Under the lights tonight || Park Jimin

13

It feels unreal to be here. Kiya dropped us all off at my father's home an hour ago. I've since locked myself in my room, a room that hasn't been touched since the day I left. It looks like no one has moved a single thing since before I left, except I found out my sheets have been washed every month because my father always said in case I came home. I flopped back onto my bed, tossing my phone down beside me. It was the middle of the day and Yeonjun was desperate to hang out with me but luckily Aunt Mae said there will be plenty of time but I needed to rest so they were downstairs.

"What am I going to do?" I sigh to myself as I cover my face with my hands. My thoughts are interrupted by a buzz of my phone. I pick it up hesitantly, looking at the screen, Jimin texted.

I know that it's very late for you but I was just thinking of you when I saw flowers for sale at the market on the way to the studio. I wish you were around so I could bring them to you.

I found myself doing something I never expected, I was smiling at a text message. I roll my eyes at the message. I type out the message for him.

And I saw a poster that reminded me of you because it was you.

I sent the message then typed out another.

I'm in Seoul by the way.

I sit staring at the second message, debating whether or not to send it. I decide against it for now. I toss the phone back onto my bed, only for it to buzz again. I huff as I pick it up again but this time it was Stella.

Hope everything is going well. Love you.

I didn't hesitate to text her back.

It's not as bad as I expected. Love you too. Now go to bed it's late.

I turn my phone off and tuck it into my back pocket. I decide it's time to face everyone downstairs and that I can't wallow in my room for this entire trip, I have to connect with these boys who are now my responsibility. I head downstairs and see the boys sitting on the floor by the coffee table while Aunt Mae and Kiya were in the kitchen.

"Ana!" Yeonjun yells as soon as he sees me, "I thought you were sleeping."

"I can sleep later," I wave him off, "I wanted to see what you guys are up to."

"Well San and I were playing cards but I'm bored now..." Yeonjun huffs, dragging me over to sit by the coffee table. I sit between the boys, San is still ignoring me but Yeonjun is still excited to see me.

"You know," I start, thinking of the park that my mother would take Ji-hun and me to, "We could always go to the park."

Yeonjun's eyes light up, "The park?"

"Yeah, mom used to take Ji-hun and me to play when San was a baby. Then she took San to play while you were a baby." I smile, thinking fondly of the memories.

"Can we go?" Yeonjun begs, shaking my arm.

"Of course," I laugh, "Go get your shoes and jacket." Yeonjun disappears into the house in search of his shoes and jacket. I look at San who hasn't moved, "San are you going to come?" I ask, hoping he would because I'd like to talk to him.

"Do I have to?" San rolls his eyes.

"It would be nice if you did but you don't have to."

"Then no." He gets up, probably to hide in his room.

"Actually," I change my mind, "You do have to come."

San rolls his eyes and heads upstairs.

*****