WHEN SHE BECOMES MINE | KTH ✔

7.TOUGH

Ha Sun's POV

As I strolled aimlessly around the park, I found myself searching for some fresh inspiration—another object to sketch, another scene to capture with my pencil. The view was undeniably stunning; vibrant flowers swayed gently in the breeze, and the sky was a breathtaking painting of deep blues and soft whites. But despite the beauty surrounding me, I felt an inexplicable emptiness tugging at my heart. Everything felt muted, overshadowed by one person.

“I hate him,” I muttered under my breath, the words tasting bitter as they slipped out. It was ridiculous—yet somehow, it felt cathartic to voice my frustration, if only to myself.

As I continued my meandering walk, I noticed a gathering of people clustered in the heart of the park. Curiosity piqued, I trotted over to see what all the fuss was about. Was it a performance? A flash mob? As I squeezed through the crowd, my eyes finally landed on the source of the excitement: two boys dancing with an electrifying energy that crackled in the air around them. Their moves were nothing short of amazing, fluid and dynamic, as if they were defying the very laws of gravity.

But there was something else that caught my attention, something strangely familiar. One of the dancers wore a bright jacket that looked all too much like Jimin’s. My heart raced at the thought. Why would he be wearing Jimin's jacket? Had something happened to him? Was it possible that this guy had stolen it? Or, my mind wandered wildly, could it be Jimin himself? 

For a moment, I allowed myself to be entranced by their performance, captivated by the rhythm and artistry displayed before me. The energy was infectious; the crowd around me gasped and cheered, their excitement mirroring my own. For those brief moments, the tumult of thoughts in my mind faded, replaced by sheer awe at the talent unfolding just a few feet away.

A sudden vibration interrupted my reverie. My phone buzzed in my pocket. 

New Message

Mom: Ha Sun, I’ll be at your home today. I need to talk about something with you.

Me: Today? What time, Mom?

Mom: This afternoon, like at 02.58 pm. You must be ready.

My heart sank at the realization that it was already 3 PM and she would be arriving any minute. Panic surged through me as I pushed my way out of the throng of onlookers and sprinted away from the park. This wasn’t good. When Mom showed up, everything had to be perfect, and here I was, barely collected.

In a flash, I burst through the door of my house, breathless and disheveled. Had I really just sprinted that fast? I leaned against the wall, panting heavily, my hair sticking out in wild directions, and probably looking so ridiculous that I could hardly believe it. 

“Mom, when did you get here?” I gasped, surprised to see her already inside, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes.

“At 3 o'clock, just like I said,” she replied with a knowing smile. So that was what she had called me for—she knew I’d be scrambling to make it on time.

“Mom, why do you do this to me? You always spring these surprises. I practically zoomed here!” I plopped onto the couch dramatically, trying to catch my breath.

“I’m so sorry, Sun-ah. I promise it’s urgent,” she said, reaching over to massage my hand with tenderness.

“You aren’t fighting with Dad, are you?” I asked, my voice steady but laced with concern. She playfully smacked my hand as if to dispel the idea.

“Why would you think that, you silly girl? No, remember what I told you before? Once you graduate high school, we’re going to match you with someone special. His parents are your dad’s best friends, and, by the way, their son is quite handsome. I’m sure you’ll like him!” she explained with a wisdom that felt both annoying and comforting.