, feeling my cheeks warm.
We ate dinner together.
“So, Jungkook-ah, how did the meeting go?” Jimin asked.
“It went perfectly. Obviously. I’m Jeon Jungkook; they wouldn’t dare refuse me.” He replied with arrogant confidence.
Jimin offered a forced smile.
“Kimsoo, could you pass the kimchi?” Jungkook asked.
“Yeah, sure!” I handed him the dish.
“I should get going. It’s late.” Jungkook moved towards the door.
“You can stay here instead of the hotel. I told you before, but you…” Jimin complained, pulling Jungkook into a hug.
“No, it’s alright. I can manage.” Jungkook replied.
He left in his car, leaving me with a lingering unease.
“Don’t do this please…”
The words echoed in my ears, cold and sharp.
“So… how was your day?” Jimin scooped me up into a bridal carry.
“I made mochi for you, but you weren’t home. I thought we’d eat them together.” I said softly, my voice laced with disappointment.
“Baby, I was with Jungkook, and you know how he is. He’s just a brat!” Jimin replied, frustration tightening his grip on me as we walked down the hallway.
He carried me to the bedroom, laying me down on the bed with him. I smiled, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“I missed you so much today.” I confessed.
He kissed my eyes, hugging me tightly.
“I’ll always be here for you. I’ll never leave you alone again. Though… Jennie was looking particularly hot today. That little…” He teased.
I pinched his arm, earning a playful whine. “Aishh! Why are you like this?”
“Just kidding.” He chuckled, his eyes twinkling.
“Don’t do this to me, please…”
I drifted back into sleep, but the memory of the masked man lingered. My throat was dry, my skin prickled with sweat.
Jimin was beside me, and I squeezed his hand tightly. He pulled me closer, and I felt a wave of comfort wash over me.
His warmth grounded me, protecting me. I closed my eyes and surrendered to sleep.
The next morning, I woke to find Jimin missing from the bed.
“Where is he?” I wondered, sitting up.
I checked the bathroom, but he wasn’t there.
Tying my hair into a bun, I went downstairs, searching for him.
Suddenly, I heard voices from the kitchen.
“Where the hell is the bread? Bread… ah, where are you?” I peered into the kitchen, and there was Jimin, cooking something.
“What on earth are you doing?” I thought, astonished. “Oh my God, look at the kitchen, Jimin?”
“Oh, you’re up! Good morning, babe.” He replied, flashing me puppy eyes.
“I’m making breakfast for you. Just go and wait. I’ll be back.” He flipped his hair playfully.
“Okay…” I waited at the table, still reeling from the surprise.
“There you go!” He said cheerfully, setting a plate in front of me.
I chuckled at his cuteness.
He’d really done this without my help. He’d grown so much. I was filled with happiness. He fed me a bite.
“How is it?” He sparkled, eyes wide with anticipation.
“Hmm… you did really well, Mr. Park.” I giggled.
“Oh, okay… Mrs. Park, you’re getting naughty day by day. Hmm… Ahh, you’re triggering me now. Don’t start something you cannot stop.” He replied with his signature smirk.
“I know the precautionary measures, Mr. Park.” I replied bluntly, gently pushing him away.
“Ouch! It hurts!” He faked a cry. I chuckled.
We enjoyed breakfast together.
“Ahh… I want to go somewhere. It’s been a while…” I groaned.