•honey• || KookMin

21. Meetings and fights

"You'll like this."

Jimin smiles at what found: a snow globe with Jack Skellington inside. One side Christmasy, the other Halloween. It's perfect! She's been looking for three hours for what to get her girlfriend for Christmas. Didn't want anything sporty. That's for everyday or anniversaries are for. Besides, Jeonggoo has other interests. Jimin bought two boxes of watercolor markers. Heard her want them and complain about how expensive they are. She takes a picture and sends Taehyung. He showed her yesterday the gift he has for Hosook: a set of three small potted plants that he painted in his own particular way.

It looked adorable. To his Soulmate Jimin bought a Gucci bag on sale, he wanted, but didn't make it in time to buy. Jimin did it online and in secret. Her parents are going to scold her for spending so much money. She senses it. She looks at the time and wonders whether to ask them to pick her up or go by bus.

"Hey, Jimin!"

"Hello Mr. Jeon." she greets. She felt watched, but she didn't think someone was really looking at her. The man dresses almost elegant. Dress pants, brown coat, black turtleneck shirt. She knows he's in his forties and it tastes a little off, but is he attractive? Assumes part of Jeonggoo's charm comes from him.

"Call me Kangdae. Don't be shy," he says with a gallant smile. "Are you alone? I was hoping you were with Jeonggoo."

"No. I'm sorry. I've told her to come back, but she's stubborn." lies Jimin. Of course she's seen her a lot, obviously wouldn't tell her.

"Yes. It's quite a case," he exhales smilingly. "Would you like some coffee? I'd like to know more about my daughter's friendships."

Jimin muses. Her dad told her he doesn't go near Kangdae. Ever. Never. However, she is uncomfortable. He comes very close and the pressure caused by embarrassment of being in public leads her to say yes. He buys her a coffee, a slice of red velvet and some cookies. Jimin talks about Jeonggoo omitting Bangtan and their relationship. She does it often with her parents, it comes naturally. Kangdae stares at her. It lasts for a while.

"Ah, it's late. I have to-"

"I'm taking you home. I couldn't let you go alone."

"Y-you don't have to."

"Sure there is."

"Nono, really, I'm fine. I can-"

"Dressed like that? They're going to attack you."

Jimin looks at herself for a moment. Her shoulders bare, also part of her abdomen; high pants and yellow booties. Kangdae reaches to caress her cheek.

"I'll take you."

The ride is... uncomfortable. He talks a lot, sometimes Jimin answers. Because of the traffic Jimin gets impatient.

"Why so nervous?"

"My parents are going to scold me."

"You don't look like someone who worries about things like that. You look more mature than your age dictates."

"Not really. I still like Winnie Pooh."

"Wow." laughs Kangdae. "What I'm getting at is don't get anxious." He puts a hand on Jimin's thigh. "We'll be there soon." He gives it a squeeze and Jimin suffers a shiver. Fortunately, nothing else happened. He barely dismissed her with a kiss on the cheek and caresses in her hair. She felt unusually flirtatious.

~ * * * ~

"Can you come over? I thought it would be a nice date to spend together."