Kpop Imagines

32 - Na Jaemin

Word Count: 821

"Where's your dad?" Johnny asks. His focus still on the wrapping paper in front of him.

Sora shrugs, "I don't know. Haven't seen him since," her voice cracks, "I was 4 or 5." She trails off her statement quietly.

The mood in the atmosphere quickly became suffocating and gloomy, despite the cheery Christmas music blasting from Mark's phone. There was a deathly silence until someone spoke up.

"I'm sorry," Johnny whispers. "I didn't know."

"No," Sora cuts him off, shaking her head.

Though everyone saw sadness, Sora was more confused. As she spoke, her voice faltered against her will.

"It wasn't supposed to hurt that much when I said it."

Wendy looks up from the silver bow she was sticking on the gift box, "What?"

The questioned girl took a moment before answering, "I grew up most of my life, telling people I was okay without a dad. So," she paused again, "why does it hurt now?"

It was clear the new trainee was about to break down, everyone waited for it. Some of them already thinking of a way to comfort her. Mark, who sat right next to her, noticed the first few tears.

"Do you want a hug?" Mark asks gently as if a noise was too loud, Sora would crumble instantly.

To everyone's surprise, Sora responded hoarsely, "No." She tilted her head up, pinched the bridge of her nose, and tried to blink away the tears. Despite her efforts, stubborn tears flowed down her cheeks from the corners of her eyes. While tears streamed down her face, she began laughing. Her tears seem to be against her, flowing down as she vigorously tries to wipe them away. She shakes her head and with a faltering voice cries, "I don't even know why I'm crying?"

Quickly, Mark completely envelopes Sora in a tight hug. The Christmas mood no longer evident, everyone around either tried to hold back the urge to hug the frail girl or felt pity for her.

Through Sora's heartbreaking sobs, she attempts to make out the words, "I'm sorry." The guilt of ruining a happy mood weighed on her heart, but she couldn't stop crying now the tears just wouldn't stop. Her choked apologies sent a stream of reassuring whispers from everyone in the room, Mark especially hugged her tighter and began patting her back.

Somewhere in the midst of the situation, Jaemin stood from his seat and silently left the room. His heart hurt, he didn't like seeing the person he admired cry so desperately in someone else's arms. He especially couldn't stand his favored 'noona' sobbing miserably. He wanted to be there for her too, believing the few months age gap would be nothing between them. With the only motive to cheer up his crush, his legs took him to a nearby store, all the way to the back where someone's favorite drinks were stored in the fridges.

Back at the company building, Sora's cries began softening and gradually turned into short sniffles.

She suddenly laughed lightly with a hand over her mouth, "Why am I so sad? I feel like I'm on a menstruation cycle of something."

Everyone laughed along lightly at her comment before turning their attention to Jaemin, who had just returned with a small bag in hand. Haechan, close to Jaemin, grinned. He knew of his friend's crush and often tried to push him to confess.

Haechan knew lots about his members, Mark knew as well (he is in U, 127, and Dream), but Haechan was trusted by almost everyone despite his young age and impressions. What people don't know, is that Haechan read people like open texts, not even a book. In this case, he could read Mark like those huge cardboard advertisements people see on the highways. It was much too clear to see that Mark definitely had something for Sora, but chances are, they're only close because he helped the new girl trainee adapt to South Korea. Sora, on the other hand, was like a Shakespeare sonnet. Tough to understand immediately, but once you looked into the words, you can see it clearly as well.

Sora liked Jaemin as much as Jaemin liked Sora.

The only struggle for Haechan, was how to get the pair together.

Jaemin smiled softly, never taking his eyes off Sora. He held out the bag to the girl, and despite his ears turning red, he spoke silently through his actions.

Sora takes the bag gently, her voice hoarse from crying. "Thank you," she takes a glance in the bag and looks at Jaemin with, what she considers, an ugly but grateful smile. She adds softly, "you know just what I need, huh?" And reaches over to hug him for a moment.

Jaemin grins all the way back to his seat.

Mark's heart sinks as he catches on to Jaemin's feelings towards Sora.

Haechan continues struggling.

Everyone notices.

Everyone notices except her.