Begin Again

Nine

A couple of days have passed since Jungkook came to see Jin. He expected Su-min to be depressed and crying. But she surprised him and has been her typical usual self. She spends most of her time with Jin's mother. And they can usually be found out by the garden.

Jin's mother has always prided herself on her beautiful and colorful flowers that she tends to regularly. She teaches Su-min how to care for them as well.

Seeing Su-min smile as she giggles along with her halmeoni warms his heart. He has always wanted this kind of life for his daughter. Carefree and full of loving moments.

Over the next couple of weeks, they have all fallen into a routine. Jin and Jimin go to work and Su-min goes to school. Then they all spend family time together for dinner.

Jimin and Namjoon have been seeing each other almost every day. Jin has never seen Jimin look so happy.

Taehyung has been coming over as well. He's helped Jin's mother fix the broken steps on the back porch, dig a couple of holes for some trees and bushes she wants to plant. And he loves spending time with everyone.

Su-min still hasn't warmed up to him. She knows that he likes her Appa but doesn't want anyone to be with him. She has accepted that her papa doesn't love her Appa anymore but still doesn't want him to be with anyone else.

She is all he needs to be happy. So she keeps a close eye on him whenever he's around her Appa.

Today, Tae is building a new trough for the chickens and ducks to feed from. Jin, Jimin and Namjoon are trying to help. But are really more or less getting in his way. So it's taking him longer than expected. He doesn't mind and enjoys the laughter they share.

They stop to eat lunch and while Jimin wanders off with Joonie. Jin and Tae sit on the grass, enjoying the breeze while eating their lunch.

"You seem to be doing better lately. It's really nice to see you smile more freely. I've always loved that about you." Tae tells Jin.

Jin bites his lips inward, suddenly flustered by his comment. He knows he's probably redder than an apple. Which makes Taehyung chuckle. He knows Jin better than anyone. Even Jungkook.

"I think it's cause Su-min is adjusting to her new life here. I know alot of it has to do with my eomma. I don't know how I could have made it those first few days without her and Jimin.

She was always asking for her papa and I didn't know what to tell her about what happened. How do I explain to her that the man she worships and adores had grown tired of me and wanted a new life?

How do I tell her that he already has someone new to take my place? She has only ever seen the good side of him. It sometimes bothers me that he doesn't see how bad he's hurt her. All he knows is that she loves him more than anything and that is enough for him to get on with his life."

He scoffs and adds, "I also sometimes wish I could bust that bubble for him. You know.. let her know how truly shitty he is. But I just don't think I can do that to her. I don't want her to remember that I was the one who showed her his true colors. She'll carry that hurt and anger with her forever. I don't want that for her. She's my baby girl."

"He hurt you too. Don't forget that. You picked up everything and left that life behind."

"Jimin did most of it. I was useless.."

"No.. you did it. Yes he helped.. but you are helping her see that she can move on and not keep her father up on that pedestal. She has witnessed some of the worst things that he's done. She's not blind. Unfortunately she's seen what an asshole her father is. But I think it will make her stronger."