SECRET.ED

Chapter 36: Mini's Maxi & AJ's Birthday Box

Languages:
Korean - Normal Text
English - Bolded
Chinese - Bolded & Slanted
Japanese - Slanted
Thai - Bolded, Slanted, Underlined
Other - Underlined

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-Friday, March 10, 2023~1:03PM-

~Mini's POV~

I was painting with Chani when I decided to get another cup. I walked over to the cabinet and sighed when I saw they were on the top shelf. Usually we don't put things on the top shelf but I wanted plastic cups which we don't use often so it made sense that those would be on the top.

I put my hands on the counter and jumped, only to be pulled back down by my waist. I pouted as I watched Chani get a cup for me.

"Hey, I can get it myself." I said, looking directly up at him. He was over a whole foot taller than me so I could do that without facing him.

"I don't want you hurting yourself." He said.

"I've been jumping on counters my entire life." I replied. "What else am I supposed to do when I can't reach the top shelf?"

"Ask somebody."

"I'm not a child, oppa. I'm an independent woman and I shouldn't have to ask for help."

He sighed. "I didn't mean it like that. It's just-"

"Don't." I said, putting my hand up in his face so he would stop talking. "I'm tired of being short because this is exactly how people see me."

"I like your height." He told me.

"Why?" I crossed my arms. "We look weird together because you're so tall and I'm so short."

"Because then I couldn't do this." He said, wrapping his arms around me and placing his head on mine. He kissed my head while he was at it. "Don't change, Mini. You're perfect."

I gave a sad smile then turned around to face him. "I just wish I wasn't so tiny. It makes me feel lonely sometimes, especially since my members are all a whole foot taller than me."

"Rin's not." He said. "Isn't she only 5 foot?"

"She doesn't count." I swatted my hand in the air, making Chani laugh. He then wrapped his arms around me again.

"I think your height is great and I hope you come to love it like I do."

I smiled as he planted his lips on mine. That's when the door opened and I immediately heard my members yelling at us to separate.

"We came home at a good time, unnie." AJ said. "Otherwise something might have broken out."

I rolled my eyes. "Where were you guys anyway?"

"Getting your birthday gift." Yoona giggled.

I cocked my head in confusion and that's when Rin walked in behind them, holding a small dog in her hands.

"OMO!" I exclaimed, running over. "It's so cute!"

"She's all your's." Rin said, handing the dog to me.

"She's a small and shy Yorkshire Terrier." Gaeul said. "We thought you two could make each other not feel so small."

I glanced over at Chani whom I just had a similar conversation with and then back at my members, flashing a smile. "Thank you unnies."

They all hugged me, careful not to smother the dog.

"What are you going to name her?!" Yoona asked, full of excitement.

"Maxi." I said, looking at the cute dog.

"Opposite of Mini." AJ said. "Meaning very large. I like it."

I grinned.

"Let's go bring in Maxi's stuff." Gaeul said, heading back outside.

My members all went outside to get all the dog stuff while Chani and I started to play with her. She was shy at first but she quickly grew on us. She was only a puppy after all, 3 months. But she was mine, and I was so thankful for my members.

*****

-Saturday, April 1, 2023~10:36PM-

~AJ's POV~

We arrived home after dinner, all sober this time since we weren't allowed to drink due to having practice the next morning, only to find a package at my door step. I froze when I saw it.

"Unnie, your gift from Chan is here!" Mini exclaimed, picking it up.

I gulped, trying to soften my nerves.

"Let's open it inside." Gaeul said after sensing my nerves.

She led everyone inside and I pulled out my phone to look at my DMs with Chan. Last year, I had drunkenly expressed my feelings to him over text and then apologized and explained myself when I was sober. He never responded to them so I was embarrassed, to the point where I didn't give him a present for his birthday because I didn't think he liked me after all. Now seeing a box here makes me worried about what could be inside, afraid he'll make a fool out of me.

"Are you going to open your present, unnie?" Yoona asked me.

I stared at the present and glanced at Gaeul.

"Why don't we let AJ open this one on her own?" Gaeul said.

"Awe, but we want to see what's inside." Mini pouted.

"I think she needs privacy." Rin whispered to the others.

"Oh." Yoona said, winking at me.

I rolled my eyes as they all went into their rooms, leaving me in the livingroom with Chan's present. I took a deep breath before opening the box to find a note sitting on top of what looked to be a bunch of Polaroid photos. I read the note first.

I wanted to surprise you in person this year but discovered I was touring on your birthday this year so I hope this makes up for it. Let's meet each other in person soon.

Happy Birthday
Love, Chan

P.S, I know I didn't receive a present from you on my birthday but I'm going to still send you them. I hope it's okay :)

I couldn't help but smile as I read the note. I then took out the polaroid pictures to find random selfies of Chan. It felt so surreal I felt my eyes start to water. I even felt bad about not getting him a gift, but it was because I was embarrassed. I was hoping to make it up to him on his birthday this year. However, it made me wonder why he never responded to my DM?

~Authors Note~

Hey guys! I was going to write until their comeback but I made Mini's POV too long, oops. Anyway! I hope you guys enjoyed nevertheless and I will see you soon. Biez!

P.S unedited.