tutor ; park jimin

chapter XVI

It's been a week since I last talked to Jimin. Since the night Taehyung called, since the night he kicked me out.

Taehyung told me to give him time, so I am. I'm giving him time. I don't know the reason behind it, though. Will he be less mad? Less sad? Maybe.

It was the seventh day since that night. I had been handling better with all the sadness and loneliness I felt. At least until I got that call.

The bell rang, meaning that lab class was over and the classroom was free for the rest of the day. But before I can stand up and head out of class to go to my next one, my phone starts ringing. An unknown number pops up and even though I don't usually answer those calls, I get this one.

"Hello?"

"H-hi, baby."

"Mom?"

"Yes, Minkyung. How are you?"

"Mom! Hi! How are you calling? What number is this?"

"It's the company's phone, sorry I couldn't call with my own."

"It's okay. H-how are you? Why are you calling?"

"Hm... I have some news-"

"Are you coming home early??"

"No... Baby, me and your father got wrapped up here and we... We won't be able to come home for the holidays."

"What?"

"But we will be there in January!"

"Oh, great. I will have to spend christmas alone in my house! But you'll be here in January! That's totally fine."

"I thought you could spend it with Yebin."

"She is going away with her family for christmas."

"Baby, I'm really sorry-"

"Bye, mom. I'll figure it out."

I hang up the phone and almost throw it across the room in anger, but I contain myself and tears start streaming down my cheeks instead. I shove my face in my hands and start sobbing as my shoulders shake.

I can't fucking believe they would leave me again. I'm so done with being alone. And now I don't even have Jimin or Yebin.

"Minkyung?" I hear his voice calling me, but I ignore.

It's just my head.

"Minnie..."

I uncover my face and look up, facing Jimin standing next to me, a few feet away.

"Jimin? What are you-"

"I saw you through the window. What happened?" he asks with a frown.

"It's n-nothing."

"Tell me." he steps further, resting his hand on the lab table.

"It's just... My parents." I look away, gulping down my tears.

"What happened to them? Are they okay?"

"Yes, they're just... Not coming for the holidays." I shrug.

"Oh..." he says, "I mean... The invitation to spend christmas with me and Tae's family is still up." he steps even closer to where I'm sitting.