Under the lights tonight || Park Jimin

14

This is the last place I expected to be was sitting in a five-star restaurant in Seoul but here I am. I was just grateful that Stella insisted I pack this flowy blue long-sleeve cocktail dress and my black heels. I tossed my long blonde hair into a sleek low bun and threw this dress on. Aunt Mae had gotten the boys into slacks and button-ups, much to their dismay. Aunt Mae and Kiya both had on simple form-fitting black dresses.

"Are you sure we can afford this?" I glance around the menu.

"Don't worry about it, Kiya waves off my concern, "Order what you like."

"Thank you." I smile.

Yeonjun is whispering to San about something. Kiya and Aunt Mae are discussing Kiya's boyfriend who owns the place. I was teetering between the conversations, wishing that Stella was here to distract me. My phone buzzes on my leg. I flip it over to look at the screen quickly. Another text from Jimin and I find myself smiling at the message.

I can't wait until I can see you again that I'm seeing you everywhere.

I roll my eyes and type a quick message back.

You're obsessed.

Jimin wastes no time in texting back.

With someone as beautiful as you? Of course.

I roll my eyes sending one last text message.

You're ridiculous.

I set the phone down and smile, "Ana?" Yeonjun questions.

"Yes, Junnie?" I look at the little boy with a toothless grin.

"What are you going to get?"

"Not sure," I shrug, "What about you?"

"I'm going to get steak." He smiles.

"Ooh steak," I smile, "How about you order for me?" Yeonjun seems to like that idea because he dives right back into the menu. I felt my phone buzz again but I ignore it.

*****

"Dessert?" Kiya raises the question to the table.

"Yes!" Yeonjun and San cheer.

"I don't know if that's the best idea," I pause, "You two are going to be up all night."

"Oh please Ana," Aunt Mae scoffs, "Let the boys live for one night."

"Alright fine," I roll my eyes, "But you're dealing with them tonight then..."

"Fine." Aunt Mae laughs.

"Excuse me, I'm going to use the restroom." I excuse myself as I get up from the table. I make it to the bathroom, looking at myself in the mirror. It shouldn't feel this draining to simply be around my family. I wish I was in New York, pushing any thoughts of my family to the back of my head. I wish I could just be at home alone, anywhere but Seoul. I head towards the front of the restaurant, cutting close to the bar, where a lone guy stands, talking to the bartender.

As I pass behind the man, he turns to face me, "Ana?"

I stop in my tracks and turn to face the familiar voice, "Jimin?" The chances of running into Jimin were one in a million but of course, I had to run into him.

"I knew I couldn't have been dreaming," He smirks, looking me up and down, "I couldn't even dream up someone as beautiful as you."

"Hello to you too." I laugh, shifting my weight.

"What are you doing here?"

"Getting dinner," I answer, knowing he meant in Korea, not just the restaurant.