Chapter Text
When did Minjeong change? And not just appearance wise or some habits she grew into, it was a fundamental change. Maybe something happened? Jimin never knew, but after reconnecting years later, she wasn't the same Minjeongie she used to see hanging out in big groups, laughing without a care in the word, meeting new people without any issues or insecurities. The Minjeong she remembers in her high school years is so different from the one standing in front of her. She looks polished in those slacks and turtleneck. The glasses framing her face making her gaze appear colder. She wasn't expecting much from this "hang out", and was not expecting a whole new stranger standing in front of her.
Jimin, even though it came as a surprise to her as well, was the one to initialize conversations, asking about her university, hobbies, interests and friends. Minjeong answered all the questions truthfully though a bit vague, not oversharing much just enough to give an appropriate answer.
No, it's really not her. This Minjeong, in all her politeness, listened attentively to everything Jimin said, hanging on each word, asking appropriate questions. Her gaze tight, as if trying to understand what was happening in Jimin's mind, never interrupting her even if Jimin was talking about silliest things.
As they were about to leave the cafe, Jimin signaled the waiter, who came with the bill and Minjeong's credit card. She thanked him, and without any further words, got up to put on her jacket. Jimin stared at her for a second, feeling her heart beat against her chest.
Once they exited the cafe she immediately asked to do this again. She knew she wanted to see Minjeong again, needed to see her. Minjeong just nodded and was about to wave goodbye, when Jimin pulled her into a hug. Jimin knew it startled her, but she couldn't hold herself back. The tiny 16 year old Minjeong always in oversized clothing, shaggy hair and a smile full of life, has turned into this woman that looked so poised, and had no spare words. This woman that made Jimin's heart race.
Their second "hang out" wasn't quite planned, Jimin just wanted to take Minjeong somewhere fun. And they went to this bar, that Jimin visited every few weeks. Before they served the first drinks, it was almost the same as the first "hang out". Small conversations, Jimin telling a funny story that happened at work, the dim lightning making Minjeong reachable, yet the cold eyes that looked at her attentively, as she told silly stories were still making her nervous.
It was actually quite a famous fact along her friends, that Jimin never got drunk. She got at best tipsy. So she was always the one taking them home after a night out, which she never really minded. So it was also surprising for her that Minjeong got drunk easily. They were on their third drinks and Minjeong was already swaying a bit. Jimin never thought she could look this cute. Red cheeks and glazed eyes trying to stay open. After finishing it as well, Jimin froze when she felt Minjeong leaning on her.
"Are you alright, Minjeongie? Do you want me to take you home?"
She didn't know what she was expecting as an answer, but Minjeong quitly whining into her shoulder was definitely not on the list.
"Minjeong, I don't understand what you're saying. Can you say it again for unnie?"
She pulled back and grabbed Jimin's hands. Eyes half closed, hair a bit messy. She probably wouldn't remember much tomorrow.
"Why are you taking me on dates, unnie?"
"Dates?" Jimin yelped.
"Unnie, please, I-I can't do this. You know I have always liked you, so why are you taking me on these dates?"
Jimin just froze for a second. It's been four years since they last saw each other and while she always thought Minjeong was friendly she never expected her to have feelings for her.
"Come on, Minjeongie, you're drunk. I'll take you home, okay?"
"No, unnie, answer me first," she kept whining as Jimin got up to take their coats.
By the time they left the bar Minjeong was already half-asleep. Jimin couldn't get a coherent sentence out of her. The thing is Jimin didn't know where she lived. So the only thing left to do was take her to her apartment.
In the cab, while Minjeong was sleeping on her shoulder, she pondered a bit. Minjeong liked her. Since when? Why didn't she tell her? After not having contact for years she still felt the same?
As Jimin tucked her into her bed she decided that they would have that conversation first thing in the morning.
The conversation never came though. By the time Jimin woke up, Minjeong had already left.
"God, I'm so fucking stupid."