Book 2: Park Jihoon || In a blink of an eye

14. One after another

Song recommendation: Yuji - Always

Minji's POV

Soobin and I went to a park nearby and let the atmosphere calm down for a moment before telling him about what happened to me in the past. The tension was very awkward but I forced myself to tell him. This is not the exact situation I imagined it would be to tell someone about this.

I slowly began my story and because of nervousness, I couldn't look at him, to know his reactions. I just kept on going and remembering what happened made me tear up but I did my best to hold it in because I don't want to let Soobin see me that I'm still affected.

"What about Jihoon? Did you tell him about this already?" Soobin asked with a concerned tone.

"No, I didn't." I answered. "I'm not actually planning to." I added, audible enough for him to hear.

"But he's part of the story. He should know, Minji." He said, trying to convince me.

"I know... but he'll think it's his fault why I kicked out."

"Then try to tell him that it is not his fault. I know he'll understand. Don't you trust him?"

"It is me who I don't trust." I hastily answered. "I don't know if I can still face him if he knows that he's the reason why I got kicked out. Just because of that petty lie." I explained with a hint of irritation.

"I totally understood why you don't want to tell him about it but I think it is not right not planning to tell him the situation he's involved in." Soobin still trying to convince me but I'm still not sure if I have the courage to tell Jihoon.

~~~~~
I got to the dorm and found my members already resting. I went straight to my room and Yoona was busy with her phone. She didn't greet me or anything, I didn't think much of it and remove my clothes to take a bath.

I went to the bathroom and let the cold water run through my skin. I still can't believe that I told someone about the secret I already buried on the ground. It's an event that needs to be forgotten but somehow, that nightmare is still hunting me.

I got out of the bathroom and I decided to talk to Lou. I went to their room and she was studying her Korean.

"Hey." I called.

"Hey." She greeted me back with a forceful smile.

What's with this atmosphere?

"Something wrong?" I asked out of concern.

"Something happened while you were out." She answered which made my heart skip a beat.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Park Serim got kicked out." She answered with a hint of sadness in it.

I was shocked and didn't expect this. I know Jihoon told me about this possibility but I didn't much worried about it because they're the Team A. They're the greatest boy trainees in YG.

After doing a skincare routine, I went to my bed and thinking if I should check on Jihoon or not. He's mad at me earlier. Is he still mad?

After a lot of contemplation, I decided to text Jihoon. I waited minutes and minutes but he didn't reply. Maybe he needs time to be alone.

~~~~~
It was Saturday and I just arrived at the company. I was putting my bag in my locker when I saw Jihoon and Yedam walking in the hallway. I don't know if I should talk to them but the atmosphere they have is so heavy. So I quickly went back to my business and let them pass.

I entered our studio and joined the others in stretching. Our practice went normal and I did my best not to be distracted by what happened. After the dance coach teaching us the moves, we sat on the floor while panting.

"I'm sure you know what happened to Team A of the boys right?" The Coach asked and our silence served as our answer.

"That's an example that no matter what team you are in, you're still can be expelled if you don't improve. That's why don't stop practising. Dismiss." He added and exited our studio.

Silence.

"Coach is right guys. Let what happened to Park Serim serves as one of our lessons. So let's do our best and debut together, okay?" Yoona tried to motivate the team and somehow it worked.

"Let's eat." She invited and we all fixed ourselves before heading to the cafeteria.

We arrived at the cafeteria and found Jihoon with others eating. They were very quiet and have no energy. After getting some food, I sat with Lou and we started eating. From time to time, I glanced at Jihoon.

I want to comfort him but I shouldn't because I'm just gonna make him uncomfortable. Moments later, I got a text from Jihoon saying that he wanted to meet me on the balcony after lunch.

I reached the balcony and it was pretty windy. It's my first time going here, the sky is grey. Even the sky is sad. Everything looks so depressing.

"Minji." Jihoon arrived and I smiled at him.

"Why did you asked me to meet here?" I asked.

"I don't have much to say so I didn't invite you somewhere." He said in a monotone. Is he still mad?

"Jihoon, I'm so-"

"I know where you have been going these days." He cut me off and his sentence made me shock.

"H-How did you know?" I stuttered. Should I lie? What can I say then?

"I followed you and saw you with him." He answered.

Only "oh" escaped from my mouth. Should I say sorry or get mad for following me? I don't know what to react.

"Then, I accidentally met Lee Heekyung. Your old friend." He added and I suddenly feel so nervous.

"O-oh! Really?" I acted like it's not a big deal.

"She told me something that you got kicked out and you didn't resign." He added and he looked at me with so seriousness in his eyes.

"I-I'm sorry for not telling you." I apologized. "It's not your fault, Jihoon." I assumed that he knows the reason.

"What do you mean? It's not yours either. Why did you hide it from me?" He asked out of confusion.

So, Heekyung didn't tell him the reason why I got kicked out.

"I was.. ashamed about it. I didn't want you to think that I didn't work hard, I don't want to change the way you see me." I answered. I can feel the tears on my cheek.

He didn't say anything and I tried to stop myself from crying but I just can't because this nightmare keeps hunting me. Why did I do to deserve this?

Suddenly, Jihoon hugged me as he pressed my head on his chest. I can hear his breathing and heartbeat.

"I forgive you but promise you won't hide anything from me anymore. Okay?" He asked and I didn't answer because I don't know if I should tell him now the reason.

I was about to speak but he cut me off.

"Now that you told me this, no matter what happened, you're the same Minji I met." He said while he's caressing my hair. "The bossy, sensitive, and great Yang Minji." He teased and I slightly smacked his chest for cracking a joke in this situation.