JiMina Collection

A Secret For Two ~ Part 1

        Mina smiled as she walked down a narrow dirt path, taking in her surroundings. The birds chirped happily and flew higher into the bright, blue sky. The radiant sun beamed happily down on her hometown of Kobe, Japan. For once, Mina was finally able to go home and visit her family. But before catching the next plane back to Korea, she knew her vacation could not be complete without visiting her little childhood grove. 

      She found it as a child wandering about the trees. The city had always been too busy for her introverted self, and so she often took solace in that comfotable space. It was a room-sized dome with an opening at the top, made from the branches of nearby trees, woven together over time. When the sun shone through the leaves, it was such a beautiful sight. At night, she could watch the stars glisten for hours without end. It was like a personal natural phenomenon. To get there, she had to walk through several narrow paths; through trees, tall grasses, and thick bushes. Excitement coursed through her as she neared the tiny entrance. She had practically resorted to running at this point. Mina ducked in through the hole, only to crash into something - or rather, someone else.

       Unbeknownst to Mina, someone else had found her hideout, minutes before she came upon the grove. He stood up tall, looking up at the sky through the ceiling skylight, smiling at how beautiful everything was. He too, had discovered it a while ago; the first time his group toured in Japan, and here he was again. As he turned to leave, the two people crashed headfirst. The impact toppled them over. 

     They practically collapsed back into the grove until rolling to a stop. Frozen on the spot, they took in the sight of one another. The boy was the first to look away. "Sorry." he mumbled, before realizing that this person probably spoke Japanese. But before he could correct himself, she responded.

"It's alright, I should have been looking where I was going" she said.

     Surprised, he looked back up at the girl. And what was even more astonishing was that he vaguely recognized her. "You... You're from TWICE..." he whispered.

     Mina also looked up, now that he had pointed that vital piece of information. "You're Korean? What are you doing here?"

"I'm Park Jimin from BTS. We're on tour here in Japan." He replied. "Now what are you  doing here?"

"I'm here to visit my family. I just wanted to come here once more before I go back to Korea" she said, gesturing to the small enclosure they were in. "I didn't think anyone else knew about this place. I've been coming here since I was little."

"Oh." Jimin said, mildly surprised. "I found this place when we first toured here. I've visited ever since."

"Yeah," Mina agreed. "The city, the lights, the people... Everything is always just too-"

"Busy?" Jimin finished for her. She nodded.

"I guess that's why we both like this place. It's so peaceful."

"Well, it'll be a secret between us then." she said, smiling innocently up at him. That was when he remembered.

"Hey... You're Mina." He exclaimed. She raised an eyebrow, silently asking him to elaborate.

"We worked together before... For the modern dance performance a few years back. I remember - I think - you had ballet experience? "

"Yeah, 11 years." She admitted. "Seems so long ago now."

     Jimin could only agree. It seemed as though the Jimin who had enrolled in contemporary dance was long forgotten. 

"You too?" she asked. "Why did they pick you?"

"Contemporary." he replied. 

     Mina laughed. "Look at us now. No where near where we thought we'd be."

     Turning back to the girl, he began to see her in a different light. Here, he found someone similar to him. They were from similar backgrounds, both trapped in the spiral that was the Korean music industry. Maybe they really could be friends. Jimin was sure it was the sunlight getting to his head, or maybe the heat of the moment, but at that very moment he knew of nothing else he would rather do.

Before he could regret it, he quickly asked her a question."Do you mind if I stay here with you? I have nothing else to do today. But - only if you don't mind."

"Sure... I guess the company might be nice." she replied.

        They talked for hours as they lay on their backs, staring up at the stars together. There was a lot to talk about, and it was wonderful confiding in someone who struggled with the same problems. Jimin began to feel bittersweet about the time they shared. It would soon be cut short. There was no way they could have moments like this when they returned to their regular daily lives.

"It's so beautiful here." Mina whispered. Jimin turned to face her, watching the stars reflect in her eyes. And for the first time, a foreign thought entered his mind. They were so close.

"I wish I could do this back in Korea." Mina said to the stars. A lightbulb went off in Jimin's mind.

       "Actually... we can." He grinned. Mina back looked at him in surprise. This was the opportunity of a lifetime. "Give me your phone number. I know a place in Korea just like this. I can text you the location when we're both back home."

"Really?" she replied, excited. We both took out our phones and exchanged contact information. Jimin checked the time. Shoot. 

"I have to go, Mina" He said. "My friends will be wondering where I am.

"Okay... Bye, Jimin."

"Not a goodbye." Jimin reminded her. "More like a 'see you later', alright?"

     Mina just giggled and waved. As she turned back to the stars, Jimin froze on the spot.

Were her eyes always that bright?

Jimin walked back along the concrete path towards the hotel, knowing that he would count the days until he would see her again.