ATTACHED • Winrina

• chapter four • UPDATED

"Jimin, look at you! You're smiling! What could possibly have caught your attention to evoke such joy?" In that moment, amidst all the tumult that had enveloped Jimin and her family, it was a revelation for her mother to witness her daughter's smile once more. It was as if a lamp, long dimmed, had suddenly regained its brilliance, casting light on a previously shadowed existence.

With the letter and image of Winter concealed behind her back, Jimin marveled at the sophistication displayed on Winter's part. Yes, she was acutely aware that this came from an alternate timeline, yet her mind raced as she contemplated the improbability and whether it might simply be a ruse. However, numerous clues affirmed her intuition; indeed, in her own time, the camera had been invented, yet it remained a privilege accessible only to the affluent. Jimin's family straddled the precarious divide between the Sangbin (lower class) and the Cheonmin (an even humbler class deemed responsible for vulgar and menial occupations). Their lodgings were modest, constructed of wood and straw, situated a mere 50 meters from their nearest neighbors. The clarity and smoothness of the photograph astounded her, making Winter's features distinctly visible and rendering Jimin mesmerized.

Her mother, peering quizzically, seemed to sense that Jimin was concealing something. "What is it that you're hiding from me?" she asked playfully, her tone light and teasing. Subsequently, Jimin dashed to her room, locking the door behind her. She lit a candle and focused intently on the image of Winter. Abruptly, an idea sparked; she decided it was time to exchange portraits with her pen pal. Since cameras were non-existent in their world, she would ask her friend to create a sketch of her in pencil the following morning.

• • •

"Hey! Jeon Jungkook oppa!" Jimin exclaimed as she rushed towards her artistic companion. As peculiar as it was, Jungkook felt the shift in her demeanor. It was unlike her to exhibit such unrestrained enthusiasm; typically, she was moody, disinterested, or even vexed.

"Oh, hi, Jimin! What's got you all cheerful today?" he queried, intrigued. As Jimin swung her body from side to side, fingers entwined, he found her antics both amusing and slightly peculiar. 'Ah, she must be after something,' he thought, a knowing grin spreading across his face.

"What's your proposal, and what's in it for me?" he asked, teasingly.

"Ah, you're quite perceptive! I actually need a big favor. Just listen-I'll offer you some of my mother's newly purchased sharpened pencils from the town," she proposed.

Upon hearing "pencils," Jungkook's eyes lit up. His passion for art was substantial, and he treasured collecting art supplies. "This sounds like a delightful deal. Am I expected to hunt down a wolf for you as payment?" he joked.

Jimin took a moment, feigning contemplation before voicing her request. "I'd like you to draw me. Just a simple portrait."

"Why?" Jungkook asked, amusement evident in his tone. He couldn't help but find it peculiar; she wasn't the kind of girl who desired to immortalize her likeness-she preferred to keep her appearance shrouded from the world. Shrugging off his musings, he began gathering his drawing materials.

"Where shall we create this portrait?" he inquired. Jimin tapped her chin thoughtfully, pondering the ideal spot where natural light would illuminate her features. "Ah! I know just the place!" she exclaimed, excitedly directing him toward the porch of his house.

Once Jungkook gathered his supplies, Jimin eagerly pulled him along to the porch where she struck a pose. "What a quirky way to pose!" Jungkook teased. Jimin mimicked Winter's pose, standing sideways with her chin lifted, an expression of fierce determination on her face. If she were to smile, it would be a stretch, as remaining cheerful for extended periods could be exhausting and leave her features stiff.

Minutes passed, and then... "Are we done yet? My neck is starting to feel like it might snap!" Jimin complained, eliciting laughter from Jungkook. "Jimin, we've only just started! It's been ten minutes, and I'm still perfecting the shades and adding a few finishing touches."

"Alright, Yoo Jimin, your portrait is finally complete," Jungkook declared, presenting the artwork rendered on rice straw paper. "Don't forget to procure the finest pencils you can find for me," he reminded her.

Her face lit up with joy as she accepted the portrait. "Now I can finally show her my face," she thought, her heart fluttering with anticipation.

• • •

"Winter! Mail has arrived!" her mother's voice echoed from downstairs. It was a Saturday, and Winter was engrossed in her writing exercises, lounging on her stomach with her earphones in, oblivious to her mother's call.

Her mother placed the mail on the table, then returned to her chores, obliviously leaving her daughter in blissful ignorance.

Much later, Winter glanced at her watch and realized it was already 2 PM. She had plans for a girl's outing with Giselle, where they were set to indulge in some pampering and nail care. A quick call to Giselle confirmed their rendezvous. "Absolutely, let's meet at Times Square!" she chirped.

Descending the stairs to grab a sandwich before her change of clothes, Winter's eyes caught the glimmer of the mail. Excitement surged within her as she tore the letter open and absorbed the contents.

"Dearest Winter,

I am immensely thankful for the portrait you sent me. I could hardly believe you possess such beauty; your allure is genuinely captivating. I earnestly hope for the day we can meet in person."

As she unfurled another sheet, a beautifully rendered illustration of herself fell into view.

Winter gasped, a smile blossoming on her face, her heart swelling with curiosity and excitement.

"Yoo Jimin? Oh my God! She has such a lovely name!"