Jimin navigates the heart-wrenching aftermath of losing his first love, Kai, who was not only his childhood sweetheart but also his fiancé. After Kai's tragic accident, Jimin struggles with grief and the fear of moving on. However, as time passes, h...
Two years had passed since that fateful night, and Jimin still felt Kai's absence like a dull ache in his chest. But he had learned to push through the pain, to survive for the people who needed him. The Kim family had been his rock, and now he was theirs. Running their family business, a cosmetic and fashion design company started by Kai, had become his way of honoring his memory, though he left his dream behind .
Mr. Kim was still recovering, both emotionally and physically, after the accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, and Mrs. Kim devoted herself to his care
As he just finished getting ready for the day. Jimin wore a tailored suit, his reflection showing the poised and composed image he had learned to adopt over the years. He sighed softly before leaving his room and walking to check on Soo Ae, who was still fast asleep, curled up in her bed. Her chest rose and fell gently, her small figure fragile under the soft blanket. At fourteen , she looked even younger than her age, her frailty a result of being born prematurely. Mrs. Kim had gone through a complicated pregnancy, and as a result, Soo Ae had always been delicate. Kai had doted on her like a father, more protective of her than an elder brother should be. Jimin, too, felt a deep connection to her, as she reminded him of the bond he and Kai had shared—a bond of care, protection, and love.
As he bent down and brushed a strand of hair from her face, smiling softly as he whispered, "Time to wake up, sweetheart. You'll be late for school." Soo Ae stirred, blinking her large, sleepy eyes up at him. She smiled shyly, her voice soft and groggy, "Good morning, Minnie."
"Good morning, Soo Ae," he replied, his heart warming at her affectionate greeting. He helped her sit up, and she leaned into him for a moment, still sleepy and seeking comfort by inhaling his soothing scent of roses and lavender her scent of daisy's which was mild due to her health , but it felt calm . After a few moments, she got up and headed to the bathroom to wash up, while Jimin made his way downstairs.
As he reached the dining room, he found Mr. Kim in his usual spot, sitting in his wheelchair with Mrs. Kim by his side, gently adjusting his blanket. The caretaker stood nearby, ready to assist if needed. The once-vibrant man who had been the pillar of their family was now a shadow of his former self, his eyes distant, lost in grief and memories. Mrs. Kim, though still graceful and kind, seemed weighed down by the burden of caring for her husband and the lingering sorrow that came from losing a son.
Jimin, determined to keep things as normal as possible, smiled warmly as he greeted them, bowing slightly in respect. "Good morning, Appa, Eomeoni."
Mrs. Kim turned to him with a soft smile. "Good morning, Jimin-ah," she said, her voice gentle but tired. Mr. Kim gave a faint nod, his lips twitching as though he wanted to smile but couldn't quite manage it. Jimin sat down with them, filling the quiet room with the warmth of his presence.
"You've been working too hard," Mrs. Kim said, pouring him a cup of tea. "You need to take some time for yourself, Jimin-ah. Kai wouldn't want you to carry all of this on your own."
Jimin smiled faintly, shaking his head. "I'm fine, Eomeoni. I promised Kai I'd take care of all of you. And the company is doing well. It's what he would have wanted." The words hung in the air, the familiar ache returning to his chest. Everything he did was for Kai, to honor the life they had built together, and to ensure that the Kim family, his family, remained whole.
Jimin's P.O.V
As I sat at my seat Jin Hyung came from the kitchen while carrying pancakes for me which I accepted with a smile . He sat across from me and was already making faces at Soo Ae who joined at the table, her eyes still heavy with sleep, his antics drawing a sleepy giggle from her. Even though he was older, Jin Hyung always found a way to inject a bit of silliness into the most mundane moments. His playful nature, a sharp contrast to the sorrow that had settled over our lives, was a lifeline. He had a way of making even the darkest days feel lighter.
Jin Hyung had moved in with us after Kai's death. He had lost his parents long ago, and Appa, Eomeoni were his only remaining family. It made sense for him to come here, to be surrounded by the people who had supported him through his own grief. He had always been a part of Kai's life, visiting often despite the distance between Anyang and Seoul. Now, his presence was a comfort, not just to the them but to me as well.
"Yah, Jimin-ah," Jin Hyung said, grinning as he reached for another piece of toast. "You're looking way too serious. Did you forget to put sugar in your coffee again?"
I couldn't help but smile at his teasing, shaking my head. "Just thinking, hyung," I replied, though the weight of my thoughts was always there, just below the surface. Jin hyung knew that too, but he never pushed. He had been my greatest support these past two years, understanding the delicate balance I had to maintain between holding everything together and allowing myself to feel the loss.
"Well, thinking too much is bad for your skin. You need to relax, or you'll start looking like an old man before you hit thirty," Jin Hyung Jokes, popping a piece of toast into his mouth. Soo Ae giggled again, her laughter a bright contrast to the morning quiet.
Hyung had always been like this, using his natural charisma and humor to lift everyone's spirits. He was famous now—a renowned chef with several successful branches across South Korea. Despite his success, he was humble and deeply rooted in family, just like Kai. He would leave for his restaurant soon, but not before making sure we all smiled at least once. His support had become essential, especially in moments when I felt like I might crumble under the weight of everything.
Once breakfast was done, Soo Ae got up, ready for school. She gave Jin Hyung a small hug before heading toward the door, where I was already waiting. I pulled my jacket on and glanced back at Jin Hyung , who was standing by the table, still grinning as he picked up his keys.
"Take care, hyung. Don't burn the place down," I teased, knowing full well his cooking skills were unmatched.
He laughed, waving me off. "Me? Burn the place down? You're talking to the best chef in South Korea. Now get going before you're late!"
I smiled, feeling a little lighter as I ushered Soo Ae out of the house. As we left for school and the company, Jin Hyung was heading in the opposite direction, off to his restaurant where he'd no doubt spend the day making people smile with both his food and his humor.
It was a strange thing, how life had shifted in such unexpected ways. Jin Hyung, who had once been a visitor from Anyang, was now part of the foundation of this home. He had been there for me in ways I hadn't expected, offering strength through his laughter, and I was grateful for it.
As I drove toward the company, with Soo Ae in the backseat humming softly to herself, I felt a sense of quiet resolve. We were all doing what we could—living, supporting each other, and finding small moments of happiness where we could. It wasn't easy, but we are trying..
To be continued......................................
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