virtuous deception || pjm (editing)

xiii

AUTHOR

Hyejin waited on the station platform, attempting to suppress the tears threatening to fall from her eyes. She watched, as people walked by, some alone like her, some friends and families, some couples and some parents with small children by their feet. She smiled, thinking about how life may have been if only complications hadn't come in to the relationship.

Unable to hold back, a tear fell, and then another. A little boy at his mothers feet noticed, walking over to Hyejin.

"Are you okay?" The little boy asked. Hyejin sniffled, looking up from her scarf to meet his eyes.

"Yes, I'm fine." She said between sniffles.

"Why are you crying?"

"I just, had a hard day." She smiled at him.

"My mummy says a hug always makes someone feel better." He smiled back, holding his arms out for Hyejin to hug. She did. The mother looked over, her heart swelling with pride for her sweet little Jungmin.

"Miss." The mother called.

"Yes, oh I'm sorry, he wanted to hug me because I was upset." Hyejin removed her arms from the boy, worried the mother was angry.

"No no, it's fine. Are you getting on this train? Would you like to go with us?" The woman asked. She was a similar age to Hyejin, about three years older. She came to Busan to see her grandmother, her family joining her too.

"That would be really nice, thank you." Hyejin smiled as she stood up, walking inside the train with the sweet family. And all the ride, she thought of Jimin, if this would have been them in five years. 

flashback

HYEJIN

"Question 8." Jimin began. They had been practising everything for their stay in Busan. "How many kids do you want?"

"3, 2, 1"  I counted.

"3" They said simultaneously. Both fell back, astounded that they had the same idea. 

"Gender?" Jimin began.

"2 boys and a girl. I always remembered I would've loved older brothers when I was younger."

"I want 3 boys. I always remember caring for my younger brother, but I'd have liked someone also caring for me, so I think three boys is good. But I'd love a daughter all the same. I am just not ready to have to fight off all the boys who would want to date her. I'd have to be so protective."

"Maybe you won't have to fight off any boys. And anyway, protective father's are so hot. Maybe your future wife will actually love that and then you can get that third boy later on."  I joked, pushing my glasses up my nose. Jimin laughed, before looking at me with a look I hadn't seen from him before. I felt the urge to move closer but I decided not to. Anyway, why would a rich hot man like Jimin want someone like me.

The ride back to Seoul was long and painful, her heart aching with every turn of the trains wheel. Hyejin's breath concatenated the window and she drew into it, her fingers only able to write one thing.

Park Jimin

end of flashback.

JIMIN