Mingi's Pov
Today, I have to babysit my niece, who is three years younger than me. After her mother's death, her father abandoned her. My parents always worried about her since she didn't want to stay with us. Sometimes, it worried us. His father is my father's eldest brother's son, who is also my eldest cousin. My father's family is quite a big family since I have nieces and nephews. But I'm not close to them except for Rose who is my cousin on my mother's side. Maybe it is because my mom doesn't have a big family like my father.
"Y/N? Are you done?" I asked while looking at her bedroom door. It was the weekend when my mother asked me to take her out. Even though it is quite embarrassing to walk with her I can't say it. It was better than her making a scene with her tantrums.
"I'm coming!" She said as I heard her rushing to come out of her bedroom. Once the door opened, I looked at her. It was not a good but not that bad.
"Wash your face. Just put on some light make-up. You look like a clown." I said and regretted it when I saw her pouting face.
"No need to say that!" She said, slamming the door, went to wash her face, and came back without any makeup. I just sighed and walked behind her. She was mad.
"I'm sorry. You are not good with that thing. You are already pretty without makeup, Y/N. Come here." I said as I pulled her arm facing me. I took my lip balm in my bag and applied it to her lips. She just stared at me.
"It's an indirect kiss." She spoke, which made me want to laugh. Who cares about it? Plus, this is the new one. I got it buy one free one.
"What? This is for you. I got two. It's buy one free one." I said, making her smile again. I pat her head and continued walking out of the house.
"Is unnie coming too?" She asked. Since I became friends with Ji-eun, we always come to visit her. As time passed, they got close to each other. Sometimes, I came alone and stayed the night at her house. The neighbours here also cared for her since she was alone. Her friends also stayed the night whenever they got to the study group.
"No. She has something to do. Why? Are you bored going out with me?" I asked, pretending to be sulk. She looks a bit surprised to see my expression and hugs my left hand.
"It's... I just miss her. I barely seen her lately." She said a bit disappointed. I glance down at her since her height is just my shoulder's level.
"Why wouldn't you allow me to join any club?" She asked. It was not that I didn't allow her but sometimes she got depressed with many people and noisy. I would love to see her around my friends and relatives. At least it was convenient for me to know what happened to her.
"More people mean more chaotic. It's better you just focus on studying instead of worrying about clubs or whatever. Got it?" I said like a father gives a speech to his daughter.
"Okay." She said which I know that she was not. I know her better. Just looking at her face, I know she always wants to be in a club. But with her illness, I don't think she will be able to control her emotions. Being in a club, she needs to face everything that will make her depressed.
"Is it okay if I ask my friends to join us?" Just like that, her smile grew wide. She was expecting someone to join, too.
"But... Hongjoong hyung is not here. He went abroad for the exchange students." I said. I could feel her hand loosened from me.
"Did he hate me because I cling to him a lot?" She suddenly asked. Her mood changed again. I think she was trying to control herself. Lately, I have noticed that she hardly tries to look good around people. Every time she did that, I noticed she always clenched her fist. It leaves some bruises on her palm.
"Neither did he hate or dislike you. He was just uncomfortable with girls around him. I can't say whether he likes you or not. What I can say is you can't force him to like you. also, I don't want you to hurt yourself because of him. He is my friend and you are my family. Both of you are important to me." I said, which made her pouting. I hope she will understand that.
