𝙱𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙳 𝙸𝙽 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴

𓆩♡𓆪 5;

Airene couldn't bear to stay at home any longer, so she decided to return to work. Her father, noticing that she was still upset, asked her if she was okay. She forced a smile and told him that she was happy and everything was fine. Her father wasn't convinced and decided to visit her later that evening to check on her. He called his wife right away to inform her, but Airene had no idea about his plans. After work, Airene followed her usual routine and spent time with Taehyung. They met at their favorite coffee shop, where she found solace in his company. Taehyung always had a way of making her feel better, even without knowing all the details of her struggles.

As Mr. and Mrs. Shin arrived at Airene and Jimin's home, Jimin was taken aback. He quickly tried to hide his bandaged toes and welcomed them in with a warm smile. "Mr. Shin, Mrs. Shin, it's a surprise to see you both here," he said, stepping aside to let them enter. "Hello, Jimin," Mrs. Shin greeted warmly, though she immediately noticed his bandaged toes. "Thank you for having us." 

Jimin led them to the living room and excused himself to prepare some drinks. As he brought the cups to the table, Mrs. Shin's eyes caught the burn mark on his wrist. "Jimin'ah, what happened to your wrist?" she asked with concern. Jimin quickly pulled his sleeve down, trying to cover the burn. He stuttered, "Oh, it was just an accident while I was cooking."Mr. Shin, surprised, raised an eyebrow. "You cook? I thought Airene would be the one cooking." Jimin forced a smile. "She likes it when I cook for her," he lied, trying to maintain a cheerful façade. 

However, Mr. and Mrs. Shin could see through it; his discomfort were apparent. Later, Jimin and Mr. Shin found themselves standing at the balcony, the cool evening air providing a brief respite from the tension inside. Mr. Shin looked at Jimin with a mix of concern and sternness. "Son, are you happy?" he asked directly. Jimin nodded, though his eyes betrayed his true feelings. "I am, but I want Airene to be happy too. I don't know how to make that happen."Mr. Shin sighed deeply, placing a hand on Jimin's shoulder. "I know my daughter can be difficult. Seeing you struggle because of her makes me so mad. Your parents provided you with a life free from difficulties, and I hate seeing you face such challenges now." 

Jimin looked down, feeling the weight of Mr. Shin's words. "I just want to make her happy, sir. I don't know what else to do." Mr. Shin's expression softened slightly. "You need to understand that this isn't just about making her happy. It's about finding a balance where you both can be happy. It will take time and patience, but you must also stand up for yourself. If Airene sees that you are genuinely trying and that you care for her well-being, she might come around."Jimin nodded, appreciating the advice but still feeling overwhelmed. "Thank you, Mr. Shin. I'll keep trying." Just then, Airene walked into the living room, returning from her day out with Taehyung. She saw her parents and was surprised. "Dad, Mom, what are you doing here?"

"We came to check on you, dear," Mrs. Shin said, standing up to hug her daughter. "We were worried." Airene forced a smile, her mind still occupied with thoughts of Taehyung and the complicated feelings she had. "I'm fine, Mom, Dad. Really." Mr. Shin and Mrs. Shin exchanged glances but decided not to press further. They hoped that their visit would remind Airene of the support she had and that it might encourage her to try and make things work with Jimin. 

As the evening went on, the Shins left, leaving Airene and Jimin alone once more. Jimin looked at Airene, his heart heavy but determined. "Airene, I know things are tough right now, but I want to make this work. I want us to be happy." She looked at him, her eyes softening for a brief moment before she turned away. "I need time, Jimin. Just give me some space." Jimin nodded, respecting her need for space but feeling a small glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, things could get better.

That night, Airene and Jimin settled into their separate sleeping arrangements—she in the bedroom, and he on the couch in the living room. The next morning, Jimin woke up and noticed there was no sign of her. However, on the kitchen counter, he found a cup of coffee with a note beside it. It read, "From Airene." A broad smile spread across his face as he read the note. He sipped the coffee, feeling a renewed sense of hope and happiness, and got ready for work.