Winter hadn’t expected to feel lighter after talking about her parents, but she did. It wasn’t much—just a few words about her life—but sharing that piece of herself with Jimin felt like she had finally let go of something heavy. It was strange, unfamiliar, but not entirely unpleasant.
Jimin, true to his word, didn’t press for more. He didn’t ask any follow-up questions, didn’t try to delve into her past. Instead, he just sat there, quietly listening, offering her the kind of presence that made her feel understood without being overwhelmed.
In the following days, Winter found herself opening up in small ways—letting Jimin into her world bit by bit. She told him about her favorite books, her love for the piano, and how she would sometimes stay up late at night listening to music when the house was too quiet. They were small things, insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but they were hers.
Jimin listened with that same quiet attentiveness, never interrupting, never judging. He shared little pieces of his life too—how he’d moved around a lot because of his dad’s job, how he found peace in sketching, and how he missed his old friends back home. He didn’t have a perfect life either, and somehow that made it easier for Winter to trust him.
---
One Evening After School
The sun was setting, casting a warm golden glow over the school grounds. Winter and Jimin were walking side by side, their steps in sync as they made their way toward the gate. It had become a routine by now—Jimin walking with her after school, never asking, just joining her as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“So,” Jimin said, breaking the comfortable silence, “are you ever going to let me hear you play the piano?”
Winter shot him a sideways glance. “Why would I do that?”
Jimin grinned. “Because I bet you’re amazing, and I want to see if I’m right.”
Winter scoffed, though her lips twitched slightly at the compliment. “It’s just a hobby.”
“Hobbies can be special,” Jimin said, his tone light but sincere. “Besides, I’ve shown you my sketches. It’s only fair.”
Winter smirked. “I didn’t ask to see your sketches.”
“Yeah, but you liked them,” Jimin countered, his grin widening when she didn’t deny it.
Winter rolled her eyes but felt warmth spread in her chest. “We’ll see.”
Jimin chuckled. “I’ll take that as a maybe.”
---
The Weekend: A Visit
That Saturday, Winter was startled when her phone buzzed with a message from Jimin.
“Hey, got something for you. Mind if I stop by?”
Winter stared at the message for a long moment, unsure of how to respond. She wasn’t used to people dropping by her house—it had always been her private space, untouched by anyone but herself. But after a few moments of hesitation, she typed out a quick reply.
“Sure.”
Twenty minutes later, the doorbell rang. Winter opened it to find Jimin standing there, holding something behind his back. He smiled as she gave him a questioning look.
“What are you hiding?”
“Patience,” Jimin teased, stepping inside. “You’ll see.”
Winter crossed her arms, watching him with curiosity. “Well?”
Jimin grinned and brought his hands out from behind his back, revealing a small potted plant. The leaves were a vibrant green, and the tiny flowers were just beginning to bloom. Winter blinked, taken aback.
“A plant?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Jimin shrugged, still smiling. “I figured your place could use a little color. Plus, it’s something to take care of. Thought it might be nice.”
Winter stared at the plant, her heart unexpectedly swelling at the thoughtfulness of the gesture. She hadn’t realized how sterile and empty her house had felt until that moment—just a space she existed in, not a home. The plant felt like a small, tangible piece of warmth.
“Thanks,” she said quietly, her fingers brushing against one of the leaves.
“No problem,” Jimin said, his voice softening as he watched her. “It’s yours to keep. Just make sure you water it.”
Winter chuckled lightly. “I’ll try.”
As she set the plant down on the windowsill, she turned to see Jimin looking around the room. It was simple, clean, with very little in the way of decoration. For a moment, she felt a bit self-conscious, but Jimin didn’t seem to judge. He just smiled.
“Nice place,” he said. “Fits you.”
Winter didn’t know what he meant by that, but she appreciated it. For the first time, she realized she didn’t mind having him there, in her space.
---
Later That Evening
They spent the next few hours talking about nothing in particular. Winter even played a few pieces on the piano for Jimin, despite her initial reluctance. He sat beside her on the bench, his shoulder brushing hers as he listened intently. His presence was calming, and for the first time, Winter didn’t feel the need to fill the silence with anything but music.
When Jimin finally left, Winter found herself standing by the window, watching him walk away with a strange sense of peace. The plant sat on her windowsill, the small flowers catching the fading sunlight, a reminder of the quiet shift happening in her life.
For so long, Winter had been convinced that she didn’t need anyone—that being alone was easier, safer. But now, with Jimin slowly but surely weaving himself into her life, she wasn’t so sure anymore.
TBC.
YOU ARE READING
Falling for Mr. Yoo
FanfictionWinter Kim is focused on maintaining her academic excellence and staying out of unnecessary drama. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when a new student, Yoo Jimin, transfers to her school. Unlike the quiet, composed Karina everyone knows, t...
